There is a popular phrase – “A Blackadder Quote a Day keeps the cretins away”. OK, perhaps that is not an official saying, but it should be! Never a day goes by, when I don’t quote Blackadder at least once. And even if I don’t actually quote from the show, I give a ‘BAHHH’ General Melchett style!
If you are looking to find the best Blackadder quotes online, then check out this collection. Blackadder quotes are updated daily, and so you can pick a new one every day of the year!
As well as our Blackadder quotes, you can also find series and episode descriptions, as well as complete scripts for all the shows. It is like Blackadder heaven!
In honour of the European Elections for May 2019, it would be criminal not to write about Dish and Dishonesty from Blackadder Series 3!
Blackadder Election Episode
Any excuse to blow the dust off the Blackadder election episode is welcome. Especially as real life gets closer and closer to the Dish and Dishonesty episode!
In this episode, Blackadder ends up putting forward Baldrick as a candidate for Dunny-on-the-Wold.
The official population of Dunny-on-the-Wold consists of:
– Two rather mangy cows
– A dachshund named Collin
– A small Hen in its late 40s
– One actual human who is the sole voter in the borrough. He however dies when he, very sadly, accidentally, brutally cut his head off while combing his hair.
The Adder Party
Step forward Mr. S. Baldrick, the candidate for the Adder party. A rotten candidate for a rotten borough. Or a rubber button, depending on who you’re talking to.
Despite the small number of voters, there was a tremendous turnout as can be seen here:
Ivor ‘Jest-ye-not-madam’ Biggun
Perhaps our favourite candidate though, is Ivor ‘Jest-ye-not-madam’ Biggun of the Standing at the Back Dressed Stupidly and Looking Stupid Party.
Do those colours seem familiar to you?
Perhaps George summed it up best: Well, lucky-lucky us. Lucky-lucky-luck. Luck-luck-LAKK-LAKK-LAKK-LAKK-cluck-cluck-cluck-cluck-cluck-LAKK-LAKK-LAKK.
Miranda Richardson is well known for playing the Queen in Blackadder Series 2, but she also had other appearances. Here’s more about Miranda Richardson in Blackadder.
Miranda Richardson
Born on the 3rd of March 1958, Miranda Richardson was a main cast member in the second series of Blackadder. She also had recurring appearances in subsequent series and one off specials.
Miranda Richardson in Blackadder 2
We were first introduced to Miranda Richardson in the second series of Blackadder. Making the role of Queen Elizabeth the First (or Queenie) her own, her portrayal was at times both childish and cruel.
Appearing in all 6 episodes of the Blackadder second series, Miranda Richardson flirted with Blackadder, accompanied by her Nursie. It’s hard to say how much this performance helped her career, but it’s still one of our favourites!
Miranda Richardson in Blackadder 3
Many people were disappointed at the time that Miranda Richardson did not return as a main character for the third series of Blackadder. She did make one appearance though, as Amy Hardwood.
This character had a split personality which was perfect for Miranda Richardson to showcase her formidable acting talents. As a wet blanket Amy Hardwood was approached to marry Prince George. As a highway robber, she had a vendetta against squirrels!
Miranda Richardson in Blackadder 4
In the fourth series of Blackadder, Miranda returned once more for a one off appearance. This time, she played Nurse Mary Fletcher-Brown, complete with little fluffy bunny act for her patients.
Blackadder at first looks down on Nurse Mary, but then has an affair with her. Finally, he exposes her as a German spy, only to find out he made a mistake at the end of the episode!
Miranda Richardson in Blackadder’s Christmas Carol
Blackadder’s Christmas Carol was a one off special based on the classic Dickens tale, but of course with a Blackadder twist. First aired in 1988, Blackadder’s Christmas Carol has become something of a Christmas favourite.
Miranda Richardson played two characters in Blackadder’s Christmas Carol, which were Queen Elizabeth I and Queen Asphyxia XIX.
Miranda Richardson in Blackadder Back and Forth
Blackadder Back and Forth was the specially commissioned one off short film, first shown in near the Millennium Dome in celebration of the Millennium.
Miranda Richardson played two characters in Blackadder Back and Forth. The first was a reprisal of Queen Elizabeth I and the other Lady Elizabeth.
Although not one of the main cast, Rik Mayall made a number of appearances throughout the Blackadder saga. Here’s a look at all of the Rik Mayall Blackadder appearances, including a couple you might have forgotten about.
Blackadder has given us some of the very greatest moments in British Comedy, and so choosing the best Blackadder episodes is no easy task. This is what we have come up with.
The Best Blackadder Episodes
We’ve put together 10 of the very best Blackadder episodes, along with our favourite scenes from each.
These are in no particular order, although in our opinion, the final episode of Blackadder Goes Forth is the very pinnacle of both British Comedy and British drama.
1. Witchsmeller Pursuivant
Most people agree that the first series of Blackadder was certainly nowhere near the best!
It did have its moments though, and the fifth episode was probably the best.
Starring Frank Finlay as the Witchsmeller Pursuivant himself, Prince Edmund or the Great Grumbledook as he is accused, is put on trial.
Interesting note – This episode is one of the first times that Baldrick uses the words ‘I have a cunning plan‘.
2. Bells
The first episode of the second series of Blackadder stands out for two reasons.
The first, is that you can tell almost immediately that the writing has stepped up several notches in terms of quality.
The second, is that Rik Mayall turns up in a cameo role as Lord Flashheart. All we have to say is Woof!
3. Potato
Potato from the second series is another one that ranks highly among the best episodes of Blackadder.
This episode is notable for Tom Baker’s magnificent performance as Captain Redbeard Rum.
At the time, Tom Baker was dismayed at his performance, but we hope he’s changed his mind since then.
4. Beer
Beer is another great episode from the second series of Blackadder.
It again features some great cameo appearances, but in all honesty, it’s the comedy breasts that make this for us along with the turnip shaped like a thingy!
5. Dish and Dishonesty
The genius thing about the first episode of the third series of Blackadder, is that the quotes can still be used for every election that crops up!
In fact, in recent years, the electoral candidates in Blackadder seem slighter more realistic than the current batch of politicians we all seem lumbered with.
6. Ink and Incapability
Dr. Johnson, a dictionary, and a large orangey thing under the mantelpiece. What could possible go wrong?
In this choice of one of the best Blackadder episodes, we are introduced to some novel new words. We’ll be back interfrastically.
7. Duel and Duality
The final episode in the third series of Blackadder sees a guest appearance by Stephen Fry as the Duke of Wellington.
This was almost certainly a pre-runner to the famous General Melchett character in the fourth series.
Remember, there’s only one way to win a campaign – Shout, Shout, and Shout Again!!
8. Private Plane
Whilst we rather liked the sound of the Women’s Auxiliary Balloon Corp, Blackadder did sign up for the 20 minuters in Private Plane.
One of the best Blackadder episodes for many reasons, not least because Rik Mayall again came in to steal the show!
9. General Hospital
Miranda Richardson took on a cameo role in this episode, where Blackadder was given the mission to find a German spy.
There’s so many quotes here we don’t know where to begin, but the Pooh Pooh scene still has us in stitches to this day!
10. Goodbyeee
What can we say about the final episode of Blackadder that hasn’t been said before?
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, we thought we’d share some of the most romantic moments in Blackadder. As you might expect, there’s a few unusual ones in there!
The most romantic moments in Blackadder
It’s soon Valentine’s Day, and we’ve put together 5 of the most romantic Blackadder moments to put you in the mood for love! Let us know what you think!
1. Baldrick kisses Percy
In Bells, the first episode of the second series of Blackadder, Baldrick kindly plays the role of bridesmaid to Bob, who didn’t have any childhood girl chums, as her family was so poor. Percy strolls in, and of course gets immediately confused, demanding a kiss…
2. Sausage Time
In Amy and Amiability from the third series of Blackadder, Prince George has to woo the Mysterious Northern beauty, Miss Amy Hardwood in order to get his hands on some of her father’s wealth. His attempts at creating poetry are worthy of any Valentine’s Card!
“From His Royal Highness, the Prince of Wales to Miss Amy Hardwood.
Tally-ho my fine saucy young trollop! Your luck’s in! Trip along here with all your cash, and some naughty night attire, and you’ll be staring at my bedroom ceiling from now till Christmas, you lucky tart!
Yours with the deepest respect etc, signed George.
PS Woof woof!”
3. Melchett Falls For Georgina
In Major Star from Blackadder Goes Forth, there’s more cross-dressing confusion. This time, General Melchett falls for his Darling Georgina (who is actually George in drag). Our favourite part? When Melchett is rehearsing what he will say to Georgina in front of the mirror, and say that he wants to cover her in pepper, and sneeze all over her! However, when Blackadder breaks news of Georgina’s death…
4. Blackadder hooks up with Nurse Mary
There’s a number of touching moments in General Hospital, when Blackadder hooks up with Nurse Mary. Some of the flirting for example is particularly funny.
Edmund: Yes, why not? When this madness is finished, perhaps we could go cycling together, take a trip down to the Old Swan at Henley and go for a walk in the woods.
Mary: Yes, or we could just do it right now on the desk.
Perhaps the funniest moment though, is when Nurse Mary asks if Blackadder has someone special in his life.
5. Blackadder explains what life was like without the Queen
Perhaps the most romantic line ever mentioned in Blackadder, comes in the episode Chains from the second series. Edmond has escaped being imprisoned in a commode, and returns to the royal court. The Queen asks if he had missed her:
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.
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.
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!
Nigel Planer (Born February 22, 1953) is one of the three main Young Ones actors to have appeared in Blackadder. As Lord Smedley, Nigel Planer’s Blackadder appearance was made in series 3, Nob and Nobility.
Nigel Planer
To many people of a certain generation, Nigel Planer will always be Neil from the Young Ones. Along with two other members of the main Young Ones cast though, he also appeared in Blackadder.
Lord Smedley
Although he didn’t have the most memorable cameo appearance in Blackadder, it was nice to see Nigel Planer join the Blackadder cast for an episode.
The Blackadder saga saw many famous British Comedy faces make appearances over the years. One of those was Ade Edmondson as the Red Baron von Richthoven.
Private Plane
Blackadder Goes Forth has earned its well deserved place in the hall of great British Comedy. As with any comedy series, it is a sum of its parts. A great concept, intelligent writing, and of course the people who star in it. During its 4 series and 3 major Blackadder specials, a number of guest stars made cameo appearances. It was really only a matter of time until Ade ‘Vyvyan’ Edmondson turned up!
Red Baron von Richthoven
In Private Plane, Blackadder joins up with the 20 minuters to become a flying ace. During the training sessions, George jokingly makes the following remark:
Crikey! I’m looking forward to today. Up-diddly-up, down-diddly-down, whoops-poop, twiddly-dee, a decent scrap with the fiendish Red Baron, a bit of a jolly old crash landing behind enemy lines, capture, torture, escape and then back home in time for tea and medals.
Inevitably of course, this is exactly what happens!
Captured by the Red Baron
As it turns out, the Red Baron is played by none other than Ade Edmondson. He is the third of the four Young Ones cast to have appeared in Blackadder (the other two being Nigel Planer and of course the fabulous Rik Mayall).
Fortunately, his idea of punishing the English flying ace Blackadder, is for him to be taken to a convent school where he will teach the Young Nuns home economics. The theory being that the humiliation would be unbearable.
Blackadder prepares to settle in for his punishment (which doesn’t sound all that bad at all!). Then, however, Flashheart bursts in on the scene and rescues a rather reluctant Blackadder. Before he leaves, he shoots the Red Baron, and most likely than not says Woof a couple of times!
The trivia here, is that Ben Elton actually confused them with parsnips (remember a turnip the exact same shape as a thingy?).
Since then it was a recurring joke throughout the saga.
General Melchett has Haemorrhoids : General Melchett from the fourth series often makes bizarrely weird noises.
According to Stephen Fry who played the character, some of this is to do with his idea of Melchett having hemorrhoids – hence the grunting every time he sits in a chair!
See what we mean in the video of Melchett’s strange noises below.
Aardvark: The word aardvark was in fact left out of the first dictionary.
Perhaps this is because its citation was only first made the year after Dr. Johnson died.
The Scarlet Pimpernel
In the third series of Blackadder, Tim McInnerny plays the Scarlet Pimpernel.
The fun Blackadder trivia here, is that in the original 1905 novel of the same name, the identity of the Scarlet Pimpernel is Lord Percy.
This, of course, is the character played by Tim McInnerny in the previous two series of Blackadder.
Lord Flashheart
Apparently, Rik Mayall only agreed to play the part of Lord Flashheart if every single one of his lines was funnier than main star Rowan Atkinson’s.
There’s always been talk of a fifth series of Blackadder, but it never materialised.
Although it’s very unlikely it would happen with the original cast now, there might always be the possibility of a reboot.
What do you think? Would Blackadder be the same with a brand new cast?
If the original cast did get back together, or Blackadder was rebooted, they might use some of the ideas they had previously kicked around for a fifth series of Blackadder. These include:
The Red Adder – Set in Russia during the Russian Revolution with Blackadder as a secret policeman.
Blackadder in the 60s. This idea sounded pretty awesome actually. Apparantly, Blackadder would have been the illegitmate son of Queen Elizabeth who played in a rock band known as the Black Adder 5. On the drums would have been Bald Rick. Get it? Baldrick? Never mind, we liked the sound of it.
Rowan Atkinson, or Edmund Blackadder as we better know him, was born on January 6th 1955. Let’s celebrate his birthday by looking at some of his best scenes in Blackadder!
Happy Birthday Edmund Blackadder!
It’s January 6th, which can only mean that it is Rowan Atkinson’s birthday! Born in 1955, it means he’s 63 today. Happy Birthday Edmund!
Whilst Rowan Atkinson may be known to many as Mr Bean or even Johnny English, to us he will always be Blackadder. Here’s some of his best moments in the classic British comedy series.
Best of Blackadder Series 1
Admittedly the first series of Blackadder is not the best, but it does still have some funny parts in it. Perhaps the best, is when he comes up with the surname Blackadder, giving birthday to the legendary saga.
The Best of Blackadder Series 2
It is in series 2 of Blackadder that we really see the sarcastic, conniving character of Blackadder that we’ve all come to know and love.
Anyone for Archery?
Blackmailing the Bishop
Inconweeeenienced – Imprisoned in a Comode
The Best of Blackadder Series 3
Edmund might only be a lowly butler in the third series of Blackadder, but he has constant aspirations to increase his station. The only thing is, he has to put up with the thicky twins George and Baldrick!
Stealing the Prince’s socks
C is for…
The Best of Blackadder Series 4
Many people consider the final series of Blackadder to be some of the best British comedy ever written and performed. There’s no argument from us!. It intelligently blends cutting sarcastic wit with the tragedy of life in the trenches. Here are some of our favourite scenes.
