Ep 3. The Archbishop

The Archbishop is the third episode of the illustrious British historical comedy series "Blackadder," which first graced television screens in the 1980s. Drawing its humor from the absurdities of history and the intricacies of British monarchy and church, this episode is an essential part of the comedic mosaic that makes up the show's first season, also known as "The Black Adder."

In this episode, viewers are transported back to the late Middle Ages, during the fictional reign of Richard IV, in an England filled with anachronisms and deliberate historical inaccuracies that serve as the backbone for its satirical humor. This setting allows for a playful exploration of the tension between the profound power struggles of the church and the crown that characterized the real medieval period. The story revolves around the conniving yet cowardly Edmund, Duke of Edinburgh, who is notoriously known as the Black Adder, played by the brilliant Rowan Atkinson.

Edmund is not your typical nobleman; he’s a sniveling, self-serving noble with a quick wit, a sharp tongue, and a never-ending desire to increase his own power and wealth, often at the expense of others, and usually causing himself various troubles. His loyal but dim-witted sidekicks, Percy, Duke of Northumberland, and Baldrick, a filthy and simple-minded servant, accompany him in his schemes, providing plenty of opportunities for comedic mishaps and misunderstandings.

The plot of The Archbishop begins with a surprising turn of events in the royal court which leads to an unexpected vacancy in the position of Archbishop of Canterbury. A fierce tug-of-war ensues between the forces of the state and the church as they vie to place their preferred candidate in the powerful and influential role. The king and his advisers view the appointment as a means to control the church’s considerable wealth. However, in the midst of the serious business of selecting the new archbishop, Edmund finds himself thrust unexpectedly into the religious spotlight.

Edmund's new position places him at the center of the struggle between earthly power and spiritual authority. The episode humorously examines the absurdities of medieval politics, religion, and the contention between the monarch's interference and the sanctity of the church—a rivalry as financially motivated as it is spiritual.

As is typical of "Blackadder," historical context serves only as a backdrop for the series’ deeply ironic and anachronistic humor. The church with its relics, the monarchy with its casual brutality, and the unendingly complex medieval hierarchy are all fair game. The script is both sharp and subtle, playing with language and misconceptions about the past to create a richly comedic atmosphere.

Throughout the episode, Edmund is faced with a variety of ecclesiastical duties and expectations that he navigates with his usual blend of ignorance and self-interest. As archbishop, he is expected to perform divine services, arbitrate disputes, and manage the immense wealth of the Church, areas in which his secular interests continually clash with his sacred office.

As the new Archbishop of Canterbury, Edmund's ultimate goal is of course to stay in the king's good graces and enrich himself in the process. This leads to a series of comic misadventures, including dealing with the fallout of a controversial land deal that pits him against powerful families who have an entirely different succession plan in mind. Not to be overlooked, the king's manipulation and political games provide a daunting obstacle course for Edmund, who must navigate these treacherous waters with guile and a hefty dose of luck.

The humor is further enriched by frequent twists and turns, as well as the episodic appearance of other flamboyant historical characters who lend their eccentricities to the twisted narrative. Throughout the episode, the satire is heightened by Blackadder’s interactions with these historical figures, whose portrayed incompetence and buffoonery is sharply juxtaposed with their historical reputations.

With the usual mix of clever dialogue, slapstick, and situational comedy all playing out in a colorfully inaccurate historical setting, The Archbishop is an episode that exemplifies the unique style of "Blackadder." The show adeptly juggles elements of dark humor, political satire, and character-driven comedy, while also tipping its hat to knowledgeable viewers with nods to actual historical events and figures, albeit through a funhouse mirror of hysterical revisionism.

Ultimately, The Archbishop is a masterful blend of historical parody and timeless comedy that showcases Rowan Atkinson's talent for comedic timing and wordplay, and maintains "Blackadder"'s place as a cornerstone of British humor that continues to resonate with audiences even after many decades.