Review: Blackadder: Back and Forth

A veritable masterpiece. A mediocre attempt at comedy. A steaming pile of horse manure. All of these descriptions come close to describing Blackadder's Millenium Special, Back and Forth. I simply can't decide whether to love this special or hate it, because despite it's rather simple premise it manages to be incredibly devisive in quality...
      The modern-day Blackadder is hosting a Millenium dinner party for his friends (of course played by Richardson, Fry, Laurie and McCinnery). As usual, he intends to scam his guests, instructing Baldrick to create a fake Time Machine from some plans by Leonardo Da Vinci. He bets his guests that he can get several items from history, and, using props, plans to reap in £30,000.
     However, Blackadder's plan doesn't go quite right and it turns out that Baldrick has constructed a working time machine. In their attempts to get home, Blackadder meets dinosaurs, gives Elizabeth I a Polo mint, punches William Shakespeare (Colin Firth, everybody), kills Robin Hood (wooing Maid Marion - played by model Kate Moss), accidentally kills the Duke of Wellington at the Battle of Waterloo, and then visit Hadrian's Wall in the Roman Period. When they finally return home, they find that no-one has heard of Shakespeare or Robin Hood, and that the country is French. Blacky goes back and fixes all of his mistakes, and then changes a few more things to become King Edmund III.
     Everything is done with a good sense of fun to preceedings, with a jolly few references to the original series, but it's not as interconnected as I would have liked. The Duke of Wellington, for example, is a vastly different character to the Wellington satirically portrayed in Blackadder III - it would have been so easy to insert a quick "Baaugh!", as is characteristic of Fry characters, just to have a slim connection to that earlier portrayl.
     The humour also seems to have jumped down a notch. Scatological and rascist humour in the original series was done with some historical context in mind, and things were usually kept as realistic as was possible on the budget. Following the Inverse Law of Budget and Quality, the jokes regarding Baldrick's disgusting habits (his revolting underwear and Tony Robinson's bare arse) and the constant bashing of the French ("They call us pansies, and whoopsies, and big-girl's blouses!" "But we are, Monsieur President. We will be killed the moment we mince up the hill") feel a little tasteless and wrong, if the latter are a little entertaining.
     Nevertheless, it does a decent job of bringing the series to a final and satisfying end, and for that I must give it credit. Blackadder has been one of the greats in British Comedy, beaten only, in my opinion, by the likes of Monty Python and in some places Red Dwarf. I've enjoyed my Blackadder marathon, and I hope you have too. Thanks for reading.

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Opinion: Blackadder Ramble

I just thought I'd have a little ramble about Blackadder. Do excuse me.
    After doing a Marathon, it's resoundingly clear to me that Blackadder III is by far the most refined and thus funniest of the series. Hugh Laurie is a much better third man than Tim McCinnery was previous, as well as this being the most ruthless Blackadder. It's also the only "lucky" Blackadder - in the end, he becomes King.
      The Black Adder is funny but in a far different way, relying more on Atkinson's comedy tropes to pull the laughs. The characterisation wasn't that slick and there wasn't a consistant stream of laughs as their is in later series, but I suppose the higher overall budget means that there's a good aesthetic.
      Blackadder II was a vast improvement, but his pandering to Queenie kept some of his more pathetic and petty nature. This made the character of Queenie far more interesting in the long run. Nevertheless, Ben Elton's fast-paced scripts make it the second-best.
      Blackadder Goes Forth borders at times on Anvillicious propoganda; released, of course, on the 70th Anniversary of the Armistice, its jokes on the First World War feel somewhat bittersweet and distasteful, especially when one considers how close the subject is to a great many people, and the number of deaths involved. Despite this, the areas where it isn't hammering down anti-war sentiments are just as fast-paced and witty as before. One noticable problem is a little bit of self parody; a new over-reliance on the similie gag, as well as slapstick, that begins to tire. The supposed educational value of Goodbyeeee..., and thus its overuse in the classroom, means that I can't watch it any more.
      Moving on to the Specials, and the shining lead is Blackadder's Christmas Carol, which captures the fun spirit of Blackadders II and III in a topical mood. The Cavalier Years is fun, and Steven Fry is especially good, but it isn't overly interesting. Back and Forth, on the other hand, is a bastardisation of the series. The rule that states Higher Budget = Lower Quality certainly applies, with more focus being placed on scatological and generally racist humour than to any sort of vocal wit.

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Overview: Blackadder Goes Forth

"I, on the other hand, am a fully rounded human being, with a degree from the University of Life, a diploma from the School of Hard Knocks, and three gold stars from the Kindergarten of Getting the Shit Kicked Out of Me."

1988 was a sombre year. The 70th Anniversary of the Armistice of WWI, and the nation was focussed on the War. So what better era for the fourth series of Blackadder to cover? Blackadder Goes Forth is very strongly written, with powerful satire and near-constant gags. However, the rather sombre, and recent, nature of the war makes the whole thing a bit bittersweet...
     Captain Blackadder heads a small area on the Western front. He's bitter, slightly twisted and a genius realist. He's fought in wars before, and seems to recognise early on the stupidity and pointlessness of Trench Warfare. This disdain is furthered by his two lower ranks, George (Hugh Laurie, playing a toned-down version of his Prince) and Baldrick (even more stupid, but in a seemingly recognisable way - a bit more genre savvy.) Heading up the ranks, in an office 30 miles from the front, are General Melchett (Steven Fry, again a toned down Wellington) and Captain Darling (Tim McInnery, from TBA and BAII).
     What with the closeness of the subject matter, nearly every gag is a push on the First World War. And it does start to wear down - my favourite episode of this series is General Hospital, which relies less on these types of jokes. It is no doubt well-written, stirring stuff; a piece of art in itself, but for me it doesn't spring towards to fun mix that Blackadder has always had. It's funny. It's very funny. But it's a little bit of an aquired taste.
     The thing most remembered about this later series is the ending, which was broadcast on November 11. It was very sombre, ending on a field of poppies. It's considered one of the most touching endings to a series in British television history, but I don't agree. It seems a little bitter to me; I find the end to be clumsily done and so far away from what this series represents - taking a satirical but poignant look at the First World War, while advancing the characters to their most powerful.
     But fear not, dear gentlemen, for the story of the dynasties of Blackadder is not yet finished. Next week I make one final review, to the Millenium special, Blackadder Back and Forth.

Review: Blackadder's Christmas Carol

"Going to buy some cake for your silver haired mother?"
"Nah, sod that. I'm off to the gin shop."
AND
"What can I do with a girl that I can't do with you, Blackadder?"
"I cannot conceive, sir." 

B'sCC is a subversion of both the traditional Christmas Carol and of Blackadder itself. The series' works well to skew the concept into something funny and thoughtful, as well as adding an outing for some excellent guest stars. It's the total opposite of what Christmas should be, and that's why is is absolutely perfect.
     Ebenezeer Blackadder has reached the lowest point in the dynasty - a small shop owner, and the nicest man in England. He gives droves of money to charity, and at Christmas he gives away everything he has to the people around him, who abuse his generosity. For example, all of the "orphans" are obese, and "Tiny Tim" weighs fifteen stone. Baldrick serves, as always, and seems to have a little more common sense than usual in acting out the real problems with Ebenezeer's giving nature. In the night, Blackadder is visited by a spirit, played by Hagrid from the Harry Potter films.
     After realising that Eb. doesn't need any help to be good, he become curious. Reluctantly, the Spirit shows him Christmasses from BAII and BAIII, giving us welcome cameos from Miranda Richardson, Steven Fry and Hugh Laurie, as well as Atkinson getting to stretch his acting muscles again. Eventually, we get to see the future - if Blackadder remains good, then his family will become slaves to the Baldricks. If he becomes bad, his ancestors will rule the universe.
     It's a lovely look at the nature of Series II - III, and its lovely. It's a Christmas staple now, and good for it. A strange time of year to review it, for sure, but it takes place in a chronological order. Very soon (as in, just after this review) I take a look at the much deeper and darker tale told by Blackadder Goes Forth.

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Overview: Blackadder III

"I don't know what went wrong. I lied, bribed the press and threatend the electorate. I don't know what else a good politician can do." - Pitt, the Even Younger

BAIII is a tad darker than its previous incarnations, although it still keeps the firm sense of comedy about preceedings. The comedy delves further into more intellectual comedy, covering more gritty situations with deeper themes and a more ruthless Blackadder. It also featured several cast changes in the main trio, as well as an advance of setting, to the more advanced Napoleonic Era, covering many historical topics such as: Rotton Buroughs, the War with France, the First Dictionary, the Scarlet Pimpernel and Duelling.
     Hugh Laurie plays a stereotypical Prince George (III), cared for and often outwitted by his butler E. Blackadder Equire. This Edmund is ruthless, witty and sometimes murderous - he has killed at least five people by the series' end. Baldrick is mostly the same as his predecessor, except his "cunning plans" are even more insane. In the supporting cast, Mrs. Miggins is a nice addition and balances the males.
     It's strange in that the more ruthless approach and sophisticated comedy actually makes Blackadder III funnier; the comedy here balances on Blackadder's reactions to the world rather than what cause those reactions, as in Blackadder II. The characters are deeper and the comedy more advanced for it.
     Coming to the guest stars this series, and I was very happy with Episode 3, which featured a cameo from CHRIS BARRIE. Anyone at least familiar with this blog will understand Barrie's skillful voice and delivery, and he steals the episode. Note that this was a year before Red Dwarf - Barrie shining through to BBC Comedy before Dwarf had begun. Elsewhere, there are cameos by TimMcinnery (Percy Percy from TBA and BAII) and Steven Fry as Waterloo.
     This is an oddity, as one of the two-out-of-six Blackadders that actually win. A moral of the series on the whole; the most ruthless Blackadder of them all becomes King of England. Next week I go on a festive outing in Victorian England, with Blackadder's Christmas Carol.

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Review: Blackadder: The Cavalier Years

"Baldrick, your brain is like the four-headed man-eating haddock-fish beast of Aberdeen. It doesn't exist."

I post so rarely nowadays, Blackadder is a nice treat. The Cavalier Years was a Comic Relief Special, set in the period after the English Civil War. It had its own Edmund, its own Baldrick and a low budget, reusing sets from Blackadder III. Steven Fry also stars as Charles I.
     Atkinson doesn't really get much oppurtunity to develop this Blackadder, but through his efforts, he can be seen as a cross between Blackadders II and III - constantly pandering to their monarch, but at the same time outwitting them in a near-murderous fashion. It marks a progression between the two, and I like watching this between those two series. Fry's Charles I is also a good character design, although it's a clear pastiche of the current Prince of Wales - and a good one, at that.
     The plot basically surrounds Blackadder trying to avoid the Roundheads and save Charles' life. Baldrick accidentally becomes his excecutioner in the process. The episode was for an audience already accustommed to the with of Series II and III, and so it's packed with brilliant one-liners (see quote).
     Overall, it's funny, and that's what matters. It acts as a decent enough homage to that particular era, and its Blackadder III ideas makes it a great piece to watch beforehand. On Saturday, I go forward a few hundred years to a Butler, E. Blackadder Esquire, in Blackadder III.

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Overview: Blackadder II

"It isn't every day a man wakes up to find that he's a screaming bender with no more right to live on God's clean earth than a weasel. Ashamed of yourself?" - The Apocathary, Bells

After The Black Adder, the budget for the series was cut due to low viewing figures. Changes had to be made, and anyone that's read my Red Dwarf reviews will understand why they were for the better. More focus on writing and continuity made the show completely different - and certainly more laugh-out-loud that its predecessor. The series was now written with Ben Elton instead of Rowan Atkinson, and the loss of his slapstick nonsense meant that finally all of the humour came from the dialogue or the plot.
    We now find Edmund's grandson (The Black Adder had a child?), his surname incorporating his grandson's nickname. Unlike the stupidity of his relative, Edmund here is the far superior intellect when compared with the now repulsive Baldrick and Lord Percy. He is quite charming and witty, but is constantly pandering to the needs of Queen Elizabeth. Baldrick, on the other hand, has become the epitome of filth.
     The series has a good variety of episodes and themes, with a seemless introduction in Bells and a suitable finale in Chains. The new cast additions are of high quality as well - actors returning in later series include Steven Fry, Miranda Richardson (here playing the hysterically mad Queen Elizabeth), and Rik Mayall. The two most prominent guests are Tom Baker (the Fourth Doctor) and Hugh Laurie, who would later play a recurring part in later series.
     Overall Blackadder II is much funnier than it's predecessor, with better writing, character design and certainly a more interesting setting. Next week I follow Edmund's similarly named grandson, Edmund, in the Comic Relief Special, Blackadder - The Cavalier Years.

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Overview: The Black Adder

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The Black Adder is a different and distinctive comedy. It varies greatly from the next three series in both budget and characterisation, and, as is typical, this made the show much better. Despite that, BA1 is still entertaining and funny - just a different form of humour.
     Rowan Atkinson tends to prefer physcial comedy to witty speech, as seen in his Mr. Bean roles, and his influence on the writing team really shows. This is the only series in which assistant Baldrick, played by Tony Robinson, acts as the more intelligent and witty of the two. This dynamic would later serve to form the core of the series' comedy.
     Also unique to this series was the role of Brian Blessed, who added a violent sense of fun. BA1 never had a subtle delivery, and it seems fitting that the stereotypically loud Blessed be cast as King Richard (IV). Along with this greater focus on visual styles, the bigger budget meant that sets and shots were often large and extravangant - something that didn't necessarily improve the quality of the comedy.
     Overall, it's quite a fun watch, taking a mixture of farce, historical in-jokes and political satire to decent direction and large amounts of research. Low viewing figures led to Blackadder II being given a much lower buget, and thus the Blackadder that we know was born. Join me next Thursday when I review Blackadder II.

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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.

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