Ep 2. Ink and Incapability

BlackAdder season 3 episode 2, "Ink and Incapability," follows the conniving Edmund BlackAdder, now serving as butler in the house of Prince George, as he seeks to improve his standing in society and secure a knighthood.

Prince George has taken an interest in the arts, particularly literature, and has tasked BlackAdder with organizing a plan to publish a book that the Prince has written. However, the Prince's writing is incomprehensible and filled with errors, making the task seem impossible. Nonetheless, BlackAdder and his sidekick Baldrick are determined to make it happen, if only to further their own ambitions. They enlist the help of Dr. Samuel Johnson, a renowned lexicographer, to edit the book and hopefully salvage its quality.

Meanwhile, BlackAdder's arch-nemesis, the obnoxious and pompous Lord Smedley, has also set his sights on a knighthood and is attempting to curry favor with the Prince by volunteering to oversee the publication of the book. This leads to a competition between BlackAdder and Smedley to produce the best version of the book and earn the prince's favor.

As the two sides work frantically to complete their editions of the book, chaos ensues. Baldrick is tasked with transcribing the book and makes a series of hilarious spelling and grammatical mistakes, much to BlackAdder's chagrin. Smedley attempts to sabotage BlackAdder's efforts by stealing the original manuscript and replacing it with a fake, leading to a showdown between the two rivals.

Throughout the episode, BlackAdder remains his usual cunning and manipulative self, constantly scheming and conniving to get what he wants. Despite setbacks and obstacles, he remains confident in his abilities and determined to come out on top.

"Ink and Incapability" is a classic example of the dark humor and biting satire that defines the BlackAdder series. The episode skewers the pretensions of the upper class and the literary world, while also highlighting the absurdities of the publishing industry. At its core, however, it is a showcase for the star power of Rowan Atkinson as the conniving and sarcastic BlackAdder, who is always one step ahead of his enemies.