Ep 1. The Foretelling

In the first episode of BlackAdder season one, entitled "The Foretelling," we are introduced to Edmund Plantagenet, also known as "The Black Adder," who is a member of the royal family in Medieval England. The episode begins with a prophecy being delivered by a snot-nosed old crone, who predicts that the current King will soon pass away and that his successor will be someone with the initials "E.C." This news causes a frenzy amongst the court, as everyone begins trying to figure out who that might be.

Edmund immediately assumes that he is the chosen one, being the only person in the castle whose initials fit the prophesy. Despite his lack of qualifications, he sets his sights on the throne and begins devising a plan to bump off his cousin, the current king, who he sees as a bumbling fool. This leads to several hilarious scenes as Edmund tries and fails to sneak in and assassinate the king, each attempt resulting in him being more and more covered in dirt and grime.

Meanwhile, we are introduced to several other key characters, including Lord Percy, Edmund's dim-witted sidekick, and Baldrick, his downtrodden servant. These two provide much of the episode's comic relief, with Percy in particular serving as a source of constant annoyance to Edmund.

In addition to the main plot, there are several subplots woven throughout the episode, including Edmund's attempts to woo a beautiful Lady-in-Waiting who is unfortunately more interested in his powerful cousin, the Duke of Edinburgh. There is also a running joke about the castle's resident jester, who is constantly making terrible puns and jokes that no one finds amusing.

Overall, "The Foretelling" sets the stage for what is to come in BlackAdder season one, introducing us to the hilarious cast of characters and establishing the show's witty, irreverent tone. While the episode may be a bit slow-moving at times, it definitely has its share of laugh-out-loud moments and sets the stage for the hijinks and shenanigans that are sure to come in future episodes. If you're a fan of British comedy or just looking for a good laugh, "The Foretelling" is definitely worth checking out.