This pilot episode of "Blackadder" is listed under the first series, but it really bears far more similarity in style to the second. In many ways, it's like the "Born to Be King" episode from the first series filmed with characters much like those of the second. Edmund in particular is pretty much the same angry, conniving jerk he was in "Blackadder II" and it's set during this same time period.
As for the actors, it's not the wonderful mix you got from the actual shows. The biggest difference is Baldrick. Instead of the wonderfully stupid and pathetic guy played by Tony Robinson, here he is a normal looking guy and so the chemistry between him and his master, Edmund, is lacking--even when the dialog is identical to that of the later show. The king is also pretty dull--a pale shadow of the bombastic and bigger than life king played later by Brian Blessed. The only familiar faces, other than Rowan Atkinson, is Percy (who plays the same sort of moron he was in the first two series) and Edmund's mom.
As a result of these differences, the chemistry is a bit lacking--though the writing and quality still is evident. You cannot blame anyone for the flat and rough moments (such as during the play) in the pilot, as it IS a pilot and the show lacks polish--which is true of just about every pilot. For fans of the series, this is a must- see. For those not acquainted with the Blackadder series, WAIT--see the shows first as the pilot just isn't quite up to snuff.
As for the actors, it's not the wonderful mix you got from the actual shows. The biggest difference is Baldrick. Instead of the wonderfully stupid and pathetic guy played by Tony Robinson, here he is a normal looking guy and so the chemistry between him and his master, Edmund, is lacking--even when the dialog is identical to that of the later show. The king is also pretty dull--a pale shadow of the bombastic and bigger than life king played later by Brian Blessed. The only familiar faces, other than Rowan Atkinson, is Percy (who plays the same sort of moron he was in the first two series) and Edmund's mom.
As a result of these differences, the chemistry is a bit lacking--though the writing and quality still is evident. You cannot blame anyone for the flat and rough moments (such as during the play) in the pilot, as it IS a pilot and the show lacks polish--which is true of just about every pilot. For fans of the series, this is a must- see. For those not acquainted with the Blackadder series, WAIT--see the shows first as the pilot just isn't quite up to snuff.
