Blackadder

[Blackadder's rather jovial firing squad visits him in his cell]

Squad Leader:
You see, us firing squads are a bit like taxmen, sir - everyone hates us, but we're just doin' our job, aren't we, lads? [he and the squad laugh]

Blackadder:
[dryly] My heart bleeds for you.

Squad Leader:
Well, sir, we "aim" to please! [he and the squad laugh]

Squad man:
Just a little firing squad joke there, sir!

Squad Leader:
You see, sir, we take pride in the termanatory service we supply. So, is there any particular area you'd like us to go for? We can aim anywhere.

Blackadder:
Well, in that case, just above my head might be a good spot.

[The firing squad laugh]

Squad Leader:
You see! A laugh and a smile, and all of a sudden the job doesn't seem quite so bad after all, does it, sir?

Squad man:
[observing Blackadder closely] No! And a lovely roomy forehead...

Squad man 2:
A good pulse and jugular there as well...

Blackadder:
[abruptly] Look, I'm sorry, I know you mean to be friendly, but I hope you won't take it amiss if I ask you to sod off and die!

[The firing squad soldiers are offended and start to complain]

Squad Leader:
No, no, no, fair enough. 'Course not, sir. No one likes being shot first thing in the morning, do they, lads? [the rest of the firing squad voices agreement] So, look forward to seeing you tomorow, sir! You'll have a blindfold on of course, but you'll recognize me. I'm the one that says, "Ready, aim, fire!"

Blackadder:
Can I ask you to leave a pause between the word "aim" and the word "fire"? Thirty or forty years, perhaps?

[The firing squad laugh]

Squad Leader:
Ahh, wish I could pause, sir, I really wish I could. But I can't, you see, 'cos I'm a gabbler, me, you see. "READYAIMFIRE!!!" [laughs]