Blackadder Goes Forth from the front, and Melchett's bureaucratic assistant, Captain Kevin Darling (Tim McInnerny). Despite the two being of equal rank, Blackadder treats Darling with contempt—while the former is on the front line, the latter is "folding the general's pyjamas". Their animosity is mutual, largely as a result of Blackadder exploiting the comic potential of Darling's surname at every opportunity. "Blackadder Goes Forth" is more satirical in tone than the previous three "Blackadder" series and most sitcoms, taking the opportunity to present an anti-war message. The dialogue is marked throughout by satirical musings about the nature of the war, its origins and
Blackadder: Back & Forth programme, with the exception of the original series producer, John Lloyd. Due to the increased budget, it is the only "Blackadder" story to be shot entirely on film and with no laugh track, although one was added for the BBC One broadcast in 2002. It is also the only "Blackadder" to be filmed in widescreen; 2.20:1 aspect ratio for cinema showings, and (1.77:1) for the DVD and television screenings. The film was co-financed by Sky and the BBC, with sponsorship from, among others, Tesco, with Blackadder trying to offer his loyalty card to Queenie. The opening sequence features various depictions