 The opening title sequence of the snake crossing a marble table is a  parody of the title sequence of _"I, Claudius" (1976) (mini)_ (qv).  Patsy Byrne (qv), who played Nursie in  _"Blackadder II" (1986)_ (qv) appeared as Martina in  _"I, Claudius" (1976) (mini)_ (qv).