Prince George is targeted by Prime Minister William Pitt to be struck off the civil list, prompting Blackadder to dabble in British politics.
I enjoyed this first episode for how it establishes a new set-up, with more of the classic series dialogue and excellent performances.
This story introduces a new central trinity of Blackadder, Baldrick and Prince George (in place of Percy) and shows how Blackadder exploits and manipulates the pair of them. The plot themes of government v monarchy and the democratic system Britain had in place prior to the great reform are fascinating subjects done in a very humorous way.
From the very first scene we have a barrage of brilliantly sharp one-liners from Blackadder, as virtually every character in the episode continually says or does things to set him up for a pitch perfect delivery of a punchline or repost.
Rowan Atkinson is brilliant, delivering every word with venomous wit in the most contemptuous way imaginable. Hugh Laurie plays George as a dim-witted, posh buffoon and Tony Robinson has plenty to do as Baldrick and does it effortlessly well.
It felt slightly shy of perfect so I score it 9.5/10 and round upwards.