Blackmailing the Bishop | Blackadder II | BBC Comedy Greats

The baby-eating Bishop of Bath and Wells comes to collect a debt, but finds himself the victim of a fiendish plot. Subscribe: kzbin.info_c...
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[@BBCComedyGreats]

I have a cunning plan, let's watch more Blackadder here : kzbin.info/aero/PLZwyeleffqk5r8Ze_qSF9nKi_9hfjH0qO

[@HeathenGeek]

Does your cunning plan involve routing out anyone at the bbc who holds a political bias anywhere right of left of centre and replacing them all with Oxford educated Marxists to the point where no ordinary member of the public can recognise or identify with the content you produce? Because if so, it worked. The bbc is dead. Long live the. . no, that'll do

[@JJONNYREPP]

Blackmailing the Bishop | Blackadder II | BBC Comedy Greats 1045am 20.2.23 i also hated the bishop of bath-and-wells.

[@duffharris9295]

“Never have I encountered such corrupt and foul-minded perversity; have you ever considered a career in the church!?”

[@chrishartley4553]

The qualifications that attracted George Pell.

[@degsbabe]

Never have I encountered such an arrogant and fanatically driven belief with evil intent, to invade Christian countries? Have you considered a career ............

[@tdasblinda9222]

Yes, yes I did. Now I called Francis and I am a pope.

[@Chad-Rainis]

@Wolfreign Valenford you could say that for any religion

[@DBonaldi]

Duff Harris 😂😂😂😂

[@Rufferto21]

The video cuts too soon. I love it when Percy shakes the Bishop's hand in the end and tells him "It was lovely working with you".

[@ptonpc]

Yes!

[@UddhavL]

Lord Percie

[@BlackCatFilmProductions]

Yeah, that bit was hilarious. I wish they didn't cut to the most funniest of scenes here.

[@carntspell]

Yes ole Percy, a gentleman to the end!

[@andybanjo7530]

Exactly! The scene was 10 seconds from Finishing why cut it there before the punch lands???

[@tayojones9460]

'Drugged! By god!' 'No, by Baldrick actually but the effect is much the same.'

[@stevenkies802]

Plus a hi probability of getting sepsis.

[@robbiephillips8103]

Wakey wakey bis.

[@wrmty56413]

Baldrick is uncharacteristically efficient in this episode

[@samalvey8168]

Why exactly would he willingly accept a drink from the servant of a man he's explicitly about to horrifically torture to death?

[@SpeckleKen]

​@@samalvey8168 Because he likes a little tipple before evensong.

[@bernardqblack]

"...We have the preliminary sketches." Sublime.

[@blackjac5000]

The pre-photography equivalent of saying "we have the negatives."

[@paulannable3734]

@@blackjac5000thank you for explaining

[@KaNoMikoProductions]

​@@blackjac5000Yes, that was the joke.

[@ghengilhar]

@@blackjac5000 like, what would the modern term be?

[@blackjac5000]

@@ghengilharWe've backed up the files to the cloud.

[@wrmty56413]

I love how the Bishop randomly starts giving Blackadder a massage.

[@angryspoidah9607]

Jim X he likes the poofy sleeves.

[@lordeden2732]

He was trying to rub him up the wrong way!

[@daverage4729]

It really sells the whole creepiness of his speech on depravity. Lol!

[@narinderchander]

Jim X it’s what perverts do.

[@newshound2521]

😂😂

[@JamesFodor]

Good to see the Church being presented in a positive light in the media.

[@tommerker8063]

ompared to what they actually did and what they are still doing thats pretty tame ;)

[@Rendell001]

@@tommerker8063 So refreshing to hear an unbiased opinion on the topic then...

[@tommerker8063]

@@Rendell001 well they are objectively a moraly bancrupt organisation

[@mrstamp5121]

Hahahahahahah

[@keelanmurphy9941]

​@@Rendell001utterly meaningless response

[@AgentofLADON]

I like how Edmund includes Baldrick in the offer for the victory meal. Highs or lows they're inseparable.

[@mermaidman1985]

Good point, it was a subtly warm moment between Edmund and Balders.

[@throwback19841]

though his warm heartedness extends only as far as thruppence of someone else's money

[@smorgi]

'It's... er, beautifully framed, don't you think? Which is ironic really because that's what's happened to you.' -- so well delivered

[@martinputt6421]

+Ali Fraser 'I think you'll recognise this large sweating mound of blubber right here'

[@AshleyPomeroy]

It's on a par with "just a wild stab in the dark which is, incidentally, what you'll be getting if you don't start being a bit more helpful".

[@RealityCheck6T9]

I don't get why it's ironic

[@JohnDoe-dj3lw]

@@RealityCheck6T9 because "to be framed" means...well, to be framed. It's when false evidence is produced to make you look guilty of a crime you didn't commit. Although "framed" also means, in another context, just that: framed. Like a painting.

[@RealityCheck6T9]

John Doe I understand the two meanings of "framed". I still don't get why it's ironic.

[@LuxVertas]

"You Fiend; Never have I encountered such corrupt and foul minded perversity! Have you ever considered a career in the church?" That line is always a great one!

[@jeremypnet]

They cut the punchline though

[@Klamath2046]

I've got to stop quoting the bishop's monologue. I haven't been invited to a wedding in years

[@sionefinaulahi4640]

Rhiannon Lynn Y E S

[@andrewhunt1328]

Klamath 2046, I ever get married again, if you do the massage on me after a job offer with the church, you're invited.

[@annafirth6738]

Best best man speech ever.

[@Imgema]

"I'm a colossal pervert" That's my new hit line.

[@logolorin]

"- I am a colossal pervert. No form of sexual depravity is too low for me (...) -Fine words for a Bishop."

[@tenoch71]

The way he yells "Bend over Blackadder" it's hilarious

[@JackT13]

‘Its nice to hear the church speaking out for a change on social issues’

[@Andragorans]

"I am a colossal pervert..." :D :D

[@BlackAce-zr2ms]

Kind of sums up the Church!

[@Edu601]

Dio Rex why not both?

[@BlackAce-zr2ms]

Because they are just as bad as each other :3

[@BlackAce-zr2ms]

Perhaps not Dio....But we both agree that the BBC is full of perverse people

[@Andragorans]

Dio Rex you mean "colossal" conspiracy :)

[@CaptBrightside89]

I love this episode so much and I think Ronald Lacey absolutely steals it with his performance. Despite being a colossal pervert who will do anything to anything and will kill, maim and fornicate... he shows great personal insight, politely thanks Baldrick for the drink, answers Blackadder earnestly, concedes graciously (for a colossal pervert) when he's been defeated, and even tacitly offers Blackadder a job. It's such a shame Ronald Lacey passed away so early. I feel like we could've gotten many more masterful performances from him.

[@olefredrikskjegstad5972]

I love the face the Bishop makes after Blackadder says he couldn't deal with the underwear, he's just like "yeah fair enough"

[@jy3n2]

And Edmund's great-grandfather claimed that he started dressing as a nun because he couldn't resist the feel of the underthings!

[@felixcatora4105]

*"Bend over, Blackadder!"* How did this quote never catch on???

[@artfact2]

I actually use it regularly.:D

[@MALONEYCAMFIELD]

It apparently caught on in the gay community among the bareback crowd.

[@typacsk]

Felix Catora Personally, I wish "You should have killed me while you had the chance" were more popular. (I know most of us don't get any legitimate chances to use it, but it's just such a fun phrase.)

[@u.v.s.5583]

Sir Ben Dover-Blackadder is a very august person indeed!

[@christschinwon]

@@artfact2 me too especially having to wear rubber gloves at work these days!

[@SoSarchastic]

This scene still remains one of my favourite bloopers - "It's POKER TIME!" *fails to pull out poker* "No it's NOT!"

[@JWMcLay]

I love that blooper clip, I've seen it many times!

[@satjinder]

We have the preliminary sketches 😂

[@lyokianhitchhiker]

Satjinder S Glad somebody else caught the “we have the negatives” gag.

[@SpaceJesus2098]

Who else wants to go for a slap-up binge at Mrs Miggins' pie shop?

[@martinputt6421]

SpaceJesus2098 Me!

[@stephencatchdudeknight4623]

Me, love too, love Pork Pies myself

[@someoneorother2222]

I'm in. As long as it doesn't turn out to be Greggs

[@mergrew0110]

SpaceJesus2098. Ah! Pies, now you're talking. With a bit of deprivation on the side please.

[@Torthrodhel]

@@mergrew0110 very suspicious sausages all round, then.

[@thegardenofeatin5965]

"Are you any good?" "NO! I am a genius."

[@frazzleface753]

Ronald Lacey. One of the best bits of casting in Blackadder.

[@NigelMarston]

Agreed. He played one of the Nazis in Raiders of the Lost Ark

[@criticalbil1]

​@@NigelMarston was he the one that had the medallion burned into his palm?

[@FabrisFanatic]

@@criticalbil1 yes, Arnold Toht, - and its unbelievable how much different he is for this role, lol.

[@MegaFafnir]

"By the horns of Beelzebub, how did you get me into THAT position?!" XD

[@kirbysuperstar5494]

"I am a colossal pervert!" you gotta appreciate the honesty

[@samulisaarenpaa6868]

When you find out that the Bishop of Bath and Wells is the same guy who had his face melted in Indiana Jones

[@othyization]

I didn't realise that was Ronald Lacey (Toht from Raiders of the Lost Ark) until now. It's a great actor that makes themselves unrecognisable in different roles.

[@leej70]

He also played Himmler in The Last Crusade.

[@applemask]

He was having weight fluctuations towards the end of his life there, what with the drinking and liver cancer and only having one set of intestines.

[@SLO100GUY]

othyization It is!? Good evening Fraulein....

[@ackbarfan5556]

*Cue Face Melting*

[@TheRichardSpearman]

Unrecognisable, as the villain Harris in "Porridge".

[@danielnichols5632]

Percy’s Tudor bondage gear! 😂😂

[@MALONEYCAMFIELD]

"I am a colossal pervert. No form of sexual depravity is too low for me. Animal, vegetable or mineral I'll do anything to anything." Was this character inspired by Sir Jimmy Savile then?

[@discountplaguedoctor88]

Inspired by who?

[@mushroomhead3619]

Probably

[@elvirredzepovic6898]

No, just your normal priest. Enjoy the mass on sunday.

[@flackstar007]

Trun's out he was more honest then George Pell or any number of priests in the Vatican.

[@LordZontar]

Yes. And the BBC were protecting him during his time doing the series Jim'll Fix It. Apparently, Colin Baker found out about Mr. Savile's proclivities at the time he and Janet Fielding did the Doctor Who based "A FIx With The Sontarans" episode featuring young Gareth Jenkins. When he tried to sound the alarm to the BBC management, they hushed the whole thing up and the resulting retaliation seems to have been the reason why Baker was unexpectedly fired from Doctor Who and subsequently blacklisted off of British television.

[@chelrav]

The way lord percy struggles to sit is just pure comedy

[@tommcewan7936]

They cut out his final line, though.

[@TheClearSummer]

Oh Percy... ): Tim McInnerny's characters in Blackadder always seem to get the short end of the stick whether he's a friend or a foe. I want to give him a hug. D:

[@DanKetchum007]

+The Clear Summer I think here he got the long end of the stick.

[@druss69harad61]

He was a bit of a bastard in GOT too.

[@sugarnads]

Percys percy got abused

[@guharup]

Like the bishop?

[@barrysmith5830]

i lived in england when this show came out. at work the next day after an episode, everyone would be talking about the show. it was a great time

[@williem1710]

Bishop played by the late great Ronald Lacey. Superb.

[@hungarianbeast]

This series is simply too good to be true.

[@Pa-tk1dx]

The Bishop is an Outrageous character brilliantly played!! Just brilliant!

[@KlunkerRider]

Have you ever considered a career in the church?

[@isaackim7675]

+KlunkerRider No, I could never get used to the underwear.

[@danielwaugh2215]

Nah, get headaches from the bells

[@TheGodParticle]

Best comedy writing ever, and of course, never far from the truth lols

[@discountplaguedoctor88]

No, I have a conscientious objection to Abrahamic religions: they're too hypocritical.

[@isaackim7675]

@@discountplaguedoctor88 Then I have only one thing to say to you, MacBeth!

[@archiejane8522]

the bishop of bath and wells has never been the same since classic comedy

[@kittykatrules]

Wow. I never though I would hear a bishop utter: "I am a colossal pervert. No form of sexual depravity is too low for me. XD

[@anonUK]

Kitty Orpanther I did hear another bishop saying he'd been preparing young English boys for Holy Communion though... we'll have to see how that court case pans out.

[@Weigazod]

anonUK Well, as far as my knowledge about male prostitution and boy rape goes. It is not that uncommon or terrible, considering what i heard from boys in my country

[@2373stevieb]

In the light of Jimmy Saville, it seems that the BBC was pretty comfortable with it.

[@dudoklasovity2093]

Bend over, Blackadder!😂😂 they way he yells that line 😂

[@LordZontar]

The Blackadder II series features Rowan Atkinson at his height. Lord Edmund is cunning, manipulative, cynical, and possesses a cutting wit that he uses with deadly accuracy, and he runs rings even around the childishly mad Queen Elizabeth and Lord Melchett.

[@guharup]

No he doesn’t. Queenie and Melchie are devious in their own way

[@merchrich9758]

@@guharup he kind of does if you've watched the christmas special

[@guharup]

@@merchrich9758 tiny appearance. Not in season two he doesn’t but the dynamics among the three in riveting

[@nmarks]

Ronald Lacey who played the Bishop of Bath and Well in Blackadder also played Gestapo Agent Arnold Todt in Raiders of the Lost Ark. In both roles he brandishes a red hot poker to carry out torture.

[@TheSaint491]

Love that look blackadder gives baldrick when he mentions the slap up binge. He does sort of care for baldrick in ii

[@comedyclark8369]

The Bishop is played by the late Ronald Lacey who is perhaps best known for playing Toht in Raiders of the Lost Ark(1981). Ironically, his character in that film also threatens someone with a red hot poker.

[@kerplunk001]

Always loved Phil Pope's character when he is introduced by Baldrick - "My Lord, the most famous painter in England: Mr. Leonardo ......Acropolis." then when Blackadder asks Leonardo if he is any good, he replies, " No.... I am a GEEN-I-US!" Truly, genius comedy!

[@youzatoob]

Probably my #1 favourite scene in all of the 4 Blackadder series

[@garyconyers]

Nah - my favourite two are: Lord Flashheart's entrance (and exit) at the end of "Bells", series 2; The last scene of series 4, Blackadder gies Forth. Probably the best ending to any tv series ever.

[@el6178]

Incredible actors. All of them.

[@55liveforlove]

In light of recent events. I'd say the portrayal of this bishop is stunningly accurate.

[@MrTaytersDeep]

Percys try at being an alchemist was the best one! "Oh and be hold, I have made purist Green! Has me every time!

[@BBCComedyGreats]

Check out this clip from that episode! kzbin.info/www/bejne/ipy9d6iBfb2Ubdk

[@luckyspurs]

"Oh Blackadder, can it possibly be true, that I hold in my mortal hand, a nugget of purist...green".

[@Lord_Skeptic]

It is not really a nugget. it is more of a splat.

[@Lord_Skeptic]

You Percy are an utter berk

[@stewart_fisher]

@@Lord_Skeptic im surprised the "spat" didn't make their hair fall out im sure they discovered something radioactive before Marie Curie did.

[@vulture3874]

I remember my grandmother and her sister, both now departed reminiscing on times when they were little girls. On one occasion they recalled having tea with the Bishop of Bath and Wells. I couldn't resist the laughter when I asked them what they had for tea.

[@MarkSiefert]

“It’s poker time!” That’s exactly what he said to Marion Ravenwood!

[@michaelc3051]

To have gone lower than man has ever gone; to have plunged the depths of degradation.

[@davidgifford8112]

Ronald Lacey was superb, as the Bishop.

[@darrenleiberman6250]

"I'll do anything to anything." 😂

[@ichabodon]

Always brilliant. Never stop watching this marvellous series

[@anniedarkhorse6791]

My favourite episode in any British Comedy ever. Gold. Hilarious.

[@g2macs]

And a few hundred years later after emigrating to Germany, his Great, great, great, great, great, grandson becomes a member of the Gestapo and mysteriously disappears on a lonely island.

[@achintyanaithani889]

Why emigrate? He could well be a German.

[@vilveyachke5103]

cut off two seconds too soon. Percy's line is great.

[@jasv49]

What does he say?

[@ButtChinsAreHereToStay]

"Nice doing business with you".........if I recall correctly.

[@ptonpc]

@@jasv49 "It was lovely working with you".

[@xn0gaming]

0:06 Thats how I always introduce myself to people

[@paulnattress6855]

It was a pleasure working with you !

[@leonkhunanemadihlaba1902]

I think you probably recognize this huge sweating mound of blubber here

[@Lwis2]

bbblubbber.

[@RealityCheck6T9]

*mound

[@danw1374]

Ronald Lacey as the bishop, who also played 'Harris' in Porridge.

[@peterdavies2960]

And the Nazi in Indiana Jones

[@Vesnicie]

Just bought a shirt with his picture and "I am a colossal pervert" on it. Will wear it to church on Sunday.

[@DanBeech-ht7sw]

Did you get the job, then?

[@willreaper5421]

Best line ever"He said I AM THE BABY EATING BISHOP OF BATH AND WELLS!"

[@danielwaugh2215]

you haven't got any children, have you Blackadder?

[@fellforit]

I'll skip breakfast then.

[@a.demifemiflapo5795]

I love that one 😂😂

[@Lazarus1095]

I love this performance, but I was saddened to discover that the actor playing the Bishop was Ronald Lacey, the same man who played Major Toht from Raiders of the Lost Ark. He was obviously a superb actor and well-liked, but comparing him to how he used to look, he was also obviously an unhealthy, even dying man. And indeed he died a mere six years later of liver cancer. It is always a tragedy to see potential cut short by a body that has turned into a prison.

[@Darkstar263]

The only other show I have seen him in was Porridge where he played Harris in a few episodes of the 3rd series. Hard to believe it's the same guy here. His health was definitely starting to fail him like you said.

[@Darkstar263]

The only other show I have seen him in was Porridge where he played Harris in a few episodes of the 3rd series. Hard to believe it's the same guy here. His health was definitely starting to fail him like you said.

[@221b-Maker-Street]

Ronald struggled physically quite a lot, sadly - and from a young age, too. He had his lower intestines removed in his early twenties and as a result had to have a colostomy bag fitted. He gained and lost weight over the last 10 years of his life, while becoming progressively ill with cancer. He occasionally looked bloated and swollen as a side-effect of medical treatment. I'd always assumed The BOB&W was largely padded in this scene, but perhaps not. Well known as a 'functioning alcoholic', Ronald died of liver failure, aged just 55. 😔

[@asvarien]

@@221b-Maker-Street I thought it was padding or a fat suit. His face doesn't seem quite fat enough to match the body.

[@maryfreebed9886]

@@asvarienSome padding, and fat too.

[@evrbody]

The Baby-Eating Bishop of Bath and Wells is the best one-off character in Series 2. Yes, better than Lord Flashheart.

[@Darkstar263]

+evrbody I thought Lady Whiteadder and Captain Rum were quite memorable too.

[@furioussherman7265]

+evrbody Flasheart wasn't a one-off character. He reappeared in Season 4.

[@evrbody]

Curtis Stokman I'm referring specifically to Season 2.

[@hraesvelgML]

Flasheart is so overrated.

[@RealityCheck6T9]

I've always preferred Wee Jock Poo-Pong McPlop

[@guharup]

Gosh. Can comedy ever get any better?

[@hansgruber788]

"Hello. It, it was nice working with you"

[@ninhil2]

Trivia: the bishop is played by Ronald Lacey, "Toht" from raiders of the lost ark

[@doug6500]

Lol, amazing!

[@tompurcell1499]

Ronald Lacey also played Harris in Porridge, a despicable and slimy character who, in one episode, falls foul of "Genial" Harry Grout after pinching some pills from the prison infirmary. That Mr Grout has had a word with Harris can be somewhat ascertained by the blood-curdling screams along the wing. Great episode. Great character actor.

[@magnusseolh7053]

Complete with a poker!

[@ninhil2]

@@magnusseolh7053 ha!

[@matthewserrano4048]

"Nothing is too low of sexual depravity is for me, animal, vegetable or mineral.." fetish is not even sufficient to describe this

[@TheTruthKiwi]

Brilliant writing and as always, it's funny because it's true

[@paddypup1836]

I love these off the wall crazy characters they had in this show.

[@S-I-T]

Perfect comedy in every way.

[@thegrandmuftiofwakanda]

It was fascinating to me to recent learn that the good Bishop here was also 'Orrible Harris in Porridge, and that creepy Gestapo agent in Raiders of the Lost Ark.

[@malkytrance]

Ronald Lacey, I did not know that, amazing really from Porridge to Raiders and numeros other movies, died young though 55, R.I.P.

[@WolfieMcMuffin]

Just your average member of the clergy!

[@TheArcher101]

Lovely working with you!

[@billymack333]

Most definitely the best season of Blackadder.

[@samalvey8168]

"You should have killed me while you had the chance. You have looked in wonder at your last dawn, Blackadder!"

[@mushroomhead3619]

Ronald Lacey loves his burning hot pokers...

[@siredith8846]

0:56 💥BEND OVAAA BLACKADDARR💥

[@stevenpilling5318]

I'll never forget that one!

[@bl4zze_]

Not the first time he used a red-hot poker. RIP Lacey

[@beatlemaniacs9099]

Quite brilliant!

[@kem1kal]

"are you any good?" "no.. i am a genius!"

[@timewalker6654]

Prrrrrff

[@acqua61]

Stupendo! Che bravi!

[@AmySavage6]

I'm gonna go out on a limb and guess that the diocese of Bath and Wells is one of the more well known ones in the Anglican church internationally based on this scene.

[@user-qt5xh9mt7x]

S1: Best Plot S2: Best Characters S3: Best Comedy S4: Best Emotion

[@johnthwaites5976]

I've only just realised that Ronald Lacey, who played the Bishop here, is the same actor who played the Nazi in raiders of the lost ark

[@NickJohnCoop]

Always loved the “Beautifully Framed” comment.

[@Mistwalker67]

Pleasure doing business with you 😂😂

[@betty_boop_jd705]

Ronald Lacey what a legend!!!!

[@Kelly14UK]

Beautifully FRAMED

[@stephencatchdudeknight4623]

A good old slap up bing at mrs miggons pie shop! lol

[@alexgarnett5373]

This is Ronald Lacey who was Toht in Raiders of the lost Ark.

[@superhavi]

And Himmler in Last Crusade.

[@davidekstrand8544]

That’s RONALD LACEY! (Herr Toht from Raiders)

[@yellowjackboots2624]

A scene earlier in the episode: "YOU'LL WISH YOUR BOTTOM HAD NEVER BEEN BORN!!!"

[@walboyfredo6025]

1:49 Preliminary sketches = Photographic Negatives.

[@kwesigebe1075]

PERCY!!!😂😂😂😂

[@rogermouton2273]

- I am a colossal pervert. No form of sexual depravity is too low for me! Animal, vegetable or mineral - I'll do anything to anything! - Fine words for a Bishop. It's nice to hear the Church speaking out for a change on social issues.

[@francolive5718]

Ronald Lacey what a legend.