Blackadder is the generic name of a historical sitcom by the BBC that ran for four series. Each series is set in a completely different era from the Tudors to World War One, yet each follow the fortunes and misfortunes of Edmond Blackadder, played by Rowan Atkinson and his sidekick though more ... Read review
Although now regarded as the opening salvo of a classic series, the ... more
originalBlackadderseries was not considered a great success, either among critics or many viewers, so a major rethink took place when it was recommissioned. On the writing front, futur...
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Although now regarded as the opening salvo of a classic series, the ... more
originalBlackadderseries was not considered a great success, either among critics or many viewers, so a major rethink took place when it was recommissioned. On the writing front, futur...
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England 1558-1603. The filthy genes of the Blackadders reassert themselves as Lord Edmund ... more
seeks grace and favour from Good Queen Bess with his rabble of beruffed riff-raff. All 6 Episodes of Series 2: 1. Bells 2. Head 3. Potato 4. Money 5. Beer 6. ...
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England 1558-1603. The filthy genes of the Blackadder dynasty bubble back to the surface ... more
of the melting pot of history as Lord Edmund, arrogant peer-about-town, swaggers back with a big head and small beard in search of grace and favour from stark ravi...
In 16th-century Elizabethan England a far more confident, yet no less inept, reincarnated ... more
Blackadder is teamed with Tony Robinson's loveably filthy Baldrick for further misadventure inBlackadder II. Some of the best one-liners and overall scripts featured in the second series, and certainly made the best of its recurring cameo actors. Stephen Fry's sycophantic Melchett, Tim McInnerny's puppy-dog Percy, and Miranda Richardson's girly Queen Bess seemed fully rounded characters from the start. The series also featured unforgettable appearances from legless (in every sense) pirate Tom Baker, a canoe-pocketed Flash from Rik Mayall, and master of disguise "shorty greasy spot spot" Hugh Laurie. With new lyrics at eachepisode's end this was textbook "next day comedy", with playgrounds and offices alike ringing to the laughter of its infectious quotability. --Paul Tonks
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Comedy - Director: Richard Boden, Mandie Fletcher, Martin Shardlow - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over - Starring: Hugh Laurie, Miranda Richardson, Stephen Fry, Brian Blessed, Tim McInnerny, Tony Robinson, Rowan Atkinson
Comedy - Director: Gareth Carrivick - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over - Starring: Kathryn Drysdale, Sheridan Smith, Natalie Casey, Will Mellor, Ralf Little
Comedy - Original Language: English - Classification: 12 years and over - Starring: Tessa Peake-Jones, Buster Merryfield, David Jason, Nicholas Lyndhurst
Advantages: Superb characterisation Disadvantages: It'll never be better than the final series in my eyes
Blackadder is the generic name of a historical sitcom by the BBC that ran for four series. Each series is set in a completely different era from the Tudors to World War One, yet each follow the fortunes and misfortunes of Edmond Blackadder, played by Rowan Atkinson and his sidekick though more often dogsbody Baldrick, played by Tony Robinson. In each series Blackadder must not also try and put up with Baldrick’s dim wits and poor personal hygiene ... ...
In this series Blackadder is Lord Edmund Blackadder and so since the previous series, where he was a Duke and ultimately the King, has had his social status decreased. Accompanied by the ever stinking Baldrick and the ever stupid Lord Percy, Blackadder serves in the Queen’s court and on many occasions must do everything within his power to outwit Lord Melchett and of course keep his head in the mad dynasty of the Golden Age.
Blackadder is the generic name of a historical sitcom by the BBC that ran for four series. Each series is set in a completely different era from the Tudors to World War One, yet each follow the fortunes and misfortunes of Edmond Blackadder, played by Rowan Atkinson and his sidekick though more often dogsbody Baldrick, played by Tony Robinson. In each series Blackadder must not also try and put up with Baldrick’s dim wits and poor personal hygiene standards but also along with Baldrick must tolerate and equally dim-witted aristocrat.
Each series sees the Blackadder’s social standing reduced but at the same time the intellect of the Blackadder’s increases. It is worth noting that the connection between the different generations of Blackadder’s is never directly mentioned and must be inferred throughout the run of the series’.
The second series and the one I will be reviewing today is entitled ‘Blackadder 2’ and is set during the reign of Queen Elizabeth the and is set in England during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, fondly known as Queen Bess.
In this series Blackadder is Lord Edmund Blackadder and so since the previous series, where he was a Duke and ultimately the King, has had his social status decreased. Accompanied by the ever stinking Baldrick and the ever stupid Lord Percy, Blackadder serves in the Queen’s court and on many occasions must do everything within his power to outwit Lord Melchett and of course keep his head in the mad dynasty of the Golden Age.
Series Two consists of six, thirty-minute episode chronicling Blackadder’s trial and tribulations in the Elizabethan Court. Each of the episodes has it’s own story and so it is more than possible to watch them as stand-alone comic pieces however like with all sit-coms they are better watched in the order they were intended to viewed in.
The humour within this series is a good mix of slapstick, word-puns and more subtle lines that make the show a real pleasure to watch. It must be noted however that a quantity of the humour does come from moderate references to sex and nudity as well as occasional bad language. I personally however do not think that this is excessive within the show and feel that it should cause no objections from the audience as long as the 15 certificate is adhered too.
One of the lines from this series, delivered by Blackadder to Lord Percy was placed in the Radio Times top 25 TV ‘put-downs’. "The eyes are open, the mouth moves, but Mr Brain has long since departed, hasn't he, Percy?"
Humour is also generated through the words that are put to the Blackdder theme tune at the end of each episodes. The song for each episode is entirely different but usually has some connection to the plot. I must admit that I really do like this part of the programme as it closes each episode in a way that is in fitting with the humorous nature of the show as a whole. It is also in this part of the programme that we as an audience find out the connectio between this Blackadder and the previous one. “His great-grandfather was a king Although for only thirty seconds”
The previous series was in many respects different from this one and those that followed, as Blackadder was himself rather dim and weakly and it more often than not Baldrick that had the bright ideas. This series however sees a change to the Blackadder character that was to become permanent from here on in. The characterisation of Blackadder and Baldrick was flipped on their heads for this series and Blackadder evolved into a cunning sycophant with Baldrick becoming the rather dense sidekick whose catchphrase “I have a cunning plan,” often resulted in him putting forward a completely usual formulation.
The characterisation contained within this series is much better in my opinion than it was in the first and the very fact that this was to be the character formula that continued in the nest two series’ seems to prove that I’m not the only one to think this.
The acting within this series is superb in my opinion and because the Baldrick, Blackadder characterisations really suit the actors playing them, the joy of watching them is increased. Rowan Atkinson is truly tremendous as the conniving Blackadder and his dry wit and ability to worm his way out of most things really makes him a somewhat endearing character. Tony Robinson as Baldrick and Tim McInnerny as Lord Percy also seem perfectly placed and provide not only good opposites to each other but also to Blackadder. The great distinction between characters is also something that I think makes the show so successful.
A mention must also go to Miranda Richardson as Queen Bess who is simply superb as the spoilt rotten Queen of England who is convinced of her own superiority yet not too high and mighty to not know how to have a good laugh and giggle. Her fondness for Edmund also makes for very good viewing. Forever at her side however is Nursie played by Patsy Bryne, who generates a great deal of humour throughout and delivers humorous lines in such a nonchalant and matter-of-fact way that it really does make you laugh.
Since it’s television debut Blackadder has become a large part of popular culture and the iconic theme tune by Howard Goodall has played a large part in this. For each series the theme tune was played in the style of music of the period and therefore the theme for this series was played using a mixture of string quartet, recorder and electric guitar to give the impression of a court fanfare.
All six episodes in this series are contained on one DVD and last for a total of 175 minutes. Unfortunately there are no special features either but subtitles are available.
In comparison to the previous series this one is certainly miles ahead. The jokes are sharper and the characters much better suited to their roles. It isn’t however my favourite series as I’m afraid that top spot is held fast by the fourth series, but I would strongly recommend it to anyone that loves Blackadder or simply those that enjoy watching simple yet effective comedy programmes.
...in 16th century and Lord BlackAdder sails his ship close to the wind or more precisely close to the throne of queen Bess. Unfortunately for him Queen Bess in as nutty as a fruit cake, so is her nanny and so is her advisor Lord Melchett.
Fortunately though Edmund has the help and friendship of Percy a hair brained fop, oh yes and of course his ever faithful Baldrick.
Series 3: We move on to the 18th Century and now we discover that the Blackadder ... ...to be precise and Captain Blackadder is in the trenches fighting a war he neither believes in or can get out of. Joining him in the trench is Baldrick, George and occasionally dropping by is General Melchett and captain darling.
Things do not go well.
Throughout the four series there where quite a few unforgettable characters,
Brian Blessed - Richard IV - (series 1)
Tim McInnerny - Percy - (series 1)
Miranda Richardson - Queenie - (series 2)
...
Maximus-Qualitus 10.06.2009
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Blackadder - Blackadder II - Series 2 (DVD)
Advantages: Great characters, very funny, fantastic one-liners, not too expensive to buy. Disadvantages: I suppose 6 episodes may not feel like enough.
Whilst I adore the whole Blackadder collection, I have chosen to review it in much more readable bitesize chunks and I'm going to begin with Blackadder II which, whilst I think some would be apt to disagree, I love the most out of these historical satires which Rowan Atkinson and company produced. This second series of Blackadder appeared in 1986 when I was barely a twinkle in my dad's eye. It also emerged to the surprise of broadcasters and viewers ... ...the show and its characters. Blackadder (Rowan Atkinson) changed from being a sniveling, pathetic, dim-witted fool - whom most of us would probably liken with Atkinson's character Mr Bean - to a conniving, charming, witty and intelligent, if somewhat unlucky lord. His scathing drawl was something we came to love and recognize. Baldrick, his peasant sidekick, (Tony Robinson) is also transformed. He is no longer the quietly clever voice of reason but ...
Renza 08.02.2009 (19.03.2009)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Blackadder - Blackadder II - Series 2 (DVD)
Black Adder. ========= Here we again follow Rowan Atkinson who is simply superb and I hope you get a sense of my enjoyment from the following review of the second series Black Adder ran for 4 series but this review is about just the second. The second series was set in the 16th century and follows Black Adder as he sucks up to queen bess and nearly, on several occassions, loses his head. He and his manservant, the wonderfully dopey Baldrick set out ... ...can survive the treacherous court goings on and if he can survive Baldricks attempts to "help" him! Series 2 ----------- 1.Bells 2. Head 3. Potato 4. Money 5. Beer 6. Chains The combined writing skills of Curtis, Ben Elton and Rowan Atkinson is simply sensational. The comedy and witty lines come thick and fast. It is one of those series you can watch again simply to catch some of the many jokes that you missed on the first watching. The pairing of ...
MaldivesHoliday 01.06.2009
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Blackadder - Blackadder II - Series 2 (DVD)
Blackadder - Complete Series 2 is the second series of the Blackadder saga, charting one family's scheming and plotting over the centuries.
This season is set during the reign of Elizabeth I (played superbly by Miranda Richardson). The main character here is Lord Blackadder, the great grandson of the character from the previous series. He again has Baldrick as a servant, but this time the dynamic has changed, for the better. Along with the queen, ... ...the series started getting good. Blackadder is now smart, intelligent, cunning and charming, he is quite the talk of the court. Baldrick is now the stupid one, always on hand for whatever Blackadder needs, even if it's just a witty put down. It's a complete reversal on the previous season and this is why it works. The writing is a lot better as well, the British can do witty put downs better than anyone and this series pulls it off to hilarious effect.
...
Walter_Kovacs 21.01.2009
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Blackadder - Blackadder II - Series 2 (DVD)
Advantages: quotes, laughter and shame Disadvantages: finding yourself speaking Blackadder
...best out of the four Blackadder series. It is based in England between 1558 and 1603. There is Lord Edmund which is none other than Blackadder himself, Queenie and 'nursy', not forgetting to mention Lord Melchett played by Stephen Fry.
Bells - when Blackadder's new servant Bob (short for Kate) appears on the scene he finds himself approaching the doctor in wonder of whether he is gay, and when lord flashheart appears on the scene, with a canoe in ... ...destination. But then, just when Blackadder thought that the worst was over, he has to provide gifts to Queenie and the other members.
Money - Blackadder is found having a few pounds short and owing the baby-eating Bishop. Once he has the money however, Queenie comes to his rescue and insists that the money in his cod piece would be more than enough to satisfy her needs.
Beer - two parties come about when Lord Melchett suffers from a hangover and ...
punk_chick 13.06.2007
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Blackadder - Blackadder II - Series 2 (DVD)
The entire historic second series of the TV comedy. Six Episodes: 'Bells', 'Head', 'Potato', 'Money', 'Beer' and 'Chains'.
Release details
DVD Region
DVD
Studio(s)
2 ENTERTAIN VIDEO; SONY DADC
Release date
06/11/2000
No of Discs
1
Catalogue No
BBCDVD 1019
Barcode
5014503101923
Screenwriter
Richard Curtis, Ben Elton
Executive Producer
Richard Curtis
Author
Ben Elton, Richard Curtis
Comedian
Ben Elton
Languages
Main Language
English
Subtitle Language
English
Technical information
Special Features
Graphic Features, Scene Selection
Aspect Ratio
4:3 Full Frame
Sound
Dolby Digital
Dubbing Sound
Dolby Digital English
DVD Description
The degradation of the grand and proud tradition that is the British monarchy continues as the loathsome Blackadder (Rowan Atkinson) snivels his way through the 16th century into the court of Queen Elizabeth I. This collection includes the six episodes comprising both "Parte the Firste," and "Parte the Seconde." Episodes are "Bells," "Head," "Potato," "Money," "Beer," and "Chains."
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