Comment by cyberferret | Hacker News Reader

Comment by cyberferret | Hacker News Reader

I am a long time fan of Rowan Atkinson - though I must say, not of his 'visual comedy' characters like Mr. Bean or Man vs Bee etc. I lean more towards his 'Blackadder' characters (specifically Blackadder 2, 3 and 4. Series 1 was more a 'visual comedy' lead character than the latter, which relied more on a dour character with a sharp verbal wit).

Blackadder 4 in particular added in a darkness to the humour that was really compelling - that last scene in the last episode (when they charge out of the trenches into no mans land) was absolutely haunting and moving. As were the final lines given by the secondary characters (especially Capt. Darling)

EDIT: For those who want to see what I am talking about, here is the final scene (4 minute footage), though I'd highly recommend watching the whole series to really understand the interplay between the characters (especially the pathos of Cpt. Darling vs Cpt. Blackadder) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NgyB6lwE8E0

I find Blackadder to be one of the greatest achievements in the history of television.

I’m still moved by just how wonderfully subversive it is. There was no need for that show to have anything close to the quality of writing it had over it’s run, especially when you watch the first couple of episodes. It could easily have run for years as a simple, meandering medieval sitcom that went nowhere. I’m so glad it ultimately went to so many places, across so many time periods, without it being an excuse for reusing the same old stories.

I still remember watching the final episode at school, in the early 90s, as part of a history lesson on the First World War. The way it turns from a comedy into something that couldn't be more serious! - except, that seriousness was always there. The tone doesn't so much change as reveal itself. Unforgettable.

You are so right about how the seriousness was always there and revealed itself at the end. I too was fairly young when I first watched it, and I think it really framed my propensity for adding humour to otherwise serious situations as a coping mechanism.

It reminds me of something else I watched in school - My Boy Jack - a film about Rudyard Kipling and his son. I recently watched it again for the first time since being a child. It’s worth a watch.

I find the best line ever was Mr Bean's girlfriend's "Do you have the turkey on?" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A0m_o2gxbsU

His sneezing in church, visiting his former school at open day and making a sandwich on a park bench are other priceless additions to the visual comedy hall of fame.

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