INFORMATION

Blackadder is the general name that includes four series of a much-loved BBC historical sitcom, with several separate episodes, starring Rowan Atkinson as the anti-hero, Edmund Blackadder, and Tony Robinson as his sidekick, Baldrick.

In 2000, Blackadder Goes Forth ranked at #16 in the "100 Greatest British Television Programmes", a list created by the British Film Institute. Also in the 2004 TV survey to find "Britain's Best Sitcom", Blackadder was voted the second best British sitcom of all time.

A Blackadder outline

Although each series is set in a different historical period, all series follow the lives of Edmund Blackadder, who is a member of an English family dynasty at many important periods and places in British history. Blackadder is a cynical opportunist concerned with keeping his own status in life. In each series, Blackadder is usually a cynical voice undermining the stupidity of those around him.

The lives of each Blackadder are also twisted with his servant, all called Baldrick, who acts as the punching-bag of the various Blackadders.

Each series was set in a different period of British history, beginning in 1485 and ending in 1917 covering six half-hour episodes. The first series, made in 1983, was called The Black Adder. This was followed by Blackadder II in 1986, Blackadder the Third in 1987, and finally Blackadder Goes Forth in 1989.

In addition to these four series, three specials were also made: Blackadder: The Cavalier Years in 1988; Blackadder's Christmas Carol was a Christmas episode, broadcast the same year; and Blackadder: Back & Forth for the millennium in 2000.

Series 4: Blackadder Goes Forth

This series is set in 1917, on the Western Front in the trenches of the First World War. Another "big push" is planned, and Captain Blackadder's one goal is to avoid getting shot, so he plots ways to get out of it.

Blackadder is joined by the idealistic twit Lieutenant George and Private Baldrick. General Melchett supports his troops from a mansion 35 miles from the front, where he is helped by his assistant, Captain Darling, pencil-pusher supreme and Blackadder's enemy.
This series is set in 1917, on the Western Front in the trenches of the First World War. Another "big push" is planned, and Captain Blackadder's one goal is to avoid getting shot, so he plots ways to get out of it.

The episode – Corporal Punishment – first shown 5th October 1989

Reluctant to march to his certain death, Blackadder has taken to ignoring orders.
He even shoots a carrier pigeon when it arrives with orders to advance, and eats the evidence. Unluckily, this particular pigeon is the property of General Melchett.
Blackadder is court-martialled, tried by the less-than-fair Melchett, and sentenced to death by firing squad.

Will he be saved at the last moment by a telegram from George's Mad Uncle Rupert, who has conveniently been made Minister of War.
Blackadder's court martial is less than fair, since Melchett is the judge and Darling the prosecution.