Read Thru: 'Blackadder's Christmas Carol'

"Blackadder’s Christmas Carol" is a holiday special of the beloved British comedy series "Blackadder", created by Richard Curtis and Ben Elton. This twisted take on Charles Dickens’ "A Christmas Carol" turns the classic story on its head, following Ebenezer Blackadder, the “kindest man in England” and a stark contrast to his ancestors' devious nature. Set in Victorian England, the story parodies the original by exploring what would happen if a miserly character were replaced by a man so generous he’s exploited by everyone around him. 

Ebenezer Blackadder (played by Rowan Atkinson) is mild-mannered, endlessly self-sacrificing, and genuinely good-hearted—a sharp departure from the scheming Blackadder characters of previous series. His kindness, however, is taken advantage of by everyone in his life, from the local Queen to his greedy housekeeper, Baldrick, who is as foolish as ever but all too happy to benefit from his employer’s good nature. Throughout the special, Ebenezer is visited by a ghost (played by Robbie Coltrane) who shows him visions of his ancestors’ ruthlessness, as well as a glimpse into the future. This supernatural experience ultimately convinces him that being “bad” might actually yield better results. The playfully cynical twist gives the story a unique Blackadder spin, transforming the protagonist from a doormat into a clever, sarcastic figure much closer to his infamous lineage.