Blackadder II second writer, filming in studio sets, rather than on location, the introduction of the more familiar Machiavellian "Blackadder" character and a less intelligent Baldrick. The series is set during the Elizabethan era (1558–1603). The principal character, Edmund, Lord Blackadder (Rowan Atkinson), is the great-grandson of the original Black Adder, and is now a member of the London aristocracy. Unlike his forefather, he is both dashing and intelligent, although he is still scheming and cynical in his outlook. The series follows his attempts to win the favour of the childish Queen Elizabeth I (Miranda Richardson). As before he is aided, and
Miranda Richardson Miranda Richardson Miranda Jane Richardson (born 3 March 1958) is an English actress. She made her film debut playing Ruth Ellis in "Dance with a Stranger" (1985) and went on to receive Academy Award nominations for "Damage" (1992) and "Tom & Viv" (1994). A seven-time BAFTA Award nominee, she won the BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for "Damage", and Golden Globe Awards for "Enchanted April" (1992) and the TV film "Fatherland" (1994). Richardson began her career in 1979 and made her West End debut in the 1981 play "Moving", before being nominated for the 1987 Olivier