List of Blackadder episodes: Difference between revisions

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This is an episode list of the British sitcom Blackadder. Dates shown are original airdates on BBC One.

(Blackadder Unaired Pilot) (1982)

This is a never aired pilot of Rowan Atkinson's Blackadder known as Prince Edmund. The plot is identically to the first seasons second episode, Born to be King, in which Edmund plots revenge when Dougal McAngus, a great scotish hero, arrives and steals Prince Edmund's lands. Edmund decides to kill McAngus in a play, but discovers that he has letters from his mother to the scottish man, revealing that his mother had an affair with him, and that his brother is attually not royal. In the end it is discoverd that his brother is royal, and that endmund is not, Endmund acuses the scotish man of faking them and they battle to the death. The scottish man nearly kills Edmund, until the king asks him to spare his son. He does so, and it is reavealed that they can get along. Later, at the end of the episode, Edmund blows the mans head off with a cannon.

It was a personal request by Atkinson to halt the broadcast of the pilot.

The Black Adder (First series, 1983)

The episodes in this series, written by Rowan Atkinson and Richard Curtis, were originally shown on BBC One on Wednesday evenings, 21:25 – 22:00.

Blackadder II (Second series, 1986)

The episodes in this series were originally shown on BBC One on Thursday evenings, 21:30 – 22:00. This series (and all forthcoming episodes) were written by Richard Curtis and Ben Elton. The episode titles are single word references to the theme of the episode: a wedding, executions, voyages of exploration, debt, drinking alcohol and imprisonment, respectively.

It is likely that "Head" was originally intended to be the first episode, which can be proved by Lord Percy having a beard in "Head" which he shaves off in "Bells". Also, early scenes in "Head" introduce the audience to the characters, such as the opening scene that shows Baldrick is now stupid.

Title/Airdate	Plot outline
Bells 9 January 1986	Blackadder gains a new young servant called Bob, and for some reason, falls for him. When he discovers that Bob is a girl named Kate, he wishes to marry her, much to Queenie's confusion. This is the second appearance of Rik Mayall, this time as Lord Flashheart. Featured Gabrielle Glaister as Bob for the first time.
Head 16 January 1986	Blackadder becomes the head executioner and ends up killing a prisoner (Lord Farrow) that the Queen has allowed a woman to see, where he will be executed if she does not visit him. Wearing a bag over his head, Blackadder must make Lady Farrow believe that he is her husband, but once that's over, the Queen has completely pardoned Lord Farrow.
Potato 23 January 1986	In the wake of Sir Walter Raleigh's return and as an attempt to impress the Queen, Blackadder plans to go on a voyage to the Cape Of No Hope, where no man has ever returned, and he might marry the Queen if he returns. Blackadder hires Redbeard Rum to accompany them, who seems to think that everything belongs to a woman. Features an appearance by Simon Jones as Sir Walter Raleigh and Tom Baker as the captain.
Money 6 February 1986	Blackadder is threatened by the baby-eating bishop of Bath And Wells that Blackadder must pay 1000 pounds, or the bishop will shove his sword up Blackadder's bottom. With Blackadder having to pay the Queen each time he falls for her stupid tricks, things look dark for Blackadder, until he comes up with a plan so cunning you could brush your teeth with it.
Beer 13 February 1986	Blackadder discovers that his really religious aunt and uncle Whiteadder are coming to visit him on the same night that he is having a party and a drinking contest with Lord Melchett, which he had made a bet on. Also, Queenie plans to sneak into the party to find out what happens on Boy's Nights Out. First appearance of Hugh Laurie, and second appearance of Miriam Margolyes.
Chains 20 February 1986	Blackadder and Melchett are kidnapped by a German mastermind, known as Prince Ludwig the indestructible, and held for ransom. Queenie must decide between Blackadder or Melchett which one should go free. Second appearance of Hugh Laurie.

Blackadder the Third (Third series, 1987)

The episodes in this series were originally shown on BBC One on Thursday evenings, 21:30 – 22:00. The episode titles use alliteration in parody of the titles of Jane Austen's novels Sense and Sensibility and Pride and Prejudice.

Blackadder: The Cavalier Years (Comic Relief special, 1988)

Broadcast 5 February 1988. episode begins in November 1648. King Charles I of England, Scotland and Ireland has already lost the Civil War. Only two men remain loyal to him: Sir Edmund Blackadder (Rowan Atkinson), the sole descendant of the Blackadder dynasty at the time and his servant Sodoff Baldrick Esq (Tony Robinson). They have given refuge to the King in Blackadder Hall, having assured him that he is as likely to be caught "as a fox being chased by a pack of one-legged hunting tortoises". Sir Edmund remains loyal because as a known royalist he sees the King's survival as his only hope of survival. He also fears the spread of Puritanism, full of moral prohibitions (as he describes it). During Sir Edmund's short absence, Oliver Cromwell (Warren Clarke) himself arrives at Blackadder Hall, accompanied by a number of his Roundheads - supporters of the Parliament of England. Baldrick attempts to deny knowing the King's whereabouts, but blows the gaff when he asks Cromwell later to put down a cup, "because it's the king's".

Blackadder's Christmas Carol (Christmas Special, 1988)

Broadcast 23 December 1988. A parody of Charles Dickens' book A Christmas Carol. In it, he is everything that Ebenezer Scrooge was by the end of the original story; generous and kind to everybody, and sensitive to the misery of others. As a result, everybody takes advantage of his kindness, and all but Mr. Baldrick (Tony Robinson) view him as a victim, although even he is slightly more cynical than his ancestors. His business turns no profit, all his earnings going to charity and to con artists, and he lives a lonely, miserable life. All this changes one Christmas Eve, when the Spirit of Christmas (Robbie Coltrane) makes the mistake of calling round to congratulate him for his ways. The spirit lets him see shades of the past: his ancestors Lord Blackadder and Edmund Blackadder, the butler of the Prince Regent (Hugh Laurie).

Blackadder Goes Forth (Fourth series, 1989)

The episodes in this series were originally shown on BBC One on Thursday evenings, 21:30 – 22:00. The episode titles are, with exception of the final episode, puns on military ranks.

Blackadder: Back & Forth (Millennium Special, 1999)

Broadcast 31 December 1999. As the new millennium dawns, Blackadder tries to con his friends out of £30,000 with a fake time machine which, thanks to Baldrick, unexpectedly works.

Other Special, sketches, Theatre and Radio shows

UK made

Children in Need 1988

Blackadder introduces it, breifly mocking the gost, Mr. woe, and letting him introduce his next guest, who turns out to be baldrick. Blackadder then sais that he will ring the bell he has when he thinks the interview has gone far enough, and it is not within 1 muinet before he has done so, but the comentator talks him into giving him more time. He then asks what baldrick is eating, and baldrick replies "Oh. its a rat... uh... i got it in hospitality, you wanna bite?"

Baldrick then tells him that he has brought a few things he played with in his child hood, including a bit of mud, a soll [a stick], and a frizbie [which he found in a cow feild], and finally his pride and joy [black adder rings his bell] a turnip. He then recites a letter that 'Mr. Blackadder' asked him to read, "Ladies and jentlemen, i am an abvent little weasel, i apologize for waisting your precious time with my completly for turd brain dribble. Thank you." the 2 then exit, baldrick tripping over a step.

Woman's Hour Invasion (1988)

This extensive script was part of a Children In Need Special way back in 1988. This text was transcribed from an original radio broadcast by Jon Beare. Thanks mate for all your hard work. The Woman's Hour studio is invaded by Blackadder and Baldrick, who tie up the women and do an alternative show.

The Shakespeare Sketch (1989)

This sketch was performed on stage for an AIDS benefit concert directed by Stephen Fry on September 18, 1989. Rowan Atkinson's character is unnamed, and it has been confirmed by writer Richard Curtis, that it is NOT a member of the Blackadder family. In it, Hugh laurie, playing shackespere, negoteated with {not} Blackadder plans for his new play, Hamlet.

Blackadder and the King's Birthday (1998)

The year is 1680, and King Charles II is celebrating his 50th birthday. He's been on the throne for the past twenty years. Blackadder has been assinged to read in a Royal Gala performance.

Blackadder: The Army Years" (2000)

Blackadder gives a monalouge to an audience trying to convince them to return to their old ways of war. This monologue was performed at the Dominion Theatre, London for the Royal Variety Performance 2000. Ben Elton, as compere of the Royal Variety Performance introduced the sketch.

The Royal Gardener (From the Queen's Jubilee) (2002)

Rowan Atkinson has created a new reincarnation of Blackadder for a TV advert promoting the Queen's jubilee concert. The new character, Sir Osmond Darling-Blackadder, is keeper of Her Majesty's lawn sprinkler.

Jubilee Girl (2002)

The Jubilee Girl was a 29 December 2002 BBC special about Queen Elizabeth II's Golden Jubilee Concert. The concert was hosted by Sir Osmond Darling-Blackadder (Keeper of Her Majesty's Lawn Sprinklers) and Dame Edna Everage. Earlier, a BBC "advertisement" for the celebrations also featured this incarnation of Blackadder, in which Sir Osmond is told to announce the event, even though he thinks it is a terrible idea:

'We don't want thousands of people wandering around here willy-nilly, leaving orange peel on the petunias and frightening the corgis. I said to her, I said, you're the Queen, not Fatboy Slim.'

Blackadder's Most Cunning Moments (2008)

A collection of Blackadders best.

Blackadder Rides Again (2008)

A documentry on the history of the show.

USA made

1775 (US series pilot) (1992)

In colonial Philadelphia, Innkeeper Jeremy Proctor runs the Cock and Hound Inn with his wife, Annabelle, his three daughters Maude, Eliza and Abby and his bellman, Bert. Jeremy has a problem, as he does not have the necessary funds to send his daughters to the ball (which will hopefully lead to marrying one of them off). He tries to borrow the money from his brother-in-law, George Washington, but to no avail. The future of Jeremy’s family hangs in the balance…

External links

@@ Line 205: / Line 205: @@
 * http://www.thelogbook.com/logbook/blackadder/1775-us-series-pilot/
 * http://www.blackadderhall.com/specials/index.html
+* http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LcOPVlXLE0M&feature=related
 {{Blackadder}}

Title/Airdate	Plot outline
The Foretelling 15 June 1983	As the Wars of the Roses reaches its climax, Edmund arrives late for the war and accidentally kills the King and becomes a prince as Richard IV becomes king. With the ghost of Richard III haunting Edmund's every waking moment, he must do his best to keep it a secret, until the three wise women give Edmund some really fantastic news.
Born to be King 22 June 1983	Edmund plots revenge when Dougal McAngus, the King's Supreme Commander, arrives and steals Edmund's lands. Edmund decides to kill McAngus in a play, but discovers that he has secrets about Edmund's mother which could make him king.
The Archbishop 29 June 1983	King Richard announces that he is going to make his son Archbishop of Cantebury. Edmund discovers that if his brother, Harry, becomes the archbishop, he will be killed and Edmund will become king. Unfortunately, when Edmund becomes the archbishop, two knights are out to kill Edmund.
The Queen of Spain's Beard 6 July 1983	Edmund realises that he is going to get married to a beautiful woman, but discovers that his future bride is an ugly queen. With the help of Baldrick and Percy, Edmund does whatever he can to stop the wedding. First appearance of Miriam Margolyes.
Witchsmeller Pursuivant 13 July 1983	After a witch test gone wrong, Edmund is accused of being a witch, and the witchsmeller does everything to make everyone believe Edmund really is a witch.
The Black Seal 20 July 1983	When all of Edmund's titles are removed except Warden of the Royal Privies, Edmund is furious and decides to raise an army of six of the most ruthless bandits in all the lands to seize the throne and become king. First appearance of Rik Mayall as Mad Gerald, though the character is credited as "himself".

Title/Airdate	Plot outline
Dish and Dishonesty 17 September 1987	Edmund attempts to win an election against the evil William Pitt, the younger, using Baldrick (later known as Mr. S Baldrick, which stands for "Sod Off") as the MP. Unfortunately, after Blackadder wins, Baldrick votes for Pitt, causing Blackadder to lose.
Ink and Incapability 24 September 1987	The prince decides to become patron of Dr. Samuel Johnson's new dictionary, until they become enemies. When Blackadder discovers that Baldrick has burnt Dr. Johnson's dictionary, and Johnson has no copy, Blackadder has no choice to replace the dictionary by rewriting it.
Nob and Nobility 1 October 1987	Blackadder, irritated by the new obsession with all things French, makes a bet on Topper and Smedley and goes out to rescue an aristocrat and claim his 1000 guineas. Guest starred Tim McInnerny and Nigel Planer.
Sense and Senility 8 October 1987	When an assassination attempt is made on the Prince, Blackadder decides to help him with his image by employing two actors to coach him on how to act. With Blackadder being bullied by both actors and the prince, Blackadder decides to run away.
Amy and Amiability 15 October 1987	When the Prince runs out of money, Edmund attempts to marry him off to the daughter of a rich industrialist, but is thwarted at every turn by the mysterious highwayman "The Shadow". Featured a guest appearance from Miranda Richardson as Amy Harwood.
Duel and Duality 22 October 1987	The Duke of Wellington promises to kill the Prince in a duel after the prince hangs out with the Duke's nieces. Baldrick comes up with a plan involving Blackadder to take the prince's place in the duel, and Blackadder intends on using his mad Scottish cousin, McAdder. Stephen Fry guest stars as the Duke.

Title/Airdate	Plot outline
Captain Cook 28 September 1989	Field Marshal Haig's new plan is to commission a man who can do a splendid painting for the front cover of the next issue of the famous war magazine, King And Country, which Blackadder hates. When Blackadder is made the new Official War Artist, he is allowed to leave the trenches. This episode features no guest stars for the only time in the series.
Corporal Punishment 5 October 1989	With communication problems in the phone line, Blackadder ends up being sentenced to death after shooting a carrier pigeon. With only one night to live, George ends up being Blackadder's attorney in Court Martial, and Baldrick offers Blackadder a rather unique escape kit.
Major Star 12 October 1989	With everyone talking about the famous comedian, Charlie Chaplin, Blackadder becomes in charge of the War show and will be shifted off to London. Unfortunately, Melchett has fallen in love with the fair Georgina (George dressed as a woman). After a date with the General, the General asks George to marry him, and George says "Yes". Featured Gabrielle Glaister as Bob for the second time.
Private Plane 19 October 1989	After a visit from Lord Flashheart, Blackadder, Baldrick and George intend on joining the "Twenty Minuters" at the Royal Flying Corps to go to Paris. After Blackadder and Baldrick crash their planes behind enemy lines, they are captured by the Germans and must prepare for a fate worse than death. Third appearance of Rik Mayall, for the second time as Lord Flashheart and Gabrielle Glaister as Bob for the third time. Also featured Adrian Edmondson as Baron Manfred von Richthofen.
General Hospital 26 October 1989	A game of "I Spy" goes terribly wrong when a bomb strikes Blackadder's bunker and injures George severely. After Melchett and Darling inform Blackadder that there is a German spy in the field hospital, giving away their battle plans, Blackadder must identify the spy, with a patient that has a strong German accent under high suspicion. Guest appearance of Miranda Richardson as Nurse Mary Fletcher-Brown.
Goodbyeee... 2 November 1989	Finally, this time for sure, Blackadder and his friends are going into battle. Baldrick suggests to Blackadder that he pretends to go mad by putting undies on his head and shoving two pencils up his nose, like in the Sudan. Once this fails, Baldrick comes up with another plan that could definitely get Blackadder out of the trenches for sure. Final episode. The final scene voted ninth most memorable television moment of all time in a 1999 poll of The Observer and Channel Four.