Review: The Black Adder: The Foretelling and Born to Be King

The Black Adder, Episode One - The Foretelling

Blackadder is one of the big greats of British comedy, written by Rowan Atkinson and Richard Curtis, it takes a fun look at history with a satirical eye and a brilliant manner.
     But where did it all begin? In this wonderful episode, we learn the basics surrounding the alternate history that the show presents, in which the Battle of Bosworth Field was won by Richard III, but he had his head chopped off by his nephew, Edmund (Rowan Atkinson). Edmund's father (Brilliant Brian Blessed) then becomes King, leaving him Prince Regent. Along the way he nurses a man back to health (Who turns out to be Henry Tudor) and plans to become the king of England.
     It's a very funny episode, that seemlessly and hilariously introduces the basics. In this series in particular we see the dynamic; The Black Adder (Edmund) and his trusty servants Baldrick (Tim Robinson) and Lord Percy (Tim Mcinnery). Edmund and Percy are stupid; Baldrick is unfortunate but more cunning. This would evolve as the series went on.

The Black Adder, Episode Two - Born to Be King

 We get to see a lot more of Edmund's innate cunning here, but also his power-madness. He will go on ramges against those he dislikes despite it interfering with his ultimate plans, and his companions' pandering to his needs goes unnoticed.
       In this episode, King Richard (IV) has gone off to the crusades, leaving Edmund and his brother to ook after the castle. Upon his immenent return there arrives a mad scotman that Edmund loaths, although he has some information that Edmund might need...
     This series so far is witty and brilliant, not sparing the blood and guts to make the comedy work. Another excellent episode.

Thanks.