Settings      Click Here To Print



Blackadder Episode Guide

1 :01x01 - The Foretelling

First aired: Jun/15/1983
Writer: Richard Curtis, Rowan Atkinson
Director: Martin Shardlow
Guest star: Peter Benson (Henry VII), Barbara Miller (Regan), Peter Cook (King Richard III), Kathleen St. John (Goneril), Gretchen Franklin (Cordelia), Philip Kendall (Painter)

This is where is all begins; not only for the series, but also the entire legend that is 'Blackadder'.

It's the first battle of Edmund's post-pubescent years, and he has nearly missed it! But luckily for him, he makes it in time to have an impact on the outcome of the day; indeed an impact that will continue to haunt him. Furthermore, his self-perceived diabolical cunning leads him to new found nomenclature.



2 :01x02 - Born to Be King

First aired: Jun/22/1983
Writer: Rowan Atkinson, Richard Curtis
Director: Martin Shardlow
Guest star: David Nunn (Messenger), Martin Soan (2nd Wooferoonie), Martin Clarke (Sir Dominick Prique of Stratford), Malcolm Hardee (3rd Wooferoonie), Angus Deayton (Jumping Jew of Jerusalem), Alex Norton (McAngus, Duke of Argyll), Joolia Cappleman (Celia, Countess of Cheltenham)

King Richard goes on a crusade against the Turks and leaves Harry as Regent, which Edmund strongly resents. After a year has passed, word arrives that the King will return for the Feast of St. Leonard, and it's up to Edmund to prepare the frolics; but Edmund plans something a little more cunning.



3 :01x03 - The Archbishop

First aired: Jun/29/1983
Writer: Richard Curtis, Rowan Atkinson
Director: Martin Shardlow
Guest star: Leslie Sands (Lord Graveney), Arthur Hewlett (Godfrey, Archbishop of Canterbury/William, Bishop of London), Roy Evans (Abel, A Peasant), Bert Parnaby (Cain, A Peasant), David Nunn (Messenger), Carolyn Colquhoun (Sister Sara), Russell Enoch (The Duke of Winchester), Bill Wallis (Sir Justin de Boinod), David Delve (Sir George de Boeuf), Joyce Grant (Mother Superior), Paul McDowell (Herbert, Archbishop of Canterbury)

The Archbishop of Canterbury is at odds with the King; but then , as luck would have it, he meets with an accident! Now, he needs to be replaced by someone who is malleable and easily controlled. Rumour has it that the King is considering appointing his own son, but which one?



4 :01x04 - The Queen of Spain's Beard

First aired: Jul/06/1983
Writer: Rowan Atkinson, Richard Curtis
Director: Martin Shardlow
Guest star: Stephen Tate (Lord Chiswick), Richard Mitchley (2nd Messenger), Willoughby Goddard (Archbishop), David Nunn (3rd & 4th Messengers), Howard Lew Lewis (Mr. Applebottom), Kenn Wells (1st Messenger), Jim Broadbent (Don Speekingleesh, An Interpreter), Miriam Margolyes (Infanta Maria Escalosa of Spain), Jane Freeman (Mrs. Applebottom), John Rapley (Rev. Lloyd), Harriet Keevil (Lady on Ramparts), Natasha King (Princess Leia of Hungary)

For the sake of diplomacy, the King must have a royal wedding between one of his sons and the Spanish Infanta. The trouble is that Henry is already engaged to seven princesses (and one prince); so they must rely on Edmund to marry her. Edmund is more than eager . . . that is, until he sees her!



5 :01x05 - Witchsmeller Pursuivant

First aired: Jul/13/1983
Writer: Richard Curtis, Rowan Atkinson
Director: Martin Shardlow
Guest star: Barbara Miller (Jane Kirkettle), Richard Murdoch (Ross, A Lord), Frank Finlay (The Witchsmeller Pursuivant), Mark Arden (Anon, A Peasant), Louise Gold (Mrs. Tyler, A Goodwife), Perry Benson (Daft Red, A Peasant), Sarah Thomas (Mrs. Field, A Goodwife), Peter Schofield (Kife, A Lord), Roy Evans (Dumb Abel, A Peasant), Natasha King (Princess Leia), Valentine Dyall (Angus, A Lord), Bert Parnaby (Dim Cain, A Peasant), Forbes Collins (Dopey Jack, A Peasant), Stephen Frost (Soft, A Guard), Howard Lew Lewis (Piers, A Yeoman), Patrick Duncan (Officer, An Officer)

The King has fallen ill and there is something evil in the air, perhaps witchcraft. At least, that is everyone but Blackadder's perception. A 'witchsmeller' is brought in to find and bring to justice the perpetrators using his own brand of methodology and logic.



6 :01x06 - The Black Seal

First aired: Jul/20/1983
Writer: Richard Curtis, Rowan Atkinson
Director: Martin Shardlow
Guest star: Forbes Collins (Trusting Father), Patrick Allen (Sir Philip of Burgundy/The Hawk), Roy Evans (Abel, A Blind Beggar), Paul Brooke (Friar Bellows), Des Webb (Person of Unrestricted Growth), Patrick Malahide (Guy of Glastonbury), Big Mick (Jack Large), Ron Cook (Sean, The Irish Bastard), Bert Parnaby (Cain, A Blind Beggar), John Barrard (Retired Morris Dancer), Roger Sloman (Three Fingered Pete), Rik Mayall (Mad Gerald (Credited as 'Himself')), Perry Benson (Pigeon Vendor), John Hallam (Sir Wilfred Death), John Carlisle (Murdered Lord)

After King Richard IV takes away Prince Edmund's title of Duke of Edinburgh, he recruits the six most evil men in the land to take the crown by force.



7 :02x01 - Bells

First aired: Jan/09/1986
Writer: Richard Curtis, Ben Elton
Director: Mandie Fletcher
Guest star: Barbara Miller (Wise Woman), Sadie Shimmin (Young Crone), Gabrielle Glaister (Bob/Kate), Rik Mayall (Flashheart), Edward Jewesbury (Kate's Father), John Grillo (Dr. Leech)

Blackadder's in love! Unfortunately for him, it's with a boy! As soon as a young 'man' comes looking for work in Blackadder's service, there's an instant – almost electric – connection between them; but soon, Blackadder feels the turmoil of confusion getting increasingly unbearable.



8 :02x02 - Head

First aired: Jan/16/1986
Writer: Ben Elton, Richard Curtis
Director: Mandie Fletcher
Guest star: Bill Wallis (Gaoler Ploppy), Linda Polan (Mrs. Ploppy), Patrick Duncan (Earl Farrow), Holly De Jong (Lady Farrow)

The Lord High Executioner has died, and now he must be replaced; all eyes, or especially Melchett's, turn to Lord Blackadder to fill the post. Soon, Blackadder wants to make some adjustments in order to free him up of time; the trouble is, however, he hasn't asked the Queen's permission!



9 :02x03 - Potato

First aired: Jan/23/1986
Writer: Richard Curtis, Ben Elton
Director: Mandie Fletcher
Guest star: Tom Baker (Captain Redbeard Rum), Simon Jones (Sir Walter Raleigh)

Sir Walter Raleigh is back from a voyage and has brought with him tales, treasure, and most importantly glory. This all wins him the favour of the Queen, putting Blackadder's nose out of joint. In order to win back favour, he decides to sail around the Cape of Good Hope.



10 :02x04 - Money

First aired: Feb/05/1986
Writer: Ben Elton, Richard Curtis
Director: Mandie Fletcher
Guest star: Lesley Nicol (Mrs. Pants), Tony Aitken (Mad Beggar), Cassie Stuart (Mollie), Barry Craine (Mr. Pants), Piers Ibbotson (Messenger), Philip Pope (Leonardo Acropolis), John Pierce Jones (Arthur the Sailor), Ronald Lacey (Bishop of Bath and Wells)

It's exactly one year ago to the day that Blackadder took out a loan from a bank that's motto is, 'Repayment or Revenge.' Unfortunately, Blackadder hasn't the money and has until the evening to come up with it . . . or else; if only he could come up with a cunning plan!



11 :02x05 - Beer

First aired: Feb/13/1986
Writer: Ben Elton, Richard Curtis
Director: Mandie Fletcher
Guest star: Hugh Laurie (Simon Partridge), William Hootkins (Monk), Miriam Margolyes (Lady Whiteadder), Daniel Thorndike (Lord Whiteadder), Roger Blake (Geoffrey Piddle)

Blackadder finds himself in hot water when his boasting about his capacity to drink – compared to that of Melchett – is called into question, and challenged to be proven! Two problems: 1) Blackadder can’t drink; and 2) He’s expecting his fervently religious aunt and uncle, the Whiteadders, for dinner, in order to discuss his inheritance.



12 :02x06 - Chains

First aired: Feb/20/1986
Writer: Ben Elton, Richard Curtis
Director: Mandie Fletcher
Guest star: Max Harvey (Torturer), Mark Arden (1st Guard), Lee Cornes (2nd Guard), Hugh Laurie (Prince Ludwig)

The 'master of disguise' has designs on killing the Queen and taking her place. In order to gain information, he captures Blackadder and Melchett, keeping them for ransom, and having his evil way with them. Can Blackadder come up with a cunning plan to save not only himself, but also the monarchy?



13 :03x01 - Dish and Dishonesty

First aired: Sep/17/1987
Writer: Ben Elton, Richard Curtis
Director: Mandie Fletcher
Guest star: Dominic Martelli (Pitt the Even Younger), Geoffrey McGivern (Ivor Biggun), Simon Osborne (Pitt the Younger), Denis Lill (Sir Talbot Buxomly), Vincent Hanna (Mr. Vincent Hanna, his own great great great grandfather)

There is a crisis in the palace! There is a motion in parliament to strike Prince George from the Civil List, and if successful would bankrupt him. Blackadder uses his cunning to try to save the Prince as well as line his own pockets.



14 :03x02 - Ink and Incapability

First aired: Sep/24/1987
Writer: Richard Curtis, Ben Elton
Director: Mandie Fletcher
Guest star: Lee Cornes (Shelley), Steve Steen (Byron), Jim Sweeney (Coleridge), Robbie Coltrane (Dr. Samuel Johnson)

Prince George wants to prove to everyone that he's brilliant, and so he wants to patronise and befriend Dr. Samuel Johnson: the author of the most famous dictionary of the era. Blackadder is against the idea and tries to sabotage the affair; that is until he learns he could benefit from it!



15 :03x03 - Nob and Nobility

First aired: Oct/01/1987
Writer: Ben Elton, Richard Curtis
Director: Mandie Fletcher
Guest star: Tim McInnerny (Lord Topper/Le Comte de Frou-Frou), Nigel Planer (Lord Smedley), Chris Barrie (Revolutionary)

It's 'all things French' for this episode of Blackadder as everyone is just crazy about the Scarlet Pimpernel! Everyone, that is, except Blackadder. When Blackadder is challenged to sneak an aristocrat out of Revolutionary France, he accepts; only, he plans to use his cunning more than his bravery to win the challenge.



16 :03x04 - Sense and Senility

First aired: Oct/08/1987
Writer: Ben Elton, Richard Curtis
Director: Mandie Fletcher
Guest star: Hugh Paddick (Keanrick), Ben Elton (Anarchist), Kenneth Connor (Mossop)

With threats on the Prince's life a worrying reality, Blackadder decides to write a speech to show the masses how sensitive he is. Much to the chagrin of Blackadder, Prince George has a novel idea: have a couple of actors give him elocution lessons.



17 :03x05 - Amy and Amiability

First aired: Oct/15/1987
Writer: Richard Curtis, Ben Elton
Director: Mandie Fletcher
Guest star: Roger Avon (The Duke of Cheapside), Barbara Thorne (Sally Cheapside), Warren Clarke (Mr. Hardwood), Miranda Richardson (Amy Hardwood/The Shadow)

Prince George is broke, and it's time for Blackadder to fix him up with a rich bride. If that doesn't work, there's always Baldrick's plan of becoming a highwayman.



18 :03x06 - Duel and Duality

First aired: Oct/22/1987
Writer: Ben Elton, Richard Curtis
Director: Mandie Fletcher
Guest star: Gertan Klauber (King George III), Stephen Fry (The Duke of Wellington)

After the Prince sleeps with the Duke of Wellington's Daughter, The 'Iron' Duke challenges him to a duel. Unwilling to die, he employs Blackadder, who has a cunning plan, to secretly replace him in the duel. Blackadder, of course, has no intention of duelling.



Blackadder's Christmas Carol

First aired: Dec/23/1988
Writer: Richard Curtis, Ben Elton
Director: Richard Boden
Guest star: Rowan Atkinson (Ebenezer Blackadder), Tony Robinson (Mr Baldrick), Stephen Fry (Lord Melchett / Lord Frondo), Hugh Laurie (Prince George / Lord Pigmot / Narrator), Miranda Richardson (Queen Elizabeth I / Queen Asphyxia XIX), Patsy Byrne (Nursie / Bernard), Jim Broadbent (Prince Albert), Robbie Coltrane (Spirit of Christmas), Miriam Margolyes (Queen Victoria), Pauline Melville (Mrs. Scratchit), Nicola Bryant (Millicent), Erkan Mustafa (Enormous Orphan), Ramsay Gilderdale (Ralph), David Nunn (Enormous Orphan), David Barber (Enormous Orphan), Denis Lill (Beadle), Philip Pope (Lord Nelson)

A parody of Charles Dickens' Christmas Carol, the story focusses on a kind and generous Blackadder who is visited by the Spirit of Christmas. Upon seeing how much better life would be for him and his descendants if he were a nasty, selfish person, he transforms into the Blackadder we know and love.



Blackadder - The Cavalier Years

First aired: Feb/05/1988
Writer: Ben Elton, Richard Curtis
Guest star: Rowan Atkinson (Sir Edmund Blackadder), Tony Robinson (Baldrick), Stephen Fry (King Charles I), Warren Clarke (Oliver Cromwell), Harry Enfield (Narrator)



21 :04x01 - Captain Cook

First aired: Sep/28/1989
Writer: Ben Elton, Richard Curtis
Director: Richard Boden

Captain Blackadder begins to suspect that they're about to go over the top of the trenches for a big push against the Germans. When General Melchett summons Blackadder, he's told about a position as an army artist; Blackadder sees it as a golden opportunity.



22 :04x02 - Corporal Punishment

First aired: Oct/05/1989
Writer: Ben Elton, Richard Curtis
Director: Richard Boden
Guest star: Stephen Frost (Corporal Jones), Jeremy Hardy (Corporal Perkins), Lee Cornes (Private Fraser), Paul Mark Elliott (Private Robinson), Jeremy Gittins (Private Tipplewick)

After neglecting a phone call and a telegram – both ordering the troops to advance on the enemy at once – a carrier pigeon is sent to their trench. Unknown to Blackadder it’s not just any pigeon, rather, it’s Speckled Jim: General Mechett’s hand-reared childhood pet. Believing it to be just a pigeon, Blackadder makes a meal of it. Thank God killing carrier pigeons isn’t a 'court-marshallable' offence . . . or is it?



23 :04x03 - Major Star

First aired: Oct/12/1989
Writer: Ben Elton, Richard Curtis
Director: Richard Boden
Guest star: Gabrielle Glaister (Driver 'Bob' Parkhurst)

Melchett has a plan to quash the wave of Bolshevism flooding Europe and the army: a concert party! Blackadder is at first repulsed by the idea; that is, until he hears that – if successful – it will be taken to the London Palladium, at which time, he's leaping at the opportunity to direct it.



24 :04x04 - Private Plane

First aired: Oct/19/1989
Writer: Ben Elton, Richard Curtis
Director: Richard Boden
Guest star: Hugo E. Blick (Lieutenant von Gerhardt), Adrian Edmondson (Baron von Richthoven), Rik Mayall (Squadron Commander Lord Flasheart), Gabrielle Glaister (Driver Parkhurst)

Squadron Commander Lord Flasheart crash-lands into the trenches, and while waiting for a driver to pick him up, he mentions the Royal Flying Corps. The guys decide to join the '20 minuters' for a cushier lifestyle. Indeed, no one told them the truth behind the name!



25 :04x05 - General Hospital

First aired: Oct/26/1989
Writer: Richard Curtis, Ben Elton
Director: Richard Boden
Guest star: Miranda Richardson (Nurse Mary Fletcher-Brown), Bill Wallis (Brigadier Smith)

After George is injured and sent to hospital, Blackadder is called upon by General Melchett and charged with the task of sniffing out a spy that has been traced to somewhere within the same hospital. Captain Darling is put in charge of covertly monitoring Blackadder's mission.



26 :04x06 - Goodbyeee

First aired: Nov/02/1989
Writer: Ben Elton, Richard Curtis
Director: Richard Boden
Guest star: Geoffrey Palmer (Field Marshal Douglas Haig)

The call finally comes informing the troops that they are to go over the top the very next morning. Blackadder then makes a few last ditch efforts to get out of it. Meanwhile, he, Baldrick, and George start reminiscing about their past as their fate looms ahead.



Blackadder: Back & Forth

First aired: Dec/31/1999
Writer: Richard Curtis, Ben Elton
Director: Paul Weiland
Guest star: Rowan Atkinson (Lord Edmund Blackadder / Centurion Blackaddicus), Tony Robinson (Baldrick / Legionary Baldricus), Tim McInnerny (Archdeacon Darling / Duc de Darling / Duke of Darling), Stephen Fry (Archbishop Flavius Melchett / Lord Melchett / The Duke of Wellington / General Melchecus), Hugh Laurie (Viscount George Bufton-Tufton / Georgius), Miranda Richardson (Lady Elizabeth / Queen Elizabeth I), Rik Mayall (Robin Hood), Kate Moss (Maid Marian/Queen Marian of Sherwood), Jennie Bond (Herself)

Starting out at a dinner table on December 31, 1999, Blackadder attempts to defraud his cohorts of £10,000 each by having Baldrick build a fake time machine. Unfortunately, the time machine works and the pair end up face-to-face with a Tyrannosaurus Rex. Trying to get home, they stop off a number at a number of times, including the Battle of Waterloo and Roman Britain.