Blackadder Goes Forth -

Premise:

“Blackadder Goes Forth” is the fourth installment of the critically acclaimed British historical sitcom “Blackadder.” Set during World War I, the series follows the misadventures of Captain Edmund Blackadder (Rowan Atkinson), an intelligent but cynical officer in the British Army. The narrative unfolds in the trenches of the Western Front, highlighting the absurdities and challenges faced by the soldiers during the Great War. The show combines sharp wit, historical satire, and dark humor to explore the futility of war and the peculiarities of the time.

Main Central Characters:

Captain Edmund Blackadder (Rowan Atkinson): The cunning and sarcastic protagonist, Captain Blackadder finds himself stationed in the trenches during World War I. Despite his intelligence, he often finds himself entangled in absurd situations.
Lieutenant George Colthurst St. Barleigh (Hugh Laurie): A well-meaning but dim-witted officer with a naive and optimistic view of the war. He is often the target of Captain Blackadder’s sardonic remarks.
Private Baldrick (Tony Robinson): The loyal but simple-minded and dirty servant to Captain Blackadder. His peculiar ideas and lack of hygiene contribute to the comedic elements of the series.

Themes:

“Blackadder Goes Forth” addresses the themes of war, camaraderie, and the absurdity of military bureaucracy. The series satirizes the class distinctions prevalent in the British Army during World War I and provides a poignant commentary on the grim reality faced by soldiers in the trenches.

Critical Consensus (Rating: 5/5):

Critics universally praised “Blackadder Goes Forth” for its brilliant writing, dark humor, and the exceptional performances of the cast, particularly Rowan Atkinson. The series is lauded for its clever satire of historical events and its ability to balance humor with a thought-provoking exploration of war.

TV Parental Guidelines Rating:

The show typically carries a TV-14 rating due to its mature themes, dark humor, and satirical content, which may not be suitable for younger audiences.

Original Network and Run:

“Blackadder Goes Forth” originally aired on BBC One from September 28 to November 2, 1989.