Blackadder is one of the greatest shows of all time. These clips are funny but the context of the show makes it so much better. Please consider doing the entire series.
Season 4 ended with what is consistently voted as one of the greatest scenes in TV history. Probably best if you watch the whole of season 4 to properly build up to it and get a feel for all the characters. Unfortunately watchinng the final scene clip alone on YT tends to cut off the final 20 seconds or so of the episode leaving out an important aspect of it that is part of what makes the ending so great.
Rowan basically plays a different character with the same name in S1 the blackadder we know and love was invented for S2+ it really is one of the greatest shows. Each season is a diferent era of history
For an 80s British comedic masterclass in politics that remains relevant to this day (timeless, really) and applicable to politics pretty much everywhere, I can't recommend *Yes Minister/Yes Prime Minister* highly enough. Brilliant and hilarious, and it'd be totally your kind of thing.
My favourite comedy series ever! With Coupling, Blackadder & Red Dwarf changing posistions behind it on a regular basis. I've even just listened to the entire YM & YPM series audio without video just for all the quips and dead on dialogue! Ps, As someone who worked in the public service in the 90s and 00's I can indeed confirm it's still much like how it was portrayed in the series.. 😂😂😂
You are of course right: "Darling" is the surname of the General's aide, which fact is naturally intended to cause amusing misunderstandings throughout the series. I have to say that, in contrast to some American commentators who have aired their opinions concerning various subjects, your obvious intelligence, educated outlook and general background knowledge all make a very welcome change. Your habit of quietly arriving at informed and perceptive conclusions sets a very enviable standard.
Watch the show. You can watch season one if you want, but it's like a half-baked version of the final product. They weren't quite sure what they were doing yet, they just had some ideas, but from season 2 onwards, it's in full stride and every episode is brilliant
Season 1 is worth watching, just because a sitcom set in 1485 England is a mad idea. But yes, the series hits its real stride from the very beginning of season 2 and everything is brilliant and perfect from then on. . For the future, I'll also highly recommend 'Ripping Yarns' (produced/written/directed/acted by Michael Palin and Terry jones, of Monty Python fame). The theme of the series is that of "thrilling adventures for young boys" (as it were), each episode set in the late heyday of the British Empire (basically Victorian/Edwardian Era through to the 1920's). Episode titles include 'Roger of the Raj'. "Tomkinson's School Days" (which parodies 'Tom Brown's Schooldays, published in 1857), 'Escape From Stalag-luft 112b ( World War 1), 'Murder at Moorstone's Manor' , ( a 1920's 'Murder Mystery'), 'Across The Andes by Frog' and 'Golden Gordon' ( a tale of an obsessed soccer fan in the 1930's who persuades the retired members of a once successful local soccer team to take to the field once again). There are plenty of biting jokes about British Imperial Jingoism and social class in all of them).
"I have a cunning plan, sir!" Running gag of the century! It's beet to watch all seasons. Black Adder, Hogan's Heroes, Allo Allo! Brilliant shows I've seen that revolved around war. Any other show i didn't mention because I haven't seen them. British comedy alway hits different! The Vicar Of Dibley is one of my favourites!
If your curious about other British World War comedy series, there's "Dad's Army" about the Home Guard and "Allo Allo" about the French Resistance, both set during WW2 :D
I love Blackadder. Classic British comedy in general, but Blackadder's near the top of my list. Check out the Lord Flashheart clips featuring Rik Mayall. In fact, just look up Rik Mayall, everything he did was grand!
Highly recommend watching the all four seasons of Blackadder. The first season is considered the weakest but it does have a lot of good history jokes, almost worth it just for Brian Blessed chewing the scenery. Each season is set in a particular time period, the first is during the middle ages, 1485 and includes the battle of Bosworth field. A somewhat under the radar historical sitcom is Upstart Crow about Shakespeare played by David Mitchell also with writing from Ben Elton (who did a lot of writing for Blackadder).
The problem with series one is that, at least to me, it is a lot more serious with a lot less comedy. The first series didn't have Been Elton as a writer and I think this is why it didn't hit so hard comedy wise as all the other series.
Everyone says skip series one for a reason. It's very, very bizarre to watch as an introduction to the show and is simply not as funny as the others. Those few moments aren't worth the constant "wtf am I watching" that the first series induces.
@kevinmcquillan5481 not in terms of its comedy. You can say the overall tone is more appealing, you can say you didn't like the absurdism in 3, but there are more jokes per page in 3, the jokes hit harder and are more accessible in 3, the characters are better written, better acted in 3, and, personally, watching Rowan Atkinson do that performance in series 1 really began to grate on my nerves after a while.
You gotta look at Captain Flashheart he is freaking crazy I love him Rick Mayhew I hope I spelled it right but he was on the show the brit show the young ones and played drop dead Fred in the movie
Sure, a lot of people think the first season is bad. But season 1 of Blackadder is just a little different than the rest. They had a real budget and filmed a lot outside instead of the sets they mostly used in season 2-4. They hadn't really found the format and made a lot of Shakespeare references as it is set in the middle ages, so it helps if you have heard of Richard III and Macbeth. And they used a lot of video that was new technology then and it looks pretty bad sometimes. But it has Brian Blessed in a big role. That in itself makes it worth watching. "FRESH HORSES!" In my opinion you will appreciate the whole series better if watching season one too.
Truly one of the greatest shows in British history. All 4 Blackadder's, they go through the ages. It really starts to heat up from Blackadder 2. Wonderful stuff, definitely great to see the reaction 😃
I vote for you just watch a full episode on the channel now and again. I've never seen the show before right now and it would be fun to watch along with you, as it always is. You're insights, recall of info, and a whole lot more are "ahead of your years" I don't think it workes that way really but you get what I mean. You're awesome! Keep up the good work and I appreciate you. Much and one love to everyone.
I don't know if you don't know the actor or just didn't recognise him, he's very different back then, but George was played by Hugh Laurie, otherwise better known now for his role in House as Dr Gregory House. He had previously had a comedy sketch show with Stephen Fry (A Little Bit of Fry & Laurie) and I think they were/are best friends having been to Cambridge University together (they met through a mutual friend of theirs - Emma Thompson).
@@ThePelagicHermitTo me he's better known as Bertie Wooster in Jeeves & Wooster, since that's the first TV show I remember him from. I saw Black Adder too but I didn't pay much attention to the actors besides Rowan Atkinson, whom I recognized from Not The Nine O'clock News.
Just watch it! As an Arsenal supporter, Nick Hornby's Fever Pitch is wonderful, the story of which ends the day I became a fan. Naturally being a music lover High Fidelity is also a gem. Pretty good movie adaptations too tbf.
The entire Blackadder series is set in different centuries Series 1 is set in the medieval period Series 2 is set in the Elizabethan era Series 3 Edwardian And the 4th seed him in ww2 for the vast amount of us brits the last episode of series 4 is heartbreaking you will see why when you watch it
No it's a show about the British political system and was written by two guys who were excellent writers and had a lot of access to whitehall when writing the show. @@NoProtocol
@@NoProtocol No, "Yes Minister" and "Yes Prime Minister" were nothing to do with Blackadder - they starred Paul Eddington as Jim Hacker, as firstly a government minister and latterly promoted to Prime Minister, together with Nigel Hawthorne as Sir Humphrey Appleby, a high ranking mandarin in the Civil Service. Highly recommended.
@@NoProtocolOne of Brirain's greatest comedies and the wordplay by Sir Nigel Hawthorne as " Sir Humphrey" is outstanding. We are talking about the 1980 Series onwards but not the awful 21st Century remake.
You should really give the Blackadder series a view - even the first season (if only to compare and contrast the subsequent Seasons). I also recommend watching the series Yes, Minister and Yes, Prime Minister. Those 5 seasons are a highpoint of intelligent comedy featuring the universal truths of the struggle between the ideas of politicians and the British Civil Services desire for status quo. I revisit many episodes just to hear the spectacular dialogue and experience the inner workings of a bureaucracy. Along the way I find that the series give a multitude of examples of situations I think are very representative of real life.
@@MKitchen75 Regrettably The Germans episode is now being heavily censored, the section where the Major discusses cricket and uses the terms wogs and niggers is now omitted from repeats
Series one is great. It's set in Medieval England, and is a spoof of Shakespeare. The second season was in Elizabethan England, the third in the Regency, and then this one. In each incarnation, Blackadder falls in the social ladder. He starts out as a younger prince, then a noble, then a high end royal servant, and in this one he's a working class soldier.
I would have to say the Dr Johnson and his dictionary episode, I think called Ink and Incapability is genius and a must watch, as are seasons 2-4. You can still watch season one but it's not a just, completely different in style, and not as funny, but with doubt for completeness. Been Elton didn't join the writing team until the second season and I think he really made the difference.
I'd recommend watching the entire show. Season 1 is on the sillier side, but still enjoyable (and they're only six episodes each, anyway). Every season is self-contained, so, it doesn't really matter where you begin. Just make sure you watch season 4 last. It has one of the most brilliant finales ever made.
Please don't skip the first series, it is different and less polished then the later series' but is still very funny and as an added bonus has Brian Blessed as King Richard IV.
Satirical British books - you can't beat Tom Sharpe. Try the "Wilt" series. Easy reads. He almost creates a world that may mesh with ours, but not quite...you never quite know how the person beside you sees the world. He went to South Africa as a young man to teach & bye-and-bye was ejected for "consorting'. He took his revenge on the South African government of the time in a two-book series: Riotous Assembly and Indecent Exposure. The first is savagely satirical - but I think you might enjoy it. If not - it can always be put down.
Check out the british comedy TV series "Allo Allo", also from the 80s. It tells about the predicaments of a cafè owner in the german occupied part of France during WW2. At least as good as Blackadder, absolutely hilarious.
Another good "historical" comedy, but very different. I think the historical content is lower, perhaps because Allo Allo sticks to a shorter timeframe. It is a nice counterpart to Hogan's Heroes, which the writers were well aware of.
I recommend watching the series. My favourite is Season 4 (WW1) followed very closely by season 2 (Elizabeth 1st) and then Season 3. Season 1 which was set in the 1400's is my least favourite and I will advise watching last but still worth taking a look at it as it is a very different type of humour to the other seasons.
one of the smartest and funniest shows ever. this was from the 4th of 4 full series plus assorted special events. the first series is just as funny but the accents are sometimes harder to understand and it may be a challenge to find a good quality recording of it. another great series of the historical satire genre is *_"Upstart Crow",_* a sit-com on the day to day life of william shakespeare … not kidding. another absurd bbc comedy was "The Young Ones" for which there is no way to accurately describe. My book recommendation is typically "The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy"
The climax to the end of the show is timeless. One of the best British comedy has ever done. Very moving way to go out. I’d recommend the it crowd and Alan Partridge as our comedy highs.
the whole series is fantastic ,but i think the last episode of Blackadder Goes Forth is the most iconic correct Kasabian are an English band great video Thanks 😃
Sad Truths about ww1 hits the nail on the head. I'm going to go a lil off-road with my songs although they are British songs from that era. These are the parade songs for The British Army and The Royal Navy. Colonel Bogey March Heart of Oak
Blackadder is great but it massively shaped how people view WWI and the concept of "lions led by donkeys". There is a great video by the Imperial War Museum on YT that talks about this being a bit of a modern myth and how respected Field Marshall Haig actually was in his time. Well worth watching
"Black Adder " is the many lives of Edmond back adder form 1485 to 1916 each series is a different era of English history Richard the 3nd Elizabethan , Georgian and as you've seen the first world war . Based on the first world war try Motor head's "1916" heart breaking sad and very moving .
I hope you've watched the rest of this series, at least. After watching the series, the closing scene is quite amazing. On the issue of the first series, I never quite got into that, but then again I am not so steeped in UK history and thus I am sure to be missing 90% of the meaning. Blackadder is a truly great program.
i'd love to watch your reactions for all seasons of Blackadder! most people suggest skipping S1 because it's a completely different character played by Rowan Atkinson than the witty and sarcastic one that Blackadder is generally known for
Season 1 is my favorite season, as it deals with Richard III and the Battle of Bosworth Field, and feels something like a comical Macbeth, but seasons 2 and 4 are the best seasons. There's also a one off parody of Dickens' A Christmas Carol.
If you plan to watch the series, i strongly urge you to not start at season 4 (where these clips are from) but to start at season 2 instead, 1 is not bad, do not get me wrong, but the show came into a perfect groove from season 2 on. And when you get to season 4 and it's progression, then this final season hits extra hard, especially that final episode.. which is seen as one of the best endings of a tv show ever, it leaves an impact. Truly one of the best comedy shows that the UK has given us.
Blackadder is indeed one of thre greatest comedy shows in history. It was a big part of my teenage years growing up. Please watch the entire series starting with season 1.
black adder the complete collection on dvd is worth owning. Also the thin blue line is very underrated , coupling is another great british tv series as well.
Definitely watch more Blackadder. And, preferably on the channel. I think a lot of us would be interested in seeing your reaction to it. As other people have said, it's best to skip season one; you won't be missing anything of importance, if you do. Also, another British comedy worth watching is a series called 'Yes Minister'. If you like clever writing and top performances, you'll enjoy this one.
It's from the 1980s. It was broadcast on the BBC. Each season is set in different historical periods. In season one we are introduced to Edmund Blackadder, Duke of Edinburgh, whose ambition is to take the crown. His servant is Baldrick, played by Tony Robinson. Season one is set in the late medieval period. In many ways the characters had not found their footing and it was not the best season. However, the BBC made others. Season two is set in the time of Elizabeth I. Edmund Blackadder is a favoured courtier. Unfortunately the Queen randomly executes those who lose her favour. Season three finds Blackadder as the butler to Prince George. This is the 18th century. Including appearances by Robbie Coltrane as Dr Johnson and Baldrick being elected to Parliament during a time of fraud and bribery. Season four is set in the First World War. Mostly in trenches. He is mostly trying to avoid going over the top and death. There was a Christmas special where Ebenzer Blackadder follows the plot of Dickens Christmas Carol. The other actors involved were Stephen Fry, Hugh Lawrie (who played House on US TV), Rick Mayall and others. It was comedy with a message. Other comedy at the time includes Yes Minister and Yes Prime Minister, These series followed the relationship between a Cabinet Minister and his Civil Servants. In a comedic way it explains how the British Government works. You never find out which party the minister belongs to. Written by Anthony Jay and Jonathan Lynn. Jonathan Lynn also directed Hollywood movies. If memory serves he directed My Cousim Vinny with Joe Pesci.
You definitely should watch the whole show, whether on your channel or not. I definitely over watched the show when I was a teenager. Prince George in Blackadder the 3rd is my favorite character
There are two seasons 1 and also special episodes. It's worth watching just to see Brian Blessed expressions. But humor there is quite thick, not for everyone. In a way its similar to Black Adder Goes Forth. Best and most clever skits are in season 2 and 3.
Each series is set in a different time period. Series 1: The Black Adder - Middle Ages (and also not all that good) Series 2: Blackadder II - Elizabethan era Series 3: Blackadder the Third - Georgian era Series 4: WWI
I love Blackadder, but like a lot of 60s-80s WWI shows/ books it followed the idea that tactics never changed. In many ways, the Brits bigger problem was throwing new technologies into the fight before they were ready (in desperate attempts to reduce casualty numbers - many of the generals were horrified by the losses)
Yes. Definitely watch the show. Series 1 is not so good but season 2 onwards is bloody hilarious. You have a good head for history so you'll love the ridiculousness of the banter and circumstances of each episode. ✌❤🇬🇧
Book wise, David Mitchell has a book called Unruly which covers the history of the English monarchs. Stephen Fry has a series of three on Greek Mythology called Mythos, Heroes and Troy. They are all available in audio format read by themselves. I thoroughly enjoyed all of them.
YES! PLEASE watch the whole series. Your friend was right - skip one, two is good, three is better, and four is a masterpiece. Instant subscription if you do this and yes, that is a bribe :) Could always try The Young Ones, too. And Spaced. I'll stop now....
As much as I would enjoy your reactions to all the Blackadder series, it seems a little selfish to deny you the fun of seeing them for yourself unencumbered. Perhaps you could watch them, then do a recap video with your thoughts accompanying some favorite clips? However you choose to proceed, I would suggest watching all of the series, it would be a sacriledge not to start at the beginning. Thanks for all your lovely videos, you're a delight!
if you like history then watch the lot from series 1, it starts in the elizabethan era and shows the development of Blackadder from then right through to the end of the first worl war. pay special attention to the last scenes of the last series, stopped us all in our tracks
skip season one!!??? That's the best place to start. Blackadder is a weak conniving prince in that one, with an incredible performance from Brian Blessed as the king. It is quite different to the other seasons, more farcical and even darker than 'Goes forth'. The first season is important as, from high born status as crown prince, Blackadder's descendants get lower and lower on the food chain with each season. Much like the rest of British aristocracy.
Should you skip season 1?...No Should you think about skipping season 1?...No Should you listen to anyone who thinks you should skip season 1?...No Is anyone who thinks skipping season 1 is a good idea a true Blackadder fan?...No Blackadder season 1 is a very smart and funny spoof of Macbeth... er... I mean The Scottish Play.
Season 1 was fine, great historical jokes etc, but it was like the series was finding it's feet, and the roles of Blackadder and Baldrick are almost reversed, so in my opinion it never felt as natural as the later series. For clips from series 4, "How did the war start?" is pretty funny. A good book to look out for would be Goodbye to all that, by Rupert Graves, it deals with experiences in the trenches and his subsequent rehab for shell shock etc. Another series of books that give a different perspective of war and it's effects on the individual, was written by Spike Milligan, a British comedian, starting with "Hitler My Part in his Downfall". Another who suffered from shell shock, some very funny anecdotes but also some very interesting views and thoughts on life depression and all sorts. I hope I haven't burdened you too much with additional reading matter, lol. Love your channel, intelligent, thought provoking whilst remaining neutral, proper adult entertainment.
I love the parallels between Blackadder and a Warhammer 40k character Ciaphas Cain (there's a whole book series on his adventures). Kind of failing upwards type of deal.
You're right, he's called Captain Darling - it's a running joke. Also agree, the first series of Blackadder is a skip. It was written by Richard Curtis and Rowan Atkinson, but Ben Elton joined from series 2. They didn't get the character right in the first season
please do the full series to the end trust me you will love it after that go watch seasons 2 and 3 in fact stop here and just start from season 2 onwards
Season 1 wasn’t filmed like a four camera sitcom, it was shot like an action film, so they said “it looked like a million dollars, but cost a million pounds”, and they hadn’t found their format.
The whole of Black Adder is well worth it. It helps, but is not necessary, to be a little acquainted with British history. Some of the jokes and plots are of events of the times, each series jumps forward a few centuries to a later person in the Blackadder line. Series one is perhaps not as good, and the characters play different roles - Blackadder and servant Baldrick largely reverse intellects in later series. Ben Elton (co-writer of comedies such as The Young Ones) has a WW1 era novel "The First casualty" that is really worth reading. It was a departure from absurdist comedy of things like Stark or This Other Eden. It basically follows a conscientious objector police officer, but his objection is not against killing but only the war. He is therefore a criminal, as his objection is not one UK law permitted. Elton's other novels are worth a read as well, imo, but The First Casualty relates directly to WW1. Two Brothers is a different take set in WW2 Germany and apparently leans heavily on real life events in his family without directly being based on them. As for other TV comedies, on the more satirical note, requiring some understanding of the UK public service - Yes, Minister and sequel Yes, Prime Minister rank among the best written comedies of all time (1980s). Obviously The Young Ones (early 1980s share student house with a touch of the ludicrous - very much alternative comedy of its day), Monty Python's Flying Circus (and the movies, 1970s), Fawlty Towers (John Cleese), Red Dwarf (not for everyone, being sci fi comedy, peaked in the 1990s), Men Behaving Badly (1990s, essentially the title is the "plot"), One Foot In the Grave (1990s) The Goodies (1970s, almost live action warner brothers cartoon at times) has not aged well, but I still love it. Keeping Up Appearances with the Bucket Woman. Maybe Spaced (Simon Pegg early 200s). That lot should keep you going for a while.
I watched Mr Bean as a kid. This is the first time am watching something from a show with him speaking. I come here to learn something new and a see the beautiful smile 😊
The final episode of goes forth is very good and very moving. All the series of Blackadder are great except series 1. Definitely miss that one series 2 is great series 3 and 4 are brilliant.
Blackadder is one of the greatest shows of all time. These clips are funny but the context of the show makes it so much better. Please consider doing the entire series.
yess i would pay for a full watch though
Blackadder totally awesome show
😂😂
yes!
Skip blackadder series 1 - the rest is just brilliant
@@Londoneye57 Blackadder 1 as not as good as the rest, but absolutely do not skip[ it, it sets up the rest.
"His resignation and suicide would seem the obvious solution" is one of the greatest black comedy lines ever 😅
Season 4 ended with what is consistently voted as one of the greatest scenes in TV history. Probably best if you watch the whole of season 4 to properly build up to it and get a feel for all the characters.
Unfortunately watchinng the final scene clip alone on YT tends to cut off the final 20 seconds or so of the episode leaving out an important aspect of it that is part of what makes the ending so great.
Rowan basically plays a different character with the same name in S1 the blackadder we know and love was invented for S2+ it really is one of the greatest shows. Each season is a diferent era of history
For an 80s British comedic masterclass in politics that remains relevant to this day (timeless, really) and applicable to politics pretty much everywhere, I can't recommend *Yes Minister/Yes Prime Minister* highly enough. Brilliant and hilarious, and it'd be totally your kind of thing.
My favourite comedy series ever! With Coupling, Blackadder & Red Dwarf changing posistions behind it on a regular basis. I've even just listened to the entire YM & YPM series audio without video just for all the quips and dead on dialogue! Ps, As someone who worked in the public service in the 90s and 00's I can indeed confirm it's still much like how it was portrayed in the series.. 😂😂😂
You are of course right: "Darling" is the surname of the General's aide, which fact is naturally intended to cause amusing misunderstandings throughout the series. I have to say that, in contrast to some American commentators who have aired their opinions concerning various subjects, your obvious intelligence, educated outlook and general background knowledge all make a very welcome change. Your habit of quietly arriving at informed and perceptive conclusions sets a very enviable standard.
it's ok to use contemporary vernacular
@@earthwormandruw That's very funny (good work)
kevin darling
Watch the show.
You can watch season one if you want, but it's like a half-baked version of the final product.
They weren't quite sure what they were doing yet, they just had some ideas, but from season 2 onwards, it's in full stride and every episode is brilliant
I preferred the earlier series, particularly Lizzie 1 era.
come on s01 is fantastic :)
But didn't the first season have Brian Blessed?
@@nathandc and Peter Cook, and Miriam Margolyes
In the Australian Army (big fans of Blackadder S4), I worked with a Lt Love.
His life was hell in the officers mess.
I knew a retired Colonel, by the name of Ernest Stanley Law. When his name was written down it came out as ColESLaw.
Season 1 is worth watching, just because a sitcom set in 1485 England is a mad idea. But yes, the series hits its real stride from the very beginning of season 2 and everything is brilliant and perfect from then on. .
For the future, I'll also highly recommend 'Ripping Yarns' (produced/written/directed/acted by Michael Palin and Terry jones, of Monty Python fame). The theme of the series is that of "thrilling adventures for young boys" (as it were), each episode set in the late heyday of the British Empire (basically Victorian/Edwardian Era through to the 1920's). Episode titles include 'Roger of the Raj'. "Tomkinson's School Days" (which parodies 'Tom Brown's Schooldays, published in 1857), 'Escape From Stalag-luft 112b ( World War 1), 'Murder at Moorstone's Manor' , ( a 1920's 'Murder Mystery'), 'Across The Andes by Frog' and 'Golden Gordon' ( a tale of an obsessed soccer fan in the 1930's who persuades the retired members of a once successful local soccer team to take to the field once again). There are plenty of biting jokes about British Imperial Jingoism and social class in all of them).
"I have a cunning plan, sir!" Running gag of the century!
It's beet to watch all seasons.
Black Adder, Hogan's Heroes, Allo Allo! Brilliant shows I've seen that revolved around war. Any other show i didn't mention because I haven't seen them.
British comedy alway hits different! The Vicar Of Dibley is one of my favourites!
Dad's Army = one of my favs
If your curious about other British World War comedy series, there's "Dad's Army" about the Home Guard and "Allo Allo" about the French Resistance, both set during WW2 :D
I love Blackadder. Classic British comedy in general, but Blackadder's near the top of my list. Check out the Lord Flashheart clips featuring Rik Mayall. In fact, just look up Rik Mayall, everything he did was grand!
Highly recommend watching the all four seasons of Blackadder. The first season is considered the weakest but it does have a lot of good history jokes, almost worth it just for Brian Blessed chewing the scenery. Each season is set in a particular time period, the first is during the middle ages, 1485 and includes the battle of Bosworth field. A somewhat under the radar historical sitcom is Upstart Crow about Shakespeare played by David Mitchell also with writing from Ben Elton (who did a lot of writing for Blackadder).
Everyone say “skip series one”. But it’s not bad at all. It’s just very different. It’s not as good as the rest but it has some great moments.
The problem with series one is that, at least to me, it is a lot more serious with a lot less comedy. The first series didn't have Been Elton as a writer and I think this is why it didn't hit so hard comedy wise as all the other series.
Everyone says skip series one for a reason. It's very, very bizarre to watch as an introduction to the show and is simply not as funny as the others. Those few moments aren't worth the constant "wtf am I watching" that the first series induces.
First series is better than 3.
@kevinmcquillan5481 not in terms of its comedy. You can say the overall tone is more appealing, you can say you didn't like the absurdism in 3, but there are more jokes per page in 3, the jokes hit harder and are more accessible in 3, the characters are better written, better acted in 3, and, personally, watching Rowan Atkinson do that performance in series 1 really began to grate on my nerves after a while.
It can't have been bad, otherwise there wouldn't have been series two.
You gotta look at Captain Flashheart he is freaking crazy I love him Rick Mayhew I hope I spelled it right but he was on the show the brit show the young ones and played drop dead Fred in the movie
Sure, a lot of people think the first season is bad. But season 1 of Blackadder is just a little different than the rest. They had a real budget and filmed a lot outside instead of the sets they mostly used in season 2-4. They hadn't really found the format and made a lot of Shakespeare references as it is set in the middle ages, so it helps if you have heard of Richard III and Macbeth. And they used a lot of video that was new technology then and it looks pretty bad sometimes.
But it has Brian Blessed in a big role. That in itself makes it worth watching. "FRESH HORSES!"
In my opinion you will appreciate the whole series better if watching season one too.
You need to watch the full season. The season finale is hands down the best piece if television ever written
Definitely worth just watching these episodes one by one… DONT skip season one
Truly one of the greatest shows in British history. All 4 Blackadder's, they go through the ages. It really starts to heat up from Blackadder 2. Wonderful stuff, definitely great to see the reaction 😃
I vote for you just watch a full episode on the channel now and again.
I've never seen the show before right now and it would be fun to watch along with you, as it always is. You're insights, recall of info, and a whole lot more are "ahead of your years" I don't think it workes that way really but you get what I mean. You're awesome! Keep up the good work and I appreciate you. Much and one love to everyone.
I don't know if you don't know the actor or just didn't recognise him, he's very different back then, but George was played by Hugh Laurie, otherwise better known now for his role in House as Dr Gregory House. He had previously had a comedy sketch show with Stephen Fry (A Little Bit of Fry & Laurie) and I think they were/are best friends having been to Cambridge University together (they met through a mutual friend of theirs - Emma Thompson).
Thanks for saving me from writing (most) of that.
@@ThePelagicHermitTo me he's better known as Bertie Wooster in Jeeves & Wooster, since that's the first TV show I remember him from. I saw Black Adder too but I didn't pay much attention to the actors besides Rowan Atkinson, whom I recognized from Not The Nine O'clock News.
Just watch it!
As an Arsenal supporter, Nick Hornby's Fever Pitch is wonderful, the story of which ends the day I became a fan. Naturally being a music lover High Fidelity is also a gem. Pretty good movie adaptations too tbf.
Ooo! Depeche Mode! They were very hot in the 80s. I remember buying their albums back in High school.
This one episode is one of the greatest if not the greatest series ending of all time. And that's the opinion of just about everybody; who've seen it.
The last episode of Goes Fourth is one of the best and most touching episode of any series.
The entire Blackadder series is set in different centuries
Series 1 is set in the medieval period
Series 2 is set in the Elizabethan era
Series 3 Edwardian
And the 4th seed him in ww2 for the vast amount of us brits the last episode of series 4 is heartbreaking you will see why when you watch it
WW1....
If you haven't done Yes Minister or Yes Prime Minister yet then it's hilarious and still on point today. Plenty of clips on YT.
I haven’t yet, is it from this series?
No it's a show about the British political system and was written by two guys who were excellent writers and had a lot of access to whitehall when writing the show. @@NoProtocol
@@NoProtocol No, "Yes Minister" and "Yes Prime Minister" were nothing to do with Blackadder - they starred Paul Eddington as Jim Hacker, as firstly a government minister and latterly promoted to Prime Minister, together with Nigel Hawthorne as Sir Humphrey Appleby, a high ranking mandarin in the Civil Service. Highly recommended.
@@NoProtocolOne of Brirain's greatest comedies and the wordplay by Sir Nigel Hawthorne as " Sir Humphrey" is outstanding. We are talking about the 1980 Series onwards but not the awful 21st Century remake.
My favorite part of Blackadder is the "I'm scared, sir" scene. It's so real :D
You should really give the Blackadder series a view - even the first season (if only to compare and contrast the subsequent Seasons).
I also recommend watching the series Yes, Minister and Yes, Prime Minister. Those 5 seasons are a highpoint of intelligent comedy featuring the universal truths of the struggle between the ideas of politicians and the British Civil Services desire for status quo. I revisit many episodes just to hear the spectacular dialogue and experience the inner workings of a bureaucracy. Along the way I find that the series give a multitude of examples of situations I think are very representative of real life.
You would need to watch all seasons. They were fantastic. Fawlty Towers is another series.
fawlty tower episode where germans comes to customer is friking hilarious....
@@MKitchen75 Regrettably The Germans episode is now being heavily censored, the section where the Major discusses cricket and uses the terms
wogs and niggers is now omitted from repeats
Series one is great. It's set in Medieval England, and is a spoof of Shakespeare. The second season was in Elizabethan England, the third in the Regency, and then this one.
In each incarnation, Blackadder falls in the social ladder. He starts out as a younger prince, then a noble, then a high end royal servant, and in this one he's a working class soldier.
Nice to watch with someone bright enough to appreciate it. First aired in 89.
I would have to say the Dr Johnson and his dictionary episode, I think called Ink and Incapability is genius and a must watch, as are seasons 2-4. You can still watch season one but it's not a just, completely different in style, and not as funny, but with doubt for completeness. Been Elton didn't join the writing team until the second season and I think he really made the difference.
I'd recommend watching the entire show. Season 1 is on the sillier side, but still enjoyable (and they're only six episodes each, anyway). Every season is self-contained, so, it doesn't really matter where you begin. Just make sure you watch season 4 last. It has one of the most brilliant finales ever made.
I know you love humour and history,I've always liked this one..."my lack of knowledge for Greek mythology is my Achilles elbow".
My fave is season 3, set in the Georgian period (French Revolution, etc.), where he is the conniving butler to the Prince Regent (Hugh Laurie).
Please don't skip the first series, it is different and less polished then the later series' but is still very funny and as an added bonus has Brian Blessed as King Richard IV.
Satirical British books - you can't beat Tom Sharpe. Try the "Wilt" series. Easy reads. He almost creates a world that may mesh with ours, but not quite...you never quite know how the person beside you sees the world. He went to South Africa as a young man to teach & bye-and-bye was ejected for "consorting'. He took his revenge on the South African government of the time in a two-book series: Riotous Assembly and Indecent Exposure. The first is savagely satirical - but I think you might enjoy it. If not - it can always be put down.
Check out the british comedy TV series "Allo Allo", also from the 80s. It tells about the predicaments of a cafè owner in the german occupied part of France during WW2. At least as good as Blackadder, absolutely hilarious.
Another good "historical" comedy, but very different. I think the historical content is lower, perhaps because Allo Allo sticks to a shorter timeframe. It is a nice counterpart to Hogan's Heroes, which the writers were well aware of.
I recommend watching the series. My favourite is Season 4 (WW1) followed very closely by season 2 (Elizabeth 1st) and then Season 3. Season 1 which was set in the 1400's is my least favourite and I will advise watching last but still worth taking a look at it as it is a very different type of humour to the other seasons.
one of the smartest and funniest shows ever. this was from the 4th of 4 full series plus assorted special events. the first series is just as funny but the accents are sometimes harder to understand and it may be a challenge to find a good quality recording of it. another great series of the historical satire genre is *_"Upstart Crow",_* a sit-com on the day to day life of william shakespeare … not kidding. another absurd bbc comedy was "The Young Ones" for which there is no way to accurately describe. My book recommendation is typically "The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy"
The climax to the end of the show is timeless. One of the best British comedy has ever done. Very moving way to go out. I’d recommend the it crowd and Alan Partridge as our comedy highs.
the whole series is fantastic ,but i think the last episode of Blackadder Goes Forth is the most iconic correct Kasabian are an English band great video Thanks 😃
Geez some of the funniest episodes ever were in Season 1. Don't know why people are saying to skip it.
YES! s1e4- The Queen of Spain's Beard. Some of the funniest moments in tv history! 😅
DO NOT SKIP S01 !!!
Sad Truths about ww1 hits the nail on the head.
I'm going to go a lil off-road with my songs although they are British songs from that era.
These are the parade songs for The British Army and The Royal Navy.
Colonel Bogey March
Heart of Oak
It's well worth spending 30 minutes each episode with Edmund & Baldrick your be so glad you did
"Blackadder Is Court-Martialed" is a great one, in my opinion. It's a short clip though.
defenatly best to watch the full episodes im sure youll enjoy.
Blackadder is great but it massively shaped how people view WWI and the concept of "lions led by donkeys". There is a great video by the Imperial War Museum on YT that talks about this being a bit of a modern myth and how respected Field Marshall Haig actually was in his time. Well worth watching
"Black Adder " is the many lives of Edmond back adder form 1485 to 1916 each series is a different era of English history Richard the 3nd Elizabethan , Georgian and as you've seen the first world war . Based on the first world war try Motor head's "1916" heart breaking sad and very moving .
Thank you for this explanation!
@@NoProtocol BTW - did you spot 'House'?
I hope you've watched the rest of this series, at least. After watching the series, the closing scene is quite amazing.
On the issue of the first series, I never quite got into that, but then again I am not so steeped in UK history and thus I am sure to be missing 90% of the meaning.
Blackadder is a truly great program.
i'd love to watch your reactions for all seasons of Blackadder!
most people suggest skipping S1 because it's a completely different character played by Rowan Atkinson than the witty and sarcastic one that Blackadder is generally known for
Season 1 is my favorite season, as it deals with Richard III and the Battle of Bosworth Field, and feels something like a comical Macbeth, but seasons 2 and 4 are the best seasons. There's also a one off parody of Dickens' A Christmas Carol.
I think you would love Yes Minister and Yes Prime Minister, The Vicar of Dibley and Absolutely Fabulous for a start.
If you plan to watch the series, i strongly urge you to not start at season 4 (where these clips are from) but to start at season 2 instead, 1 is not bad, do not get me wrong, but the show came into a perfect groove from season 2 on.
And when you get to season 4 and it's progression, then this final season hits extra hard, especially that final episode.. which is seen as one of the best endings of a tv show ever, it leaves an impact. Truly one of the best comedy shows that the UK has given us.
I highly recommend the 1930 version of "Journey's End" available on UA-cam for more WW1 material.
The actor playing the soldier that was as excited as an excited person is Hugh Laurie, AKA Dr House.
Blackadder is indeed one of thre greatest comedy shows in history. It was a big part of my teenage years growing up. Please watch the entire series starting with season 1.
black adder the complete collection on dvd is worth owning. Also the thin blue line is very underrated , coupling is another great british tv series as well.
JRR Tolkien was at the battle of the Somme
Definitely watch more Blackadder. And, preferably on the channel. I think a lot of us would be interested in seeing your reaction to it. As other people have said, it's best to skip season one; you won't be missing anything of importance, if you do. Also, another British comedy worth watching is a series called 'Yes Minister'. If you like clever writing and top performances, you'll enjoy this one.
Definitely watch the whole thing, regardless of whether you do it on camera or by yourself.
It's from the 1980s. It was broadcast on the BBC. Each season is set in different historical periods. In season one we are introduced to Edmund Blackadder, Duke of Edinburgh, whose ambition is to take the crown. His servant is Baldrick, played by Tony Robinson. Season one is set in the late medieval period. In many ways the characters had not found their footing and it was not the best season. However, the BBC made others.
Season two is set in the time of Elizabeth I. Edmund Blackadder is a favoured courtier. Unfortunately the Queen randomly executes those who lose her favour.
Season three finds Blackadder as the butler to Prince George. This is the 18th century. Including appearances by Robbie Coltrane as Dr Johnson and Baldrick being elected to Parliament during a time of fraud and bribery.
Season four is set in the First World War. Mostly in trenches. He is mostly trying to avoid going over the top and death.
There was a Christmas special where Ebenzer Blackadder follows the plot of Dickens Christmas Carol.
The other actors involved were Stephen Fry, Hugh Lawrie (who played House on US TV), Rick Mayall and others.
It was comedy with a message.
Other comedy at the time includes Yes Minister and Yes Prime Minister, These series followed the relationship between a Cabinet Minister and his Civil Servants. In a comedic way it explains how the British Government works. You never find out which party the minister belongs to. Written by Anthony Jay and Jonathan Lynn. Jonathan Lynn also directed Hollywood movies. If memory serves he directed My Cousim Vinny with Joe Pesci.
Work of genius, start at the beginning (season one, it's a lot better than many give it credit for) You'll enjoy it, I'm sure.
You definitely should watch the whole show, whether on your channel or not. I definitely over watched the show when I was a teenager. Prince George in Blackadder the 3rd is my favorite character
Definitely start from BA2 and watch full episodes. BA3 and BA4 were absolutely fantastic
There are two seasons 1 and also special episodes. It's worth watching just to see Brian Blessed expressions. But humor there is quite thick, not for everyone. In a way its similar to Black Adder Goes Forth. Best and most clever skits are in season 2 and 3.
Each series is set in a different time period.
Series 1: The Black Adder - Middle Ages (and also not all that good)
Series 2: Blackadder II - Elizabethan era
Series 3: Blackadder the Third - Georgian era
Series 4: WWI
I love black adder really funny humor
I love Blackadder, but like a lot of 60s-80s WWI shows/ books it followed the idea that tactics never changed. In many ways, the Brits bigger problem was throwing new technologies into the fight before they were ready (in desperate attempts to reduce casualty numbers - many of the generals were horrified by the losses)
Yes. Definitely watch the show. Series 1 is not so good but season 2 onwards is bloody hilarious.
You have a good head for history so you'll love the ridiculousness of the banter and circumstances of each episode.
✌❤🇬🇧
Book wise, David Mitchell has a book called Unruly which covers the history of the English monarchs. Stephen Fry has a series of three on Greek Mythology called Mythos, Heroes and Troy. They are all available in audio format read by themselves. I thoroughly enjoyed all of them.
YES! PLEASE watch the whole series. Your friend was right - skip one, two is good, three is better, and four is a masterpiece. Instant subscription if you do this and yes, that is a bribe :) Could always try The Young Ones, too. And Spaced. I'll stop now....
As much as I would enjoy your reactions to all the Blackadder series, it seems a little selfish to deny you the fun of seeing them for yourself unencumbered. Perhaps you could watch them, then do a recap video with your thoughts accompanying some favorite clips? However you choose to proceed, I would suggest watching all of the series, it would be a sacriledge not to start at the beginning. Thanks for all your lovely videos, you're a delight!
Do the entire four series. Each series is set in a different era. You'll come to love the characters, and they are always funny.
if you like history then watch the lot from series 1, it starts in the elizabethan era and shows the development of Blackadder from then right through to the end of the first worl war. pay special attention to the last scenes of the last series, stopped us all in our tracks
This is the best one in my mind. Worth watching.
Music recommendation: "Do the Strand" by Roxy Music. For Blackadder, save season 1 for last.
skip season one!!??? That's the best place to start. Blackadder is a weak conniving prince in that one, with an incredible performance from Brian Blessed as the king. It is quite different to the other seasons, more farcical and even darker than 'Goes forth'.
The first season is important as, from high born status as crown prince, Blackadder's descendants get lower and lower on the food chain with each season. Much like the rest of British aristocracy.
Should you skip season 1?...No
Should you think about skipping season 1?...No
Should you listen to anyone who thinks you should skip season 1?...No
Is anyone who thinks skipping season 1 is a good idea a true Blackadder fan?...No
Blackadder season 1 is a very smart and funny spoof of Macbeth... er... I mean The Scottish Play.
Season 1 was fine, great historical jokes etc, but it was like the series was finding it's feet, and the roles of Blackadder and Baldrick are almost reversed, so in my opinion it never felt as natural as the later series.
For clips from series 4, "How did the war start?" is pretty funny.
A good book to look out for would be Goodbye to all that, by Rupert Graves, it deals with experiences in the trenches and his subsequent rehab for shell shock etc.
Another series of books that give a different perspective of war and it's effects on the individual, was written by Spike Milligan, a British comedian, starting with "Hitler My Part in his Downfall". Another who suffered from shell shock, some very funny anecdotes but also some very interesting views and thoughts on life depression and all sorts.
I hope I haven't burdened you too much with additional reading matter, lol.
Love your channel, intelligent, thought provoking whilst remaining neutral, proper adult entertainment.
I love the parallels between Blackadder and a Warhammer 40k character Ciaphas Cain (there's a whole book series on his adventures). Kind of failing upwards type of deal.
You're right, he's called Captain Darling - it's a running joke. Also agree, the first series of Blackadder is a skip. It was written by Richard Curtis and Rowan Atkinson, but Ben Elton joined from series 2. They didn't get the character right in the first season
Yes! Young Fry, young Laurie as well. Do you know / like / watch Qi?
Yes Darling... please watch the full series of Blackadder. It's totally worth your time going thru the ages..👍
I would suggest starting from series 2, not least for Miranda Richardson's bonkers portrayal of QE1.
please do the full series to the end trust me you will love it after that go watch seasons 2 and 3 in fact stop here and just start from season 2 onwards
It is a great series that one and worth watching the full Goes Forth. Especially the ending scene which for the show it was was very well done.
6:26 Among The Thugs sounds a lot like the film Green Street Hooligans with Elijah Wood
Haven’t heard of it, will look it up!
You should view Cunk on America.
Your smile makes the day a bit less shit
I’m so glad to read that, hope you’re feeling better (:
I used to watch Blackadder religously. Yes, it's definitely one where you need to watch whole episodes to keep up with the total story. ✌
Black Adder has a few seasons, each set in a different time period. The WWI season is well liked, but I enjoyed them all.
Season 1 wasn’t filmed like a four camera sitcom, it was shot like an action film, so they said “it looked like a million dollars, but cost a million pounds”, and they hadn’t found their format.
The whole of Black Adder is well worth it. It helps, but is not necessary, to be a little acquainted with British history. Some of the jokes and plots are of events of the times, each series jumps forward a few centuries to a later person in the Blackadder line. Series one is perhaps not as good, and the characters play different roles - Blackadder and servant Baldrick largely reverse intellects in later series.
Ben Elton (co-writer of comedies such as The Young Ones) has a WW1 era novel "The First casualty" that is really worth reading. It was a departure from absurdist comedy of things like Stark or This Other Eden.
It basically follows a conscientious objector police officer, but his objection is not against killing but only the war. He is therefore a criminal, as his objection is not one UK law permitted. Elton's other novels are worth a read as well, imo, but The First Casualty relates directly to WW1.
Two Brothers is a different take set in WW2 Germany and apparently leans heavily on real life events in his family without directly being based on them.
As for other TV comedies, on the more satirical note, requiring some understanding of the UK public service - Yes, Minister and sequel Yes, Prime Minister rank among the best written comedies of all time (1980s).
Obviously The Young Ones (early 1980s share student house with a touch of the ludicrous - very much alternative comedy of its day), Monty Python's Flying Circus (and the movies, 1970s), Fawlty Towers (John Cleese), Red Dwarf (not for everyone, being sci fi comedy, peaked in the 1990s), Men Behaving Badly (1990s, essentially the title is the "plot"), One Foot In the Grave (1990s)
The Goodies (1970s, almost live action warner brothers cartoon at times) has not aged well, but I still love it.
Keeping Up Appearances with the Bucket Woman. Maybe Spaced (Simon Pegg early 200s).
That lot should keep you going for a while.
You should watch a full show instead of just the clips, although they're fun, the context makes it great.
I honestly don't know how you fit all this in with all the other things you know. You'd be great in a pub quiz 😊
I watched Mr Bean as a kid. This is the first time am watching something from a show with him speaking.
I come here to learn something new and a see the beautiful smile 😊
The final episode of goes forth is very good and very moving. All the series of Blackadder are great except series 1. Definitely miss that one series 2 is great series 3 and 4 are brilliant.
If you like dark humour, you HAVE to watch the movie "Four Lions" at some point.