Blackadder (1982–1983) User Reviews (80)

The first and the worst

[winstonfg · 7/10 · 3 October 2010]

That said, it's not too bad; just not the classic mixture that gelled in the next series. As others have said: too much Bean, not enough Blackadder. If you already liked Rowan Atkinson, you'll enjoy his facial muggings; but aficionados will miss the stylish, scheming sociopath we came to know and love.

My pick, for those who want to check it out, is "The Queen of Spain's Beard", with Miriam Margolyes as the Spanish Infanta. Very funny, and full of the sort of quotes we associate with the later series.

Thank God the BBC had the foresight to see its potential and schedule a second series because, as we all know, the rest is history.

Not the best Blackadder series, but still absolutely hilarious

[TheLittleSongbird · 9/10 · 14 May 2010]

I absolutely love Black Adder, it is hilarious, and is filled with wit and tongue-in-cheek humour. This first series is not the absolute best, but it is still worth watching, as there are so many good things about it. The production values as always are superb, the costumes are great and the sets are authentic and stay true to the time period. The opening and closing credits are a delight, and the story lines are cleverly structured. What I love most about the Black Adder is the writing, extremely witty, tongue-in-cheek and simply hilarious. And we also have great acting; Patrick Allen's sardonic narration has me in squeals of laughter, and while Tim McInnery and Tony Robinson as Percy and Baldrick are wonderful and Brian Blessed relishes his role as King Richard IV while chewing the scenery at the same time, it is Rowan Atkinson as as slimy and selfish Edmund Black Adder who steals the show. Edmund is not the most likable by all means, but Atkinson's performance is still superb. Overall, this is a great series, not the best(Black Adder Goes Forth especially was outstanding) but a fine start. 9/10 Bethany Cox

A solid foundation to build upon.

[jonny_ · 7/10 · 6 February 2020]

Okay, I can't lie it took me a good while to warm to the first series. I think a major part of it was that I was introduced to Blackadder via episodes from the 2nd and 3rd seasons, which set the very high standard. Going into the series that way made the first seem like it was still getting up to speed and little details don't instantly make sense when you haven't connected the dots in the right order.

If you were to watch the series in order you realise Blackadder starts off as the dim character and Baldrick is the brains and as the series goes on they switch over, Blackadder becomes more and more intelligent, Baldrick goes the opposite direction. If you do what I did, it takes a second to click why he's just went from intelligent to stupid without seeing the progression in context. Another silly hang-up from it is that by season 2 & 3 Blackadder is very foppish, again in season 1 he simply isn't like that and it will take you about half the season to accept his haircut.

Looking back, it's still a very funny season although I do think by season 2 everything about Blackadder becomes flawless. The idea of Blackadder makes more sense, the comedy is stronger, it's all just a lot more polished. Season 1 has a lot of what's great in it, but it's rougher. Rowan Atkinson when he's playing Blackadder is stronger at being the intellectual versions and it goes from strength to strength. Which is slightly unusual considering how great he is as Mr Bean, I guess with Blackadder it simply suits the character more.

The Original and Best

[GoonerMan · 13 December 2000]

This is the first, and in my opinion, the best of the Blackadder series - although the second installment runs a very close second. This series, in retrospect, is often dismissed as less funny than its successors and this may be due to its different style and sense of humour. This comparison unfortunately causes the viewer to miss what makes this series such an excellent piece of comedy writing and production.

The whole series centres on Edmund (Rowan Atkinson), the son of the younger of the two princes who in history were murdered in the Tower of London, allegedly by Richard III. In this take on history, where real history is dismissed as being rewritten by Henry Tudor, the princes were not murdered and Richard Duke of York grows up 'to be a strong boy'. The first episode of the series lays the foundation, explaining how Richard III dies, how Edmund's father becomes King and also the important, accidental, foretelling by three Witches (a clever alude to the witches in Shakespeare's Macbeth) to Edmund that one day he will be King. The rest of the series follows Edmund in his attempts to realise this foretelling.

Edmund's definite goal throughout the series, which forms the basis of the subsequent plotlines, gives it a direction perhaps missing in the following series, and it also gives his character more depth. Blackadder (as he names himself), in this series, is significantly different to his persona of the subsequent time-periods - being slimy, selfish and not particularly bright. There is a definite bond between the main characters, Blackadder and his sidekicks, Percy and Baldrick (excellently played by Tim McInnerny and Tony Robinson respectively) and although Blackadder treats his underlings with contempt at times, they collaborate as a team throughout in a series of 'cunning plans'. Baldrick is indeed the intelligent character of the group, the man in the know and his character has much more depth than his smelly and stupid character of later series.

Each plot in the series follows a similar pattern - Blackadder getting himself into a situation and having to get himself out of it. The humour presented is more subtle, relying more on the use of visual comedy, language and historical satire than on blind sarcasm. Many of the gags are implied and expect the viewer to work out the meaning as opposed to ramming it down their throats. Additionally, the script contains a number of lines that cleverly misuse Shakespeare for added effect, a classic example being Richard III calling for 'my horse, my horse my kingdom for a horse' in the style of someone calling for his dog. The supporting cast all play their part superbly, particularly Brian Blessed as Richard IV, the maniacal war-monger who hates his slimy son and fails to get his name right. The late, great Peter Cook also makes an appearance as Richard III in the first episode.

This series must be watched out of context with what followed. It was not written for the popular market, being first screened on BBC2. Watch it, laugh, then watch it again to catch some of the gags you missed the first time. Comedy written this well is unfortunately extremely rare, and to dismiss it without appreciating its aims does not do it justice. This series not only shows Rowan Atkinson at his very best, but also the writing of Richard Curtis (and Atkinson) and it is an overlooked classic of British comedy.

Why not Sir Rowan?

[Sylviastel · 10/10 · 16 October 2006]

I love Rowan Atkinson. I think he's the best contemporary British comedian around. Rowan has a great talent especially playing Edmund Black Adder. Edmund, the Black Adder, begins the series in the Black Plague or Black Death. The second series is a lot better with Queen Elizabeth I played by the wonderful Miranda Richardson (I wondered what happened to her). This role was before her Oscar nominating role in Damage. She is hysterical as the Virgin Queen which I bet is the funniest Queen Elizabeth I in history. I love the costumes, the language. The series got better as it went along. I loved Hugh Laurie as the dumb prince. Tony Robinson as Baldrick always made me laugh. The Black Adder kept moving on until World War II. Don't you think it's time that Rowan Atkinson became knighted.

Terrific verbal humor from the great Rowan Atkinson

[AlsExGal · 10/10 · 10 April 2010]

Rowan Atkinson was funny as Mr. Bean, but he was downright hilarious as the Black Adder. He had such a talent for playing the sharp-tongued rogue I'll never figure out why he decided to start doing comedy in which he hardly spoke. The premise of this British comedy series is that the central character, "The Black Adder", shows up at different points in history in various incarnations distorting historical events and poking fun at various British historical figures and situations along the way.

Lots of people don't like Black Adder I, in which the title character, Edmund, is the younger son of a brutish man consumed with thoughts of war who actually becomes king of England through Edmund's own bungling - he arrives late for the Battle of Bosworth Field and winds up chopping off the head of Richard III, thus saving the life of Henry Tudor. Throughout this first season he plays the buffoon, often having the expression of a deer caught in the headlights. This is the only season in which the Black Adder takes on the persona of a weak effeminate person. Especially funny is Edmund's mother who is a proper noble woman sitting around doing embroidery and indifferently waiting for the next marauding army to pass through.

The second season takes place early during the reign of Elizabeth I, with the Black Adder confident, handsome, and even a favorite at court. A young Amanda Richardson plays the role of Elizabeth I, who comes across as Betty Boop, just not as intelligent. Although more cunning in this season, Black Adder still comes up the loser in just about every episode. My favorite is "Bells", in which Blackadder finds his new servant, Bob, curiously pleasant company. Afraid for his reputation at court, Blackadder searches for a "cure" - which of course involves leeches, until Bob conveniently reveals that she is in fact a girl called Kate. Their wedding is disrupted by the profane Lord Flashheart, who, although he is the best man, winds up stealing the bride.

The third season takes place in the eighteenth century during the reign of George III, and will be a favorite of all fans of "House, M.D." due to the presence of a young Hugh Laurie. Here, Black Adder plays the manservant of the Prince Regent, George, played by Hugh Laurie. George is the dim-witted target of Black Adder's many schemes to enrich himself by taking advantage of his cushy position in George's household, and this often means having to save the Prince Regent's pension and position in the kingdom, which is largely controlled by Parliament.

The fourth season takes place during World War I, with Edmund Blackadder as a captain in the British army whose company is trapped in one of the trenches that gave everyone in Europe such a distaste for warfare between the two world wars. Blackadder's aim in this season is to stay alive by staying in that trench until the war ends. His stunts include shooting a carrier pigeon when it arrives with orders to advance, and joining the Royal Flying Corp - "the twenty minuters". Unfortunately, the name comes from how long they are expected to live once in the air, not how much time they work each day, as Blackadder had originally thought.

This show has several interesting plot devices. First, most of the main characters show up in different periods of time with the same name but different roles. Hugh Laurie is always "George", Tony Robinson is always "Baldrick", Stephen Fry is always "Melchett", and Tim McInnerny is always "Percy". Since each season was shot in alternate years - (1983, 1985, 1987, 1989) - the cast must have been having a terrific time in order for them to be regathered after such long intervals in order to make filming this series possible. Secondly, everyone in the cast, including the Black Adder, always dies in the final episode of each season. It is somewhat like the South Park stunt of Kenny being killed at the end of every show only to reappear in the next episode as though nothing had happened.

Do note that there are only six episodes per season. If you liked "Red Dwarf" or "Fawlty Towers", you'll probably like this series too.

Funny

[bevo-13678 · 10/10 · 18 August 2020]

Good first up series. But the other series had wittier names for each episode

under rated

[eec-43271 · 10/10 · 18 June 2019]

In my opinion the first season is the best. I prefer the Black Adder (played by Rowan Atkinson) being the stupid one while Baldrick (Tony Robinson) is more cunning. The second and third series were incredibly good and hilarious as well but I didn't think the fourth was as good. I also liked how Edmund always had a clear goal throughout the first season (to become king). I feel that this gave his character more depth than in the later seasons. My favorite episodes were definitely The Archbishop and Witchsmeller Persuivant. I thought the last episode was sad and preferred the ending of season 3. (The only season that ends well for Blackadder.)

The Beginning of a Legend

[ericksonsam60 · 7/10 · 15 April 2014]

In the middle ages, Edmund, the Duke of Edinburgh, is a young man who will do just about anything to become King of England. This slimy schemer would be known by a name that would exist throughout all of time called "BlackAdder." From this moment onwards a legend was born, as it would go on to become one of the finest British sitcoms ever.

Rowan Atkinson makes his debut in the role that made him famous. Although, his personality is unlike the one he would be known for in the later series. Here Edmund is sniveling and cowardly (his neurotic nature reminds you of Atkinson's other comic creation,"Mr.Bean") instead of being the slick and sarcastic S.O.B. that he would become in the next installments. Also, we are introduced to his companions Percy and Baldrick (Tim McInnerny and Tony Robinson) for the first time. However, they are also very different as well. Percy comes across as rather normal and Baldrick is actually a clever and articulate fellow instead of being the moronic tramp that BlackAdder would always loathe and ridicule.

This first series is rough around the edges in general. The scripting can be can be inconsistent at times and the comedic timing can be rather off on several occasions too. Yet despite these flaws, there are some laughs to be found as well as historical satire. Brian Blessed steals every scene he is in. It was also made on a much higher budget than the later ones as you get both interior and exterior shots. Not mention that it has the most rousing opening and closing theme out of all them.

A nice enough start for the series but it would only get better from here

Still funny.

[hollym220 · 10/10 · 4 July 2020]

I know this is an old show, but it is one of the best I have seen.

The beginning of a legend........which hasn't exactly started yet

[r-lythgoe · 6/10 · 5 September 2014]

Let's face it. Blackadder is one of the best sitcoms ever put on television, with consistently excellent and brilliantly funny scripts all the way through........well, from Seasons 2-4 at least.

The first Season of Blackadder, simply titled "The Black Adder", focusing on some sort of secret history where Henry Tudor was never king until later and he re-wrote history to eliminate his predecessor Richard IV (played by the legend that is Brian Blessed) from the history books, is generally regarded as the weakest season, and it is easy to see why. The show was a lot sillier back in this season, and the character of Edmund (the "Black Adder") is pretty much a snivelling, unlikable toad rather than the witty character we would see in later seasons.

That said, despite the first seasons many faults, it was still entertaining, so I guess that allows me to give it at least a 6/10. But the show hasn't yet reached its classic status until Season 2.

A Cunning Plan

[trescia-1 · 10/10 · 7 January 2017]

"Baldrick, why do dislike the first, original series of The Black Adder?"

"I dunno. I suppose it's because the Baldrick character is smart and Black Adder character is stupid."

"Why does that bother you so much?"

"Well I suppose that it's more funny to see a stupid guy being made to look stupid who isn't in charge of anything."

"Go on."

"In the first series the Prince looks stupid, but he's in charge of things so they go wrong. In the other series, Blackadder looks smart because he has all these cunning plans, and so things go wrong."

"Brilliant. A brilliant analysis considering that your body contains absolutely no brain tissue!"

It got better

[TBJCSKCNRRQTreviews · 7/10 · 7 August 2009]

The start of an excellent series, this bears the marks of them not really having determined the exact tone yet. At this point, some gags and jokes are based on ridiculous and overdone stuff, such as costumes and people just being manic, yelling or talking in a goofy way. But the real core of the masterful satire and comedy of the franchise is already evident here, if less strong and with fewer memorable ones than later(particularly in the next one), including the satire, social commentary, verbal and clever material. Each of these make fun of one specific portion of Britain's history, and while occasionally bringing in a couple of other countries, the focus is always on their own. The English have a real talent for exploring their past with the helpful distance of humor making the horrible truth a lot easier to take in. This follows the first incarnation of Black Adder, a line who will work in devious and sly ways to steal what they can't earn, usually power. The plots tend to be well-written, and there are interesting twists and surprises, that mostly hold up. This is well-cast, with McInnerny and Atkinson garnering the majority of the genuine laughs. The latter sadly does his Mr. Bean thing in this, for almost the entire performance. This is relatively well-produced, though all the exterior shots and the fact that this is actually on the format of film are somewhat cheapened by the often weird, and never incredible, cinematography. The editing can be jarring, at times. Apart from that, it's fine. I recommend this to fans of this type of show, and urge anyone who enjoys what they do with words in this to watch the next three, as well. 7/10

Humourless

[Foufas · 4/10 · 6 June 2018]

I really like Rowan Atkinson and his style of comedy and I really appreciate witty/sarcastic humour in British comedies

But whilst Black Adder seems to be a clever concept for a comedy , it lacks spectacularly in the only department that really matters: humour

I tried to watch Black Adder twice and every time I came to the same conclusion ; This kind of humour depicted in Black adder is either for kids or idiots, in essence not funny .It tries to be funny ,but it's not

Don't waste your time on this garbage.If you want British Classic , try watch Mr Bean ,Not the Nine O Clock News or Yes Prime Minister.

Unless if you fancy mediocre medieval humour in the 80s, just stay away from this

Filled with wit

[Josef Tura-2 · 26 September 1999]

If you are having trouble defining wit, sarcasm or tongue-in-cheek watch one episode of "Black Adder". It's all there and then some. Each episode mints a new insult or sly comeback. The art of verbal humor has finally found a champion in the authors and actors of Black Adder.

The beginning of an excellent series

[steve_mclaughlin2 · 10/10 · 17 March 2014]

Season one will always be my favorite as it started an excellent series of Blackadders. The episodes improved throughout season one culminating with the Black Seal. The episodes look very dated as they didn't use sets and filmed in various locations, subsequently changed after the first season in an effort to save money. The scripts are absolutely perfect though, you can read the Black Seal and find it hilarious as it is so well written. This is also the last season as well where Baldric is the intelligent one increasingly becoming more thick as the series continues.

10/10 overall. Some of the best writing ever. Very British and clever along the lines of top comedies out of the UK. Glad the BBC kept up the series and allowed this wonderful show to continue.

"I have a cunning plan..."

[Ironclad · 10/10 · 22 April 1999]

I was surprised and very pleased to see this initial series of "the Black Adder". I love the way that Rowan Atkinson uses history, twists it for fun, and makes wonderful satire out of it! Atkinson draws very accurately from Shakespeare and English history of the War of the Roses era, and makes it hilarious! Not for everyone, but it is definitely for me! I also loved the use of Brian Blessed, who played Henry V's uncle in the Branaugh adaptation of Henry V...fantastic! Brilliant!

Poor start to a classic

[gibbs-18172 · 8/10 · 4 June 2019]

Not my favourite at all, some good gags. But in this one Baldrick is the clever one Blackadder the dim one. Thankfully for the next three series thing will change not just the time period everytime but the Blackadder will.

This could have been a massive flop , credit all who gave it a 2nd shot

fantastic and funny

[planktonrules · 10/10 · 4 July 2005]

This is such a highly original and entertaining series. The first time I saw it, I had no idea what it was. I thought it was a documentary about the War of the Roses but once I started watching, I knew something was amiss!! It seems Edmund Black Adder and his family are supporters of Richard III BUT the story diverges a lot from the Shakespearian version when first Edmund accidentally kills Richard III and then Edmund's father becomes king--NOT Henry VII. The narration explains that history is wrong--it was deliberately changed by Henry to exclude the short reign of Black Adder's awful father, Richard IV.

The series is amazingly silly and compelling. Particularly funny episodes are the one where Edmund is to marry the incredibly gross Spanish Infanta (but in the end gets married to a 7 year-old princess instead) and the one where he is accused of being a witch (look very carefully at ALL the members of the audience). The only negative is the final episode, which is a real downer! If this sort of ending is too sad, see what happens to Edmund at the end of the 3rd series (the only one to end well for Black Adder).

Quite Funny

[Alex_Hodgkinson · 6/10 · 15 March 2014]

I just finished watching this series for the first time. I was warned that the first series is the worst of the four beforehand, so I didn't expect much. It was alright. I laughed at at least one moment in each episode and found it generally entertaining and unique, but it could be much better. From its reputation I assume the later series will in fact be much better.

It's not that I didn't like it, because I did enjoy it, but it could indeed be more. I'm sure I'll love the later ones. I love the concept of the show; a Blackadder every century or so in unique times of British history. This has been enjoyable. I look forward to watching more.

A good start to the Blackadder legacy, but not the best.

[general-melchett · 8/10 · 12 November 2006]

I've always liked epic things, be they on TV, film or even in computer games, and this is really a cross between "Lord of the Rings" and "Monty Python". Though the show's epic settings aren't there for humour - just to bleed the BBC dry of money - they really do make this the best series to look at visually, and there are some good special effects on show (Richard III's head flying off its body is pretty well done). But this is meant to be COMEDY - and unfortunately, this is the least funny series, if I must admit. Episode 1 "The Foretelling" ain't too great, but Episode 6 "The Black Seal" is brilliant - I hugely enjoyed Edmund's attempts to take over the throne. There is no doubt at all that the series gets better as each episode passes. Get a load of the epic settings while you can - the second series is going to be much cheaper, but it will also be funnier as well. This first series is a good start, and should be watched because it is unique to all the other Blackadder series, but if you aren't used to seeing Blackadder stupid, Baldrick smart, and no Stephen Fry or Hugh Laurie in the cast, you would be best off watching this series first.

The Black Adder is very funny in parts, but all things get better as they go along, and whereas we do have some good episodes in this first series, the following three series are funnier and sharper. On the whole - good. 8/10

The start to this fabulous series.

[Mightyzebra · 7/10 · 18 May 2008]

In my opinion, this first part of Blackadder is pretty much neck and neck with the second series. Yes, Blackadder may be more Mr. Bean-like, there are rather muxed-ip plots and surprisingly dark humour, but I still like this series. Probably the best thing about this first part of Blackadder is the into and the credits, which are surprisingly fun - the credits have an entertaining song in it (and a different song and credit roll in the last episode) and both have Blackadder boldly riding a black horse. Funnily enough you never see this black horse again in the other series and I think he is one of the best parts.

This series is a comedy running for 6 episodes. The star is Edmund Blackadder, played by Rowan Atkinson. His companions are Baldrick, played by Tony Robinson and Percy, played by Tim McInnerny.

I recommend this first part to anyone who likes Mr. Bean in some way or another, who likes comedy historical series (just after Richard III) and for people who want a good introduction to Blackadder. Enjoy! :-)

The beginning a comic dynasty

[Tweekums · 8/10 · 6 January 2015]

The history were taught at school was untrue; Richard III wasn't the last of the Plantagenet's; that honour truly goes to Richard IV; a king erased from history by the dastardly Tudors! This series shows us King Richard IV's reign by following his second son; the snivelling Edmund; Duke of Edinburgh and self-titled 'Black Adder'. We learn that it was actually Edmund who killed Richard III and accidentally helped the defeated Henry Tudor escape. Over the course of the series Edmund has to deal with the problems of the time; clashes between the church and the crown, an arranged marriage and an accusation of witchcraft to name but three. Along the way he is accompanied by dim-witted friend Lord Percy Percy and servant Baldrick.

This is often considered the weakest of the Blackadder series but I really enjoy it; perhaps because I watched it when it first aired and obviously had no idea how the character would develop in later years. This fictional history is packed with hilarious moments and a fine cast which includes Rowan Atkinson, Brian Blessed, Tony Robinson and Tim McInnerny. Rowan Atkinson is great as Edmund and Brian Blessed is hilariously over-the-top, in a way only he can be, as the King and Tony Robinson makes the role of Baldrick his own. Tim McInnerny is also fun as Percy; a roll surprisingly different to the type or roll he seems to get these days. The rest of the cast does a decent job too; mostly playing slightly less comic characters. Overall I'd say this classic comedy is well worth watching; preferably before watching the later series although that isn't essential.

Weakest of the Blackadders but by no means a bad series.

[sean_lewis99 · 7/10 · 21 February 2014]

The reason for this being the weakest is the title character. The Edmund Blackadder in the other series' is an intelligent and sophisticated man. Blackadder in this, however, is a blundering fool. Not a funny one, either. Whilst I didn't HATE him, his character showed no real depth. Baldrick was the most intelligent in the series. However, he wasn't so intelligent that he was interesting, yet too clever to be funny. He was just a one-dimensional character. Percy was the same as ever and he was one of the better parts. Brian Blessed's portrayal as the King was very well acted, but just the same old Brian Blessed character used in everything else he does.

The story lines in each episode were very well done, but it needed the depth of the characters to pull through.

The Black Adder

[jboothmillard · 5/10 · 20 April 2005]

This was the first series of the popular sitcom written by Richard Curtis and Rowan Atkinson. Set in the Dark Ages, the series see snivelling coward Edmund, Duke of Edinburgh, aka The Black Adder (Atkinson) constantly trying to find a way to rise to greatness, and weasel his way out of tricky situations. With the help of his sidekicks Baldrick (Tony Robinson) and Percy (Tim McInnerny), he plots his rise to hopefully become king, instead his father King Richard IV (Brian Blessed), who replaced Richard III (Peter Cook). Also starring Elspet Gray as The Queen and Robert East as Harry, Prince of Wales, with guest stars including Miriam Margoyles and Jim Broadbent. I think the problem with this problem is that the character became much more funny in the following series, he is too much like a Mr. Bean replica, and it is odd to watch at times, but I suppose parts are funny. Rowan Atkinson was number 18 on The 50 Greatest British Actors, he was number 24 on The Comedians' Comedian, and he was number 8 on Britain's Favourite Comedian, (the nastier) Edmund Blackadder was number 3 on The 100 Greatest TV Characters, and he was number 3 on The World's Greatest Comedy Characters, and the three following series were more focused as number 2 on Britain's Best Sitcom. Worth watching!