The never-before-seen first episode of Blackadder is set to be finally aired on British television to mark the comedy series’s fortieth anniversary.
The historical (and hysterically funny) show has remained one of the most beloved even after having long since departed our screens, having been first broadcast in 1983.
However, the show — written by Richard Curtis and Sir Ben Elton — was pitched to the BBC a year before and a pilot episode was produced but never aired.
Rowan Atkinson plays the eponymous lead Edmund Blackadder, the antihero who appears in different guises in all four series which are each set in a different point of British history from the 15th to 20th centuries. Blackadder himself is an aristocrat who is assisted by his dogsbody, Baldrick.
Sir Tony Robinson played the gormless and naive Baldrick for all four series (although his character was considerably more astute in the first series, with Blackadder being more foolish) and recently said that, despite the character’s stupidity, he would have “very high status” in the current British government. Philip Fox was cast as Baldrick in the unaired pilot episode in one of several differences in casting.
What is in the Blackadder pilot episode?
The episode is set in the 16th century — around 100 years after the events of The Black Adder, series one, took place.
In theme and tone is more similar to Blackadder II, which is also set in the 1500s.
However, key differences are that the characteristics of Blackadder and Baldrick are reversed for the pilot, with Atkinson’s character being found short of logic, and is more similar to the first series.
In addition, King Richard IV of England is played by John Savident in the pilot, whereas the character was played by Brian Blessed on television. Robert Bathurst was replaced by Robert East in the role of Harry, Prince of Wales.
Sir Tony, in the Radio Times, warned viewers that scene one was “tedious” but the pilot did contain “flashes that are really good”.
“In a way, series one was itself a pilot,” he continued, in reference to The Black Adder, which won viewers but was critically seen as the weakest of the four series.
Where to watch the unaired pilot
Blackadder: The Lost Pilot will be shown at 9pm tonight (Thursday) on Gold.
How many episodes of Blackadder are there?
As part of the original run, there were 24 episodes across series one to four.
There are also four special episodes: Blackadder: The Cavalier Years in 1988, Blackadder’s Christmas Carol also in 1998, Blackadder: Back & Forth in 1999, and a Red Nose Day special which aired earlier this year.
Social media reactions to Blackadder anniversary
As usual with any television comeback event, fans are getting excited on Twitter. Here are some of the best tweets from the day.
#Blackadder is 40 this week and is part of every day parlance. Over the years, which phrases do you sometimes use from the show and when you do you use them? Example: When someone offers me a cup of tea, I say: "yes, immediately." You get the idea. Will RT the best ones. pic.twitter.com/XqZ4bDRLSz
— The King of Blackadder 👑🇬🇧 (@pitchblacksteed) June 13, 2023
Something interesting from UK Gold this Thursday 15 June at 9pm for #Blackadder 40th anniversary.
— The King of Blackadder 👑🇬🇧 (@pitchblacksteed) June 12, 2023
The Lost Pilot. Here's Sir Tony Robinson to explain more...
I have seen it, not a huge fan, but an important piece of Blackadder history nonetheless.pic.twitter.com/xBj5F85KIB
I have a cunning plan…to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Blackadder by playing the theme tune on the piano. #Blackadder @BBC @bbccomedy pic.twitter.com/ZJHkOKMuwQ
— Steve Rosenberg (@BBCSteveR) June 11, 2023
Today marks 40 years since Blackadder first aired, bringing an iconic comedy dynasty to television screens. https://t.co/tuxDON7oDA pic.twitter.com/AHNOsjg68f
— BritishComedySociety (@BritComSociety) June 14, 2023
"There's less comedy generally, which I think's a bit sad."
— BBC Radio 4 Today (@BBCr4today) June 15, 2023
Blackadder producer John Lloyd says 'comedy is a great way of coping' with life as the BBC sitcom celebrates its 40th anniversary.#R4Today pic.twitter.com/fedFVQbx28
40 years of cunning plans, permissions to speak and one Turnip Surprise... Hurrah! #Blackadder pic.twitter.com/JglzwdUGRP
— GOLD (@goldchannel) June 15, 2023
