First broadcast on 23 January 1986. Featuring Simon Jones as Sir Walter Raleigh and Tom Baker as Captain Redbeard Rum.
Sir Walter Raleigh is home from his epic voyage to the new world, with tales of adventure and discovery that greatly impress the Queen. Everyone in the kingdom is celebrating.
Everyone, that is, except Blackadder and Mrs Miggins from the pie shop (who is excused because she's paralysed from the nose downwards).
Don't be ridiculous, Baldrick. You know me. I mean, I laugh in the face of fear and tweak the nose of the dreadful spindly killer fish.
Percy
Goaded on by Sir Walter, and with the Queen promising to marry him if he succeeds, Blackadder vows to sail around the Cape of Good Hope, a journey so dangerous that it spells almost certain death.
Things start badly when it becomes clear that Redbeard Rum, their captain, is so barking mad that he can't even find France. After two years, and much consumption of Baldrick's urine, they return home in triumph only to discover that the Queen has completely gone off sailors.
Insult of the Episode
Blackadder: Better a lap-dog to a slip of a girl than a... git!
Words to the Closing Song
Sir Francis and Sir Walter had
Discovered New Worlds and new nations.
And though Blackadder thought them mad,
He tried his hand at navigation.
Blackadder, Blackadder,
He saw the oceans foam.
Blackadder, Blackadder,
He should have stayed at home.
Blackadder, Blackadder,
He heard the New World call.
Blackadder, Blackadder,
Discovered bugger all!
