Blackadder 2:BEST (Blackadder)

Member Name: buttonman

Product:	Blackadder
Date:	08/12/00 (63 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: The cunning plans

Disadvantages: Baldrick's trousers

I'm a fan of all four series of Blackadder(let's try and forget the lamentable 'Back and Forth) but for me the second series was the best and on this I'd wager a turnip,well a parsnip maybe.

The first series burdened itself with too much historical fact with Edmund being Duke of Edinburgh and with episodes centering around actual events such as the battle of Bosworth field.The second series did'nt take itself as seriously and historical figures only appeared to be ridiculed.

Series three was maybe the weakest with it being set in the Royal court once again.With Hugh Lawrie in the main role as the thick Prince Regent it meant thet nearly every joke involved a 'you're stupid' comment.

Series four was a close second to series two and was set in a first world war trench.Lawrie's role here was secondary and this mean most of the fun was Blackadder/Baldrick based - which is what we like!.The sad endig means that series four is most peoples' favourite but for me the chuckles did'nt come fast enough.

My favourite seies two was set in the court of Queen Elizabeth the first with Edmund's Royal blood seemingly thinned,so that he's a mere courtier.All the main acting talents are here each playing the best roles that the series awarded them.Baldrick,Blackadder's loyal but disgusting henchman is never as smelly as here and Tim McInnery's Lord Percy outdumbs Hugh Lawrie's Prince Regent from series three.We also have a wonderful Stephen Fry as the scheming Lord Melchett a role he later reprises as Generall Melchett in series four.

We also get a great double act of Miranda Richardson as good Queen Bess and Patsy Byrne as her simpleton maid Nursey.This coupled with great guest stars such as Rik Mayall as the first incarnation of Flashheart ans Gabrielle Gallister as Bob,Blackadder's manservant/fiancee.

The plots were the usual mix of cunning plans and get rich qui
ck schemes.The best episode for me was 'Beer' in which our hero entertained both a dinking contest and a meal with the puritanical Whiteadders.In close second would be 'Head' in which Edmund was made Lord High Executioner and had to scheme like crazy when Baldrick lopped off the wrong head "He's taken to wearing a bag on his head...!".

An allround comedy masterpiece which has stayed funny years later,still Elizabethan humour can hardly date!.

Summary: