Robin Hood

Saturday Night Drama on BBC 1.

Began 7th October 2006

Series 1 and 2 Now complete

The show promises to be full of action, humour and romance as Robin Hood once again fights the authority of the evil Sheriff of Nottingham with outrageous scams, disguises, tricks and ingenuity, breathtaking archery and incredible swordplay.

The series also stars Keith Allen (Bodies) as the Sheriff of Nottingham; Lucy Griffiths as the strikingly beautiful Marian; and Richard Armitage as Sir Guy of Gisborne, the Sheriff's sadistic lieutenant.

Robin Hood transmits on Saturdays on BBC ONE around 7pm and is repeated on BBC THREE.

The first full reviews for the programme began appearing on September 7, 2006, after a preview of the opening episode had been shown at the press launch the previous evening. The website of The Guardian newspaper said that: "The challenge for the new Robin Hood is to appeal to younger viewers while pulling in their parents as well. It will be no easy task. About as difficult, in fact, as simultaneously firing two arrows from the same bow, and both hitting the target. But as Robin showed in the opening episode, it can be done."

In The Times, critic Paul Hoggart backed the series to be a success: "Armstrong as the rather understated Robin Hood should still be moodily cheeky enough to find his way on to the bedroom walls of a few hundred thousand pubertal girls, and Lucy Griffiths as Marian is inevitably feisty. But the villains steal the show, with Richard Armitage's Guy of Gisborne off-setting Keith Allen's gags as the mocking, heavily sarcastic Sheriff. The audience including cast, crew and their friends cheered at the end but this remake should go down well with families at home, too."

What do you think?

Have you got a comment on the show? Does it do justice to the legend? Is it what you were expecting and does it live up to the publicity?

Perhaps you want to write a review of the latest episode?

If you want to do any of the above we would be delighted to hear from you and to publish your views here on this website.

Contact us at info@robinhood.info with your views.

NEW "ROBIN HOOD" TELEVISION ADAPTATION NOW AVAILABLE ON BBC AUDIOBOOKS. SEE MORE IN THE ROBIN HOOD SHOP BY CLICKING HERE!

Your Views So Far

This new Robin Hood series on BBC is NOTHING compared to Richard Carpenter's "Robin of Sherwood" series in the 80s. I watched a couple episodes, and I'm surprised at how bad it is. First of all, the special effects are lame, the setting unrealistic, the music doesn't fit, the plot is boring, and the characters lack just that; character!

LONG LIVE "ROBIN OF SHERWOOD!" Michael Praed = BEST ROBIN HOOD EVER!, NO RIVALS! Judi Trott = THE ONE AND ONLY LADY MARION! Nickolas Grace = Brough the Sheriff of Nottingham TO LIFE! Robert Addie = WE ALL MISS THE REAL GUY OF GISBURNE!

Robin of Sherwood had a glow to it, it had life that this new BBC series doesn't have. It was simply made, but the plot was creative, original, and it is still enchanting and moving as well as exciting and suspenseful, plus set to the MOST BEAUTIFUL MUSIC EVER!

YOU WANNA SEE THE TRUE ROBIN HOOD? SEE RICHARD CARPENTER'S ROBIN OF SHERWOOD - AND BE AMAZED!!!!!!

Some of the writings on this feedback I do agree with but not many. It's very clear to see most of the writers are much younger then I. I would wish the series would follow the more traditional stories, such as written by Henry Gilbert and Louis Read. They could also cast actors in the vain of Errol Flynn, Cornell Wilde, and John Derek. And why is Robin using a recurve bow instead of his trusty English long bow?

Bob

First of all, I absolutely cannot get enough of Guy of Gisborne. Also, I've always adored Robin Hood since I was a little tiny kid. I'm still technically a kid, but I really love this show. I think the creators have done wonders with it. I've seen almost all the Robin Hood movies/series that have been in the US, and this is the first Robin Hood I've seen that has the character Much in it since the 1938 Errol Flynn version. Bravo! Keep up the good work, and give us more Guy!

JB

Hi from across the pond. I'ld like to say I like it. I am sorry that I am not a Brit but come on, Robin Hood belongs to the world and has for a long time. The things he stands for and fights against are global. I like the sets and the costumes work for me, they look like one would expect for the period. The makeup? Who cares, follow the plot, the acting, the experience you know, the feel of it, it is Robin Hood. Be inspired and take on some of his ideals. His band of merry men, especially the tallest one with the dark hair and fresh facial hair? ya that one, he is so handsome. Ya I think this is well done and entertaining. As all ways I love the British accents, it is so, I donno, so can I say sexy? Robin Hood is a great way to escape the current rubbish that is available.

DS

Thank you for the opportunity to share my views of the new series. It is absolutely wonderful. My family and I so enjoy it and we can't wait for future episodes. It takes us back to our childhood days and so many great memories of good against evil. I hope to enjoy a whole new season of Robin Hood! Thank you!!!

Geneie Wise

I'm sorry I posted a not-so-good reply only 3 episodes into the first series. This program only gets better and better, the characters have become far more human and the series is a MUST SEE. In Oz we are way behind current stuff but I can't wait for more. Terrific!

Mary.

i would firstly like to say what an amazing programme the BBC have made.
my sister and i have watched every episode, beggining at the second (we only discovered it then), and are now avid watchers.
at first our parents laughed at out 'silliness', and didnt think much of the show, but after watching an episode or two, they are now also keen 'robin hooders'.
admittedly, i origionally watched it to get a glimse of Jonas Armstrong (hood), but now thoroughly enjoy watching every moment of it, and recently bought the whole series from the bookshop!
5 gold stars from me!


-jacqueline

I have been a loyal fan of Robin Hood in all of his forms. The movie starring Errol Flynn and Olivia DeHaviland is my favorite and as a child I watched the original Robin Hood TV show starring Richard Todd. I practice archery with longbows and hunt with them as well. These are my credentials regarding Robin Hood and I feel the new version is only okay. I'm somewhat of a conservative regarding Robin Hood and feel he would never shoot a Saracen bow with recurved limbs or use a curved Saracen sword. The entire Robin Hood legend is based on his accuracy with the LONGBOW not a recurve and if he grew up training with the short straight 12th Century sword he wouldn't change to using the enemy's weapon.

The clothing, in general, follows the period but occasionally the director takes very large artistic license with period clothing accuracy. The vest that the middle-eastern girl wears with shoulder epilates and snaps on breast pockets is totally out of period. A middle-east Moslem woman in the 12th Century would never wear short hair, she would only wear only traditional clothing including a face veil, as they still do today eight hundred years later. The story lines are unusual but are fine with me in an attempt to make the show fresh and campy.

Bob Weber

I've really enjoyed Robin Hood story lines have been good i like'd how on a few eposides it focused on some of the other characters. It's not all about Robin and Marian It was good that Robin wasn't a flawless hero which has been the case of previous Robin's. He is arrogant, moody but extremley charming at the same time.

Looking forward to series 2

As a life long fan of Robin I have to admit I was dreading this series. But it has a lot going for it! HUGE exceptions are Robin's use of a Saracen bow (definitely not on!) and Marion the Warrior Woman. All the make up in the world doesn't disguise the fact that this actress is too old, too plump and too stilted for the part. A real shame. As for quotes from the Koran, this might be praiseworthy but in a 'fun' series just too politically correct for words. And I have yet to see a real oak tree in the wilds of eastern Europe. 6/10 and must try harder!! Mary

PS anyone who would like some genuine Sherwood acorns at postage cost please mail me marys@comcen.com.au

As a massive fan of all things Robin Hood I have waited 20 years for a new series. I watched Robin of Sherwood as a 7 year old and was completely taken with the whole 'Robin' thing. Now I have children of my own and I have to say the whole series has been fantastic! Although the first few episodes were a bit shaky the series soon picked up and by the final episode both me and my 4 year old son were toally enthralled.

Yes Jonas might not be your normal choice for Robin but he has improved as the series has gone on. Allen's portrayal of the sheriff is fantastic. As for Gisbourne, well yes he is probably a better choice for Robin but isn't it good ladies to have such a sexy, dark and devilish guy as a villian? we all love the bad guys! The make up thing is very noticeably but the show is meant to have a modern day twist isn't it?

Marion is a star and in her we see a new take on the traditional character of Marion - far more courageous and stubborn! As for the other merry men - love them all! Much is a darling and as for Will and Allan what more can I say - very dishy! Roll on the next series.

Claire & family Bradford

I think that although everyone does have a fair point, anyone who claims the new TV series is not a hit has to be joking. I know that a lot of the costume, make-up and settings, may be a little unrealistic, but I don't think there was any mistake made with any of the casting: namely that Jones Armstrong plays a very good 'Robin Hood,' and likewise that Richard Armitage plays 'Guy of Gisbourne' well. I have thoroughly enjoyed the series so far, think it gets better each week, and hope to see another series soon!

Thank's for letting me post my views,

L.C (age 13)

Hi,

I would like to say that I believe that the new Robin Hood is simply unbelievable entertainment. The characters are so believable and the accents brilliant. The sheriff is played like an absolute dream and the Casting director needs a massive past on the back. In short the show is class! There has not been a better BBC1 Drama in my life time and I can not wait for this to come out on DVD Simply irresistible!!!

Darren Ryan

Im a staunch supporter of "all things good" for our beloved city, whether its our sports teams, our citizens or our heroic Robin Im eager for us to succeed and to share with others our fantastic city. Upon hearing the news that the BBC were to make a new version of Robin, I was eager for a new revival but also cautious of outsiders disrupting the story for the benefits of television. While I appreciate a need for creating new stories it is vitally important that the magic of Robin is captured in its form and not distorted for a commercial market.

Episode 6 has now been aired and I have to say that so far I am delighted with the efforts of the BBC, not only is Robin heroic, full of charm and a bit of a rogue but also there is a strong element of fun. It is also odd to see a character (cant remember his name) who is perhaps gay, at first I was opposed to this because this has never been within the Robin Hood story before. However I have warmed to the character and feel it just highlights the dedication many people do have to Robin,and lets be real here...we're al waiting for Robin to get with Marion.

Overall it has to be noted this is just an opinion, Scott Dean wrote his and now i write mine. I dont agree with Mr Deans comments and views the story of Robin through a narrow lense. I dont believe the BBC were attempting to bring Robin up to date but to give another reflection, it has t be said this adaptation reminds me of the Disney classic. Above all Robin is still Robin and now we have a much wider audience, rather than argue what is right or wrong we should embrace the new series an celebrate Robin and our great story. Scott Dean I pity but respect your comments, but you are wide of the mark. Glorify Robin instaed of having a cheap jibe at how you think the presentation should be.

Long Live Robin! Long Live Nottingham. And thank you BBC!

David Poole, number 1, Lincoln Green, 3rd tree on the right, Sherwood Forest,

"Worlds best city"

I have to say I was sorely disappointed with this new telling of the tale. OK I was brought up on Richard Greene's portrayal of Robin, so I expect I am not of the age group being targeted. But please ... this is a national icon, a hero, a huge part of our heritage .. and we have allowed poor Robin to be turned into a 'chav' so that he will appeal to modern American audiences.

Robin was a noble minded individual who upheld the rights and the poor and protected the weak from the bullies - not unlike our other national hero, St. George. He reminded those in authority of their duty. He tried to raise the poor up towards the level of their 'betters', not dumb down the whole of society.

What is it about the English that we have to debase, and allow others to debase, the very roots of our culture and heritage. I shall not be watching further episodes. Bring back Richard Greene - now he rocked!!! Yours, dreaming of nights in Sherwood Forest ......... with truly English Robin Hood. M-J

Ok so far so good it was far better than i expected it to be i thought it would be a load of rubbish but it was good its better than doctor who i think but there are some down points i mean jonas has the one of the latest hair cuts but yet were going back a few years before hairdressing was even invented plus marian has make up on where on earth would she find that i mean dont get me wrong i absolutely love lucy and jonas and all the other characters i just think its a bit to fake

First of all I like Jonas Armstrong who plays Robin Hood. I think he plays the part well, and being a female I find him a babe. But I did prefer Michael Praed. Im glad the programme is getting a 2nd series. The actor who plays Guy of Gisbourne, well all I can say is NOOOO. He plays the part well but as for being Robin Hood I dont think so.

Bev Leicester

Sorry I forgot to mention earlier, the only thing that strikes me wrong about this programme is that the woman are wearing eye makeup. To me that seems wrong. Thank you Jonas you make a good Robin Hood :)

Bev Leicester

I`m really enjoying the series - it`s witty, full of action and as someone else said it`s excellent Saturday evening family viewing. At first I wasn`t very enthousiastic about it, but it gets better every time! I think Marian is a bit strange, though. I don`t know why - just do...

The actor playing Guy of Gisborne is Richard Armitage. He was also one of the reasons why I started watching the series. I wasn`t to be disappointed - he makes a great villain (and I agree he would make a more charismatic RH too)

The fourth ep. was the best I`ve seen till now. Every week the episodes get better and better. looking forward to ep. 5!

AA

ok so far so good it was far better than i expected it to be i thought it would be a load of rubbish but it was good its better than doctor who i think but there are some down points i mean jonas has the one of the latest hair cuts but yet were going back a few years before hairdressing was even invented plus marian has make up on where on earth would she find that i mean dont get me wrong i absolutely love lucy and jonas and all the other characters i just think its a bit to fake

If this show is meant to appeal to both kids and their parents then I have to say it just narrowly misses the bulls eye.

My 4 year old son absolutely loves it and Robin Hood now vies with the Power Rangers as his number one role model. I heartily approve, as a shot in the head by a suction tipped arrow is eternally preferable to a karate kick in the goolies as influenced by the insidious Power Rangers.

In some scenes he is off his feet with delight and seeing that makes the show enjoyable for me personally. If I didn't have kids though I doubt I would watch it. Still, it's easy to criticise these things from the viewpoint of adult cynicism and so you've got to congratulate the BBC for daring to put on this kind of show. The production values seem high and I'm sure the actors will fully grow into their roles and of course it brings the story of Robin Hood to a new generation and that can't be wrong can it?

Stephen Oldham
Aberdeenshire

Our family has so far thoroughly enjoyed the episodes we have seen - it's excellent Saturday evening family viewing - it's not "authentic" Robin Hood but hey who really cares!

I have noticed a distinct similarity between Nottingham Castle and a set used for Cadfael - looks suspiciously like a re-used set of Shrewsbury Abbey from the tv series to me - can it be just a coincidence that they were both filmed in Budapest???? Anyone know the answer?

Roll on episode three

GB

I was looking forward so much to this.
As a huge fan of 'Robin of Sherwood' I watched keenly, but found the whole thing lost complete credibility when the first peasant woman Robin came across had huge false eyelashes and lip gloss on.... Marian looked rather plump, with obvious full pancake make up, loads of blusher and an uplift bra....

Robin looked liked he had a slightly mis-shapen head.....

Am I cruel for fancying Guy of Gisborne rather than the rather squeedy Robin?

Didn't think much of the music, not exactly hummable.....

How I adored Michael Praed and Judi Trott. Judi never needed blue eye-shadow and false eyelashes.

I'm disappointed. :-(

Penny.

Have to agree with one comment that the actor playing Sir Guy has far more screen presence and would in my opinion make for a far more charismatic Robin.

As for the content in true Robin Hood style the legend lives on, each generation, adapting, embellishing and continuing the magic that surrounds the legend. So for the early 21st century maybe this understated young man is Robin Hood, but for me he is still the mystical Robin of Loxley - Earl of Huntingdon, Robin of Sherwood of the 80's.

"Awful. Dross. Twee. Purile etc., etc.

I SO wanted this to be good... But:

Jonas Armstrong's charisma-free Robin Hood is as heroic and as believable as a young Philip Schofield playing this legendary role (a 100% failure in casting the right man for the job). Armstrong reminds me more of an effeminate Blue Peter presenter who would fall over in a strong wind (more Simon Groome than John Noakes), rather than a standfast depiction of our mythical anglo-saxon rebel. I'm all for an unestablished actor playing the part, but at least get someone with some physical/mental presence (not just a pretty boy with a modern haircut). And as for the bow shooting: COME ON! Ok, Robin's expected to be good, but making him impossibly accurate turns this into a farce (his initial prowess with the bow - shown by shooting several arrows between the open fingers of Alan-a-Dale, from over 50 yards away - made me groan with disbelief).

As for the `Merry Men' - give or take a few characters - they look more like a 1990's `boy-band' (with Jonas as the `Gary Barlow' of the lot) - all sultry looks and haircuts. Maid Marion has the presence of a soviet shot-putter wearing too much Max Factor, and Keith Allen - although I thought at first an inspired choice - will camp it up worse than Alan Rickman, though not as well acted, or as funny (crushing birds?). As for the character of Much, I already what him strung-up! He has the annoyance factor of Jar Jar Binks in `Star Wars: The Phantom Menace'.

The need to be `hip' (the hoodie references etc), the `sexiness' over substance (a predilection of the BBC) and the overall modernist approach (something championed by the BBC's publicity department as a credible selling-point) to the legend has robbed it of its soul. As for the bastardisation of the story itself (not only do we first see Robin without his traditional - nay essential - english longbow, but he's in possession of a middle-eastern (?) `recurved' bow which was also used in all the early publicity shots to promote this series), why? And what about the costuming? Did those involved in this dire episode study Kevin Costner's `Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves' and think following their pantomime lead was the best way to continue? I laughed out aloud at the all-black, leather fetish get-up of Sir Guy (his `jacket' looking more like one of the motorcycle variety in every scene). And I have to admit this is the first time I have watched supposed chain-mail flapping about in the wind (just what are those twee feathers sprouting out of the Norman-style helmets?). The weapons look pristine and fake, the `Greenwood' looks about as dense as my back garden (why was this not filmed in England?), the fight scenes are choreographed to look more like out-takes from the `Matrix' trilogy...

I'm mean - PLEASE!?!

Robin Hood is the quintessential ENGLISH hero. Formerly a man of his time who was outlawed, and - we are led to believe - an anglo-saxon of `middle class' stature (a yeoman, to be precise). Much later in history his legend became the stuff of heroic deeds via being incensed by the barbaric treatement of his own people by the Norman conquerors (the french treated the english much like the english treated the irish several centuries later - starved and taxed them to death). He was a mediaeval freedom fighter, as such. Robin was never an Earl, or a Lord (a fabrication of the 1500's by noble's who couldn't stomach the ideals of a man of peasant stock championing the `lower classes' - via robbing the rich and righting injustice), and this depressing twist on the legend robs it completely of all it's cutural inspiration, in my opinion.

Ok, it's just a tv series... But we'll now not see another rendition of this tale for a further 15/20 years on TV, and that's what annoy's me most. In my opinion the BBC should not - and will not - recomission this show for another year (though rumours abound that they have already done so for two more series). Watch those supposed 8 million viewers (as published for the first episode) drop to 3 million by the middle of the series, I'll put money on it.

I will give it several more weeks to prove me wrong, but as it currently stands Richard Carpenter's `Robin of Sherwood' is still the only TV rendition of this tale worth viewing."

Regards

Scott Dean.

A British version of Hercules, but without the wit....Very disappointed, even more than I thought I would be after seeing the trailers. But then I was a big fan of 'Robin of Sherwood' - and its nothing like that.

Cheers
Andrew

It was quick off the mark and fast-paced and they've kept in some elements of the original story while doing it in a fresh way.

I thought the scene where he was petting with the wood-cutter's daughter was a bit superfluous. Robin does look very young and in some ways the actor playing Guy of Gisborne might have made a better choice, but I'm sure he'll win us over. I liked the humour with the Sheriff, but I hope they don't introduce too much of it.

It has been proved over the years that any version of Robin Hood raises the profile of the area through his automatic association with Nottingham.

It's now up to Experience Nottinghamshire to make sure we capitalise on it.

Bob White

Not bad.. not bad at all. I've read a lot about Robin Hood and he's my favourite character from history so I suppose I'm a bit biased but this really grabbed me.

It looked really classy and was fun but best of all the way the characters spoke to each other was quite natural and not forced like in some other series I have seen.

I'm looking forward to next week already!!!

Hayley G.

Some good and some not so good.

Good - the photography, the dialogue and the costumes

Not so good - the scene with the daughter of the ditch digger was a bit cheesy.

Thought the Sheriff was great though and he looks like he's going to get meaner and meaner as the series goes on.

Ok so Robin looked a bit young but how does anyone really know how old he really was anyway.

Thanks for the chance to comment. Fab website btw.

Charlie Anstey

Not a patch on Robin of Sherwood. I'll still give it a go over the next few weeks but it needs to get better and more lively!

Smiffy

Don't really know what I expected but I suppose it was ok, especially the action scenes. Thought Much stole the show in the first episode and maybe Guy should have got the role of Robin as he looked a bit more like I would have imagined him to be. I liked the look of Nottingham. Did it really look like that?

Dave

Where was the Sheriff of Yorkshire? - only joking!! A cracking start and I will definitely be coming back for more. Give us more of Marion though!

AR