Blackadder Final Scene (The making of)

The story behind the final scene

[@Harvester236]

If they used the original clip as shown, it would've been the worst ending to a TV series ever. With a bit of editing, it in fact became the best ending to a TV series ever.

[@miniman2132]

What I find amazing about this ending is that it took a comedy TV series to make me truly understand the dread and horror of WW1. I’m only 26 years old, but I’m a lover of history, yet even I never really felt the impact of just exactly how much of themselves the previous generations gave. Haunting.

[@gwynforanthony-ackery7770]

Jill Anthony-Ackery

[@ianedmonds9191]

@@gwynforanthony-ackery7770 It was an amazing ending and it happened almost by accident. Necessity is the mother of invention. Luv and Peace.

[@1daveyp]

Surprising how often this is the case. If the fake shark in Jaws had worked as planned it wouldn't have been anything like as good as it turned out to be.

[@GenericGooner]

Blackadder: we have the worst ending to a tv series in the unused footage archive… Game of thrones: hold my Starbucks

[@pauliejay4161]

It is actually when the poppies appear that my emotion snaps. A beautiful field with a terrible past, but it's as if the war had never happened, and all of that suffering was for nought.

[@Jack.K96]

Field of red flowers as the bloodshed of soldiers who lost their lives in that battlefield

[@killianoshaughnessy1174]

All we have are the memories. Which is why we must never forget unless we will repeat the same mistakes the people in the past did.

[@cov9290]

War with outdated tactics. No wonder why is was so tragic

[@cov9290]

There’s a book called All Quite On The Western Front. It describes the horrors of the war better than anyone else. And it’s from a German perspective.

[@sugarnads]

@@cov9290 a war with tech and numbers noone had ever had to deal with before in a situation noone had ever had to deal with before. They didnt all sit down and decide 'yes lets all just build trenches and mow each other down in the thousands'. For fuq sake. There was a solid 6 months of manouvre warfare before both sides ran out of space trying to outflank each other. There was nothing 'outdated' about their tactics. They were in a battle environment NOONE had ever experienced prior. It took the allies 3 years to work out how to defeat such a solidly entrenched enemy. It took several major battles to work out how to even begin to survive in the mud and chaos of no mans land. It took 3 years to develop the necessary artillery and support weapons (ie tanks and radio equipped aeroplanes) AND figure out how to use the bloody things. Its so very easy to be so fuqn smart 100 years later from the comfort of a nice home etc. It took someone from the other side of the damned world (Monash in case youre wondering) to figure out how to win.

[@CaesarInVa]

Absolutely the most brilliant and poignant ending scene of any series, ever. The whole slow motion timing and gradual fading achieved the effect of these once vibrant characters whom we had come to know and love seemingly fading back into distant history.

[@andy2382]

+CaesarInVa and always remember that these vibrant characters represent an entire generation of our relatives; real people represented by brilliant actors.

[@SpartacusColo]

Agreed.

[@Goatboysminion]

Every time. Every bloody time I see this clip or the last scene, as it is shown on TV. I break down and cry. Those poor brave bastards. The finest final scene of any television series. Ever.

[@Gadzinisko]

Or those poor people slaughtered in the name of some line on the map, which is more of a message that the show is trying to sell.

[@pspicer777]

goatboyful, Well said.....

[@albertgrant6670]

Goatboy How true and how sad.What a waste of human life on both sides.

[@carlosajames]

Goatboy I do the same. Cause I think about my relative who was killed on the battle of the somme which this episode is about.

[@carlmanvers5009]

History has taught me two things. A deep respect for the people forced to fight in its wars. And a healthy mistrust of the people who profited from those wars.

[@jameswright5268]

Director-Your acting in last scene wasn't so Impressive and Convincing,So we have to shoot it again. Baldrick-My lord,I have a Cunning plan.

[@charlietheanteater3918]

James Wright As cunning a Fox professor of cunning and Oxbridge

[@1987MartinT]

I'm glad they changed it. The ending they went with is one of the most haunting and gripping endings in TV history.

[@Wizardaron]

They couldn't use it at all if it hadn't been edited

[@pityu101]

When i first saw it, many years ago, i became silent for hours. It has shocked me so much how comedy can literally turn into tragedy as Nightmeare said, and that the loss of these fictional characters can move the human soul so much... it is absolutely amazing, no doubt about it. It is really hard to express the feeling in words. At one moment i grin from ear to ear, and in the next one, i just cant help but stare bluntly at the screen in utter silence. THIS is what I call...a wonder.

[@veryanonymous3630]

I think the best way I can sum up the ending is that when all the jokes and silliness started to fade away the characters became incredibly dignified, embracing honesty, mutual respect and courage as they approached the end. And then they were sent to die by idiotic aristocrats that truly didn't hold any value for human life.

[@simonandkarennash243]

Old soldiers never die they just fade away. A deep touching tribute, the final result could not have been more sensitive and respectful.

[@simonandkarennash2124]

@liverpoollishgirl Yes and it's always the young who have to pay the terrilbe price. To your point that we repeat the mistakes as they fade our species can't help itself. through the millennia we slaughter ourselves, I despair as we will never learn.

[@VeracityLH]

Which makes one wonder: what happens as we age that lets us be okay with killing our young this way?

[@tomkreft2447]

Editors: saving the goddamned day. :)

[@stuartkenny7430]

I've always said that the power of editing can make or break a film or TV show, editors are an invaluable part of the team, always listen to their advice and ideas.

[@ENCHANTMEN_]

Star Wars: A New Hope

[@Trikeboy2]

The finest moments in British Comedy. Not much else has moved me to tears. Even watching this documentary of them creating it has moved me. So glad they had decent film makers on that show.

[@karpizan]

“Unfortunately, the plan had one fatal flaw “ “What was that?” “It was bollocks” The lunacy and tragedy of WW1 summarised to a T.

[@markmewordz6860]

My grandfather was a regular serving soldier in 1914. He fought at Gallipolli and the Somme, where he was gassed ... which eventually killed him. He maintained, to the very day he died, that his generation were lied to. Do not, like sheep, follow your leaders into war.

[@stuartdodgson3360]

Devastating story.

[@TheTaterTotP80]

Terrible, RIP to him. He is with you and Family forever. However Sheep are not mindless followers, no Life is. All Life is lovely, great and should be Loved, cared and Respected. The problem is the malice of Humanity.

[@mariahcarey9470]

What gas was it?

[@whoami30204]

Turn imperialist war into civil war

[@Steinstra-vj7wl]

...like the Ukraine war: stay out !

[@magna4100]

The first time I saw this was in late 1992 when Blackadder 1V was being repeated on BBC2. The scene was so unexpected and so very powerful. I've seen it many times since and it punches me in the gut every single time. It has never lost it's power. That field of poppies with the sweet song of Skylarks floating above it was once soaked with the blood of British soldiers. Holy Ground.

[@battaliance]

Soaked in the blood of soldiers not just British. The Germans were lied to and conscripted just as our soldiers were. Hate people that just completely disregard the other side. They were only doing as they were told as well.

[@joeavent5554]

I am 58 and still cry thinking of those men who died on the Western Front. This last scene truly made the series worth making and watching.

[@YourFriendlyNeighbour]

The first world war ended 100 years ago today. What better way to celebrate than with the final moments of Captain Blackadder and his dugout comrades.

[@YourFriendlyNeighbour]

Exactly. War is the most unnessasery thing to ever happen in "politics"

[@summerteeeth]

I remember seeing the broadcast ending for the first time, with no prior knowledge of how the series ended. I found it a surprising, but fitting ending. Surprising, because it was not a very 'Blackadder' thing to happen. Fitting, because it paid tribute to the fallen.

[@VeracityLH]

It makes one abruptly remember,, much as the showrunners did, that in the end, WWI was no laughing matter. The fact that they did make us laugh up until the end is testament to how brilliant this series is.

[@stevemale9936]

I also watched it and it is probably the only "water cooler" moment I recall at work, the next day. A colleague said his wife thought it was terrible and didn't understand, whereas we all agreed to a man that it was the only way they could have ended the series. The programmes got better as they went one. I am not a fan of the first series but Black Adder II, III and IV were exponentially improved and brilliant. They all gave a hilarious interpretation of their respective periods but nothing like Black Adder Goes Forth, which managed to mix pathos, tragedy and humour in a way never seen before or indeed since. I recall Tim McInnery being asked if they'd do another series and saying no because they were "all young and beautiful back then", plus they finished with the classic "leave them wanting more". An absolute masterclass in entertainment programme making.

[@mrwri]

Still makes me cry.

[@danthewatcher9681]

+Meester Writer I know *cries* HUUUUUG MEEEEEEEE!

[@looseSpark]

I'm welling up even before the final scene comes on. I can't believe it still has this effect on me even after 20 years!

[@Sgt_Bill_T_Co]

It was, is and always will be a tear jerker for me. So many young lives lost because of a few old men and their greed. - Even 104 years later we see something similar unfolding in Europe.

[@ricarleite]

This is art from adversity, creating something on the spot, with no resources, from the little material you had available. This sort of art died with the advent of computers.

[@user-vh6ts9uf6c]

But you wouldn't be able to make that comment without the internet so...

[@edbadyt]

Good point but the comment doesn't matter. No-ones comments have ever mattered and never will do. All hail the internment where people can talk shite and no one listens :-)

[@tardiskeeper6]

ricarleite It's like the iconic TARDIS sound and materialisation effect

[@caelvanir8557]

No, the situation they found themselves in (Not much to work with, little time, etc) is still common. Ingenuity didn't die with the computer. It just make it easier for more people to be able to create scenes like this.

[@ricarleite]

Lord Caelvanir Today they could just create CGI soldiers coming out of the trench and get the shots they wanted. Would it have the same impact?

[@Dites1954]

This is, without doubt, the most apt and perfect ending to any tellivision series. It ended with a meaning.

[@pauldh62]

I recall seeing it in 1989 and I firmly believe now as I did then that it was one of the finest scenes to ever be depicted in British comedy. I was laughing one moment only to be hauled up by my boot strings, hopelessly saddened the next at the true pathos of what had been presented. The site of those bloody fields of Flanders now, all grassed over, with the credits rolling in silence brought respectful gravitas that curiously complimented the flippant and irreverent humour that so characterised this series.

[@marcstixdavey]

I just saw this episode last night. What a way to end the series - from comedy to tragedy in a few short minutes. I, like many others, felt a chill go down my spine as they went over the top and six years of good times came to a sad end.

[@monstermonty9074]

You could say who ever had the idea to put poppies at the end had a very cunning plan

[@Mavakor]

I was so shocked when I saw this as I was expecting them to survive. My whole family was watching this and I think we were silent for five minutes after that.

[@AdyB2008]

This is why you should always listen to every person on your team, regardless of their position. All together, a fantastic job that still gives me a lump in my throat.

[@keylime6101]

I always thought it was extremely well done and wraps it up perfectly.

[@Jack.K96]

Masterpiece of human kind. Top of the line British comedy at it's best with a deep political message in the end.. makes me shivering each time I watch it. Seen it a day before I was recruited to the army as a symbolic thing and a day before the end of my service. Right now. Can't describe how much I got connected to this series. I'm 21 years old, my dad got me to know it for the first time. Privileged

[@darrenwilson8042]

Quite simply the finest ending on British TV ever - I remember watching it as a young man when it went to air and I was choked and in tears - after all those laughs the series gave us the final act was to prove the futility of war

[@Torahboy1]

In 2018 on Remembrance Day, I pulled my bus over to the roadside just before 11am to observe the 2minute silence. As I do every year. Some teenager wanted to get off during the silence. I ignored him. He got stroppy with me. How I didn’t punch him in his face, I’ll never know....

[@gordon2d]

I still can't watch the final scenes without my eyes watering up. I feel certain that whatever crew was assembled, they could not have bettered this ending, even if they were still trying to this day. Shows what can be achieved by people that care about what they are doing. A most worthy memorial to the several million young men from all across the world whose lives were snatched from them.

[@fredferd965]

It does NOT matter how "accurate" that going over the top scene was. What matters is what the scene was saying - and it was saying a lot. Those men were our friends, our families - they were us. This is a companion piece to the song, "The Green Fields of France."

[@RubyMarkLindMilly]

The drums the poppies the music my God If your British this really does get to you never forgotten never forget

[@howdoiputthecheeseintheove8437]

God bless the editors for doing their work in fixing up that badly planned ending into possibly the best ending in TV history

[@sengork]

Very symbolic ending indeed.

[@WC3POchannel10A]

The story behind one of the best scenes in television history in my opinion. Also a great example of a production team working together to make a scene that was ok, into something great.

[@zakelwe]

shows good they can be off camera. The bird song is epic too. Pictures and sound. That what makes everything brilliant.

[@JavertRA]

So glad they came up with this - though a less effective alternate could have been to have Blackadder say his last line and them shoot over the top with the camera staying fixed on the wall of the trenches as they disappear over it. You only hear sounds of guns and bombs then gradually the slow soft music. Just came to me. But the one they came up with - genius.

[@NikSwiftDigs]

If they had stuck with the original ending I think it would have gutted the whole show. I mean everyone dying and Blackadder just faking it? That goes beyond his usual levels of nastiness into really quite sociopathic. All Blackadder's kind words in the trench immediately before would have become meaningless. Of course the originally-intended ending wouldn't still make me cry every time I watch it like the good one does...

[@hawkerhellfire9152]

What you see there is everyone dying and then Rowan Atkinson breaking character and getting up to have a word with someone, nobody was happy with that as an ending.

[@ThemeParkChomp]

Nikolaus Cox You’re watching unedited tape reels there, so Rowan getting back up isnt part of the plot, it’s just a fluffed take. Nobody was happy with the shoot, Rowan knew it and got up “miffed” mid shot.

[@Euroviking86]

It wasn't a good take and Rowan knew it, hence why he broke character. But he flat out told John Lloyd that he and the cast refused to retake it, because it was just too traumatizing for them to shoot.

[@dunebasher1971]

Except that if you look carefully at the original studio footage presented in the clip above, you can see that there are *at least* two different takes of them charging at the camera, one with Hugh Laurie's head right down and one where you can see part of his face. So they did the whole thing at least twice, neither take was completely right, and they ran out of time to do any more.

[@grendelum]

The key thing you’re missing is that they only had a few minutes on that set... they got there just at the end of the day and only had time for one take and some close ups...

[@pipenissen]

Pretty good idea with the poppies and the birds! That created an epic sense of the actual battlefield as it remains... So serene. And such a bloody history. Incredible!

[@brontewcat]

Even with someone explaining - the field of poppies and the birdsong hits home.

[@oldskoolfool141]

I'm pathetic, even with them breaking it all down it still makes me weep like an idiot, my god did the editors go home happy that day

[@heronoverdose]

In typical British fashion one of the best ending of all time was not planned strictly speaking by bumbled into. Brilliant!

[@KitKat_Kt]

Oof. Feels. I still remember seeing this on PBS for the 1st time so many years ago at like, 12 or 1am, and just sitting there silently, kind of in shock and crying over the ending. Fantastic editing choice.

[@moominpic]

I hadn't seen this episode before I sent my brother a video for xmas one year... He was sitting in Kuwait, about to take part in the liberation as part of the first Gulf War.... My mother wasn't too happy when she saw it later...

[@siyabongamngomezulu9743]

Thank you for sharing such a human moment for posterity.

[@TheBaconBootsShow]

Goes to show not only the power of editing, but the incredible creativity behind the series.

[@Danjs112]

Its probably the best tribute they could have given. Its one of the few scenes that it all dawns.

[@rnw2739]

Slow motion and slowed down audio improves it undoubtedly, but let's have it right - It is the addition of Howard Goodalls piano playing the 'Blackadder' theme tune in a more melancholic tone that makes this ending absolutely heartbreaking.

[@reiverraider4887]

I've seen that ending a hundred times. Still gives me goosebumps and brings a year to my eye. Brave lads.

[@NPA1001]

The best ending of any TV series ever.

[@johnnydiamondsmusic1673]

As an vet I got emotional when I saw that. Brilliant poignant end to a great series.

[@johncarmichael1299]

This was one of THOSE TV moments that effected me on many levels......... the futility of it all.....perfect end to an amazing series....

[@CF1975]

I always hear that many people found the ending of this series extremely schocking. Obviously it does not end well, but I always believed it worked very good and it was perfectly edited, in combination with the music and because of that there was something very melancholical about it. The ending of Blackadder II, with the shot of Queenie and her entourage with their throats cut, was much more schocking to me, but that also worked for that series.

[@Birdieupon]

Ah, the days when the BBC made classics, instead of occasionally making things which are not garbage.

[@rnw2739]

Nowadays, as anti-British as the BBC is, they would replace the sombre piano version of the theme which plays over their deaths with audience laughter.

[@MikeJones-xw3te]

Lost my Great Grandad in the First War, wounded at Sulva Bay with the Manchester Regt, died of other wounds in 1917, from a blue on blue, with 8 others. Grandad survived 2nd war, from the beginning, even evacuated from Dunkirk. Real dad served fighting the Mau Mau and Yemeni terrorists. I served in Britain's forgotten war, Op Banner. God bless all the brave souls in all recent conflicts, stay safe.

[@alexamerling20]

RIP to all who served during this terrible war and the second war as well.

[@NPA1001]

A combined effort to produce a work of absolute genius...👏👏👏

[@joewilliams2944]

Without question, the best piece of television ever.

[@Infinitelure2008]

Very much appreciated seeing this. Even after having watched how it was done, the moving of the closing scene still remains unblemished. Thanks again.

[@ruffian1868]

BUT....what about the music. That piece is one of the finest, most poignant pieces of music ever !

[@VeracityLH]

Before editing: "Holy crap, what are we going to do with this?" After editing: "Holy crap, look what we did with this!"

[@rajeevbat]

@katiegreenaway I cry when Hugh Laurie says "sir.. I'm scared sir".. a man as blind and brave as him in the war also felt scared in the end.. heartbreaking!

[@borja1000]

amazing how that epic scene was created! real art-works!

[@johnroyce8355]

The first time I watched this, I cried. Truly a beautiful tribute to the brave souls who gave their lives in ALL wars. It still makes me weep every time I see this. Thank you to all involved, this is a television great.

[@pixelfibre]

Pure gold. Nothing has even come close to finishing a sitcom. So much to say.

[@West_Coast_Mainline]

This was the most brilliant ending scene of anything The characters we all knew going over the top Wether they will live is known, and the answer is no It goes from comedy to tragedy

[@lexkanyima2195]

But it's so well done

[@bobbyewing2486]

Lions led by donkeys.

[@richardharrold9736]

That's a myth, created by Alan Clark to sell a book. Something like eighty British Generals died in active service in WW1. Even among the survivors, there were some great men, like General Allenby, whose only son was killed in action.

[@CEngelbrecht]

@@richardharrold9736 Then why the flying fuck did they keep sending them towards machine gun fire? For four bloody years.

[@thehandoftheking3314]

@@CEngelbrecht they tried to figure out different ways to fight, both sides and all armies did. The war wasn't the simple run into MG fire that pop culture claims.

[@backtothefifa1059]

Hardly a myth, considering it was being said about the British troops since the Crimean War

[@belindacrisp7078]

When this first started I was going to say how they might have thought it was embarrassing but I cried my heart out. By the end I was crying again.

[@am2261]

They went from jjjuuuuuusssssst about f*#king up the ending to making it the best, most iconic ending of any series ever. Good job.

[@rbz12run]

I'm just so thankful for the existence of the whole Black Adder body of work. It has brought laughs (and even the tears at that ending) that are priceless. :-)

[@jackotrades50]

I first watched the final scene in 92 or 93 i think i was 12 yrs old then it made me cry then and today 20 yrs later it is still sad .. .. Blackadder series a re just awesome !

[@delilaha]

this ending actually makes me tear up...it's so good!

[@belchnasty]

It still gets me everytime

[@Russell101]

I've loved Blackadder since I was a child and had watched all the previous series before this, so the ending of this one was truly powerful and unexpected and in a grotesque way quite beautiful in the sense that comedy took a back seat for a moment and let the horrors of what war must be like take centre stage for a moment.

[@OriginalNotNyanCat]

Greetings form 2020, on the eve of the most dangerous election. This scene still crushes the heart. No more dictators and tyrants for the love all that is good.

[@FangedBeauty]

chills man...the ending still gives me the chills. A scene I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

[@GuitarNovice100]

I can go over these episodes day after day and still not get bored.. amazing stuff!

[@hamohash666]

Respect to them for making this, love it x

[@kh-19636]

Even more poignant when you remember some of the young men who died were barely out of their teens. Sent to war never to return.

[@healthmatters5987]

brilliant ending to a brilliant series

[@GermanConquistador08]

The one dislike is from Stephen Fry. Bet he was always kicking himself for not being part of this so memorible scene.

[@awinbisa]

The transition from the past, where there is sufficient distance to make it funny, into the present with the poppy field and birdsong, is just gut wrenching. Suddenly you realise this craziness that you’ve been laughing about actually happened. The bodies are still in the landscape. And for what?

[@MrSinister1979]

For a comedy programme to achieve something poignant and touching is a marvelous achievement. Such a poignant tribute to the millions of young men who had to do it for real.

[@nafereuskortex9055]

I remember seeing this for the first time assuming they would do something funny for the end like they did with other seasons but I won't forget this particularly the poppy transition.

[@carlmanvers5009]

Art can be at its finest when it's truly collaborative.

[@slytherinsheirx]

I love the series, all of the series, but I HATE the ending. It's so sad. It's a harrowing, permenant reminder that these things really did happen. They did a very good job on that scene and it proves that you can do anything with a shot. They didn't know how it was going to work and thanks to some quick thinking it went from a 'what are we doing here' to a really touching scene.

[@biggles1111]

It is very tastefully done, isn't it? After all, up to this point, they had done a comedy show about one of the most horrific wars to ever sunder the world, and here, in the last few minutes, they remind people that for those who where there, for all those soldiers, it aws most certainly not a laughing matter.

[@DeafFret]

war is a wicked thing ding-a-ling-a-ling

[@receptorpol]

Ye rI clearly remember watching it alone at home and remember clearly how I was stunned, emotional and angry all at once. Could not get it out of my mind. Incredible that it was junior production staff who came up with the final ideas. Bravo. BBC at it's best.

[@Nightmeare]

There is a very thin line between tragedy and comedy, and this show captured it...

[@colinellis2051]

Best ending to any series. Touches my heart every time. There were no winners in this war, only brave terrified men dying on the orders of leaders nowhere to be seen.

[@schizoidboy]

@rajeevbat That's the real turning point in the episode when George a real dim bulb realizes that he could be killed just like his friends. From then on the mood is barely laughable and it just sets us up for the ending to come. It's just brilliant and moving.

[@fletch61]

Watched at the time of transmission...sat at the end in stunned silence !

[@harrysagma]

saddest thing i saw on tv,thanks

[@SirBoggins]

Through just one screw-up, they made one of the GREATEST endings to a changing ever....😢

[@paulcrisp9861]

What a beautifully haunting and poignant ending to such a great programme, it just sends a shiver down my spine and a tear to my eyes. ❤🇬🇧❤🇬🇧❤🇬🇧 jan 2022

[@greyjdog]

And this folks, is a clear example why they give out oscars in technical or obscure categories that the average viewer/film goer doesn't even think about. Look how these guys took some average footage and turned it into one of the best final scenes ever.

[@alfmerck6262]

I cry every time I see this ending....the catastrophic opportunity cost represented in this ending is overwhelming to me.

[@superslayerguy]

Truly amazing how a show that gave you so many laughs brings a tear to your eye at the ending. One of the best endings in television for sure.

[@PrivateCitizen84]

When life throws a spanner to the face and I can't duck dodge dip dive dodge it I just think of this one scene. I still didn't have it bad as those guys back in the WW1 day. I count my blessings for sure.

[@jmcallion2071]

Shows what a little thinking can do, still after 30 years has the power to move that imbedded lump of flesh that each of us has- the heart!!😢

[@RJ-wx3fh]

the transition from chaos to peace is very well done. It also shows the pointlessness of the sheer amount of death caused