Reviews

Robin Hood Review
Maya Winters

Every British HOLer and probably the majority of the rest of you have heard of Robin Hood at some point. Many have probably seen a movie or an adaptation of some sort. There are indeed a large number of them including the films Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (starring Kevin Costner and Alan Rickman) and the comedy Robin Hood: Men in Tights. This article hopes to introduce you to the wonders of the latest televised version about the legend of Robin Hood from the BBC. It’s already had a successful first season of thirteen episodes and the second has recently started airing (which just proves that it's good!).

The Legend and the Story

Robin Hood has developed from its original folk tale into a more stereotypical one. The character of Robin Hood himself is the tragic hero of the story; he used to be a Nobleman, but ends up as an outlaw because he stands up against the current Sheriff of Nottingham. This Sheriff is obviously the ‘baddie’ of the story who pretty much has nothing going for him personality wise. He implements huge taxes and will punish anyone who disagrees with him via some rather unpleasant methods. In this series he’s aided in this by his younger and considerably better looking follower – Sir Guy of Gisborne.

Robin Hood’s companions are five other outlaws: (not so) Little John, Allan of Dale, Much (Robin’s servant), Will Scarlett and Djaq (a Saracen). These guys basically exist to create the friendships and comedic moments of the show as well as to make it realistic – because obviously a group of six men against the Sheriff of a whole district is far better than just one! The reason the Sheriff gets away with so much is because King John is away at war in the Holy Lands. Robin Hood believes that the country will be saved when the King returns, but when this will be, no one knows.

The romantic edge, that no series is complete without, is provided by Marian, the daughter of the former (and way nicer) Sheriff. The only other character I can think of who frequently appears is the ‘Night Watchman’ – someone who carries out similar tasks to Robin Hood but whose identity is unknown.

In general each episode follows a different, new story, but there is an ongoing plot throughout both season one and season two (so far). Many of the plots involve trying to foil one or more of the Sheriff’s plans.

Who’s in it?

Well, to be completely honest, not that many well-known actors are in it, however they are still definitely worth watching. One whom you may have heard of though, is Keith Allen (Lily Allen’s father). He plays the Sheriff of Nottingham. Robin Hood is portrayed by Jonas Armstrong and Marian by Lucy Griffiths. This is normally where I would feel the need to express my opinion on my favourite characters, however I fear swift retribution from a couple of other HOLers if I failed to mention their personal favourites! Instead, I think I can safely say that this show is highly recommended not only by me, but by Cassandra Lobiesk, Addie Cromwell and Nassa Dikaios (and possibly some other fans who I have failed to meet on IRC *G*). For the sake of the editors’ ever diminishing sanity, I’m restricting myself to one quote this time from Miss Adeliene Cromwell of Ravenclaw:
"Robin Hood can be summed into one word
omgsqueeelrobinhoodwillallanomghotomgomgomgloveandwatchitxthaxbai.”

Anyway, this is yet another series worth your time because it is more awesome than awesome (and gives you all a break from the more usual anime or j-drama reviews). Oh, and Robin Hood and Will Scarlett are totally the property of me and Cassie, just so you know. >_> (And Addie and Nassa claim Allan of Dale and Sir Guy respectively). *cough* We are far from obsessed though. *cough*