Season synopsis
Contains spoilers for this season and earlier seasons.
A new Edmund Blackadder manoeuvres through Elizabeth I’s court, where royal favour can change as quickly as the Queen’s temper. This descendant of the medieval prince is cleverer and sharper, but still depends on Baldrick and Lord Percy, whose help rarely improves his position. His rival Lord Melchett flatters the Queen’s every whim, while her former nanny Nursie contributes distractions of her own. Blackadder’s income, romantic prospects and continued possession of his head all depend on staying useful to a monarch who treats other people’s lives as entertainment.
The arrival of a servant called Bob upsets his assumptions when attraction turns into a proposed marriage after he discovers Bob is Kate. Appointment as head executioner becomes dangerous when he executes Lord Farrow early, only for a royal pardon and the prisoner’s visiting wife to follow. He attempts to rival Walter Raleigh’s prestige by planning a voyage with Captain Redbeard Rum. Debt to the Black Monks brings the threatening Bishop of Bath and Wells into his home, forcing Blackadder towards blackmail. A drinking contest with Melchett also collides with a visit from his wealthy Puritan relatives.
In the final adventure, Blackadder and Melchett are kidnapped by Prince Ludwig, a master of disguise with designs on the English throne. The Queen spends their ransom on a party instead, leaving the enemies to cooperate and escape. Back at the palace, Blackadder identifies Ludwig inside a cow costume and wounds him, apparently saving the court. The victory does not last: after the credits, the principal characters lie dead while Ludwig stands over them dressed as the Queen, preparing to take her place.