The Black Adder

1983 · 6 episodes

Set in 1485, King Richard III has won the Battle of Bosworth Field, only to be unintentionally assassinated, and is succeeded by Richard IV, one of the Princes in the Tower. The series follows the exploits of Richard IV's unfavoured second son Edmund in his various attempts to increase his standing with his father and in the final episode his quest to overthrow him.

Episodes

1. The Foretelling
June 15, 1983 · 34m
After arriving late for the Battle of Bosworth Field, Edmund kills King Richard III (whom he thinks is stealing his horse) and secures the crown for his father.
2. Born to Be King
June 22, 1983 · 34m
With his father away at The Crusades, Edmund comes up with a plan to prove his brother is illegitimate, thus making him Prince Regent.
3. The Archbishop
June 29, 1983 · 33m
Edmund is appointed to the post of Archbishop of Canterbury after the King has the last one killed.
4. The Queen of Spain's Beard
July 6, 1983 · 34m
The King decides that Edmund should marry a Spanish princess, who Edmund finds unattractive, in order to secure a treaty between Spain and England which will allow an invasion of France.
5. Witchsmeller Pursuivant
July 13, 1983 · 30m
Percy and Baldrick are to be burned at the stake with Edmund, when he is accused of being a witch.
6. The Black Seal
July 20, 1983 · 31m
After the King takes away Edmund's title of Duke, he recruits the six most evil men in the land to take the crown by force.