Yes, both. And at least the one hand is visible- I believe the golden penis is too, but I'm not 100% on that.

And heaven forbid a character react to his disembowelment with any language saltier than "shit".

And don't forget the crazy eyes- Richardson nails 'em.

Blackadder's money troubles are very relatable- most people have been there at some time or another. Like in "Bells," Edmund does his best with a difficult situation. I absolutely hear what you're saying about the conclusion. Theoretically along with the painting, there are several witnesses willing to attest to its…

*shudder shudder* Thanks for the info!

I know a lot of people have trouble with the early episodes, but while the show does improve dramatically, I think it's solid from the start. Good pilots are rare and good second episodes are even more uncommon, as they usually end up retreading the pilot. "Sacramentum Gladiatorum" avoids the common episode two…

What Billybob said. But I will try to be more particular with my terminology moving forward, Jonathan.

I'm glad you checked it out! You're not alone- a lot of people saw the ads and thought 300. I absolutely love the series and while the early episodes have their weak points, I connected with it immediately in the pilot. It has its heart in the right place, it knows from the start what it wants to be, and like you say,…

Actually, a B for "Bells". A B- for "Head". And to your second point, I wonder about that myself.

It always makes me think of DnD and bribing locals at taverns for news. I probably should've taken the Blackadder approach more with the not particularly helpful ones.

Thanks!

Exactly, Andrew. I mentioned Mayall's passing when discussing Mad Gerald from the season one finale.

Good to know- thanks, adamfox and Mr Programme!

Me too. And you're fine! Is anyone else on here more familiar with the onset scoop and have any ideas?

I hear ya. I didn't connect with Red Dwarf at first either, until all of a sudden I did. I can't even remember what pushed me over the edge. I had a similar experience with Father Ted too, though in that case I know what did the trick- Father Dougal giving up roller blading for Lent, then falling off the wagon.

't's'all good! Looks like I should've been clearer in my review- I meant that I didn't see why every/anyone involved thought that was a funny way to end the episode. But I absolutely see why you read it the other way. I've heard rumblings that the writers weren't pleased with Mayall's going off-script. Thoughts? It…

lol- I made the same connection lower down in the comments. I actually like Ace Rimmer though- the transition works better for me in Red Dwarf.

Maybe the woman brought in to testify against him in Witchsmeller Pursuivant?

Interesting! Thanks for filling in that gap. The character Flashheart always reminds me of is Ace Rimmer from Red Dwarf (who I greatly prefer to ol' Flashy), though being Rimmer's doppelganger, it's not a direct parallel. And of course, that episode aired several years after "Bells".

It's certainly a great line. I prefer other scenes, but I can't fault you for loving that one.