Captain Darling is a desk-sucking, pen pushing blotter jotter played by Tim McInnerny in Blackadder Goes Forth. Let’s take a look at some of his best moments here!
Captain Kevin Darling, MC (ca. 1884 – 1917)
After deciding not to take a leading role in the third series of Blackadder, Tim McInnerny returned as a full cast member in the 4th series.
Instead of playing an incarnation of Lord Percy Percy, this time, he played Captain Darling, a pencil-pushing aide to the crazy General Melchett.
Blackadder Captain Darling Personal Background
As with many of the other characters in Blackadder Goes Forth, we find out a little more about Captain Darling’s background in each episode, with the final episode of Blackadder revealing the most amount of information.
For example, we discover that Captain Darling has a girlfriend called Doris, he aspired to keep wicket for the Croydon gentlemen, and he worked for a company called Pratt & Sons.
We also know that he tried and failed to join the Women’s Auxiliary Balloon Corp!
Captain Darling’s Personality
Captain Darling is a perfect example of a toadying underling to a person in a position of power.
In this case, it is General Melchett, who for the most part treats him with disdain.
At one point, he even describes Captain Darling like a son, but not a favourite, rather a “sort of spotty, illegitimate sprog that no-one really likes”.
Rivalry with Blackadder
For reasons that are never fully explained, he has a rivalry with Captain Blackadder.
It is perhaps to do with that fact that they are both of equal rank, but whereas Captain Darling has probably pulled strings to avoid frontline duty, Blackadder is in the trenches.
This has led to a jealous resentment that shows in each episode.
Who wins between Blackadder and Captain Darling?
This is an interesting question.
For the most part, Captain Darling seems to come out on top during their petty rivalries, but Blackadder always seems to get some sort of petty revenge.
The most famous being when he asks Baldrick to make Captain Darling a cup of coffee!
Our favourite Captain Darling scenes
Here’s a look at some of our favourite scenes featuring Captain Darling from Blackadder. We hope you like them too!
When Blackadder interrogates Captain Darling
When Lord Flashheart meets Captain Darling
Possibly his greatest line from Blackadder though is simply when he makes a note in his diary on the way to the frontlines.
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