Season two starts right where season one ended. In this season some of the episodes are actually two parters adapted from one story, but some episodes are actually adaptation of multiple stories. Still, every episode is great, and with some cast changes, it’s maybe even perfect. Season 2 and season 3 and 4 later have 6 episodes each. This season Wooster will try more to act as a matchmaker, and he will depend even more on Jeeves.

This season will introduce a new character of aspiring fascist dictator Spode, and he will be involved in many stories this season, and later in season 4. Wooster will be caught in his aunt manipulations again with the silver cow creamer, and also will be stuck with new valet when Jeeves gives his notice and leave him (for a while). Matchmaking fiasco at the end of the season will cause Wooster to change his scene and go to visit New York in season 3.

Cast

Wooster and Jeeves

Interesting thing about this series is that some of the roles are played by different actors in every season, like the Wooster’s aunt Agatha. Also, some of the Wooster love interests are also casted again for this season and that can be sometimes distracting because you again need to find out who is who. But, as the cast goes, this is the best season of the series. As the Fry and Laurie, they are truly amazing, and both are now much more comfortable with their roles.

Conclusion

This is a series not to be missed, even if you are only interested to see Hugh Laurie in the non House role. Both him a Fry are great tandem in anything they worked together.

Long before US audience have met Hugh Laurie and Dr. Gregory House, he was already accomplished actor and starred in many excellent series and movies. I already have written on Black Adder series, and here is another real gem of UK television production. Jeeves and Wooster is created and produced by Granada Televison and premiered on ITV in 1990 with first from 4 seasons made, starring Hugh Laurie and Stephen Fry.

Story

Series is based on the stories written by Pelham Grenville Wodehouse from 1916 to 1974. Series is set in early 20-th century (between two World Wars) in England and USA. As expected, Granada did excellent job in recreating the period. Music is also excellent, but after couple of episodes, it became to repetitive and boring. Second season will be imporved when the music is concerned.

Bertie Wooster is a bachelor and minor aristocrat, member of ‘idle rich’ upper class, living of the family inheritance, engaged to a new woman in almost every episode, and always getting himself in some sort of trouble. Jeeves is his gentleman’s personal gentleman, or valet who is rally ‘a brain of the operation’, and who is helping Bertie and his friends out of many awkward situations.

Jeeves & Wooster

This is one of the best adaptation of any written material , and the series didn’t lose anything in the adaptation process, and is true to original.

Characters

There are few changes in some of the characters from the written stories, Wooster (played by Hugh Laurie) plays the piano in the series as Hugh often does in all series he stars in. And Jeeves (played by Stephen Fry) is younger than in the books. Hugh is as usually amazing, and the Wooster character is a perfect match for his comedy side. Stephen Fry is also perfect as the silent but very smart valet aiding and in many cases controlling his master, as the good valet from the period often does. Bertie is in many ways a total opposite to Hugh’s character of Dr. House, so it’s very interesting to see him in a truly comedic roles that he is famous for.

Conclusion

This is really excellent series, and really a must see for all Hugh Laurie fans interested in seeing him in excellent comedic role. Grab the DVD box set and enjoy.

The final full season of the history of Blackadders, creators choose setting of The First World War. It’s the 1917, Western front and we are in the trenches with the British troops. Between them and German troops is so called no-man’s-land. This season originally aired in the 1989, and reunites the all-star actors from all previous seasons, some of them as guest stars in a single episode. Shame that this is the last season of the series.

Cast

Blackadder is now captain in the army and again he is there with now Private Baldrick and Lieutenant George. Their commanding officer is General Melchett who has a personal secretary Captain Kevin Darling. George is idealistic and again not very smart as his predecesor Prince George was. Hugh Laurie again did an excellent job with this role.Stephen Fry is back for a full season in the role of general, and he is brilliant. This role is much stronger that the role of Melchett in the second season. Tim is back as Captain Darling and he also does a great job.

Blackadder Goes Forth

Among guest stars there is Geoffrey Palmer as Field Marshal Haig, Rik Mayall again as Captain Flashheart and Miranda Richardson as a nurse.

Writing

This season is more satirical then previous seasons was, and writing is still very intelligent and funny. For the most part, this season delivers a anti-war message and shows how pointless the war was, and how bad was conducted on the part of the commanding officers involved.

Conclusion

Another great season of Blackadder. As I said, shame it was the last. And apart from few specials this is the end of the series. Next, and for now last review will be about these extras and specials aired over the years.

Few centuries after the first Black Adder we are now in the 16th century, on the court of Queen Elizabeth I. Edmund Blackadder is now a Lord and close friend with queen. Unlike his predecessor, this time Edmund is intelligent and good looking, but inside he is the same, still scheming and plotting to advance further. But, no matter how different Edmund seams to be, good thing is that Blackadder will always be Blackadder.

Cast

There were some changes in the cast. Blackadder and Baldrick are still here. And so is Percy. But this time we have the Queen, played by Miranda Richardson, here nanny Nursie, played by Patsy Byrne and Lord Melchett, played by Stephen Fry. I think that Queen is a bit overplayed and annoying at times, but I think that was a general idea on how to show her. Stephen Fry is great as always.

Edmund, Baldrick and Percy

Writing

As the story goes, this is maybe the weakest in the series. Don’t get me wrong, it’s still good, but seasons 3 and 4 are much better. Rowan Atkinson wasn’t involved in writing process in this season as he was in the first one. And ending of the season is a sort of introduction of the next season and Hugh Laurie plays crazy german Prince Ludwig.

Production

In terms of production, this season is much better, and sets the standard for the following seasons. Music is in style of the first season. Costumes are really great, and at times really over the top, but all that is done on purpose.

Conclusion

Blackadder is really a great series, and the second incarnation of Edmund is really a must see. Not the best in the series, but still better than the most comedies you are likely to see on TV.