The Complete BlackAdder Collection.

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This way a highly successful comedy for the BBC and ran for 4 series. Each series having its own theme...

The series was Co written by Richard Curtis, Ben Elton and Rowan Atkinson. It spanned 1983 - 1989 and had 24 episodes divide up into six per series.

Series 1: Was set in the 15th century (1485) and follows The Black Adder as he strives for power in a very dangerous environment, his own family. Where one slip and you could end up with your head chopped off or worse.
Here we first meet Edmund and his manservant, Baldrick.
Edmund must scheme, trick, plot and sneak his way to the top with the aid of Baldrick, perhaps that should be with the hinderance of Baldrick.

Series 2: Was set 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 of this time zone is a lowly butler, a butler to the prince regent George. He is a thick as a thick fog mixed with thick custard and some thick bricks thrown in just for good measure. Not to worry though Baldrick is here to live things up.

Series 4: Jump forward to the 2oth century, or 1917 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)
Tim McInnerny - Percy - (series 2)
Stephen Fry - Lord Melchett (series 2)

Hugh Laurie - Prince Regent (series 3)

Stephen Fry - General Melchett (series 4)
Tim McInnerny - Darling (series 4)
Hugh Laurie - George (series 4)

Tony Robinson starred in all 4 series as Baldrick
Alongside of course Rowan Atkinson.

Series 1:
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1. The Foretelling
A perfect introduction into the world that will spawn a wonderful comedy series, BLACKADDER.

Edmund turns up late for the Battle of Bosworth and then accidentally cuts off the kings head, (Peter Cook)
This proves fortunate for Edmund as his father now becomes King and Edmund needs a name that will strike fear into his enemies and make him more attractive to the ladies.
It is actually Baldrick who comes up with THE BLACK ADDER.

2. Born to be King
King Richard leaves for the crusades and Blackadder thinks he has a chance of ruling in his fathers absence.

3. The Archbishop
Someone’s killing archbishops so Edmund comes up with a devious plan to bump of his brother.

4. The Queen of Spain's Beard
Blackadder has a chance of marriage but the future Mrs Blackadder is very ugly and Edmond has to make a run for it.

5. Witchsmeller Persuivant
Finally the King has a touch of the Black Death but before he dies he accuses Edmond of being a Witch.

6. The Black Seal
Edmund hires 7 deadly assassins but they turn on him.

Series 2:
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1. Bells
Blackadder sacks Baldrick and hires ‘BoB’ and then is strangely attracted to ‘BoB’. It turns out Bobs a woman.

2. Head
The Queen wants to meet Lord Farrow, unfortunately Edmond has just cut his head off. Some fast thinking is soon required.

3. Potato
Stars Tom Baker as a totally insane sea captain who takes Blackadder in search of Potatoes.

4. Money
Edmond is in danger of a red hot poker up the arse from ‘baby-eating Bishop of Bath and Wells’ unless he pays up his debts to the bishop.

5. Beer
Blachadders relative have turned up for their tea and Baldrick has just served these puritans with a phallic shaped Turnip!

6. Chains
A barmy cross dressing assassin takes Edmond prisoner and then wants to play chess with him. Oh and he has problems pronouncing the word, inconWenience.

Series 3:
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1. Dish & Dishonesty
Baldrick ends up as an MP and then fails to vote for himself. Pit the Younger gets elected in his place.

2. Ink & Incapability
Starring Robbie Coltrane as Doctor Johnson, the dictionary writer. But Baldrick throws the book on the fire by mistake.

3. Nob & Nobility
A Scarlet the Pimpernal based episode, where Blackadder accidentally poisons the Pimpernal.

4. Sense & Senility
Don’t mention Macbeth! And soon two actors are cursing Blackadder as he mentionions the name at every opportunity.

5. Amy & Amiability
George is skint and so Edmond becomes a highway robber with Baldrick as his trusty steed.

6. Duel & Duality
Blackadder must save the Prince from a deadly dual, but is he clever enough?

Series 4: *****************************
1. Captain Cook
We are introduced to the new barmy adventure and the inclusive cast. And the futility of war and madness of the Generals running it.

2. Corporal Punishment
Blackadder eats the General favourite pidgeon, speckled Jim and is put on trial as the 'Flanders Pigeon Murderer'.

3. Major Star
It's quiet in the trenches and so the crew decide to play charades, Edmund is nearly driven insane by Baldrick.

4. Private Plane
Rik Mayall and Ade Edmonson star is this very funny episode of being captured behind enemy lines.

5. General Hospital
Whilst in hospital trying to get some peace Edmond comes across a spy.

6. Goodbyeee
The final episode with the gang charging into no mans land and yes all dying or did they?

It has been talked about bringing back all of the team for another series. They would all have survived that final charge into certain death but up til now nothing is set in concrete, heres hoping.

It was a success for several reasons and on several levels.

The writing of Richard Curtis, Ben Elton and Rowan Atkinson was just inspired. All three men where at the top of their game. The lines where funny, the comedic timing perfection and the general slapstick from a bygone era. Although it was generally Baldrick who got most of the slapping.

BlackAdder was a scheming, sly, kniving, backstabbing, loathsome, hilariously funny and never successful character. He never made any headway despite his contorted and massively intricate plans.

This was on the most part to Baldricks inteferring and sometimes to him helping Edmund which usually began with those immortal words,..."I Have a cunning Plan"
Which was always anything but. Oh and he had a Turnip fetish.

Add into this the combined acting talents of Tony Robinson, Stephen Fry, Hugh Laurie, Brian Blessed, Tim McInnerny, Miranda Richardson and Woof Woof rik Mayall, ade Edmindson, Angus Deyton, Tom Baker, Robbie Coltrane, Chris Barrie, even Peter Cook managed a brief appearance in the first episode, just before Edmund chops his head off.

You could not fail to have a hit that will endure throughout the ages.

Greg.