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Post by FlyingScotsman on Nov 27, 2008 19:46:25 GMT
Interesting... although am I alone in thinking that maybe Blackadder doesn't need a fifth series? 'Goodbyeee' was such a great ending, and I have to say that I found 'Back and Forth' to be a bit lame.
I think the big question would be, when would it be set? Some of the suggestions I've heard for previous seasons:
- The 1890s. I could see this one working, with Blackadder as a bit of a Flashman-type character lording it over the Empire. The only major pitfall I could see would be the potential overlapping with the Christmas Carol Blackadder and the First World War Blackadder.
- World War II, in a POW camp. I think the Second World War has been done to death in sitcoms ('Allo 'Allo, Goodnight Sweetheart, Dad's Army), and I also think the atmosphere would be too similar to Blackadder Goes Forth
- The 1960s, with Blackadder being the leader of a band and a drummer named Bald Rick. This would be unspeakably awful.
- The 1960s again, in an Oxbridge college. Not a bad idea, certainly a lot better than putting them in a band.
- Modern day, with Blackadder as a secret agent. With the release of Johnny English, I can't see Rowan Atkinson going for it a second time. Plus, there's the fact that Blackadder's big thing is that it's a historical sitcom.
- Biblical times, with Blackadder as a scheming 13th disciple. I don't think this was ever a serious idea, and to be honest I think it would just end up upsetting people without being all that funny. Plus Monty Python have been there, done it and got the T-shirts printed.
- The future. Good God I hope not, the future segment of 'Blackadder's Christmas Carol' basically only had one funny joke, and the future bit of 'Back and Forth' was the producers saying, "Hey! Look! Spaceships! For no reason! We can afford it!"
- World War I, but with Blackadder on the German side in the Flying Corps. Again, I think this was a rumour rather than an actual idea (it was reported in The Sun), and with a Blackadder on the British side, also in the Flying Corps for a time, this one is dead in the water.
- 1775, the American colonies. This was actually going to be the American version of Blackadder, but it never took off. I actually think this is the strongest of the nearly-Blackadder ideas. While it does cover the same period as the Regency, the setting is very different.
The book Blackadder: The Whole Damn Dynasty also suggests some good ones. One was that the Blackadders were native Britons who switched sides as soon as the Romans invaded - I could see Blackadder as a British chieftain living it up, George as a Roman governor trying to keep order, Melchett as an ambassador from Rome, Darling in charge of the local garrison and Baldrick, of course, still a filthy oik. Maybe Queenie could cameo as Boadicea?
Another was Blackadder as a Cardinal in attendance on Henry VIII - I wonder if Brian Blessed could be persuaded to return as a mad Henry? In turbulent times like that, Blackadder would be right at home.
My own suggestion would be one set in the early days of Australia, with Blackadder as a fed-up naval officer, Baldrick as a convict and the Melchett part taken by Governor Arthur Philip, but this might be a bit obscure for UK audiences.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 27, 2008 21:22:47 GMT
I'll agree that I'm not really up for a fifth series, maybe a one-off return would be acceptable, but what with there being so much tripe on terrestrial television these days, it would be nice to look forward to something on it for a change.
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Post by MRHloco on Dec 2, 2008 21:58:00 GMT
I would agree that a 5th series is going a bit far - where would the magic of Blackadder be without Rowan Atkinson & Tony Robinson? And much as I'd like to think otherwise, they're not getting any younger.
I suspect that some one-off specials should be in order to keep Richard Curtis & Ben Elton busy. Perhaps the Second World War would be a good topic...
The same goes for Henry VIII, with Brian Blessed in the star role and Rowan Atkinson returning to join Tony Robinson, Stephen Fry, Hugh Laurie, Miranda Richardson, Tim McInnerny and perhaps even Rik Mayall in a busy time. I learnt about Henry VIII's regime for A-Levels and have to admit that it would be good for students to see a humourous take on it.
What do you all think?
Warm Regards, MRHloco
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Post by ringo86 on Dec 2, 2008 22:21:26 GMT
Blackadder was brilliant for 3 out of its 4 seasons, the 1st one being pretty poor, it doesn't NEED a 5th series as the ending at the end of "Blackadder goes Forth" really proved poignant with them all going over the top. If a 5th series were to go ahead, it would render that scene pointless. I say "Nice thought, but no 5th series, full stop."
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Post by Kyle on Dec 2, 2008 22:30:48 GMT
I'm a little torn about the thought of a 5th season; I mean, I'd love to see the characters go through a new round of antics (my DVD's are getting a little worn out ;D) but the ending of Blackadder Goes Forth was so beautifully done it would be at risk of being let down majorly. I don't the continuity being an issue, however. Back & Forth showed that the Blackadder lineage did continue on (even though he said he didn't have a girlfriend, that doesn't mean a child wasn't born from a causal fling to continue the line). I've often thought that an executive office environment would be good (maybe set during the 70's or 80's), with Blackadder and Darling being competing deparment heads (hence their squabbling), Melchett as the stupid C.E.O., and Baldrick and George as stupid employees. There would be just enough of a hierarchial system for it to work I reckon But the idea of it being set in Colditz also sits well with me
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Post by Deleted on Dec 26, 2008 22:38:24 GMT
Saw the documentary last night and loved every little bit of it, from John Sargeant narrating it to Stephen Fry being reunited with his bosoms. My favourite part about the documentary though was when the stars told us how they felt about the show coming to an end and the behind-the-scenes footage that went with their views in where you saw them moved towards the end of filming for the fourth series.
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Post by melshiri on Dec 27, 2008 9:32:45 GMT
I missed the 'Blackadder Rides Again' documentary on Christmas Day, although I got to see it on BBC iPlayer.
I loved every minute of it. Good that they showed a great quality clip from the unseen pilot and there was some deleted scenes from 'The Black Adder'. The Behind-the-Scenes footage from 'Blackadder Goes Forth' was another great addition, although I wished that they should have detailed more on both 'Blackadder's Christmas Carol' and 'Blackadder Back & Forth'. Still it was nice to see Rowan being interviewed and the others.
Then near the end, Tony Robinson asked Tim McInnerny if he would like to do a fifth series if it came up. And to my suprise, Tim said 'No!' I was shocked. Well if there is a fifth series, they will not be a Tim in it.
Overall the documentary was interesting. 9/10.
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Post by captainmodesty on Dec 27, 2008 13:06:13 GMT
I missed the ' Blackadder Rides Again' documentary on Christmas Day, although I got to see it on BBC iPlayer. I loved every minute of it. Good that they showed a great quality clip from the unseen pilot and there was some deleted scenes from ' The Black Adder'. The Behind-the-Scenes footage from ' Blackadder Goes Forth' was another great addition, although I wished that they should have detailed more on both ' Blackadder's Christmas Carol' and ' Blackadder Back & Forth'. Still it was nice to see Rowan being interviewed and the others. Then near the end, Tony Robinson asked Tim McInnerny if he would like to do a fifth series if it came up. And to my suprise, Tim said 'No!' I was shocked. Well if there is a fifth series, they will not be a Tim in it. Overall the documentary was interesting. 9/10. The reason Tim said no was because he wouldn't want to ruin viewers memories and the fact they're all getting old now. It'll be interesting to see whether the Red Dwarf specials are radically different now that they are 20 years older than when they started.
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Post by Christopher on Dec 27, 2008 16:40:18 GMT
I personally would have loved to see more of the unaired pilot they had locked up. Was like revealing a little more of "history" after witnessing the 30-second clip they presented. Apart from that, everything else was smashing, and to hear from Mr B. himself was certainly another plus
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Post by MRHloco on Jan 14, 2009 19:06:51 GMT
A rather belated response, I fear, but never mind. Better Late Than Never. When Blackadder Rides Again appeared on television for the first time, I was absolutely delighted with it. It's wonderful to finally be able to see the sort of person that Rowan Atkinson really is once the cameras have walked away - he's my personal favourite comedian to be honest. As for a 5th series, I can't imagine it ever happening now, having seen the colour of Rowan Atkinson's hair. It's rapidly becoming silver, the sort of colour that makes him better at playing elderly roles now. Come to think of it, if they were ever to do a remake of Oh, Mr Porter!, who better to cast as Jeremiah Harbottle than Blackadder's alter-ego yours truly. Re: Blackadder III Just giving a different subject to discuss now that the festive excitement has ended. This was the first quarter of the series I ever owned on DVD and it's really and truly a marvellous piece of work. A massive improvement on Series 2 in terms of quality of sets and story, as well as fantastic jokes that still sound funny, even when you've heard them enough times to remember them word for word. In fact, does anyone remember when Robbie Coltrane appeared on the scene? Playing a certain pompous literary genius? Author of the " most pointless book since 'How To Learn French' was translated into French?" Unable to understand the fact that he's never heard a certain wonderful but ambiguous word? And the Prince is very much at his most outrageous! Warm Regards As Always, MRHloco P.S. Contrafibularities?
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Post by Deleted on Jan 14, 2009 19:59:16 GMT
In fact, does anyone remember when Robbie Coltrane appeared on the scene? Playing a certain pompous literary genius? Author of the " most pointless book since 'How To Learn French' was translated into French?" Unable to understand the fact that he's never heard a certain wonderful but ambiguous word? I sure do... " Once upon a time, there was a lovely little sausage cal...Sausage? SAUSAGE!? Grrr, blast your eyes!" " Oh. I didn't think it was that bad." " I think you'll find he left sausage out of his dictionary, Baldrick." Ah, hahahahaha! Classic. * * * * * * * Found the first part of this last night... www.dailymotion.com/relevance/search/blackadder/video/x71mmy_blackadder-the-whole-rotten-saga-pa_shortfilmsEnjoy!
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Post by FlyingScotsman on Jan 23, 2009 23:56:48 GMT
I do sometimes throw Blackadder's made-up words into conversation at work - nobody's asked what I mean when I say I'll do something "interfrastically".
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Post by Sodor's No.1 on Feb 4, 2009 20:42:39 GMT
I would like to express my greatest Contrafibularities for remembering such a word, which must have been remebered after experiencing many Pericombobluations!
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Post by Old Square Wheels on May 6, 2009 9:15:27 GMT
Here's something interesting (for UK members at least): they're releasing a new box set; www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B001UHO0TY/ref=s9_k2a_gw_t1?pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=0N92GBGC7HXPN6DJPPMD&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=467128533&pf_rd_i=468294However, the episodes are being digitally remastered for this release (I'm guessing that just means better quality footage, rather than the butchering Red Dwarf did with their remastering). And there's also audio commentaries with most of the main stars (even Rowan Atkinson, which was quite a surprise, considering how media-shy he is nowadays). And as the year 1982 is mentioned, the pilot episode might be put on it as well. Have to say, the picture quality and lack of special features on the original discs was a bit disappointing, so this set certainly looks a nice treat for Blackadder fans
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Post by MRHloco on May 12, 2009 21:31:21 GMT
Well, well! This is a surprise! Digital remastering?! And audio commentaries?! From Rowan Atkinson?! Thanks for the finding, Old Square Wheels - I'm sure it'll really cheer a lot of us up! Mind you, I've already collected most of the current Blackadder Collection beforehand so it'll be several years, if at all, before I consider buying it. Warm Regards As Always, MRHloco
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Post by oliver11gwr on Jul 27, 2009 18:14:47 GMT
Out of all the seasons of blackadder and all of the specials i have to say my fav is season 4 its just hilarious XD ;D
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Post by richard on Jul 27, 2009 19:46:24 GMT
I recently bought the first four entire series on DVD. Classic stuff that you just can't beat and it never gets old! . Also I remember watching a documentary on the making of the series which was pretty interesting and also about what others have said here, on how it evolved and such.
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Post by Dmman on Aug 23, 2009 11:11:24 GMT
Well a few days ago I finally got around to watching the Blackadder Series on Youtube and it is just hilarious! I've become obsessed!
As to my favorite series, it has got to be Blackadder II. Although I find the time period the least interesting historically, there are two factors that push this series over the top:
1) The Blackadder song at the end credits. I found this to be an awesome ending gag that was unfortunately ct out of later series. (why? Was it the expense? Or was Blackadder's position too low to merit a song about him?) It was just the most catchy out of all the series.
2) QUEENIE! Miranda Richardson's performance of the evil-spoiled-schoolgirl Queen Lizzie I was always pure, unadulterated joy. Yeah, it was totally historically inaccurate, but it was AWESOME. I loved the look and I was totally SMITTEN with that squeaky voice of hers. Definitely her best bit was at the end of "Beer" when she tried to give a more traditional Elizabeth speech, but she turns right back to Queenie immediately.
Blackadder the Third and Blackadder Goes Fourth each had great charm, while being totally different. Third is set during my favorite historical period, but I actually saw Jeeves and Wooster before I saw this, so it did feel a bit similar, though Blackadder is infinitely more hilarious. As for Fourth, well, in the States we have this show called M*A*S*H, which addresses similar issues and lasts at least nine seasons, So although that series was really good, it did have a slight tinge of staleness to me. Not to say it wasn't great television, though.
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Post by Georgemiser on Sept 13, 2009 9:04:23 GMT
The 1960s, with Blackadder being the leader of a band and a drummer named Bald Rick. This would be unspeakably awful. i can think of something alot worse. How about blackadder as a supervillain and the achenemy of a superhero version of lord flashart,with baldrick & percy as his henchmen. era:1930s. compared to that, ''the blackadders'' (as i think they'd call it.) would be art. (to be honest the whole idea of a blackadder band doesn't sound to bad.)
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Post by Matthew24691 on Dec 1, 2009 21:55:55 GMT
currently in college i'm doing world war 1 poetry in english and it has sparked my fondness for blackadder goes forth...
people think the Blackadder Goes Forth came at the right time with it being about 70 odd years after the first world war had ended
well seeing as the forth series is the one i can really get into the most i thought i would leave my thoughts on the subject...
firstly i find it interesting to watch what sort of comical ways blackadder would come up with to get out of the trenches... with each plan failing spectacularly.
i find the last episode the most moving one with Captain Darling being sent to the front line as they go over the top into the battle of passchendaele. i love the poignancy of the scene as they go over the top with it slowly fading into a field of poppies...
one of my favourite episodes is the 2nd one of the series "Corporal Punishment" in which Blackadder is give a court marshall for shooting General Melchetts Carrier Pigeon "Speckled Jim" in which he is known as "The Flanders Pigeon Murderer"...
"Come on George, with 50,000 men getting killed a week who's going to miss a pigeon?" (shoots the pigeon dead).
one thing i did find funny was how Blackadder claimed Field Marshall Haig wanted to move his drinks cabinet 6 inches closer to berlin... hehehe
but everytime i see them go over i can't help but go quiet and think about the men that died as they went into enemy gun fire.
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