Baldrick facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Baldrick |
|
|---|---|
| Blackadder character | |
Baldrick, portrayed by Sir Tony Robinson, in all four series of Blackadder
|
|
| First appearance | "The Foretelling" (1983) |
| Last appearance | Blackadder: Back and Forth (2000) |
| Created by | Richard Curtis |
| Portrayed by | Tony Robinson |
| Information | |
| Gender | Male |
| Occupation | |
| Nationality | before 1707 English, after 1707 British |
Baldrick is a funny character from the famous BBC comedy TV show Blackadder. He is the loyal servant and helper to the main character, Edmund Blackadder. Baldrick often makes Blackadder look smarter by comparison.
The Blackadder show takes place in different times in British history. In each series, Baldrick is a descendant of the Baldrick from the past. This means that just like Blackadder, there's always a Baldrick serving him throughout history! All the Baldrick characters are played by Sir Tony Robinson.
Over time, the relationship between Edmund and Baldrick changes. In the first series, Baldrick is actually smarter than Blackadder. But in later series, Baldrick becomes less intelligent. He is the only character, besides Edmund Blackadder, who appears in every episode of the show.
The name 'Baldrick' is quite rare. It comes from Germanic languages. This name has been in Britain since the Norman Conquest in 1066.
Who is Baldrick?
Baldrick is a very memorable character. He is well-known for his funny saying, "I have a cunning plan." Baldrick often comes up with these "cunning plans" to solve problems. Blackadder usually makes fun of these plans because they seem impossible. However, Blackadder often ends up using Baldrick's plans when things get really desperate.
Baldrick's Personality and Goals
Even though it's not always obvious, Baldrick tries to improve his social standing. He wants to become more important, just like Blackadder. But Blackadder usually has more success in this area.
The famous phrase "I have a cunning plan" first appeared in the show's pilot episode. However, it became a regular part of the show starting from the third series.
One thing all Baldricks share is a lack of hygiene. They always wear dirty, messy clothes. Each Baldrick also wears a different hat in the series. The first Baldrick wears a Phrygian cap. The second wears a Tudor bonnet. The third has a tricorne hat. The fourth wears a Lenin-inspired trench cap.
Some Baldricks are also very interested in turnips. This is especially true for the third Baldrick. The second Baldrick often cooked turnips for dinner. He also found a strangely shaped turnip quite amusing. The fourth Baldrick was even in a "Turnip Street Workhouse." But only the third Baldrick seemed to have no other goal than to get more turnips.
Baldrick is often treated badly by Blackadder. However, he is usually a bit smarter than Blackadder's other friends. These include characters like Lord Percy Percy or George.
The Baldrick Family Tree
The Baldrick family has a long history. Here are some of the Baldricks we meet through time:
- Legionary Baldricus – from Roman Britain
- Robin Baldrick the Dung Gatherer - Baldrick's father in the Middle Ages
- Baldrick, Bachelor of the Parish of Chigwell – from the Middle Ages
- Baldrick – from the Elizabethan era
- Baldrick – from the English Civil War
- Sodoff, Lord Baldrick – from the Regency period
- Bert Baldrick – a cousin of the Regency Baldrick
- Mr. Baldrick – from 1858
- Private S. Baldrick – from World War I
- The Rt Hon. S. Baldrick MP, Prime Minister, septic tank cleaner
