The Archbishop
Created | Updated Apr 17, 2003
Blackadder Series 1, episode 3: The Archbishop
The Plot:
The King has murdered three successive Archbishops of Canterbury so Blackadder is understandably terrified when he is the next appointment. Determined not to be the next prelate to be brutally slain in a freak accident, he brilliantly persuades a rich nobleman to donate all his lands to the King and not the Church. However, the King accidentally orders Blackadder’s murder anyway. Blackadder narrowly escapes and is stripped of the title of Archbishop when all three popes realise that he is not suitable priest material.
Moment of pure evil:
Blackadder’s final act as Archbishop of Canterbury is to set fire to a nunnery.
Brush up your Shakespeare:
The King shouts, “Chiswick! Fresh horses!” This sounds Shakespearean, but it isn’t. We’ve checked.
This week’s most interesting fact:
In this particular period of English history it was not considered necessary or even desirable for Archbishops of Canterbury to believe in God.
Quotes:
Blackadder: You see, the thing about heaven is that heaven is for people who like the sort of things that go on in heaven. Like, well, singing, talking to God, watering pot plants.
King: Chiswick! Fresh horses!
King: If you cross me, now or ever, I shall do unto you what God did unto the Sodomites, understand?
Read the other episode guides:
Series 1:
1. The Foretelling
2. Born to Be King
3. The Archbishop
4. The Queen of Spain's Beard
5. Witchsmeller Pursuivant
6. The Black Seal
Series 2:
1. Bells
2. Head
3. Potato
4. Money
5. Beer
6. Chains
Series 3:
1. Dish and Dishonesty
2. Ink and Incapability
3. Nob and Nobility
4. Sense and Senility
5. Amy and Amiability
6. Dual and Duality
Series 4:
1. Captain Cook
2. Corporal Punishment
3. Major Star
4. Private Plane
5. General Hospital
6. Goodybyeee
These guides were brought to you by the BBCi Comedy website.
The Plot:
The King has murdered three successive Archbishops of Canterbury so Blackadder is understandably terrified when he is the next appointment. Determined not to be the next prelate to be brutally slain in a freak accident, he brilliantly persuades a rich nobleman to donate all his lands to the King and not the Church. However, the King accidentally orders Blackadder’s murder anyway. Blackadder narrowly escapes and is stripped of the title of Archbishop when all three popes realise that he is not suitable priest material.
Moment of pure evil:
Blackadder’s final act as Archbishop of Canterbury is to set fire to a nunnery.
Brush up your Shakespeare:
The King shouts, “Chiswick! Fresh horses!” This sounds Shakespearean, but it isn’t. We’ve checked.
This week’s most interesting fact:
In this particular period of English history it was not considered necessary or even desirable for Archbishops of Canterbury to believe in God.
Quotes:
Blackadder: You see, the thing about heaven is that heaven is for people who like the sort of things that go on in heaven. Like, well, singing, talking to God, watering pot plants.
King: Chiswick! Fresh horses!
King: If you cross me, now or ever, I shall do unto you what God did unto the Sodomites, understand?
Read the other episode guides:
Series 1:
1. The Foretelling
2. Born to Be King
3. The Archbishop
4. The Queen of Spain's Beard
5. Witchsmeller Pursuivant
6. The Black Seal
Series 2:
1. Bells
2. Head
3. Potato
4. Money
5. Beer
6. Chains
Series 3:
1. Dish and Dishonesty
2. Ink and Incapability
3. Nob and Nobility
4. Sense and Senility
5. Amy and Amiability
6. Dual and Duality
Series 4:
1. Captain Cook
2. Corporal Punishment
3. Major Star
4. Private Plane
5. General Hospital
6. Goodybyeee
These guides were brought to you by the BBCi Comedy website.
