La vipère noire

Although series 2 ('Elizabethan'), 3 ('Regency'), and 4 ('Great War') were probably better overall, this was the series that introduced Edmund Blackadder to the TV-watching world twenty years ago. In series 1, however, it was Edmund who was spineless and Baldrick who really did have the sense; in subsequent series these roles would be somewhat reversed and the idea then really took off.

I do like series 1 for the following reasons: strong casting aside from Rowan Atkinson, Tony Robinson and Tim McInnerny; this series included Brian Blessed, Robert East as regulars and guests like Peter Cook (brilliant in the very first episode), and Alex Norton (as McAngus). The eagle-eyed will also spot a very young Angus Deayton in the St Leonard's Day episode. While the three following series were sharper and more studio-based (not always a good thing ...) I do think the wild open spaces of The Black Adder helped enormously to get some sense of the Middle Ages into comedy, even if all four series have played havoc with historical fact!

If you see these shows wanting more Mr. Bean you will be very surprised. Black Adder is a great show, but where Bean was basically silent Adder revels in language. The dialogue is sharp and fast and usually mean. Bean seems pretty gentle. Black Adder is a sonofabitch. Highest Rating.

The best of the lot. Very funny script, brilliant cast, superbly acted. I prefer Edmund as this type of meek, slimy character than in later series. Also Balders is better suited as intelligent than stupid, that character is already brilliantly done by Percy.

Each episode has a uniquely funny story. The Archbishop one where Baldrick makes holy artifacts is extremely funny. Especially as Percy thinks he bought a real artifact only to discover that it's one of Baldricks.

He marries an 8 year old princess in another episode. Very original humour, and the little princess herself is extremely funny. The way she laughs at the Vicar is hilarious.

Witchsmeller Persuivant, another great episode, possibly the best but its difficult to distinguish which is the best as they are all so good. Frank Finlay is so believable as the witch, his voice, expressions, the way he cross examines Edmund in court and entraps him. Pure genius.

The last one is fantastic. I love the way he finally gets revenge on his dad by forming an army of the 6 most evil men in England. All with uniquely evil attributes.

I don't think 6 episodes is enough for this first series. There is so much comedy there to fill 12 episodes at least. Still the second and third series, although inferior did not disappoint. The fourth however did.

Will always remain as one of the great British classics.

If you are having trouble defining wit, sarcasm or tongue-in-cheek watch one episode of "Black Adder". It's all there and then some. Each episode mints a new insult or sly comeback. The art of verbal humor has finally found a champion in the authors and actors of Black Adder.

I have always been a fan of British TV comedy and this is one of my favorites. It's a good start to the whole series and "side" shows. It's interesting to note that the main character Edmond is silly and immature in this show while his henchmen come off has somewhat smarter. In later shows, Blackadder II, III, and go's forth, Edmond becomes ever smarter while the henchmen become as dumb as a box of rocks! It's also funny how he slides down the social ladder from duke to commoner. I highly recommend the whole series. It's appeal crosses all age groups with a few "blue" jokes but nothing remotely vulgar. As Blackadder mite put it "It's a show so clever, you could stitch on a tail and call it a weasel"