Though there was only 24 episodes and the show finished in 1989, Blackadder has never been forgotten and continues to be one of Britain’s most loved sitcoms. As well as its unique take on four different periods within British history, it also featured one of comedy’s most famous anti-heroes, the acerbic Edmund Blackadder. The eight quotes below give a strong insight into his turn of phrase, and you’ll find a bonus example of his scathing wit here.
He’s mad! He’s mad. He’s madder than Mad Jack McMad, the winner of this year’s Mr Madman competition
I’m as poor as a church mouse, that’s just had an enormous tax bill on the very day his wife ran off with another mouse, taking all the cheese.
I find his [Chaplin’s] films about as funny as getting an arrow through the neck and discovering there’s a gas bill tied to it.
We’re in the stickiest situation since Sticky the stick insect got stuck on a sticky bun.
Millions have died, but our troops have advanced no further than an asthmatic ant with some heavy shopping.
It’s the most pointless book since ‘How To Learn French’ was translated into French.
Baldrick: Can I do my war poem?
Edmund: How hurt would you be if I gave the honest answer, which is “No, I’d
rather French-kiss a skunk”?
Private Baldrick: I have a plan, sir.
Captain Blackadder: Really, Baldrick? A cunning and subtle one?
Private Baldrick: Yes, sir.
Captain Blackadder: As cunning as a fox who’s just been appointed Professor of Cunning at Oxford University?
Private Baldrick: Yes, sir.
Captain Blackadder: Well, I’m afraid it’ll have to wait. Whatever it was, I’m sure it was better than my plan to get out of this by pretending to be mad. I mean, who would have noticed another madman round here?
Alex Raphael 
I have to admit being initially confused when Blackadder switched time periods… But still found it absolutely hilarious!
It certainly has a unique set up. My favourite is the fourth series. Scathing satire at its best.
How interesting. I’ve never heard of this show. Is this what inspired your beard? 😑
One of the first comedies I remember getting into. My history teachers mentioned it quite often.
Your history teacher sounds cool xx
A bit like Fawlty Towers. We all think there were so many more
Fawlty Towers only had 12! All masterpieces mind.
I LOVE Blackadder. Mr O and I quote it at each other.
Ha! Which of you is Baldrick? 😉
It depends… mostly me.
Ha. I hope you don’t forget to quote his poetry 😉
Thanks for reminding me of that Blackadder wit 😉
Happy to oblige 🙂
I have never heard of this show?! thanks for sharing!! you are always full of fun info 🙂
Aww thanks. Happy to oblige 🙂
“BOOM BOOM BOOM!”
LOVE Blackadder! One of the all time greatest British comedy shows 🙂 and of course Goes Forth is the best series 🙂 George is my favourite character. I love how Hugh Laurie is almost a bit of a sex symbol now and he used to be so utterly, utterly silly!
Baldrick’s take on the war poets haha. Laurie sure had a following in House. I saw him recently in The Night Manager. He’s got quite a range.
But George / Prince Regent will always be his best haha!! 😊
“I could go on all night!”
“not with a bayonet through your neck”
I’ve used that line in conversation before haha
That is so funny!!!!! I’d like to one day as well ha ha 🙂
What a perfect last line for that series. I got introduced to Blackadder properly through the fourth and best series. No thanks I only smoke after I’ve made love so back in England I was a 20 pack a day man.
That’s my favourite series too. The third one has some truly inspired moments as well. And that ending is right up there for me too. Incredibly moving.
That’s Richard Curtis I suspect, the man knows the value of pathos. I agree the third series is great, it’s my wife’s favourite.
I think my favourite scene in the period is either when Baldrick makes up words to startle Doctor Johnson or when when Baldrick and Prince Regeant swap roles for the Duke of Wellington.
Oh yeah remember Laurie’s face. 🙂