CheerupSilver Very Cool!!!

Comwayon A Disappointing Continuation

Breakinger A Brilliant Conflict

Matylda Swan It is a whirlwind of delight --- attractive actors, stunning couture, spectacular sets and outrageous parties.

Dave I've never understood Blackadder's appeal. How can anyone who doesn't have a history degree know who the historical characters are and what they were like? Even if you did, would you laugh out loud at fun being made of a politician/royal etc. who died hundreds of years ago? How can a modern audience relate to it all? Are we supposed to spend thousands of hours finding out about what society was like then and who was who during that period?I've watched several episodes of Blackadder in order to try to get into it, but I'd need to be sitting next to a historian explaining the historical references in detail in order to understand it, let alone appreciate it.I've enjoyed other comedy by Rowan Atkinson, such as Mr Bean.

grantss A good start to a great show.Set during the War of the Roses, and featuring scenes that may be familiar to readers or watchers of Shakespeare's Richard III, the story of a minor nobleman (and I use the word "noble" very broadly) in Richard III's court. Prince Edmund, aka The Black Adder.Hilariously funny, with some iconic skits. Rowan Atkinson as Black Adder brings his full range of snarky wit to bear. Ably supported by Tony Robinson as Baldrick, Brian Blessed as King Richard IV and Tim McInnerny as Percy. Peter Cook appears as Richard III.Seasons 2-4 were better but this is where it all started.

Morbius Fitzgerald This is a part of "Black Adder history" that would rather be forgotten by most fans, I am one of them. Technically speaking, in terms of sets, costuming, acting etc. this season is great, it didn't have any problem nor did it look out of date.What is the problem then? The jokes. For all those that the next seasons of Black Adder grow on, the jokes are just not funny. Mainly because if you were to drop Mr. Bean in medieval England as an idea for a TV show, it would be exactly the same, down to the last detail.I re-watched this recently, really hoping I'd like at least one joke and that is actually all I got. Liking at least one joke.If any newcomers to Black Adder are afraid of the outcome this will have, you can skip to season 2, where the show picks up, and know full well what is going on. If you like Mr. Bean, by all means, watch, if you want the REAL Black Adder watch Season 2, 3, 4, the Christmas Special and the New Year special. All will serve as better entertainment than this.

TheLittleSongbird I absolutely love Black Adder, it is hilarious, and is filled with wit and tongue-in-cheek humour. This first series is not the absolute best, but it is still worth watching, as there are so many good things about it. The production values as always are superb, the costumes are great and the sets are authentic and stay true to the time period. The opening and closing credits are a delight, and the story lines are cleverly structured. What I love most about the Black Adder is the writing, extremely witty, tongue-in-cheek and simply hilarious. And we also have great acting; Patrick Allen's sardonic narration has me in squeals of laughter, and while Tim McInnery and Tony Robinson as Percy and Baldrick are wonderful and Brian Blessed relishes his role as King Richard IV while chewing the scenery at the same time, it is Rowan Atkinson as as slimy and selfish Edmund Black Adder who steals the show. Edmund is not the most likable by all means, but Atkinson's performance is still superb. Overall, this is a great series, not the best(Black Adder Goes Forth especially was outstanding) but a fine start. 9/10 Bethany Cox