England 1300 and something. Edmond wakes up late for battle, kills the king by accident, and makes his father the new king. Pleased with the "victory", Edmond names himself "The Black Adder". Although it is not considered as good as the other Black Adder shows, it is the beginning, and therefore we forgive the prematurity. Rowan Atkinson is great sometimes, but sometimes just too goofy and silly. People who aren't familiar with Shakespeare will enjoy this show even less, there are many references to Macbeth and Hamlet. Also, if you are sensitive to graphic violent jokes you won't like to see the gory spectacles. 7 out 10.
11 Reviews
A Fateful day for Edmund
Scaramouche200413 January 2008
Warning: Spoilers
August 22nd 1485 is set to be a fateful day for Edmund, second and largely ignored son of Richard Duke of York and despised slimy nephew of King Richard III.
With glory beckoning on the bloody field of Bosworth and the kings castle alive with war fervour, Edmund's day starts very badly. Due to his bedside sundial not 'going off' he oversleeps and misses the start of the battle. However in full armour and battle regalia, he arrives just in time to run away from the final skirmishes.
With his chance for glory gone, he spies a nobleman attempting to steal his horse. Edmund sees the chance to kill a noble, save his horse and claim some glory into the bargain and (from behind of course) effortlessly and neatly severs the horse thief's head. A trophy of battle to show the king and his court.
However when the beheaded nobleman turns out to be none other than Richard III himself, he realises what a pretty pickle he will be in when he returns to the castle. On top of this he also has in tow an injured nobleman who has promised Edmund great wealth if he restores him to health. Unbeknown to Edmund the wounded noble happens to be Henry Tudor the would be usurper of Richards crown.
Having murdered the head of one army and harbouring the head of the other, things couldn't be worse for Edmund.
But on discovering on his return that due to Richards death his father has now become King of England and he himself a prince of the realm he jumps at the chance for some real power at last.
Christening himself 'The Black Adder' he realises that there is a real chance that he one day will become King of England all he needs to do is remove his father and brother and the throne will be his.
But with the death of King Richard being investigated and the Tudor menace recuperating in his own bed, how long can Edmund survive before the truth is discovered.
With glory beckoning on the bloody field of Bosworth and the kings castle alive with war fervour, Edmund's day starts very badly. Due to his bedside sundial not 'going off' he oversleeps and misses the start of the battle. However in full armour and battle regalia, he arrives just in time to run away from the final skirmishes.
With his chance for glory gone, he spies a nobleman attempting to steal his horse. Edmund sees the chance to kill a noble, save his horse and claim some glory into the bargain and (from behind of course) effortlessly and neatly severs the horse thief's head. A trophy of battle to show the king and his court.
However when the beheaded nobleman turns out to be none other than Richard III himself, he realises what a pretty pickle he will be in when he returns to the castle. On top of this he also has in tow an injured nobleman who has promised Edmund great wealth if he restores him to health. Unbeknown to Edmund the wounded noble happens to be Henry Tudor the would be usurper of Richards crown.
Having murdered the head of one army and harbouring the head of the other, things couldn't be worse for Edmund.
But on discovering on his return that due to Richards death his father has now become King of England and he himself a prince of the realm he jumps at the chance for some real power at last.
Christening himself 'The Black Adder' he realises that there is a real chance that he one day will become King of England all he needs to do is remove his father and brother and the throne will be his.
But with the death of King Richard being investigated and the Tudor menace recuperating in his own bed, how long can Edmund survive before the truth is discovered.
Not the best Blackadder episode
general-melchett31 August 2006
"Oi, that's my horse!!!"
The Blackadder series has improved over time, and this case is proved most strongly in the first series. The Foretelling was the first Blackadder episode ever made, and possibly the least funny. The Shakespearean parodies were slightly screwed up, and could have been funnier and more mocking of the Bard. But this is the only episode of Blackadder that really grips you, especially towards the end, and does have a sense of mystery to it. However, this only helps you wonder - are you watching a light British comedy, or a dark historical epic drama? It only serves to make this episode slightly less funny.
On the whole, this episode could have been worse, but should have been better. It should have got a mere 5 for funniness, but the effects are much better done in this series than any other Blackadder (especially Series 3) series, and on the whole, it does slightly mock its own scary scenes, with Edmund's stupidity and daft voice. I therefore give it a 7 out of 10. However, if you wish to watch Blackadder for a laugh, not its dark side, you'd be better watching a later episode.
The Blackadder series has improved over time, and this case is proved most strongly in the first series. The Foretelling was the first Blackadder episode ever made, and possibly the least funny. The Shakespearean parodies were slightly screwed up, and could have been funnier and more mocking of the Bard. But this is the only episode of Blackadder that really grips you, especially towards the end, and does have a sense of mystery to it. However, this only helps you wonder - are you watching a light British comedy, or a dark historical epic drama? It only serves to make this episode slightly less funny.
On the whole, this episode could have been worse, but should have been better. It should have got a mere 5 for funniness, but the effects are much better done in this series than any other Blackadder (especially Series 3) series, and on the whole, it does slightly mock its own scary scenes, with Edmund's stupidity and daft voice. I therefore give it a 7 out of 10. However, if you wish to watch Blackadder for a laugh, not its dark side, you'd be better watching a later episode.
A great start
tenshi_ippikiookami25 August 2016
The first episode of "The Black Adder" starts a little bit slow, with a couple of not very good jokes, but soon enough it gets things going and becomes a very funny introduction to the characters of this classic TV series.
The story is simple enough, Rowan Atkinson's Edmund, Duke of Edinburgh, is a not very smart, selfish and narcissistic character, that only thinks about his own survival and his desire for power. He falls asleep on the day of the battle, and after arriving late to the battleground, goes and kills King Richard III. Hilarity ensues.
"The Black Adder" is an amazingly funny series, and this episode just show how good it is. Atkinson is at the top of his game, and all the cast is really good too. Some jokes are not very good, but in general the dialogue is top notch, and the jokes keep coming. All other aspects are also of good quality, but this is a show that centers on funny dialogues and general silliness, and there it more than covers the ground. And, just in case that wasn't enough, there are also some very funny references to Shakespeare's work.
The story is simple enough, Rowan Atkinson's Edmund, Duke of Edinburgh, is a not very smart, selfish and narcissistic character, that only thinks about his own survival and his desire for power. He falls asleep on the day of the battle, and after arriving late to the battleground, goes and kills King Richard III. Hilarity ensues.
"The Black Adder" is an amazingly funny series, and this episode just show how good it is. Atkinson is at the top of his game, and all the cast is really good too. Some jokes are not very good, but in general the dialogue is top notch, and the jokes keep coming. All other aspects are also of good quality, but this is a show that centers on funny dialogues and general silliness, and there it more than covers the ground. And, just in case that wasn't enough, there are also some very funny references to Shakespeare's work.
Wonderful.
planktonrules31 May 2010
Warning: Spoilers
The first time this came on television, I had no idea who Rowan Atkinson was and didn't realize it was a comedy. But after a couple minutes, I knew this was NOT some stuffy documentary!! The show is the first of all the Black Adder tales and is wonderful because it particularly lampoons Shakespeare's view of history--which is already very suspect to begin with, by the way. Such wonderful lines as "A horse, a horse...my kingdom for a horse" are retold in a way that is marvelously silly AND clever. Well written, marvelously acted and funny throughout. As long as you have a cursory knowledge of history, this should be easy enough to follow.
The show begins just before the Battle of Bosworth Field. Edmund is the unwanted son of Richard--heir to Richard III. However, unlike what historians have told us, Richard's army beats Henry Tudor's in the battle. However, history isn't 100% wrong on this account, as Richard III is killed--but the idiot Edmund (who is on his side) and the rest of the show Edmund struggles (poorly) to hide his stupid and villainous deed. To make it worse, Richard's ghost returns repeatedly to haunt him. To make matters worse, Edmund and his friends also inadvertently end up rescuing Henry Tudor and helping him escape!! Clever and not to be missed.
The show begins just before the Battle of Bosworth Field. Edmund is the unwanted son of Richard--heir to Richard III. However, unlike what historians have told us, Richard's army beats Henry Tudor's in the battle. However, history isn't 100% wrong on this account, as Richard III is killed--but the idiot Edmund (who is on his side) and the rest of the show Edmund struggles (poorly) to hide his stupid and villainous deed. To make it worse, Richard's ghost returns repeatedly to haunt him. To make matters worse, Edmund and his friends also inadvertently end up rescuing Henry Tudor and helping him escape!! Clever and not to be missed.
Historical and hysterical.
BA_Harrison24 December 2009
Episode 1, Series 1 of The Black Adder starts the classic TV comedy in fine form with cunning Edmund, Duke of Edinburgh (Rowan Atkinson), arriving late for The Battle of Bosworth Field (having overslept), where he accidentally chops off the head of Richard III (Peter Cook) when he sees the king trying to take his horse.
This unfortunate incident turns out rather well for Edmund, who becomes the new prince of England when his father (Brian Blessed) is crowned as Richard III's successor. If only Richard's bloody ghost didn't keep popping up to torment him...
Atkinson's first starring role after the excellent satirical comedy Not The Nine O'Clock News, The Black Adder is the perfect character for the comedian, whose trademark gangly limbs, rubber face and versatile voice are used to maximum effect to bring slimy toad Edmund to life. Conniving, traitorous, and cowardly, he really is a thoroughly loathsome creature, but also extremely funny thanks to a wonderful script co-written by Atkinson and his old pal Richard Curtis (with a little help from a certain William Shakespeare).
This very entertaining first adventure, which boldly rewrites history, derives plenty of laughs through a slick combination of witty dialogue and slapstick gore, whilst also coining a few classic Blackadder catchphrases in the process ("I have a cunning plan"). The amazing thing is, as funny as this episode is, it's still not generally considered to be one of the best, which speaks volumes about the very high quality of the series as a whole!
This unfortunate incident turns out rather well for Edmund, who becomes the new prince of England when his father (Brian Blessed) is crowned as Richard III's successor. If only Richard's bloody ghost didn't keep popping up to torment him...
Atkinson's first starring role after the excellent satirical comedy Not The Nine O'Clock News, The Black Adder is the perfect character for the comedian, whose trademark gangly limbs, rubber face and versatile voice are used to maximum effect to bring slimy toad Edmund to life. Conniving, traitorous, and cowardly, he really is a thoroughly loathsome creature, but also extremely funny thanks to a wonderful script co-written by Atkinson and his old pal Richard Curtis (with a little help from a certain William Shakespeare).
This very entertaining first adventure, which boldly rewrites history, derives plenty of laughs through a slick combination of witty dialogue and slapstick gore, whilst also coining a few classic Blackadder catchphrases in the process ("I have a cunning plan"). The amazing thing is, as funny as this episode is, it's still not generally considered to be one of the best, which speaks volumes about the very high quality of the series as a whole!
The worst of the first series, but still ok.
tomplotagonbusiness9 March 2020
Warning: Spoilers
The first episode of the Black Adder, not bad, not good, it's okay.
In this episode, Prince Edmund, Duke Of Edinburgh, a stupid guy with a ridiculous haircut, kills King Richard III. He manages not to be blamed for it, and when he realises he will be king one day, he creates a new name for himself: The Black..... Vegetable, but his rather clever friend, Baldrick, son of Robin the dung gatherer, suggests that The Black Adder might sound better. In the end, Edmund finds himself talking to some witches who say that he will be king.
This episode is very weird, outdated, and has bad special effects. However, it does have some funny jokes, AND unless you count the Unaired Pilot, this is the episode that started four series of comedy genius, known as Blackadder. Oh, and of course, it has Brian Blessed, so that is one good thing about this episode.
In this episode, Prince Edmund, Duke Of Edinburgh, a stupid guy with a ridiculous haircut, kills King Richard III. He manages not to be blamed for it, and when he realises he will be king one day, he creates a new name for himself: The Black..... Vegetable, but his rather clever friend, Baldrick, son of Robin the dung gatherer, suggests that The Black Adder might sound better. In the end, Edmund finds himself talking to some witches who say that he will be king.
This episode is very weird, outdated, and has bad special effects. However, it does have some funny jokes, AND unless you count the Unaired Pilot, this is the episode that started four series of comedy genius, known as Blackadder. Oh, and of course, it has Brian Blessed, so that is one good thing about this episode.
The beginning of a dynasty!
Tweekums5 December 2014
Warning: Spoilers
In this, the first episode of the classic series, we learn that history as we know it is incorrect; the Plantagenet's were victorious at the Battle of Bosworth field and Henry Tudor was forced to go into hiding. King Richard III did however die; at the sword of his loathsome nephew Edmund who had arrived late for the battle. Edmund, his friend Percy; Duke of Northumberland, and servant Baldrick try to cover up the act and as they are doing so rescue an injured man who turns out to be none other than Henry Tudor! Once back at the castle Edmund spreads news of defeat only to learn the real result when his father returns. With his father now king he becomes Duke of Edinburgh although he decides to take a more chilling name
The Black Adder! Haunted by his late uncle he fears his crimes will be exposed but everybody blames Tudor leaving Edmund to become the first of the Blackadders.
This series is often unfavourable compared to later series as Blackadder's character is quite different; I still find it enjoyable though; perhaps because I watched it when it first aired and found it hilarious. For the most part it has aged well; the jokes are still funny and the characters entertaining; the only thing that looked really dated was the scene were the head of the dead king's ghost separates from his body special effects, even on a TV budget, have improved considerably. The cast do a fine job; Rowan Atkinson is great as Blackadder and Brian Blessed is over the top in the way only he can be as Richard IV. Tony Robinson and Tim McInnerny are good as Baldrick and Percy although their characters are still to develop fully. Peter Cook puts in a nice performance as Richard III; a character who only appears in this one episode. Overall I really enjoyed this; there are plenty of laughs to be had and it serves to introduce the characters and the situation nicely.
This series is often unfavourable compared to later series as Blackadder's character is quite different; I still find it enjoyable though; perhaps because I watched it when it first aired and found it hilarious. For the most part it has aged well; the jokes are still funny and the characters entertaining; the only thing that looked really dated was the scene were the head of the dead king's ghost separates from his body special effects, even on a TV budget, have improved considerably. The cast do a fine job; Rowan Atkinson is great as Blackadder and Brian Blessed is over the top in the way only he can be as Richard IV. Tony Robinson and Tim McInnerny are good as Baldrick and Percy although their characters are still to develop fully. Peter Cook puts in a nice performance as Richard III; a character who only appears in this one episode. Overall I really enjoyed this; there are plenty of laughs to be had and it serves to introduce the characters and the situation nicely.
Brilliant concept of a historical comedy set-up in this first episode
snoozejonc18 January 2021
On the eve of the Battle of Bosworth, young Lord Edmund makes himself known to King Richard III.
I enjoyed this for how it introduces the concept of Blackadder as a historical comedy, the many references to Shakespeare's Richard III and a several superb performances.
The plot is a clever retelling of an established history and an introduction to a number of funny characters who will take centre stage for the reminder of the series.
Richard Curtis and Rowan Atkinson's script includes lots of references to Shakespeare dialogue spoken in the context of comical situations. This works well as both historical and literary satire, but it requires a knowledge of the source material and an interest in the history it is lampooning to totally appreciate. Not all of the jokes land and this original incarnation of Blackadder leans as much towards silliness as he does darkness.
Most performances are excellent and the humour stems as much from the actors delivery than the material itself. Three wonderful comic artists in Rowan Atkinson, Peter Cook and Brian Blessed all stand out as being perfect for their roles.
It's interesting to see where the characters of Blackadder and Baldrick start from in this episode and series, as they go through dramatic changes as the show develops and Ben Elton joins Curtis in the writing team. When Elton joined, the material generally became more accessible and appealing to a wider audience, but this early series is a key starting point to what, in my opinion, became arguably the greatest BBC comedy of all time.
For me this is a 7.5/10, but I round upwards.
I enjoyed this for how it introduces the concept of Blackadder as a historical comedy, the many references to Shakespeare's Richard III and a several superb performances.
The plot is a clever retelling of an established history and an introduction to a number of funny characters who will take centre stage for the reminder of the series.
Richard Curtis and Rowan Atkinson's script includes lots of references to Shakespeare dialogue spoken in the context of comical situations. This works well as both historical and literary satire, but it requires a knowledge of the source material and an interest in the history it is lampooning to totally appreciate. Not all of the jokes land and this original incarnation of Blackadder leans as much towards silliness as he does darkness.
Most performances are excellent and the humour stems as much from the actors delivery than the material itself. Three wonderful comic artists in Rowan Atkinson, Peter Cook and Brian Blessed all stand out as being perfect for their roles.
It's interesting to see where the characters of Blackadder and Baldrick start from in this episode and series, as they go through dramatic changes as the show develops and Ben Elton joins Curtis in the writing team. When Elton joined, the material generally became more accessible and appealing to a wider audience, but this early series is a key starting point to what, in my opinion, became arguably the greatest BBC comedy of all time.
For me this is a 7.5/10, but I round upwards.
Funny
bevo-136782 April 2020
Odd way to start.
zacpetch30 November 2014
Warning: Spoilers
This is one of the strangest things I've ever seen. To think that the great comedy tradition spanning 27 episodes across 7 eras began with whatever this was is baffling.
The success of the saga is largely due to Ben Elton and his series 1 absence is never more present than it is here.
The episode's plot reads like madlibs: Edmund, having decapitated his uncle the king, tries to revive him by putting the head and neck together to give the corpse CPR and he then keeps seeing the monarch's ghost all throughout the castle going "BAA!!!" because he'd earlier lied to his mother about performing sexual acts with a sheep so that he may keep Henry Tudor hidden in his bed. That's it. One of the most well regarded series ever to air on TV begins like that. No, really, I swear to you it does.
A poor start to a good series. The first series is not fondly remembered which I find very harsh. It's probably because of this episode. Skip this one and go straight to the next one.
The success of the saga is largely due to Ben Elton and his series 1 absence is never more present than it is here.
The episode's plot reads like madlibs: Edmund, having decapitated his uncle the king, tries to revive him by putting the head and neck together to give the corpse CPR and he then keeps seeing the monarch's ghost all throughout the castle going "BAA!!!" because he'd earlier lied to his mother about performing sexual acts with a sheep so that he may keep Henry Tudor hidden in his bed. That's it. One of the most well regarded series ever to air on TV begins like that. No, really, I swear to you it does.
A poor start to a good series. The first series is not fondly remembered which I find very harsh. It's probably because of this episode. Skip this one and go straight to the next one.
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