For me the best episode is "Head", from the second series.
It could never read as well as it plays - you have to be able to hear Rowan Atkinson and Tim McInnerny to appreciate it in full. Aside - I have always maintained that the best comedy (ie what I like) can be listened to on the radio with little or no amendment. Frasier for example.
There are a number of scenes which delight me in this ep, but this is my favourite.
I still say, "We're not at home to Mr Cockup." But no-one gets what I mean
Percy is trying not to let Lady Farrow into the gaol because in fact they have already cut Lord Farrow's head off (to save time). Blackadder is about to try to impersonate Lord Farrow so that she doesn't find out.
Quote:
Percy: Well, yes, there are a couple of other things.
Lady Farrow: I am prepared for the fact that he may have lost some weight.
Percy: Yes, and some height. That's the interesting thing, aaaah, you'll probably hardly recognise him at all actually.
Lady Farrow: You'll be telling me his arm's grown back next.
Percy: Aaaaaah, excuse just for a sec. [running back into the gaol]He's only got one arm!!!
MRP: Ah yes!
Blackadder: Oh well I shall just have to stick it inside the shirt. Which one? Which one?
Percy: Aaaaah, aaaaah, hang on! Em hang on! [back outside] Em, em, eh, how do we know you're his wife?
Lady Farrow: What?
Percy: Em, well, you know, you could be a gloater.
Lady Farrow: I beg pardon!?
Percy: You know, a gloater, aaaah, come to gloat over the condemned man! I mean we're up to our ears in gloaters here. "Can I come in for a gloat?" they shout and we shout back "Oh you heartless gloaters!"
Lady Farrow: (cries)
Percy: All right, all right, I tell you what. I'll believe you're not a gloater if you tell me which arm he hasn't got.
Lady Farrow: His left of course! Now let me see my husband!
Percy: [running back in] Right! it's the left. Good luck!
Blackadder: Gloaters. You really are a pratt aren't you Percy? Right, don't forget in two minutes you interrupt me all right? And no more than two minutes otherwise I'm in real trouble, and don't forget because..?
Baldrick: ...because we're not at home to Mr. Cockup!
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