Blackadder II size of the principal cast was reduced compared to the previous series, with a fixed number of characters appearing in every episode. Richard Curtis has been quoted as saying that due to the familiar cast, the series was the happiest for him to work on, comparing it to a "friendly bunch of school chums". The series also featured at least one significant cameo role per episode. Notable appearances include Rik Mayall as the debonair Lord Flashheart in "Bells"; Tom Baker and Simon Jones as Captain Redbeard Rum and Sir Walter Raleigh, respectively, in "Potato"; Miriam Margolyes, who had appeared in
Stephen Fry 1987 Fry and Laurie performed sketches on the LWT/Channel 4 show "Saturday Live". Forgiving Fry and Laurie for "The Crystal Cube", the BBC commissioned, in 1986, a sketch show that was to become "A Bit of Fry & Laurie". The programme ran for 26 episodes spanning four series between 1986 and 1995, and was very successful. During this time, Fry starred in "Blackadder II" as Lord Melchett, made a guest appearance in "" as the Duke of Wellington, then returned to a starring role in "Blackadder Goes Forth", as General Melchett. In a 1988 television special, "Blackadder's Christmas Carol", he