# Blackadder Type: Trivia Card | Deck: British Sitcoms of the 70s & 80s | Rarity: Rare URL: https://gamifeye.com/trivia/british-sitcoms-of-the-70s-80s/blackadder > Available languages: > - [English](https://gamifeye.com/trivia/british-sitcoms-of-the-70s-80s/blackadder/llms.txt) > - [ไทย (Thai)](https://gamifeye.com/trivia/british-sitcoms-of-the-70s-80s/blackadder/llms.txt?lang=th) # Blackadder Type: Trivia Card | Deck: British Sitcoms of the 70s & 80s | Rarity: Rare British historical sitcom that nearly cancelled after expensive 1983 first series but transformed into cultural phenomenon. Co-writer Ben Elton joined for series two, shifting format from bumbling protagonist to sharp, sardonic character surrounded by idiots. Four series spanned different historical eras with same actors playing character descendants. Key facts: - Series 1 (1983) featured costly medieval location shoots and poor reception; executives wanted cancellation - Blackadder II (1986) used studio filming, minimal budget, and character reversal suggested by Rowan Atkinson - Four series settings: Middle Ages, Elizabethan England, Regency period, World War I trenches - Recurring cast: Stephen Fry, Tony Robinson (Baldrick), Tim McInnerny (Percy) - Final episode (November 1989) shifted from comedy to tragedy, depicting soldiers going over the top, fading to poppy field - Richard Curtis co-wrote; noted audiences cite finale as changing their WWI understanding ## Trivia Questions Q1: What major change did Rowan Atkinson fight for when transforming his character between the first and second series? A: Making Blackadder the smart one surrounded by idiots instead of being the bumbling fool Q2: Which co-writer joined Richard Curtis for the second series and helped transform the show's format? A: Stephen Fry Q3: What specific production changes were made between the first series and Blackadder II to reduce costs? A: Fewer celebrity guest stars and simpler costumes Q4: How did the show handle character continuity across its four different historical periods? A: The same characters used time travel to visit different eras Q5: What was particularly powerful about the final episode of Blackadder Goes Forth that affected viewers? A: It revealed the entire series was Blackadder's dream Q6: Which historical periods did the four Blackadder series cover in chronological order? A: Medieval, Elizabethan, Victorian, World War II Q7: What year did the original Blackadder series debut, and what year did Blackadder II premiere? A: 1982 and 1985 Q8: According to the description, what lasting impact did writer Richard Curtis observe about the final WWI episode? A: It inspired a spin-off series about World War I --- Part of: [British Sitcoms of the 70s & 80s](/trivia/british-sitcoms-of-the-70s-80s) trivia deck More cards: [View all cards](/trivia/british-sitcoms-of-the-70s-80s/llms.txt)