Blackadder Empire in 1453, predating the events in the episode by 33 years); this dramatic licence would continue in the subsequent "Blackadders". The filming of the series was highly ambitious, with a large cast and much location shooting. The series also featured Shakespearean dialogue, often adapted for comic effect; the end credits featured the words "Additional Dialogue by William Shakespeare". "Blackadder II" is set in England during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I (1558–1603), who is portrayed by Miranda Richardson. The principal character is Edmund, Lord Blackadder, the great-grandson of the original Black Adder. During the series, he regularly deals with
George (Blackadder) of the best actors in the series' cast. Richard Barber of "People" lauded Laurie's performance as George as "hilarious" and "brilliant". David Smith of "The Guardian" highlighted the pathos of the performance, writing that Laurie's performance as Lt. George, as he was about to go over the top to his death, "elicited tears of both laughter and grief". George (Blackadder) George is a supporting character who appeared in various adaptations of the BBC sitcom "Blackadder", played by Hugh Laurie. Each series saw a different incarnation of the character, because each was set in a different period of history. He was