Blackadder a vulgar friend in his first appearance and then a successful rival of Blackadder in a later episode of series 2 and 4. He also played a decidedly Flashheart-like Robin Hood in "Back & Forth". Lee Cornes also appeared in an episode of all three Curtis-Elton series. He appeared as a guard in the episode "Chains" of "Blackadder II"; as the poet Shelley in the episode "Ink and Incapability' of "Blackadder the Third"; and as firing squad soldier Private Fraser in the episode "Corporal Punishment" of "Blackadder Goes Forth". More established actors, some at the veteran stage of their careers,
Spooks (series 3) and guest appearances. Megan Dodds returns as CIA liaison Christine Dale in the first episode. Tim McInnerny recurs as JIC chairman Oliver Mace. McInnerny was better known as a comedic actor, particularly for his role in "Blackadder", but the producers felt that quality made Mace a more menacing character. Richard Harrington plays Will North, Zoe's boyfriend turned fiancé. Ian McDiarmid guest stars as Fred Roberts. The producers noted that McDiarmid played Roberts with the right amount of vulnerability, strength and stubbornness. Indian actor Anupam Kher appears as Harakat in "Who Guards the Guards?". Oyelowo stated that Kher had an "instant