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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to think that the first 'Blackadder' series was the best?

83 replies

Dragonwoman · 06/09/2011 21:35

Watching a programme about best bits of Blackadder a couple of nights ago. I enjoy all the series, but they always go on about how the first one was a bit of a flop & the concept was rescued by Ben Elton who co-wrote series 2,3 & 4 - these being much better.

Now maybe my memory is affected by nostalgia as I was just entering my teens when Blackadder first started, but I LOVED series one. It was hilarious. It's still hilarious now. Blackadder was much more inept than in later series, Brian Blessed was great as his father who could never remember his name, all the cast & the sets were excellent. All my school friends at the time loved it too.

Who could not enjoy the episode with the Spanish Enfanta? Or the one where they were on trial for witchcraft? I think they were fantastic.

Is it just me? Is my sense of humour stuck at age 13 forever?

OP posts:
MsHighwater · 06/09/2011 21:36

Nah. 3 or Forth, for me.

TeamDamon · 06/09/2011 21:37

Yes. And yes. And Yes, YABU.

Empusa · 06/09/2011 21:37

Nah, prefer all the other series. Been watching 2 recently :)

sparkle12mar08 · 06/09/2011 21:38

Well, it wasn't as securely acted, the sets were dire, the scripts weren't quite as good, and I personally didn't like the characterisation of Edmund Blackadder in that series. But each to their own.

However the final scene of the Blackadder goes forth series is undisputably one of the finest, most poignantly directed and produced I think I've seen across any genre.

ColdSancerre · 06/09/2011 21:39

The first one was very different, like you say inept Blackadder sort of a role reversal. I liked 2 best though. That said I don't remember much of 1 as it so seldom shown in comparison.

Jacksterbear · 06/09/2011 21:39

YABU.

Close call between series 2 and series 4 as best.

Best episodes: Beer, Chains, and the Flanders Pigeon Murderer one.

Pseudo341 · 06/09/2011 21:39

YABU, the second series was definitely the best, I want to be Miranda Richardson, "WHO'S QUEEN?!!!!!"

Original poster
Dragonwoman · 06/09/2011 21:40

I must be odd I think. My preference in order -
First series
Second series (Elizabethan)
Goes Forth
Third series with Prince George.

Although all excellent obviously. Smile

OP posts:
Talker2010 · 06/09/2011 21:40

4 was the best by far

Sidge · 06/09/2011 21:41

No the first one was duff. Series 2 and 4 were the best I think, but 3 was pretty good too - Hugh Laurie was just brilliant!

I agree sparkle, the last episode of series 4 was superb. Real lump-in-the-throat stuff.

takethisonehereforastart · 06/09/2011 21:41

Third series was the best, but totally agree with sparkle about the final scene of Blackadder goes forth. It's never failed to make my eyes a little teary.

OnceICaughtAFishAlive · 06/09/2011 21:42

2nd is my fav

meditrina · 06/09/2011 21:42

The Spanish Infanta episode was fantastic!

But my all time favourite is "Money" from series II.

Original poster
Dragonwoman · 06/09/2011 21:42

I think I find goes forth a little too sad Sad

OP posts:
sparkle12mar08 · 06/09/2011 21:46

It very nearly didn't happen - iirc they'd only got the equipment & money for one go at the explosives and it's only a few seconds worth of film in real time. They weren't sure they could do anything with it then someone was playing around with individual stills and had the idea of slowing the whole lot down, and well, the rest is tv gold.

Skillbo · 06/09/2011 21:49

I love the 3rd series but had quite a major crush on Hugh Laurie at the time (have definitely grown out of that one!)

mycatsaysach · 06/09/2011 21:51

i loved the spanish infanta one
the last series was a bit too schmalzy for me

ButteryPie · 06/09/2011 21:51

DH went on mastermind a few years back with blackadder as his specialist subject :)

queribus · 06/09/2011 21:51

The first series was genius. Blackadder was such an odious little man - he became far too 'knowing' and sarcastic in later series.

The Infanta and the Archbishop are fabulous.

nenevomito · 06/09/2011 21:53

yes YABU

The 1st series had some good moments, but for me the others were bloody hilarious from start to finish!

hairypotter · 06/09/2011 21:54

YABU it was the second series. Nursie, Queenie and Percy were all fantastic. I did enjoy the third one almost as much though.

Blackadder had the best lines in the second one I think. Grin

MilkandWine · 06/09/2011 21:54

Sparkle I didn't know that about series 4. The final scene is one of the saddest I've ever seen. I was only a girl when I first watched it and I was devastated, it still brings a lump to my throat.

My fave is series 3, I remember loving Hugh Laurie as the Prince Regent as a child.
I must confess to thinking Edmund Blackadder looked rather hot in his Elizabethan ruff in Series 3 back in the day as well Blush

Also love, love, love Lord Flasheart ((woof))

Columbia999 · 06/09/2011 21:55

I love all the Blackadder series, but remember being knocked out when the first series came out. I thought it was absolutely hilarious, especially the Spanish Infanta one, and the episode where he married the little princess. My favourite episode of all time is Amy and Amiability, Amy Hardwood was a brilliant character: "Wetter than a haddock's bathing suit"! Grin

ButteryPie · 06/09/2011 21:57

I just asked my DH, who is one of the countrys foremost authorities on the subject (his words) and he says yes, you are being unreasonable.

gavel

saladsandwich · 06/09/2011 21:58

i love them all but 4th was my favourite :o