Comedy Series Review: Blackadder

Blackadder's Christmas Carol

"The eyes are open, the mouth moves, but Mr. Brain has long since departed, hasn't he, Percy?"

Where did this gem come from you ask? Why, it was Blackadder II of course. This ever-popular British sitcom aired between 1983 and 1989 and dealt with the Blackadder dynasty. The series consists of four seasons, each focusing on a different (sometimes fictitious) era in British history. It is one of the most popular British television series of all time, being listed as one of the 100 Greatest British Television Programmes by the British Film Institute, placing second on the BBC's Britain's Best Sitcom poll and being ranked as the 20th Best TV show of all time by Empire magazine. What was it that made Blackadder so great?

The Black Adder

Prince Edmund Blackadder

The first season, titled The Black Adder introduced the main characters Prince Edmund, The Duke of
Edinburgh, (who decides to call himself The Black Adder), Lord Percy Percy, Duke of Northumberland and Baldrick, Son of Robin the Dung Gatherer. Edmund and Baldrick are consistent throughout the series, Lord Percy only appears in the first and second seasons.

In this season the characters are still being developed and especially Edmund is quite different from the  later seasons. Here he is mainly slimy and not as smart as his descendants. Although he has a very creative vocabulary, he usually isn't brave enough to insult someone to their face. Lord Percy and Baldrick are more slow-witted than he is, although Baldrick did come up with the name The Black Adder, as a more impressive alternative to Edmund's own idea: The Black Vegetable. Edmund then ignores Baldrick and presents the name as if it were his own idea, being then praised for his cleverness by Lord Percy.

This season had the a high budget and a lot of the recording was done on-site, contrary to later seasons where most of the recording was done on-set. This is also the only season where Edmund is a prince. Furthermore Edmund is considerably less smart and witty than he is in later seasons and he doesn't seem as bitter either.

Edmund, Lord Blackadder

Blackadder II

The second season of Blackadder features Lord Edmund Blackadder, the first in the series to actually be called Blackadder. Although he has some standing at the royal court and remains a nobleman. He is described as the great-grandson of Prince Edmund, The Black Adder. This Blackadder is once again accompanied by Baldrick and Lord Percy. Edmund's main antagonist in this series is Lord Melchett, one of the queens favourites. This rivalry, coupled with Edmund's attempts to keep up his appearance of a wealthy man, often lead to hilarious showdowns. This is also the season the quote above this post is taken from.

Edmund, Lord Blackadder sets his archetype in this series. Nearly every Blackadder in later series and specials is modelled after this version of him. He is much more handsome, smart, witty and sharp than his predecessor. Also he is shown to have little remorse, at one point shooting at some kids with a bow and arrow only to then shout at them they should be in school. Whereas Prince Edmund 'The Black Adder' was often remorseful or regretful about his actions, Lord Edmund Blackadder is not bothered by the result of his actions as long as he isn't adversely affected.

Blackadder the Third

Edmund Blackadder, Esq.

In the third season of Blackadder, the dynasty has fallen even further. Edmund Blackadder Esq. is now the servant to Prince George, the dim-witted Prince of Wales. Baldrick is again a loyal companion to Mr. Edmund Blackadder although his companionship is not always appreciated by Edmund. Lord Percy does not make an appearance in this season, the role of “the goofy one” is mainly filled by Prince George.

This version of Edmund is, although no-where near as rich or influential as his predecessors, still generally well respected. He is a lot smarter and wittier than most of his peers and is often found stealing from the Prince and Baldrick. He is mostly bitter and ruthless and is often violent to Baldrick and, when given the chance, to Prince George. This is also the only Blackadder who is not killed on screen.

Captain Edmund Blackadder

Blackadder goes forth

The fourth and final season of Blackadder features Captain Edmund Blackadder and is set in the trenches of the Great War. He is again accompanied by Baldrick, his Batman, and Lieutenant George. He often has to deal with the simpleton General Melchett and his assistant Captain Darling.

This Edmund is mainly occupied with not getting killed. He joined the British Army when the worst enemies to be expected were armed with sharp slices of pineapple. Now he has ended up in the trenches, facing the most deadly enemy the world had ever seen. His constant attempts to get out of the trenches sometimes get him in trouble, even to the point where he was court-marshalled for shooting and eating General Melchett's favourite carrier pigeon, Speckled Jim. This series ends with Blackadder and his companions going 'over the top' in 1917. He technically doesn't die on screen but the general assumption is he did not survive the battle.

Blackadder's focus on British history, although sometimes fictitious, is often recognisable to people with a basic understanding of British history. Even to those who are unaware of the historical context will find this an excellent sitcom with brilliantly written characters and a marvellous cast portraying every character in a believable way. The series still holds up today, over 20 years after the last episode was aired. Several specials have been made since which were all well-received and some cast-members have hinted towards the possibility of a 5th season or a film being made in the near future. If you haven't seen Blackadder yet, go see it, it's worth it.