“A Different kind of Robin Hood”

This show is BBC America’s latest take on the Robin Hood Legend. In this series he is billed as “A Different kind of Robin Hood.” That’s because in this series, Robin won’t kill anyone. Thats right, you heard me, no arrows in the chest or sword strokes through the gut for this Robin Hood’s enemies. Apparently Robin saw so much needless dead in the Holy Land that he appalls violence (of course this has nothing to do with British troops in Iraq today). At first you say, hmmm, this could be an interesting twist on this timeless tale, I did. And it is, for an episode or two, after that it gets a little old. I thought it actually interfered with the plots more than it helped make them interesting.

It is also rather amusing because the merry men have no such qualms. They seem to leave a trail of bodies were ever they go. In a recent episode, Robin goes through an elaborate scheme to make the sheriff think he would kill him even though he wouldn’t. He dresses one of his men up as a guards with a board under his clothes so that he can put an arrow the guy without hurting him. At the same time Robin instructs his men to hold the castle gate. As he comes running out to meet his men, the courtyard is littered with bodies. I find it hard to believe they were merely unconscious considering the difficulty in knocking someone out with a long sword.

The other spin they put on this Robin Hood which I thought was far more interesting was his motivation for helping the people. Usually Robin Hood does his thing purely for altruistic reasons. You get the distinct impression on this show that Robin is far more interested in the fame and being loved by the people than actually helping them.

The title character is played by Jonas Armstrong. A young good looking lad, with a bit of an attitude. He plays the part well, but could stand a few months in the gym to beef up a bit. Robin is of course accompanied by his usual band of merry woodsmen, with one notable exception, theres no Friar Tuck. Little John not main sidekick, Much his servant is instead. This is another twist which I’m not that big on. Maid Marian is played by Lucy Griffiths who is very cute and quite the busty maid. Marian is definitely a 21st century girl in both her attitude and actions.

Robin is opposed as always by Sir Guy of Gisborne and the Sheriff of Nottingham. Gisborne, played by Richard Armitage, is pretty much the classic character, heavy handed and not too bright. The Sheriff on the other hand is clever and cunning. There has never been a sheriff quite so evil. I would have to say that Keith Allen who plays the Sheriff, makes the whole show.

My last gripe about this show is the magical way Robin’s bow and arrows and his sword seem to appear and disappear as needed (they have a little scene consistency work to do). Despite all of my complaints, I like this show and will continue to watch it. It isn’t my favorite show, it isn’t even my favorite Robin Hood series (that honor goes to the BBC series Robin of Sherwood which aired back in the 80’s), but its fun. Ever since I saw Errol Flynn play Robin Hood as a kid, I have loved Robin Hood. And I’ve always been a sucker for B-quality Sci-Fi or adventure shows. The new episodes air on BBC America, Saturday nights at 9PM. They always show last week’s episode followed by the new one, so even if you miss an episode its no big deal.