For the last four or so days I've been having myself a BlackAdderAthon.  Today, as I watched BlackAdder goes Forth, I realized how each of the major actors in the series have played characters who, although similar in some respects, has some marked differences.  This made me realize how much I prefer certain portrayals in certain series.  Below, are my personal preferences for some of the big actors (the ones that show up in at least three seasons) and their characters and the reasons for my choices.

Each of these actors is amazing in their own right, and their portrayal of every single character is genius, and melds perfectly with the rest of the cast.  What follows is my preferences in regards to each particular actor's characters.  This is based on my opinion alone, and if you don't like it. . . well. . . as the many incarnations of BlackAdder would say. . . "Sod off". . .

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Rowan Atkinson - BlackAdder II and III

Rowan Atkinson as the title character in the entire series is absolutely amazing.  Through all seasons he is a wonderful character, but reaches his epitome in seasons II and III.

I chose these roles for a few reasons, beginning with season II.  BlackAdder is a bad ass in this season.  I none of the other seasons does he show the same disregard, aggressiveness, and nastiness.  Something about the self-serving bastard of a character is terribly appealing.  He is definitely at his most conniving in this season as well.  Season II yielded the most evil of all BlackAdders.  He lacks the grace and civility of Season III's BlackAdder, but makes up for it in raw crassness.

Season III showcases the most intelligent, clever, and endearing BlackAdder.  You can't help but feel for the poor man, as much as he goes through.  He definitely gets the raw end of the stick.  He is well-informed and well-read, and a very appealing character.  His best moment?  During "Sense and Senility", when he returns, in his long coat, after only four minutes of leaving the Prince Regent and Baldrick to deal with the two actors, Mossop and Keanrick.  He also deals amazingly with the Duck of Wellington.

Tony Robinson - BlackAdder I

It may seem surprising, but Tony Robinson's portrayal of Baldrick in season I is my favourite.  A bit part of this is how he plays off of the naive, simple, and generally meek BlackAdder.  Baldrick is witty, intelligent, and has many a (actually) cunning plan.  Perhaps its the fact that this Baldrick is similar in behaviour to BlackAdder of season III. 

The existence of this Baldrick would be impossible with any of the other BlackAdders.  A strong-willed and clever Baldrick would be easily overshadowed by any of the other BlackAdders but works as a perfect foil for season I's BlackAdder. 

Hugh Laurie - BlackAdder goes Forth

I did like Hugh Laurie as the Prince Regent in BlackAdder III, but he is absolutely lovable and endearing in season IV.  The Prince Regent was painted as stupid, while George is simply sweet and inexperienced.  His character is very genuine, and comes from a place of whole-hearted love for his country.    He admires his commanding officer and wants to do right by the king. 

Although Hugh Laurie does appear in BlackAdder II (in "Beer"), his best performance, in my mind, is season IV's George.  He plays an amazing woman in "Major Star" and is just too great in "Captain Cook" when he's protesting BlackAdder's claim on his artwork.

Tim McInnerey - BlackAdder goes Forth

Tim McInnerey plays a great variety of characters.  Although he plays two absolute dullards in seasons I and II, Captain Darling is pure genius.  Besides the surname, which results in many a hilarious moment, the character is so believable.  The amount of disdain in the character's voice and actions speaks legions. 

The best part of his character is definitely the smugness that he portrays toward BlackAdder whenever something isn't going the latters' way.  Anytime that BlackAdder gets screwed, he is the first to rub it in and enjoy it.  Plus, the tick whenever he's called "darling" is excellent. 

Stephen Fry - BlackAdder III and BlackAdder goes Forth

Stephen Fry, God of comedy that he is, has made great contributions to the whole BlackAdder series.  Although season II's Melchett is good, season IV's Melchett is excellent.  He makes his rounds as the one in charge, calling to Darling with unwavering conviction, and constantly in and out of the trenches with the men (always behind them. . . at least 35 miles).  The hat drop changes in attitude and behaviour win him a big vote. Now then, now then, now, now, then, now then, now then, then now.  Now then. . .

But, his portrayal of the Duke of Wellington in season III is definitely my favourite (but seems to minuscule to constitute an entire section dedication).  This character is amazing.  I'm not sure why, exactly, but he is hilarious.  He is unlike both versions of Melchett, and that's what makes him so great.  He may only appear in one episode, but Fry's Wellington is absolutely great.  The over the top aggressiveness toward the disguised George and affinity for "Prince Regent" BlackAdder is nothing short of side-splittingly funny.