Creator: Richard Curtis Ben Elton and Rowan Atkinson
Producers: John Lloyd
Stars: Rowna Atkinson, Tony Robinson, Tim McInnerny, Miranda Richardson, Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie
Theme tune by Howard Goodall

This periodic situation comedy created 24 half hour episodes in 4 series (plus 3 specials) starting in the summer of 1983 until the end of 1989

* BRIEF IDEA

Edmund Blackadder is a character spanning many generations through out history, starting from the middle ages right through to 1917 during the Great War, with each series depicting his character as being a self centred chancer with a sharp mind, (apart from the first series where he does come across as being a little stupid?), with his life's status seeming to diminish as the next series opened, starting as the son of a king and ending as a soldier ready to put his life on the line for King and country, including becoming the downstairs staff for the prince of Wales… but as his status slips it seems his mind becomes even more cunning than ever.

Throughout the entire four series Edmund Blackadder always ended up with his side kick Baldrick, who happens to be a rather foolish and particularly clumsy sort of individual, although his heart is in the right place and he tends to serve Blackadder well in every era, although Blackadder does tend to use him as a sort of whipping boy.

The theme tune throughout the series tended to be the same but is played to suite the specific era in which the show is set… from being played on a Harpsichord and cello to being sung by carol singers… but always the same theme… soon becoming one of them slightly annoying tunes you hear people whistling on a daily basis, or even as a ring tone.

* SERIES BRIEF PLOTS

* Series 1: The Black Adder

Set in 1485 at the end of the British Middle ages, stating that King Richard the 3rd won the Battle of Bosworth Field but unfortunately being murdered so the thrown is then given to Richard the fourth…(prince in the tower scenario?).
The series focusing mainly on Edmund, the 2nd son of the king, being the duke of Edinburgh but likes to be known as 'The Black Adder', watching as he tries to secretly overthrow his fathers crown.
This series involves topics of the time such as witch-craft, the Royal family issues, the Crusades and the troubles between the Royals and the Church.

* Series 2: BlackAdder 2

Set between 1558 and 1603, during the reign of Queen Elizabeth the first, (played by Miranda Richardson)
The main focus is upon Edmund, Lord Black Adder, who is the great-grandson of Edmund the 2nd (seen in series 1)
During this series BlackAdder spends many times communicating with the Queen, her aids, Lord Melchett, (played by Stephen Fry) and her rather strange nanny simply called 'Nursie', (played by Patsy Byrne).
This is the series which really gives the real characteristic of BlackAdder, his cunningness and rather dry wit being a far cry from his great grandfather.
(With what is still one of the best putdowns in tv history when Blackadder quotes to Percy… "The eyes are open, the mouth moves, but Mr Brain has long since departed, hasn't he, Percy?"

* Series 3: Blackadder the third

Set in the Regency, late 18th/early 19th century, seeing Blackadder, together with his own servant Baldrick, is the butler to the Prince of Wales, (played by Hugh Laurie), who comes across as a bit of an idiot.
Although Blackadder is seen as an intellectual he has no fortune to speak of and relies on his quick wit to gain money from his employer.

Also appearing in this episode are: Robbie Cultrane as Dr Samuel Johnson. Stephen Fry as the duke of Wellington, Chris Barrie, Nigel Planer and Tim McInnerny as the Scarlet Pimpernel during the French Revolution and Helen Atkinson-Wood as Mrs Miggins.

* Series 4: Blackadder goes forth

Set in the trenches in 1917 on the Western front during the Great War… Captain Blackadder is preparing for a final push into no-man's land… although Blackadder is hoping not to be shot.
Blackadder is joined in the trenches by the pompous Lieutenant George, (played by Hugh Laurie) and Private Baldrick, who is meant to be the cook, only he tends to mess up more than serve up, doing the best he can with the ingredients he has.
Things are more annoying for Blackadder as he hears of General Melchett, (played by Stephen Fry) who is giving the final orders to go over the top as he shelters in his mansion well away from the fighting, pampered by his aid, Captain Darling, (played by Tim McInnerny), a real yes man who does what ever the Captain asks for..?
The final episode in this particular series does tend to be a little emotional as the troops finally go over the top into No-man's land, dashing into certain death as the show draws to an end with no closing title…

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* EXTRA SHOWS in box set

* Blackadders Christmas Carol.

We all know the story of Scrouge..? Well this time it's Blackadder that tells the tale… in only the way he can.

* Back and Forth

With Edmund being seen as a successful businessman in the future he is still up to his old tricks, like trying to dupe money from many people by pretending to have built a time machine from the plans of the great Da Vinci…
He feels pleased with himself until things go slightly wrong for his as he begins to pretend to 'travel in time' to collect items as trophies for his paying guest.
But as Baldrick had his hand in building the device things just simply go from bad to worse as the pair really do travel in time, visiting people such as Shakespear, Queen Elizabeth, Robin Hood and Maid Marion, plus many other…
Unfortunately, with their meddling of time futuristic events are turned upside down and things just aren't what they should be?
Can Blackadders cunning plans save the day or are they destined to travel forever?
(Special guest stars: Rick Mayall, Kate Moss, Colin Firth and Patsy Byrne).

* The Cavalier Years

Set back in 1648, with King Charles losing a civil war and his loyal subjects are deserting him… that is apart from Sir Edmund Blackadder and his servant Baldrick.
With Charles now hiding in Blackadder Hall to avoid capture by his enemies it is not long before Edmund begins to show his true colours as the Roundheads come pounding on the door.

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* IN CONCLUSION…

What a classic comedy with so many stories you'll never become bored.
Each series has its own unique way of retelling history, according to Blackadder, with so many jokes and so much banter you'll be laughing throughout.
Although some episodes can become a little slow in parts, trying to tell the story behind the show, this doesn't last long before the jokes start to fly, usually aimed at Baldrick or one of the other not so bright individuals.
It is in all a brilliant series for all you Atkinson fans as he does play his part as the cunning and very selfish Edmund Blackadder, throughout history, causing trouble where ever he is.

I enjoyed watching the entire series, although the first series (IMO) is not a good way to introduce the Blackadder character… but it is still full of comical capers so you wont be disappointed with it… but for me, the funniest series has to be Blackadded goes Forth, which is over flowing with none stop sarcasm and so much banter it is a joy to watch… although the ending is a little heart wrenching in a way as the end comes in such a dramatic way.

In all it is a great series and is without doubt a classic which will be remembered forever…especially the theme tune… and as it is such a bargain to buy it would make a great gift for any Blackadder fans.

The complete box set contains over 12 hours of classic entertainment on 6 DVDs, and for less than £25 that has to be the bargain of the day… and with it's sort of evil looking black casing, splattered with snakes and some elegant writing even the box set looks the part sat on your shelf.