The first series is an alternate history where the House of York won the Wars of the Roses and the throne is assumed by King Richard IV, played by Brian Blessed. Richard's reign is shown from the perspective of his slow-witted second son Edmund. Calling himself the Black Adder, he schemes and plots to take the throne with the aid of his more intelligent but lowly servant Baldrick and his dim-witted and foppish hanger-on, Lord Percy Percy, played by Tim McInnery. While the series does have some laughs, it gets overshadowed by the later seasons.
After the first series the roles were reversed so Blackadder is more intelligent but still scheming and cynical, while Baldrick is the main stupid character. In Blackadder II, Lord Blackadder is a member of the London aristocracy trying to maintain his favour with Miranda Richardson's childish Queen Elizabeth I, while competing with her grovelling Lord Chamberlain Melchett, played by Stephen Fry. Blackadder the Third follows Mr Edmund Blackadder as his family has fallen on hard times and he is forced to work as butler to the Prince Regent, played by Hugh Laurie. Finally, Blackadder Goes Forth takes place during the First World War, following Captain Blackadder's attempts to avoid being killed in a final assault.
I'd have to say that my favourite series is Blackadder Goes Forth, as it presents the most human version of Blackadder. Rather than the Germans, his enemies are the pompous and eccentric General Melchett, played by Stephen Fry, and his adjutant Captain Darling, played by Tim McInnery.
There are plenty of laughs and a ton of funny lines, while the fourth series even has some truly poignant moments.
Oh, and we can't forget Lord Flashheart.
No comments:
Post a Comment