Watch Blackadder Rides Again

Blackadder Rides Again is a documentary series that first aired in 2008, commemorating the 25th anniversary of the classic British comedy series Blackadder. The show is presented by the well-known BBC journalist John Sergeant, who takes us on a journey through the series history, giving insightful behind-the-scenes details and interviews with the cast and writers.

The first episode, titled "The Cavalier Years," starts with a brief history of the English Civil War and how it influenced the storyline of Blackadder II. We then see Rowan Atkinson, who played the titular character in the series, reminiscing about the challenges of playing a complex character like Edmund Blackadder. The episode also features interviews with the show's writers, Ben Elton and Richard Curtis, who talk about the creative process behind the series and the importance of historical accuracy in a comedy series.

The second episode, "The Elizabethan Years," explores the world of Blackadder the Third, which is set in the late 16th century during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. John Sergeant takes us on a tour of some of the real-life locations used in the series and talks to the cast about how they created such memorable characters. The episode also delves into the various literary sources that influenced the series, including Shakespeare and Ben Jonson.

The third episode, "The Regency Years," looks at Blackadder the Third's sequel, Blackadder Goes Forth. This series is set during the First World War, and the documentary explores how the show's creators balanced the comedy of the series with the tragedy of the war. We see how the cast and writers were able to tap into the absurdity of war and create a hilarious and poignant final season.

One of the highlights of this documentary series is the interviews with the cast members. Rowan Atkinson, Stephen Fry, Hugh Laurie, Miranda Richardson, and Tony Robinson all sit down with John Sergeant to talk about their experiences on the set of Blackadder. The interviews give us a sense of just how much fun the cast had making the show, and how the chemistry between the actors helped to make the series so memorable.

Throughout the show, there are also numerous clips from the original series, allowing viewers to relive some of the funniest moments from the show's history. There are also plenty of interesting facts and trivia nuggets for diehard Blackadder fans, such as how the phrase "I have a cunning plan" became one of the series' most famous catchphrases.

Overall, Blackadder Rides Again is a must-watch for anyone who loves the original series. The documentary is both entertaining and informative, and it provides a fascinating look at how Blackadder became such a beloved British comedy. John Sergeant is an engaging host, and his enthusiasm for the series is infectious. Whether you're a diehard fan or just discovering Blackadder for the first time, this series is well worth watching.