Ep 5. Beer

BlackAdder season 2 episode 5, named Beer, is a hilarious and satirical episode that revolves around the ever-drunk and cunning Lord Melchett and his quest to brew the perfect beer.

The episode begins with Lord Melchett announcing his plans to enter the beer-making competition, much to the surprise and amusement of his fellow nobles. His loyal servant Baldrick, however, is less than thrilled at the prospect of having to taste dozens of different beers in order to find the best one.

As Lord Melchett begins his quest to create the perfect beer, he enlists the help of Blackadder himself, who is tasked with finding the key ingredient that will put his beer ahead of the rest. But as Blackadder soon discovers, the key ingredient is something that Lord Melchett is unwilling to part with - his own urine.

Undeterred, Blackadder sets out to find a replacement for the vital ingredient, but his efforts are continually hampered by the meddling of Lord Melchett and his cronies. As the deadline for the competition draws nearer, tensions rise and the stakes become higher, culminating in a hilarious and unexpected climax.

One of the standout aspects of the episode is the brilliant chemistry between Lord Melchett and his loyal servant Baldrick. As usual, Baldrick serves as the comic relief, providing many of the episode's funniest moments with his deadpan delivery and characteristic stupidity.

The writing in Beer is razor-sharp, with the dialogue full of cutting one-liners and clever wordplay. The humour is cleverly balanced with references to historical events and figures, making it both intelligent and entertaining.

The performances are also superb, with Stephen Fry delivering a standout performance as the foppish and eccentric Lord Melchett. Rowan Atkinson is also excellent as Blackadder, bringing his trademark wit and sarcasm to the role.

The episode's climax is a masterclass in comedic timing, with a surprise twist that is both unexpected and hilarious. It's a testament to the show's writing and performances that even after all these years, the humour in Beer still feels fresh and relevant.

Overall, BlackAdder season 2 episode 5 is a must-watch for any fans of the show or lovers of great comedy. Its witty writing, hilarious performances, and clever satire make it one of the show's best episodes, and a standout example of British comedy at its finest.