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Blackadder Episode Guide

1 :01x01 - The Foretelling

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

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: Joolia Cappleman (Celia, Countess of Cheltenham), Angus Deayton (Jumping Jew of Jerusalem), Alex Norton (McAngus, Duke of Argyll), Martin Clarke (Sir Dominick Prique of Stratford), David Nunn (Messenger), Malcolm Hardee (3rd Wooferoonie), Martin Soan (2nd Wooferoonie)

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: Bill Wallis (Sir Justin de Boinod), Joyce Grant (Mother Superior), Arthur Hewlett (Godfrey, Archbishop of Canterbury/William, Bishop of London), Paul McDowell (Herbert, Archbishop of Canterbury), Russell Enoch (The Duke of Winchester), David Delve (Sir George de Boeuf), Carolyn Colquhoun (Sister Sara), David Nunn (Messenger), Bert Parnaby (Cain, A Peasant), Leslie Sands (Lord Graveney), Roy Evans (Abel, A Peasant)

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

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

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

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: Gabrielle Glaister (Bob/Kate), Sadie Shimmin (Young Crone), Barbara Miller (Wise Woman), Rik Mayall (Flashheart), John Grillo (Dr. Leech), Edward Jewesbury (Kate's Father)

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: Holly De Jong (Lady Farrow), Linda Polan (Mrs. Ploppy), Bill Wallis (Gaoler Ploppy), Patrick Duncan (Earl 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: Simon Jones (Sir Walter Raleigh), Tom Baker (Captain Redbeard Rum)

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: Cassie Stuart (Mollie), Philip Pope (Leonardo Acropolis), Lesley Nicol (Mrs. Pants), Ronald Lacey (Bishop of Bath and Wells), Barry Craine (Mr. Pants), Piers Ibbotson (Messenger), Tony Aitken (Mad Beggar), John Pierce Jones (Arthur the Sailor)

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: William Hootkins (Monk), Roger Blake (Geoffrey Piddle), Miriam Margolyes (Lady Whiteadder), Daniel Thorndike (Lord Whiteadder), Hugh Laurie (Simon Partridge)

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: Hugh Laurie (Prince Ludwig), Lee Cornes (2nd Guard), Mark Arden (1st Guard), Max Harvey (Torturer)

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: Simon Osborne (Pitt the Younger), Geoffrey McGivern (Ivor Biggun), Dominic Martelli (Pitt the Even Younger), Vincent Hanna (Mr. Vincent Hanna, his own great great great grandfather), Denis Lill (Sir Talbot Buxomly)

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: Robbie Coltrane (Dr. Samuel Johnson), Jim Sweeney (Coleridge), Steve Steen (Byron), Lee Cornes (Shelley)

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: Nigel Planer (Lord Smedley), Tim McInnerny (Lord Topper/Le Comte de Frou-Frou), 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), Kenneth Connor (Mossop), Ben Elton (Anarchist)

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: Warren Clarke (Mr. Hardwood), Barbara Thorne (Sally Cheapside), Roger Avon (The Duke of Cheapside), 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), Miriam Margolyes (Queen Victoria), Jim Broadbent (Prince Albert), Robbie Coltrane (Spirit of Christmas), Denis Lill (Beadle), David Nunn (Enormous Orphan), Philip Pope (Lord Nelson), David Barber (Enormous Orphan), Ramsay Gilderdale (Ralph), Erkan Mustafa (Enormous Orphan), Nicola Bryant (Millicent), Pauline Melville (Mrs. Scratchit)

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: Jeremy Hardy (Corporal Perkins), Jeremy Gittins (Private Tipplewick), Paul Mark Elliott (Private Robinson), Lee Cornes (Private Fraser), Stephen Frost (Corporal Jones)

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), Rik Mayall (Squadron Commander Lord Flasheart), Adrian Edmondson (Baron von Richthoven), 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.