12 Reviews of Christmas - Blackadder's Christmas Carol (1988)

        Hey guys, Chuck here. Well, we're at the end of another 12 Reviews of Christmas, which means only one thing: it's time to discuss yet another version of A Christmas Carol. This year, we're talking about one of the more... intriguing takes on the Charles Dickens classic: Blackadder's Christmas Carol starring Rowan Atkinson, Tony Robinson, Stephen Fry, Hugh Laurie, Robbie Coltrane, Miranda Richardson, Miriam Margolyes, and Jim Broadbent. 

       So, for a bit of context, Blackadder was a BBC comedy series starring Rowan Atkinson and Tony Robinson as various iterations of two men, Edmund Blackadder and Baldrick, in various points of British history, such as the Middle-Ages, the Elizabethan era, and the British Regency. In each era, Blackadder was always portrayed as an insufferable asshole, while Baldrick was portrayed as a dimwitted lapdog. Each season was also notable for having additional cast members unique to each season, with Season Two famously including both Stephen Fry and Miranda Richardson, while Season Three features Hugh Laurie. So, the idea of a Christmas special based on the Dickens classic was certainly interesting. But, how would the crew behind Blackadder turn a holiday classic on its head? Let's dig in to Blackadder's Christmas Carol and find out. 

         Set in Victorian London, Blackadder's Christmas Carol tells the story of moustache shop owner Ebenezer Blackadder, who is the kindest and most giving man in all of London. This has an unfortunate downside, as everyone in London takes advantage of his generosity and kindhearted nature. The only one to not take advantage of him is his friend Baldrick. One Christmas Eve night, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert travel across London dressed as commoners as a means to measure who is worthy of a reward for being the kindest person in London, and they do come across Blackadder, who of course is as charitable to them as he is to everyone. 

        That night, Blackadder is visited by the Spirit of Christmas, who is impressed with how kindhearted he is when compared to his ancestors. And, of course, we see two instances of Blackadder's ancestors at Christmas, one from the Elizabethan era and the other from the British Regency. And, both of Blackadder's ancestors are unabashed assholes, mean spirited and spiteful, and Blackadder is impressed with their mean nature and wants to emulate them. However, the Spirit of Christmas warns against this, as it could affect his descendants negatively. However, when showing two possible futures, one where he becomes like his ancestors and the other is he remains kindhearted, it's no contest. 

        Christmas morning arrives, and Blackadder begins treating everyone like crap. This, of course, includes Baldrick, as well as everyone who took advantage of him the previous night. Things go away, when Queen Victoria and Prince Albert arrive to name him Baron Blackadder and reward him £50,000 for being the nicest man in London. Almost completely oblivious to the truth, Blackadder treats them horribly and sends them off. The special ends with Baldrick revealing they truly were Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, and they had the royal seal as proof, much to Blackadder's shock. 

         So, while not a typical adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic, Blackadder's Christmas Carol is absolutely hilarious. I do think it's funnier with the added context of having watched, at least, the second and third seasons of Blackadder, but it isn't completely necessary. But, Rowan Atkinson is absolutely hilarious in this, especially after he starts acting like a complete asshole to everyone, and it's great seeing the likes of Stephen Fry, Hugh Laurie, and Miranda Richardson all return from past seasons. New additions like Miriam Margolyes as Queen Victoria, Jim Broadbent as Prince Albert, and Robbie Coltrane as the Spirit of Christmas were all phenomenal. And, honestly, it's definitely a fun watch around the holidays. I'm giving Blackadder's Christmas Carol a rating of 4.75/5. 

        Alright guys, this is Chuck signing off. Have yourselves a very Merry Christmas, and I'll see you guys for my end of the year rankings of my favorite movies and TV series of 2024. 

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