Riding across the moors, albeit carefully enough to avoid anything resembling a confrontation, comes the first instalment of Rowan Atkinson portraying, in this instance, the rather treacherous, spineless and simpering Black Adder the first. Foregoing most of the history lesson, especially in light of its rather dubious (but comical, of course) origins, we'll suffice it to say that he's the son of King Richard IV, and hardly a shining example of model medieval manhood (well, except for the chains and assorted metal gadgetry, naturally).
Conceived and written by Richard Curtis and Atkinson himself, and set roughly between the years of 1485 and 1498, the first series depicts the beginning of what was to become, for wont of a better phrase, the Black Adder dynasty. These were the days before Ben Elton's involvement, and it does show with a certain lack of that sparkle that arrived with the second series, although what's on offer here still has its own rather pithy and often hysterical charm.
The core cast for this instalment other than Atkinson consists of Tony Robinson as the ever-suffering Baldrick (although the lineage wasn't watered down so much here, so he actually possesses a few brain cells), Tim McInnerny as the always-doltish Percy, Brian blessed as the rather boisterous Richard IV and Elspet Gray as his none-too-bright Queen. The cameo formula was established from episode one, with a sidesplitting performance from the one and only Peter Cook, plus Rik Mayall's lisping nutball Mad Gerald, who pops up in episode six, being two particular highlights.
The Foretelling: And now for a quick alternate history lesson... After a slight whoopsy with a sword, Edmund inadvertently makes his father king. Haunted by a regal ghost and saved by Baldrick and Percy of all people, the realisation that his station as prince has certain advantages is not lost - it's makeover time!
Born to be King: The king is off battling Turks, here's Edmund's chance to play with power. Dash it though if Henry hasn’t been left in charge, giving Edmund the task of organising celebratory frolics. Rather ticked off at the indignity of arranging eunuchs, Morris dancers and more, the treacherous Black Adder sets out to bring his brother down...
The Archbishop: The church and crown battle it out for land rights - and sundry Archbishops of Canterbury are dropping like flies thanks to a ticked off king. When Edmund then gets the gig - reluctantly, for obvious reasons - his battle begins to keep his life. Cue the swordfights and other habits...
The Queen of Spain's Beard: Europe's a bloody mess, so the king thinks it time for a consolidating alliance with Spain. As part of the deal Edmund is to marry the Spanish Infanta - which sounds fine until he meets her. Politics save his bacon temporarily, but then there's Princess Leia to contend with...
Witchsmeller Pursuivant: As the black plague wends its evil ways through Europe, and the king falls ill, Prince Harry calls upon the renowned Witchsmeller to help quell the public's panic. Taking anything but a shine to Edmund, can the Black Adder and his band of two weasel out of becoming kindling?
The Black Seal: Edmund's had enough. Left as nothing more than a privy warden, he's out for revenge on his father, and decides to go it alone without his remarkably loyal servants. An evil recruitment drive ensues to help wrest the throne, but dungeons and Mad Gerald weren't a part of his cunning plan...
As anybody with his or her wits about them would suspect, this entire first series of Black Adder is a standard 1.33:1 non-anamorphic presentation.
The series had its many indoor scenes shot on video - all of which hold up remarkably well considering their almost twenty year-old vintage - whilst the outdoor scenes were shot on video. The latter display more in the way of age-related gremlins, with speckles and grain making themselves quite well known at various points throughout the six episodes.
Some of the indoor scenes can tend to veer a little towards the dark side (insert your favourite Darth Vader gag here), and the shadow detail isn’t particularly smashing, however at least things are for the most part fairly sharp. Really, for an eighteen year old series there isn’t too much too complain about at all.
Another telly series, another bog standard Dolby Digital Stereo audio track. Needless to say surround usage is limited to basically none, however the most important job for a comedy soundtrack is to get the dialogue across clearly and distinctly, and this feat is accomplished very well. The audience versus actors ratio is nicely balanced, it's all synched superbly, and really the only issue is with the tendency of many of the characters to deliver their lines much in the manner a town crier would, causing a little bit of distortion to creep in on occasions.
Howard Goodall's score is, well, economical. Other than the variation on the now familiar to millions theme, there are simply occasional outbreaks of minimalist music to accentuate the drama of certain scenes.
The first series of Black Adder was a fine start to what went on to become one of the greatest comedic exports ever to emerge from Britain. Whilst much better is to come in ensuing series', especially with the arrival of Ben Elton in the writing department, there is still much to delight at and chortle over here, and frankly it's worth the price of admission for Peter Cook's Richard III alone.
The entire series is all present on one disc, and whilst a rather Spartan, just the facts and nothing else release, three hours of classic British comedy is enough to make this far more appealing than many other bonus-free discs that could be named. Video and audio are pretty much as good as they're going to get, and fans should be more than happy with how they scrub up.
It could have used a Queenie though.
