Original artwork, not a still
Baldrick, you wouldn't see a subtle plan if it painted itself purple and danced naked on top of a harpsichord.
— Blackadder · 1983
Behind the line
What it means
Our interpretation.
It is Blackadder's contempt for Baldrick in its purest form: an elaborate insult that is funnier for being more detailed than the thing insulted. Fans often quote it as a 'cunning plan' line because of Baldrick's catchphrase, but the original is about subtlety, and the cauliflower double bluff is the very thing that fails. It is the go-to quote for anyone whose obvious point is lost on a colleague.
Context reviewed
In context
Spoilers for BlackadderShow the scene
The line is from the 1988 special Blackadder's Christmas Carol (BBC One, 23 December 1988), not from Blackadder Goes Forth, and it says subtle plan, not cunning plan. In a scene at court, Blackadder warns Lord Melchett that the Queen has banned Christmas and advises him not to buy her a present; Melchett thanks him and mutters that he will follow the advice when his brain is replaced by a cauliflower. Blackadder, delighted that he has tricked Melchett with a double bluff, tells Baldrick that he would not see a subtle plan if it painted itself purple and danced naked on a harpsichord.
Sources (3)
- Wikiquote: Blackadder's Christmas Carolscene with Lord Melchett and the banned ChristmasReference checked
- Wikipedia: Blackadder's Christmas Carolinfobox and leadReference checked
- Edinburgh CS quote list: BlackadderChristmas Special entryReference checked
Context reviewed
