You need to react to the full show it's awesome. Your face when darling said the great war from 1914 to 1917 some reactors don't realise the dates of WW1 and bravo on the artillery plan to solve trence warfare👍
I heard from a friend that ‘Allo Allo’ was dubbed into French, with the French voice actors putting the appropriate silly accents to fit with the French language. And that it was as much of a success in France as it was here in the UK. Maybe you should watch both versions to see if this is true? In the mean time. Take care and all the best from East Anglia.
I've watched lots of different reactions to this and I have to say how refreshing to see someone with some knowledge of the times. So many miss the 1917 joke
This is one of the most famous moments in British TV history, and quite rightly so. And this version ends a bit early, it ends by cutting to a poppy field, with only bird song, and as if nothing had ever happened there.
This is a brilliant piece of tv. It shows that the people that died, up to that point, had lived their lives but still had a life to live. They were young, normal people that had dreams, ambitions and hopes. It ended perfectly as there was no escape for them as it was in reality. We had grown to love the characters and it was brought to an end in a second. The whole nation was literally dumbstruck when this first aired and it still gives me a chill.
The thing is, Darling didn't want to be there. The General sent him. The General said it wasn't right, keeping Darling from the fight and that he would let him go fight on the front. Near the end in the dugout is when they come face to face with the fact they will face almost certain death. Up to this point they've done the British traditional stiff upper lip and put on a brave face.
@@ToonStory-fh4gn It's a strange and surreal scene. Darling is practically begging Melchett, who's acting like his usual obtuse, comedic self. But Darling's face is a picture of terror. Not something easily forgotten
And this is probably one of the most heart renching scenes in British TV, the final episode of the final season of Blackadder. Through the series we see how his descendants always found a way out of their troubles, always had a plan and always found glory. But the final episode showed us the grim reminder of one of our most costly conflicts. It was also a very strong end with a very strong show of tragic bravery in which the average Tommy went to meet his fate. And yes it doesn’t feel like Blackadder at the end, not insulting Baldrick and George, but accepting his fate and actually saying his own versions of farewell to his companions of generations, in a final act of solidarity and kindness.
The last sentence Blackadder says to Baldrick, with a look of affection before the "Good luck everyone", is incredibly moving in the light of their relationship over the previous 4 seasons
yeah during the war, the boots of the soldiers and all the digging churned up poppy seeds into the soil and with everything else destroyed every major battlefield in those areas has vast fields of red poppies grow after the war was ended. Which made the red poppy symbolize those lost to war, especially in ww2. Its why the scene impacted so many so hard at the time.
My Grandmothers brother went over the top at about the time depicted in this scene. He was buried soon afterwards at Monchy le Preux. Like so many he didn't want to be there. This scene from Blackadder summed up so much about that War.
Every time I think of these kids (we're talking mostly young people in their twenties) and the situation they've lived in, my heart sinks. This scene is so powerful. Thank you for your comment!
@@kevinjorgensen1046No - they refused to do another take because of the rubbishness of the set and the dangerous explosions and the time they had left in the studio. Nothing to do with the emotional script.
@@kevinjorgensen1046 Alan was referring to the video link being watched which cuts off the field of poppies to show advertisements. That particular upload keeps appearing in reaction videos because its the first one to appear in search results. but its the worst one.
Humour is what gets everyone through life, this ending was superb for reminding us that life is serious, I admire your decision to react to shows that are not in your first language, the nuances must be difficult to get hold of, don’t worry if people give you abuse for how you talk or react it just shows their lack of intelligence.
Thank you so much I am very lucky to receive almost only nice comments under my videos. I think people notice and appreciate the fact that I am doing the effort. Greetings from Lyon 😃
I visited Northern France some years ago and one place stood out for me, it was the Thiepval War Memorial on which there are 78,000 names of those that fell on the Somme. You first see the memorial with its white stone facades which initially look smooth, but as you get closer, you see the names carved into the stone. This for me was quite a powerful moment when you realise that so many fell in service of this country and to defend France. Blackadders last episode for me was equally as powerfull as the image fades to the poppy fields, it brings home the catastrophic truth about how many died over the course of WW1 on both sides. Lest We Forget!
How they can turn a serious moment in history and make it funny without losing any of the impact or emotion of the situation astounds me. Superb television.
If I remember correctly from when watched BGF the first time around, I first realised that the lads were actually going to go over the top, was when Capt Darling said that the war had ended in 1917, it could have actually been 11/11/11/1918, whereas they would have survived, but no, it was 1917, so I could guess what happened next. My favourite quote is "Who would notice another madman round here, good luck everyone." I must have seen this episode 50 times, easy and it's still heart breaking.
This is the I have come across your feed. This episode is one of the most emotional episodes on Brit Tv...some of it unplanned. The producer and actors did not expect the live studio reaction a single of someone clearer their throat. The Explosive scene was lie and fed in to the studio audience,, The explosive actually were too powerful and nearly hurt the actors. I never fail fail to cry at this eisode. Thank you.
Your face at the "1914 to 1917" line is the reaction of everyone I know who has seen this clip... Up until this, Blackadder, Baldrick et al (in every incarnation) have always found a way to survive and thrive, and it is what the viewer expects, But this- this brings home the horror of war
We’ve become close to Blackadder, Baldric, George, even Darling to a degree. We see them come through everything … until now. The blanket of safety and security is starkly taken away. Just as it was to many service personnel. Our certainties gone all we can do is watch the terrible, logical conclusion to the doctrines of the Cult of the Offensive. My grandfather survived his experience in the Great War, sometimes ridiculed by my uncle for starting as a Trooper (UK Private) and ending the same. I was moved to remind him, rather he came home than not at all. Thank you for your reaction, as usual. For all service personnel; at the setting of the Sun, we shall remember you.
The truest thing about war is what my granddad told me: the winner is the one who comes home. Thank you, and let's never forget the sacrifice of all those young lads.
My, that ending got me, i wasn't sure what to expect but they really brought home the true meaning of what was happening, ive so enjoyed this series and would never have seen or heard of it if not for this channel. Happy Friday to all and hope your weekend is safe and fun, sorry to hear of the bad work day, as a recovering workaholic i get it, this lunchtime break keeps me from getting crazier 😊. On an unrelated note i was wondering if you or anyone on this panel could suggest a good video or book about the white rose society? I remember watching a movie years ago and its never shown anymore so i would welcome any suggestions. As always thank you for the video and thoughtful commentary, we are losing so many yourubers lately , know we appreciate all the work put the nto the videos
Thank you! As far as the White Rose Society is concerned, I think you're referring to Hans & Sophie Scholl's band? I don't know much about their history but I can recommend Allein in Berlin (the book) about German resistance actions and Ordinary Hero about Georg Elser who tried to assassinate moustache.The film you're referring to is The White Rose?
Every series of Blackadder ends with him dying (the third series has a slight twist) so that was always going to be the ending. However at the time the series was made they felt that extra care was needed as there were still survivors alive (the last UK veteran died in 2009). This was also part of the reason for not continuing forward in time with a fifth series as they didn't want to mock living people.
The Peter Jackson film "They Shall Not Grow Old" includes several interviews done in the 1960s with WW1 veterans. These men are remarkably upbeat about their times on the front. It was a time of adventure and camaraderie despite the bloodshed and squalor.
I think it's also a brain mechanism that crystallises the positive moments of a past era, but yes, how can you survive such an ordeal without camaraderie?
Makes me tear up every time. So many lost without even a choice and even a Hundred years later still the same. Dragged into Wars for Dubious reasons. My Grandfather survived that War but was never the same and died in the 1970s partly as a result of Shrapnel still in his body.
Yes, all these poor kids. Lot of them felt like they had to join without knowing why (the famous "Order of the white feather"). My hearts always shrinks a bit when I think about them. All my friendship from France
Darling didn't want to go to the front, General Melchett sent him. At the last minute, Melchett decided it would be 'selfish and unfair' of him to deny Darling the opportunity of going over the top with the other men. Melchett interrupted his desperate attempts to get out of the situation, thinking in is own crazed head that Darling's panicked response was an expression of gratitude, oblivious to his terror. I guess this episode is a modern day tragi-comedy as each laugh came with an added poignancy.
Remember watching this as a kid with my mum. That last scene even then as a 10 year old was incredibly sad. And what is also sad is Baldrick finally had a genuinely cunning plan. Shame they didn't act on it. Wonderful stuff ❤
After 4 seasons of Blackadder being unbearable with Baldrick, their last exchange and Blackadder's look of tenderness for his old comrade... It's gut-wrenching
This is the only way it really could have ended; you can laugh and joke and dance around the realities for the war for only so long. Blackadder and the rest of the crew had to go over the top. You notice that you don't actually know if any of them survived or not, it lets you dream that it was a least possible that Blackadder of Baldrick or George or Darling could have lived to be old men.
@@ToonStory-fh4gn The thing is, at the end of the first two Blackadder Series, Everybody Died!! First one they all get Poisoned, The second one they are all shown dead, This would have been the same, but they only got one take and it was rubbish (The Electricians reached the end of the allocated shooting time and quite literally pulled the plug). It was the fade to the field of Poppies that saved the ending. Only Blackadder series where Blackadder does not die at the end is the third series when he ends up being the King!!
My father was a sergeant in the Lancashire Fusiliars in WW1 and was at the Somme, i am 75 and my father told me nothing about the war as i was only 6 when he died. My brother told me he was gassed but like many survived .
Your father was a hero, and I honour him like all his young comrades who came to the lands of France, Belgium and all the other fronts on which generations of young adults fought and suffered with unimaginable courage.
Apparently after this was broadcast, Rowan Atkinson's father, who had actually fought in a war, congratulated him on the episode. Oh What fools we mortals are!
Good knowledge about the rolling Barage. In 1917 we had got over the errors of using shrapnel which happened during the Somme but it wasn't as effective as 1918 where the Royal Artillery had bombardment down to a fine art.
We talk about fiascos, but we forget that armies have learned a great deal from their mistakes so as not to repeat them, and have shown a remarkable ability to adapt. Thank you!
In the original ending, they get a few feet, then all get shot and fall to the ground. After reviewing it, they didn't have time to reshoot because it looked pretty bad so instead they came up with the slow motion, transition to the empty battlefield then the field in turning to a field of red poppys
@@ToonStory-fh4gn John Lloyd (the series producer) recently chatted on the Goon Pod podcast, explaining how the scene didn't go according to plan in the studio recording but was saved in the editing with various members of the production crew coming up with ideas. It's an eye-opening account of how great television is a real team effort.
There is a 2013 film you need to watch, called The Wipers Times. During the first world war, men were positioned near Ypres (which the British pronounced 'wipers') and they find a hand operated print press and they start a small paper. It shows the British humour while everything around them has gone mad.
It was cut abit short, they show poppies aswell to give it more (I'm not sure why they cut it short). I know it's abit late/early, but have a look for the 2014 Sainsbury's Christmas advert if you haven't already (maybe save it for this Christmas coming?).
One of the best parts of that last scene are the soldiers in the background to the right of the main characters, , you can’t really see their faces, they are a perfect expression of what it would have looked like. Strangely when I watch that last scene I look past darling , George, Blackadder and baldrick, and just see them. My relative apparently fought and died here so it may be that too, As regards the comedy and the acting, I always also found it poignant how Blackadder in this scene is suddenly so brave before the fact that he’s about to be cut to pieces by machine gun fire, no way back etc. through all the series has tried to doge his duty, and get out of there. And when it comes down to it he’s actually a great leader and courageous.
I re-watched the scene, just focusing on the other soldiers. Thank you! Blackadder's acting, which is suddenly compassionate for his companions, is terribly effective.
Yes, the "rolling barrage" did work but it didn't start until late in the war. It was part of what allowed the Allies to win, ultimately. But at the time that they are attacking here, the rolling barrage clearly isn't invented yet, because the British guns have stopped before the troops are nearing the enemy.
Be aware that there is a pilot episode for Allo Allo called "The british are coming" that sets up a lot of the characters, with the official first episode being called " The british 'ave come".
Yes! I was thinking about him after Carton de Wiart but I was confused between sword, bow, crossbow and bagpipes... as I said I've just had a looong day before to record this 😅 Thank you!
Mitchell & Webb did an homage to this episode by doing something similar for the last skit of the last episode of their comedy series "That Michell and Webb Look"
My Great Grandfather was killed at the 'Somme' (one of 95,675 dead out of 420,000 British casualties). He now lies with his comrades in Flatiron Cemetery near Mametz, France. May they all R.I.P.
He was a hero, I am very grateful for all the brave Tommies that made this incredible sacrifice. Thank you for sharing this, and may he and his comrades rest in peace
With Captain Darling sharing the same situation Blackadder drops the hostility. Blackadder shows us who he really is at the last moment when he says: "...who would have noticed another madman around 'ere?" He drops the 'H' from "here" indicating he's working class like Baldrick. It also explains why Captain Darling often took the brunt of his sarcasm; Darling is a middle class gentleman trained as an officer. Blackadder worked his way up the ranks to Captain and has been faking his upper class persona all along.
This reminds me of my Scottish great-grandfather who was in Mons, Belgium facing the advancing German army on the very first clash of WW1 he was shot three times but survived had 17 children and lived to the age 91. He was also at the first battle of Ypres.
Watched the whole series with my Father ex WW2 RAF, knowing his father and my Grandad was badly wounded in WW1 served in the Infantry, was really worried especially about the last episode and how it would end, needn't have worried.
With interlocking fields of fire in the German Spandau machine guns, no one was really safe. They were set to fire at chest height and they just mowed down the other side.
maybe not the best clip to watch if you've had a crap day - even when shown on its own like this it still brings me close to tears. In the hope of lightening the mood, i will share one of my favourite war related quotes on the subject of shooting at officers. it comes from a confederate corporal named Sam watkins who fought at many engagements during the American Civil war, including Shilo, and made it through the whole war. the quote goes like this “I always shoot at privates. It was they who did the shooting and killing, and if I could kill or wound a private, why, my chances were so much the better. I always looked upon officers as harmless personages.” (I assume he was referring to ordinary soldiers rather than a specific part of the body 😁)
This was one of those rare moments when the end of the series was unexpected and desperately sad. I was in my 30s when I watched the original broadcast on TV and I was in tears. I also recommend the final scene from the film version of "Oh What A Lovely War" th-cam.com/video/x_LhOO6Q6p8/w-d-xo.html
Great G.father died at the Somme. Yep. Mad times. We also live in some mad times. They fought for rights, and won. We are sitting here voting for our rights to be taken away.
Iv spent the last few days having some quality time with my parents, Mum is 94 and my Dad is 90 It started with my Mum re telling me about her Great Grandad being killed in the Seaham Colliery disaster in 1880 there was 165 men women and children killed under ground , then her Grandad died in a roof fall in the Colliery her Dad ended up working in The next day was my Dad talking about his own father, he was one of 20;000 men and boys who signed up on the 1st day of asking when it was apparent that there was not enough regular soldiers He went off to do his training prior to going abroad, he landed in Boulogne 2 weeks later he was at the 2nd battle of Ypres , the first time he went over the top he was stood next to his best friend , unfortunately he died instantly, my grandfather was hit by shrapnel on his leg In all he was injured 4 times , right leg Ypres , Scalp Bollowaard Ridge , left leg Ypres ( again ) , right arm The Somme Eventually he was gassed at the Somme , his war was then over in 1917 , a very lucky man . He was a boy of 17 when he joined up I definitely could not under any circumstances go down a pit and I’m not sure I could have kept going back over the top like my Grand Father did , I’m not a coward but these guys where on a completely different level to what I could cope with God bless all that served and gave their all so we can live our lives today .
Thank you a thousand times for sharing this. The courage of these young people humbles me. Trying to tell part of their story and paying tribute to them on my channel is extremely important to me
Here’s a thing for you As you can see , my surname is not a typical English / British name According to our family history my ancestors came over in the 1200 as Flemish traders When I was 12hrs old I was thrown out of my class by a French supply teacher because she thought I was swearing at her when she was doing the class attendance role It took the whole class to convince her I was actually saying my surname before she would allow me back in class Any idea what she thought I was saying ??
The series ends as the violent chaos of No man's land fades into a tranquil field of poppies. Poppies are used as a symbol for the war dead in Britain. I believe you French use the Bleuet.
Here, I found this: The Bleuet de France, a flower of remembrance and solidarity, was born in 1918 from the desire of two nurses from the Institution Nationale des Invalides to help soldiers wounded during the Great War. By setting up a workshop to make cornflowers from fabric, the nurses enabled the wounded to forget their wounds while earning an income from the sale of the flowers. From then on, the Bleuet de France became the official symbol of the close link between the French nation and those who have served it or are still serving it.
Dreadful to think trench warfare’s reappeared on the european continent. Now even the baltic states have chosen trenches, bunkers and dragons teeth for their borders.
You should watch the whole series, this clip hits much harder in context. even though he says the opposite , that is to save face, and Blackadder knows it, he also indicates this with his visual looks and expressions but its very subtle sub text, without seeing the scene prior to this one. Also Darling has not chosen to be on the front line at all, Melchet , in his madness, assumed Darling would rather be involved in the final push, when really Darling has been trying to avoid such things for the entire war
I've watched the first three seasons, and I'm about to start on season four. Given Blackadder's character and his relationship with Baldrick in particular, this last scene is very powerful because he doesn't make fun of anyone and even seems affectionate with his comrades. And it's the only time I've ever seen him be remotely empathetic with others, and that makes this scene very special.
A video with the full ending is: _Good Luck Everyone - Blackadder - BBC_ th-cam.com/video/vH3-Gt7mgyM/w-d-xo.html This is very poignant for Brits. However, I try to remember you French were fighting on your homeland. Wikipedia says British total deaths were 1.9% to 2.2% of population, France lost 4.3% to 4.4%. Take Care, My Friend. ☮
Thank you, mon ami. We see the legacy of this war everywhere here in France, where every village has a war memorial showing that a generation disappeared in the hell of the trenches. This tribute by Blackadder is also very moving for my little frog heart.
This was a comedy production so not exactly sticking to facts, not that thats a complaint. I will say though that rank badges at the cuffs of the sleeve began to disappear in late 1914, this due to being an obvious target. By 1917 it was so widespread as to be officially sanctioned but they were not abolished till 1920. I will add that by 1917 many officers were wearing privates tunics with the rank badges on the back of the collar and carrying Lee-Enfields. 1) To make themselves less obvious targets and 2) to increase their effectiveness in combat. This in part was due to a high % of men who had been promoted from the ranks. This being a result of the high number of middle class men with good educations who had gone into the ranks in the rush to enlist in 1914.
6:05 in regards to American units, theres a running joke between those who have fought them that its best to avoid killing squad leaders/officers first because they're the only one in their squad enforcing the Geneva conventions as rules and not a checklist, which is what is going to happen to any squad without an officer-equivalent to hold their reins.
"I'm scared sir" I think this sentence will stay with me for a long time...
Yes, it was an abrupt and drastic change of 'tone'. Very effective writing.
Take Care, My Friend. ☮
You need to react to the full show it's awesome. Your face when darling said the great war from 1914 to 1917 some reactors don't realise the dates of WW1 and bravo on the artillery plan to solve trence warfare👍
I heard from a friend that ‘Allo Allo’ was dubbed into French, with the French voice actors putting the appropriate silly accents to fit with the French language. And that it was as much of a success in France as it was here in the UK. Maybe you should watch both versions to see if this is true?
In the mean time. Take care and all the best from East Anglia.
If there is any way to end a show on war this is it.
I've watched lots of different reactions to this and I have to say how refreshing to see someone with some knowledge of the times. So many miss the 1917 joke
This is one of the most famous moments in British TV history, and quite rightly so. And this version ends a bit early, it ends by cutting to a poppy field, with only bird song, and as if nothing had ever happened there.
Yes apparently "Comedy Greats" has no time for pathos.
You're right, cutting the end spoils the effect that it had, and probably confuses people who don't know what the poppy field symbolizes.
I just re-watched the whole scene, what a shame this final part has been removed. Thank you!
You understand the reason for the poppyfield don't you?
@@seniorslaphead8336 It takes away so much from the scene, proper winds me up tbh
I clicked on this knowing full well I would have a tear in my eye at the end.
You're a brave man. I went in with my head held high, like in 1914, and they mowed me down.
They are gone who saw them fall, so it now falls to us to remember😢
"Don't forget your stick, Lieutenant."
"Wouldn't want to face machine gun without this!"
That final joke felt like a tap on the shoulder from a friend who says "hey cheer up mate".
This is a brilliant piece of tv. It shows that the people that died, up to that point, had lived their lives but still had a life to live. They were young, normal people that had dreams, ambitions and hopes. It ended perfectly as there was no escape for them as it was in reality. We had grown to love the characters and it was brought to an end in a second. The whole nation was literally dumbstruck when this first aired and it still gives me a chill.
Even after more than 30 years since this was first broadcast, I'm not afraid to admit that it still brings a tear to my eyes.
If this does not move you, I don't know what will
As an Irishman and ex service.thos brings so much sadness to me me.
I have seen this numerous times and I still get a bit teary eyed 😢❤
I understand, they've just broken my heart ☹
With it being several series of light hearted comedy, we all thought there’d be another lucky escape.
Until the 1914-1917 bit
But in the end, how could it be otherwise?
The thing is, Darling didn't want to be there. The General sent him.
The General said it wasn't right, keeping Darling from the fight and that he would let him go fight on the front.
Near the end in the dugout is when they come face to face with the fact they will face almost certain death. Up to this point they've done the British traditional stiff upper lip and put on a brave face.
Ah okay thank you very much for the background
@@ToonStory-fh4gn It's a strange and surreal scene. Darling is practically begging Melchett, who's acting like his usual obtuse, comedic self.
But Darling's face is a picture of terror.
Not something easily forgotten
And this is probably one of the most heart renching scenes in British TV, the final episode of the final season of Blackadder.
Through the series we see how his descendants always found a way out of their troubles, always had a plan and always found glory.
But the final episode showed us the grim reminder of one of our most costly conflicts.
It was also a very strong end with a very strong show of tragic bravery in which the average Tommy went to meet his fate.
And yes it doesn’t feel like Blackadder at the end, not insulting Baldrick and George, but accepting his fate and actually saying his own versions of farewell to his companions of generations, in a final act of solidarity and kindness.
The last sentence Blackadder says to Baldrick, with a look of affection before the "Good luck everyone", is incredibly moving in the light of their relationship over the previous 4 seasons
10:25 "Wow!" That was the correct response.
The video cut off just as the redness of the poppy fields was appearing showing time having passed.
Yes, I watched it afterwards and it is way more powerfull
yeah during the war, the boots of the soldiers and all the digging churned up poppy seeds into the soil and with everything else destroyed every major battlefield in those areas has vast fields of red poppies grow after the war was ended. Which made the red poppy symbolize those lost to war, especially in ww2. Its why the scene impacted so many so hard at the time.
I love how you dress up for each reaction video, you really stand out from the crowd. Love it ❤
Thank you, I have fun doing it! Cheers
My Grandmothers brother went over the top at about the time depicted in this scene. He was buried soon afterwards at Monchy le Preux. Like so many he didn't want to be there.
This scene from Blackadder summed up so much about that War.
Every time I think of these kids (we're talking mostly young people in their twenties) and the situation they've lived in, my heart sinks. This scene is so powerful. Thank you for your comment!
this was the moment Black Adder stopped being funny and had something important to say..
one of the most powerful moments in TV history. IMO.
I dont get why somebody cuts the most important, emotional part from the end, i would urge anybody to look for a version with the end complete.
I just watched the full stuff, and yes I can only agree with you
Because the cast refused to do retakes. It had that much of an emotional effect on them. The producers had to do with what they had.
@@kevinjorgensen1046No - they refused to do another take because of the rubbishness of the set and the dangerous explosions and the time they had left in the studio. Nothing to do with the emotional script.
@@kevinjorgensen1046 Alan was referring to the video link being watched which cuts off the field of poppies to show advertisements. That particular upload keeps appearing in reaction videos because its the first one to appear in search results. but its the worst one.
It's so sad. None of the soldiers on either side wanted to be there, they just wanted to be back home with their loved ones.
🙏♥
Humour is what gets everyone through life, this ending was superb for reminding us that life is serious, I admire your decision to react to shows that are not in your first language, the nuances must be difficult to get hold of, don’t worry if people give you abuse for how you talk or react it just shows their lack of intelligence.
Thank you so much I am very lucky to receive almost only nice comments under my videos. I think people notice and appreciate the fact that I am doing the effort. Greetings from Lyon 😃
the sad ending that made the series even better!.. 😢
Yes, I totally agree with you
When you said you were emotionally fragile today I felt really bad for you. I never rewatch this episode.
It was a very bad idea, yes, it really dampened my spirits... I'm going straight to bed.
This was the best episode of the four series!🏴
subbed, you got a lot of the subtlety and that was great to watch
Thank you very much mate! Greetings from Lyon, France
I visited Northern France some years ago and one place stood out for me, it was the Thiepval War Memorial on which there are 78,000 names of those that fell on the Somme. You first see the memorial with its white stone facades which initially look smooth, but as you get closer, you see the names carved into the stone. This for me was quite a powerful moment when you realise that so many fell in service of this country and to defend France. Blackadders last episode for me was equally as powerfull as the image fades to the poppy fields, it brings home the catastrophic truth about how many died over the course of WW1 on both sides. Lest We Forget!
How they can turn a serious moment in history and make it funny without losing any of the impact or emotion of the situation astounds me. Superb television.
The mastery with which they subtly alternate between tragedy and comedy... What an exceptional series.
@@ToonStory-fh4gn I agree. :)
Your summation is very good - a powerful scene. When I first saw it I kept thinking Blackadder would find a way out of it. He didn't.
Thank you, I was hoping for a final twist too... But it's better this way
If I remember correctly from when watched BGF the first time around, I first realised that the lads were actually going to go over the top, was when Capt Darling said that the war had ended in 1917, it could have actually been 11/11/11/1918, whereas they would have survived, but no, it was 1917, so I could guess what happened next. My favourite quote is "Who would notice another madman round here, good luck everyone." I must have seen this episode 50 times, easy and it's still heart breaking.
Excellent quote, wonderful last scene. All the best from France!
The TWIST IS SEEING THE POPPIES COVERING THE BATTLEFIELD AT THE END WHICH IT CUT OUT OF VIDEO
I saw him again after... I would have preferred to have the whole scene without that indelicate cut.
the Croydon Gentlemen...my home town, Croydon and French village - Journet 86290
This is the I have come across your feed. This episode is one of the most emotional episodes on Brit Tv...some of it unplanned. The producer and actors did not expect the live studio reaction a single of someone clearer their throat. The Explosive scene was lie and fed in to the studio audience,, The explosive actually were too powerful and nearly hurt the actors. I never fail fail to cry at this eisode. Thank you.
Thank you so much for your testimonial, even though that scene broke my heart a bit, I'm really glad I saw it.
Your face at the "1914 to 1917" line is the reaction of everyone I know who has seen this clip... Up until this, Blackadder, Baldrick et al (in every incarnation) have always found a way to survive and thrive, and it is what the viewer expects, But this- this brings home the horror of war
We’ve become close to Blackadder, Baldric, George, even Darling to a degree. We see them come through everything … until now. The blanket of safety and security is starkly taken away. Just as it was to many service personnel. Our certainties gone all we can do is watch the terrible, logical conclusion to the doctrines of the Cult of the Offensive. My grandfather survived his experience in the Great War, sometimes ridiculed by my uncle for starting as a Trooper (UK Private) and ending the same. I was moved to remind him, rather he came home than not at all. Thank you for your reaction, as usual. For all service personnel; at the setting of the Sun, we shall remember you.
The truest thing about war is what my granddad told me: the winner is the one who comes home. Thank you, and let's never forget the sacrifice of all those young lads.
My, that ending got me, i wasn't sure what to expect but they really brought home the true meaning of what was happening, ive so enjoyed this series and would never have seen or heard of it if not for this channel. Happy Friday to all and hope your weekend is safe and fun, sorry to hear of the bad work day, as a recovering workaholic i get it, this lunchtime break keeps me from getting crazier 😊. On an unrelated note i was wondering if you or anyone on this panel could suggest a good video or book about the white rose society? I remember watching a movie years ago and its never shown anymore so i would welcome any suggestions. As always thank you for the video and thoughtful commentary, we are losing so many yourubers lately , know we appreciate all the work put the nto the videos
Thank you! As far as the White Rose Society is concerned, I think you're referring to Hans & Sophie Scholl's band? I don't know much about their history but I can recommend Allein in Berlin (the book) about German resistance actions and Ordinary Hero about Georg Elser who tried to assassinate moustache.The film you're referring to is The White Rose?
Every series of Blackadder ends with him dying (the third series has a slight twist) so that was always going to be the ending. However at the time the series was made they felt that extra care was needed as there were still survivors alive (the last UK veteran died in 2009). This was also part of the reason for not continuing forward in time with a fifth series as they didn't want to mock living people.
"Officially" in season 3 Blackadder dies. In season 2 I think they all survive?
@@ToonStory-fh4gn They all die in the first and second series.
Hello to you in Lyon - Chris from Windsor here - well it never fials to affect me this particular episode - pathos at its very best!
Hi Chris, thank you. Comedy and drama are never far away, this scene is a wonderful example. All the best to you
Your whole intro bit was great 😅
Oh yes, I remember I was full of joy and hope at the time... That was before this video broke me into a million pieces
Blackadder has medals from the Boer War so presumably he was a professional soldier. Great commentary.
Thanks for this explanation! Greetings from France
The Peter Jackson film "They Shall Not Grow Old" includes several interviews done in the 1960s with WW1 veterans. These men are remarkably upbeat about their times on the front. It was a time of adventure and camaraderie despite the bloodshed and squalor.
I think it's also a brain mechanism that crystallises the positive moments of a past era, but yes, how can you survive such an ordeal without camaraderie?
Sadly BBC comedy greats cut the best bit, the ending with the red poppies and the bird song, that's the BBC for you I suppose.
The BBC didn't cut the end I remember watching it - leave your BBC bashing for another time.
I saw it afterwards, and it's even more powerful with that last scene!
@@Londoneye57BBC is not what it once was and the licence fee is unjustified. Change my mind.
Makes me tear up every time. So many lost without even a choice and even a Hundred years later still the same. Dragged into Wars for Dubious reasons. My Grandfather survived that War but was never the same and died in the 1970s partly as a result of Shrapnel still in his body.
Yes, all these poor kids. Lot of them felt like they had to join without knowing why (the famous "Order of the white feather"). My hearts always shrinks a bit when I think about them. All my friendship from France
"Good luck everyone". Gets me every time.
Heartbreaking
Cut a little short, the picture of the poppy's had some skylark birdsong.... 😢
I saw the scene afterwards, it's a shame it's been removed here...
this is an awesome episode...so memorable
Yes and I understand why now
Darling didn't want to go to the front, General Melchett sent him. At the last minute, Melchett decided it would be 'selfish and unfair' of him to deny Darling the opportunity of going over the top with the other men. Melchett interrupted his desperate attempts to get out of the situation, thinking in is own crazed head that Darling's panicked response was an expression of gratitude, oblivious to his terror. I guess this episode is a modern day tragi-comedy as each laugh came with an added poignancy.
Thank your for this explanation! Greetings from France :)
My second visit to your channel and your reaction is excellent, you get it!
Thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed it!
You did a very thoughtful review - thanks.
Thank you 😃
Remember watching this as a kid with my mum. That last scene even then as a 10 year old was incredibly sad. And what is also sad is Baldrick finally had a genuinely cunning plan. Shame they didn't act on it. Wonderful stuff ❤
After 4 seasons of Blackadder being unbearable with Baldrick, their last exchange and Blackadder's look of tenderness for his old comrade... It's gut-wrenching
@@ToonStory-fh4gn it certainly was mate 😞. Hope you're well 👍
Happy Odyssey is available for the Kindle for £3.99 - thanks for mentioning it. That's my bedtime reading sorted for a few nights. Sounds fascinating.
Cool! Knowing the man's full story, that must be something. Maybe I'll read it too sometime. Cheers!
Looking forward to you doing ‘Allo Allo’. It was brilliant!
getting ready! Thanks!
This is the only way it really could have ended; you can laugh and joke and dance around the realities for the war for only so long. Blackadder and the rest of the crew had to go over the top.
You notice that you don't actually know if any of them survived or not, it lets you dream that it was a least possible that Blackadder of Baldrick or George or Darling could have lived to be old men.
I feel like it is the keystone of this show, which is a great satire and a tribute to the poor guys who died without ever understanding why.
@@ToonStory-fh4gn The thing is, at the end of the first two Blackadder Series, Everybody Died!! First one they all get Poisoned, The second one they are all shown dead, This would have been the same, but they only got one take and it was rubbish (The Electricians reached the end of the allocated shooting time and quite literally pulled the plug). It was the fade to the field of Poppies that saved the ending. Only Blackadder series where Blackadder does not die at the end is the third series when he ends up being the King!!
My father was a sergeant in the Lancashire Fusiliars in WW1 and was at the Somme, i am 75 and my father told me nothing about the war as i was only 6 when he died. My brother told me he was gassed but like many survived .
Your father was a hero, and I honour him like all his young comrades who came to the lands of France, Belgium and all the other fronts on which generations of young adults fought and suffered with unimaginable courage.
Thank you for such a heartfelt reply .@@ToonStory-fh4gn
It was so unexpected at the time , I think the whole country was shocked. 😢😢. It was very emotional.
I would have loved to see people's reactions to this episode... But knowing that makes this scene even more moving for me, thank you
Apparently after this was broadcast, Rowan Atkinson's father, who had actually fought in a war, congratulated him on the episode. Oh What fools we mortals are!
Good knowledge about the rolling Barage. In 1917 we had got over the errors of using shrapnel which happened during the Somme but it wasn't as effective as 1918 where the Royal Artillery had bombardment down to a fine art.
We talk about fiascos, but we forget that armies have learned a great deal from their mistakes so as not to repeat them, and have shown a remarkable ability to adapt. Thank you!
Love your knowledge on the subject and your genuine reactions. Subscribed and good luck to you.
Thank you very much, I really appreciate it. All the best from Lyon, France :)
My grandfather was there, never came home, he left a widow and 3 young children, they lived in abject poverty for many years, Hugh Walker(Liverpool)
Sorry for your grandfather, and thanks for his sacrifice. Thank you for this comment, peace
In the original ending, they get a few feet, then all get shot and fall to the ground. After reviewing it, they didn't have time to reshoot because it looked pretty bad so instead they came up with the slow motion, transition to the empty battlefield then the field in turning to a field of red poppys
And so you have one of the greatest end scenes in the history of British comedy! Thanks for your comment
@@ToonStory-fh4gn John Lloyd (the series producer) recently chatted on the Goon Pod podcast, explaining how the scene didn't go according to plan in the studio recording but was saved in the editing with various members of the production crew coming up with ideas. It's an eye-opening account of how great television is a real team effort.
This is an iconic moment in British TV. Love the Adrian, I used to reenact the 8e RI in the UK
Thanks, I saw that the 8th RI had fought at Ypres, Passchendaele and the Somme, if you were indeed talking about the British regiment?
@@ToonStory-fh4gnno the French regiment
There is a 2013 film you need to watch, called The Wipers Times. During the first world war, men were positioned near Ypres (which the British pronounced 'wipers') and they find a hand operated print press and they start a small paper.
It shows the British humour while everything around them has gone mad.
Thanks, I've just watched the trailer and it looks delicious, I'm going to love it!
It was cut abit short, they show poppies aswell to give it more (I'm not sure why they cut it short). I know it's abit late/early, but have a look for the 2014 Sainsbury's Christmas advert if you haven't already (maybe save it for this Christmas coming?).
Thanks to you, I've already got my video for next Christmas 😀Greetings from France
@@ToonStory-fh4gn 👍
Nice reaction sir.
The bravery of these officers and men CANNOT be overemphasised..
I agree so much with you...
One of the best parts of that last scene are the soldiers in the background to the right of the main characters, , you can’t really see their faces, they are a perfect expression of what it would have looked like. Strangely when I watch that last scene I look past darling , George, Blackadder and baldrick, and just see them.
My relative apparently fought and died here so it may be that too,
As regards the comedy and the acting, I always also found it poignant how Blackadder in this scene is suddenly so brave before the fact that he’s about to be cut to pieces by machine gun fire, no way back etc. through all the series has tried to doge his duty, and get out of there. And when it comes down to it he’s actually a great leader and courageous.
I re-watched the scene, just focusing on the other soldiers. Thank you! Blackadder's acting, which is suddenly compassionate for his companions, is terribly effective.
Yes, the "rolling barrage" did work but it didn't start until late in the war. It was part of what allowed the Allies to win, ultimately. But at the time that they are attacking here, the rolling barrage clearly isn't invented yet, because the British guns have stopped before the troops are nearing the enemy.
Be aware that there is a pilot episode for Allo Allo called "The british are coming" that sets up a lot of the characters, with the official first episode being called " The british 'ave come".
Thanks for bringing this to my attention!
Wilfred Owen these men are worth your tears
You should check out Lieutenant Colonel 'Mad Jack' Churchill. He fought in WW2 only using his longbow & broadsword. He only died in 1996.
Yes! I was thinking about him after Carton de Wiart but I was confused between sword, bow, crossbow and bagpipes... as I said I've just had a looong day before to record this 😅 Thank you!
@ToonStory-fh4gn LOL. No worries dude 👍
Mitchell & Webb did an homage to this episode by doing something similar for the last skit of the last episode of their comedy series "That Michell and Webb Look"
Thanks for the comment, I'll try to go and see that scene!
My Great Grandfather was killed at the 'Somme' (one of 95,675 dead out of 420,000 British casualties). He now lies with his comrades in Flatiron Cemetery near Mametz, France. May they all R.I.P.
He was a hero, I am very grateful for all the brave Tommies that made this incredible sacrifice. Thank you for sharing this, and may he and his comrades rest in peace
Unfortunately it missed out the iconic bird song at the end
I just re-watched the whole scene what a shame it was cut off
After a season of comedy this ending was really heart wrenching
💔
With Captain Darling sharing the same situation Blackadder drops the hostility.
Blackadder shows us who he really is at the last moment when he says: "...who would have noticed another madman around 'ere?" He drops the 'H' from "here" indicating he's working class like Baldrick. It also explains why Captain Darling often took the brunt of his sarcasm; Darling is a middle class gentleman trained as an officer. Blackadder worked his way up the ranks to Captain and has been faking his upper class persona all along.
This reminds me of my Scottish great-grandfather who was in Mons, Belgium facing the advancing German army on the very first clash of WW1 he was shot three times but survived had 17 children and lived to the age 91. He was also at the first battle of Ypres.
He was an Hero. I have the utmost respect for him. Thanks for your comment!
@@ToonStory-fh4gnThanks he was a very quiet man and never spoke much about it. I remember he was also at Hill 60.
If you watch the scene before this, Melchett sends Darling to the front line against Darling's will.
Would love to see you review a musical version of "In Flanders Fields". Lots of emtions in these videos
Sabaton?
@@ToonStory-fh4gn Yes they have made one version but it is a choir that sings it. It is powerful
Aww, it cut before the red and the bird song
I saw it after 😡
Watched the whole series with my Father ex WW2 RAF, knowing his father and my Grandad was badly wounded in WW1 served in the Infantry, was really worried especially about the last episode and how it would end, needn't have worried.
It's a wonderful tribute to that whole generation of young guys. Greetings from France
I went to a conference in Winterthur (near Zurich) last June. Switzerland is an odd sort of a place. Lovely, but odd.
They've got something to hide...
With interlocking fields of fire in the German Spandau machine guns, no one was really safe. They were set to fire at chest height and they just mowed down the other side.
Ah yes, in all cases going over the top everybody was in extreme danger. Thank you!
maybe not the best clip to watch if you've had a crap day - even when shown on its own like this it still brings me close to tears. In the hope of lightening the mood, i will share one of my favourite war related quotes on the subject of shooting at officers. it comes from a confederate corporal named Sam watkins who fought at many engagements during the American Civil war, including Shilo, and made it through the whole war. the quote goes like this “I always shoot at privates. It was they who did the shooting and killing, and if I could kill or wound a private, why, my chances were so much the better. I always looked upon officers as harmless personages.” (I assume he was referring to ordinary soldiers rather than a specific part of the body 😁)
Thanks for cheering me up 😅
That's how we do comedy in UK!
And you're soooooooo good at it. Thanks for that, Brits!
FYI - Darling is the Captain's name, played for jokes throughout this series.
Thanks, I noticed that in the Advanced WW1 Tactics extract. It's a terribly effective joke 😅
This was one of those rare moments when the end of the series was unexpected and desperately sad. I was in my 30s when I watched the original broadcast on TV and I was in tears.
I also recommend the final scene from the film version of "Oh What A Lovely War" th-cam.com/video/x_LhOO6Q6p8/w-d-xo.html
It very much reminded me of OWALW too, but I think you had to be of a certain age to remember John Lennon in short hair and a tin hat.
@@davidpaterson2309 Wasn't that "How I Won The War" - a WW2 satire with Michael Crawford?
@@philipr1567 Oops, I think you’re right. Perhaps you also have to be of a certain age to confuse the two.
Thank you, I'm going to watch this scene this evening, even if I have the impression that it might kill my morale for a Sunday evening... We'll see!
Great G.father died at the Somme. Yep. Mad times. We also live in some mad times. They fought for rights, and won. We are sitting here voting for our rights to be taken away.
Respect to your G. Grandfather. Put on your yellow jacket and fight for your rights! Thanks mate
Iv spent the last few days having some quality time with my parents, Mum is 94 and my Dad is 90
It started with my Mum re telling me about her Great Grandad being killed in the Seaham Colliery disaster in 1880 there was 165 men women and children killed under ground , then her Grandad died in a roof fall in the Colliery her Dad ended up working in
The next day was my Dad talking about his own father, he was one of 20;000 men and boys who signed up on the 1st day of asking when it was apparent that there was not enough regular soldiers
He went off to do his training prior to going abroad, he landed in Boulogne 2 weeks later he was at the 2nd battle of Ypres , the first time he went over the top he was stood next to his best friend , unfortunately he died instantly, my grandfather was hit by shrapnel on his leg
In all he was injured 4 times , right leg Ypres , Scalp Bollowaard Ridge , left leg Ypres ( again ) , right arm The Somme
Eventually he was gassed at the Somme , his war was then over in 1917 , a very lucky man . He was a boy of 17 when he joined up
I definitely could not under any circumstances go down a pit and I’m not sure I could have kept going back over the top like my Grand Father did , I’m not a coward but these guys where on a completely different level to what I could cope with
God bless all that served and gave their all so we can live our lives today .
Thank you a thousand times for sharing this. The courage of these young people humbles me. Trying to tell part of their story and paying tribute to them on my channel is extremely important to me
No problem I’m a very proud 68yr old descendant of some very very brave people
Here’s a thing for you
As you can see ,
my surname is not a typical English / British name
According to our family history my ancestors came over in the 1200 as Flemish traders
When I was 12hrs old I was thrown out of my class by a French supply teacher because she thought I was swearing at her when she was doing the class attendance role
It took the whole class to convince her I was actually saying my surname before she would allow me back in class
Any idea what she thought I was saying ??
Rather ironically, the officer's 'stick' is officially called a 'baton'.
Yes, true! Thank you
The series ends as the violent chaos of No man's land fades into a tranquil field of poppies.
Poppies are used as a symbol for the war dead in Britain. I believe you French use the Bleuet.
Here, I found this: The Bleuet de France, a flower of remembrance and solidarity, was born in 1918 from the desire of two nurses from the Institution Nationale des Invalides to help soldiers wounded during the Great War. By setting up a workshop to make cornflowers from fabric, the nurses enabled the wounded to forget their wounds while earning an income from the sale of the flowers. From then on, the Bleuet de France became the official symbol of the close link between the French nation and those who have served it or are still serving it.
Dreadful to think trench warfare’s reappeared on the european continent.
Now even the baltic states have chosen trenches, bunkers and dragons teeth for their borders.
When you're passionate about history and you can't help seeing signs of past events in the world around you, it's disturbing.
I think your reaction to the "1914- to 1917" line is this same as everyone.
You should watch the whole series, this clip hits much harder in context. even though he says the opposite , that is to save face, and Blackadder knows it, he also indicates this with his visual looks and expressions but its very subtle sub text, without seeing the scene prior to this one.
Also Darling has not chosen to be on the front line at all, Melchet , in his madness, assumed Darling would rather be involved in the final push, when really Darling has been trying to avoid such things for the entire war
I've watched the first three seasons, and I'm about to start on season four. Given Blackadder's character and his relationship with Baldrick in particular, this last scene is very powerful because he doesn't make fun of anyone and even seems affectionate with his comrades. And it's the only time I've ever seen him be remotely empathetic with others, and that makes this scene very special.
the best episode, what an awful war
A great, great moment of television. Thank you
A video with the full ending is: _Good Luck Everyone - Blackadder - BBC_ th-cam.com/video/vH3-Gt7mgyM/w-d-xo.html
This is very poignant for Brits. However, I try to remember you French were fighting on your homeland.
Wikipedia says British total deaths were 1.9% to 2.2% of population, France lost 4.3% to 4.4%.
Take Care, My Friend. ☮
Thank you, mon ami. We see the legacy of this war everywhere here in France, where every village has a war memorial showing that a generation disappeared in the hell of the trenches. This tribute by Blackadder is also very moving for my little frog heart.
This was a comedy production so not exactly sticking to facts, not that thats a complaint. I will say though that rank badges at the cuffs of the sleeve began to disappear in late 1914, this due to being an obvious target. By 1917 it was so widespread as to be officially sanctioned but they were not abolished till 1920. I will add that by 1917 many officers were wearing privates tunics with the rank badges on the back of the collar and carrying Lee-Enfields. 1) To make themselves less obvious targets and 2) to increase their effectiveness in combat. This in part was due to a high % of men who had been promoted from the ranks. This being a result of the high number of middle class men with good educations who had gone into the ranks in the rush to enlist in 1914.
Sorry frenchy but this is truth in comedy. Alo alo is a bit tamer but very funny .I'm looking forward to your comments ❤😂
Thanks, I can't wait to get my hands on it!
I don't think they needed to aim for individuals. Anyone coming towards them was caught in a crossfire.
It depends on who... Machine gunners no, snipers yes, and riflemen when they had the chance.
6:05 in regards to American units, theres a running joke between those who have fought them that its best to avoid killing squad leaders/officers first because they're the only one in their squad enforcing the Geneva conventions as rules and not a checklist, which is what is going to happen to any squad without an officer-equivalent to hold their reins.
You should of asked if they had any Nazi Gold for sale
That's what I did of course, and then I realised that the Swiss have very little self-deprecation on this point.
Captain Darling absolutely didn’t want to be there.
Yes, the context with Melchett was explained to me, thanks
You are witnessing the last moments of their lives.
Sadly, yes...
Error alert: the British Army do not salute without a hat on...
🫡
@@ToonStory-fh4gn love it
You are familliar with concept of Waterloo ?
No what is it?
@@ToonStory-fh4gn that was a turning point from superpower to annoying ally 😉
@@markosporn8315 Wrong, we have no allies 😘
"Good luck everyone..."
😥