Blackadder

Blackadder is the name of the television program, and the main character - Edmund Blackadder, an anti-hero. Blackadder is played by Rowan Atkinson, in all four seasons. Co-starring with Tony Robinson, as Baldrick, Blackadder's dogsbody.

The Black Adder, The First Season

The first season, written by Atkinson and Richard Curtis, released in 1983. The series follows the fictitious reign of Richard IV (1485 - 98 ). Richard and his Queen Gertrude of Flanders, the Witch Queen.

They have two sons, Harry, Prince of Wales and Prince Edmund, "The Black Adder." Harry is the favourite child, getting all the good jobs, like Captain of the Guard, Grand Warden of the Northern and Eastern Marches and Chief Lunatic of the Duchy of Gloucester. Edmund mainly gets the lame jobs, except the Archbishop of Canterbury, which he acquires later in the season.

Blackadder II

Blackadder II is set in England during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I (1558 - 1603), and portrays Blackadder as the total opposite of The Black Adder in chapter one. He is snarky, witty and sarcastic, and creates hilarity with Lord Chamberlain Lord Melchett (Stephen Fry) and Queen Elizabeth I, played by Miranda Richardson.

Blackadder the Third

Blackadder the Third, the third season, is set in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, a period known as the Regency. E Blackadder Esquire is the butler to the simple Prince of Wales, George (Hugh Laurie). Blackadder is very intelligent, but has no money to his name, except for his ever-changing pay from the Prince. "All I have to do is go upstairs and ask Prince Fat-Head for a rise".

Blackadder Goes Fourth

This series is set in 1917, on the Western Front in the trenches of the First World War. Captain Blackadder is finally in command of George, who is a lieutenant. The insane General Melchett (Stephen Fry) is constantly trying "to move his drinks cabinet closer to Berlin." The fourth, and final season is tragically and abruptly ended with the episode "Goodbyeee..."

There are several specials including "The Shakespeare Sketch" and "Blackadder's Christmas Carol."

Blackadder is immensely enjoyable to anyone with a laugh-box. I recommend it to anyone.