Blackadder actor Sir Tony Robinson has labelled the hit sitcom’s first series “shit”.
The show’s first run, The Black Adder, was written by Richard Curtis and Rowan Atkinson and covers the end of the Middle Ages.
Sir Tony, who starred as Baldrick, the simple but trusty sidekick to Rowan’s devilishly cunning Edmund Blackadder, made the criticism in response to a question on Twitter.
Maybe cos it's a bit shit??? https://t.co/9mDbFzhfUZ
— Tony Robinson (@Tony_Robinson) April 11, 2017
Asked why Blackadder stars had repeatedly slated the first series, the actor replied: “Maybe cos it’s a bit shit?”.Fans of the hit ’80s sitcom hit back at his remarks.
@Tony_Robinson I thought it was great, wobbly sets and all. Bolder in some ways than what came after. And your character was the smart one …
— robinkellett (@robinkellett) April 11, 2017
@Tony_Robinson I liked Black Adder I. There were some dodgy bits, but Monty Python was dodgy throughout the series, we just watch the best bits (I ??MP btw)
— Kate McClelland (@katemcclelland7) April 11, 2017
@Tony_Robinson Gotta disagree. It was different, not worse. There was some solid comedy in the first series, esp. the Canterbury ep. And Brian Blessed!
— aethelberga (@aethelberga) April 11, 2017
The Black Adder has often been labelled the show’s weakest series, and a second series was almost not commissioned by BBC executives.
Its eventual follow-up, Blackadder II, saw Ben Elton replace Atkinson as co-writer alongside Curtis.