Born to Be King
| "Born to Be King" | |
|---|---|
| Blackadder episode | |
Dougal MacAngus (Alex Norton) in a Shakespearian-style duel with Prince Edmund (Rowan Atkinson)
|
|
| Episode no. |
Series 1 (The Black Adder) Episode 2 |
| Written by |
Rowan Atkinson Richard Curtis |
| Original air date | 22 June 1983 |
| Guest appearance(s) | |
"Born to Be King" is the second episode of The Black Adder, the first series of the BBC sitcom Blackadder. Set in late 15th-century England, the episode takes a humorous look at rivalries with the Kingdom of Scotland and centres the dramatic tension on the doubts cast over parentage of the lead character, Prince Edmund, Duke of Edinburgh.
Although Born to Be King was originally broadcast as episode 2 of the series, on later broadcasts and DVD releases it has been switched with episode 4, The Queen of Spain's Beard.
The story begins in 1486. The episode opens as King Richard IV departs on a Crusade against the Turks, leaving his elder son Prince Harry to rule as regent. The King's younger son, Prince Edmund, encouraged by his sidekick Baldrick, considers the opportunity to take control of the kingdom. As it turns out, Prince Harry takes most of the power and leaves Edmund to do the duties that remain: namely herding sheep and cleaning out the drains.
A year later, Harry plans a feast to celebrate Richard's impending return and entrusts Edmund with arranging the entertainments. Edmund grows increasingly frustrated, as the traditional troupe of eunuchs cancel their participation and he has to consider acts he considers pathetic like Morris dancers, a bear baiter, a flock of chickens which lays eggs, and an act entitled "The Jumping Jews of Jerusalem".
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