Robin Hood Season 1

If this show were done by americans it would have been such a pile of drivel. I couldn't wait to see this show after seeing the previews years ago and, as a lover of the book and the newer Robin Hood film as a child, I was not in the least bit disappointed. This show has everything you could want in an hour long drama; young actor's with some very good raw talent(another thing good about the Brits =] ), great story-telling that never disappoints, and some of the best action sequences I've watched EVER in a television show. They really did a wonderful job training for these scenes and it is all very believable the way it is done. Same goes for the storylines. Many times I finished an episode and wondered how they could further develop the same story in what was beginning to feel like a very congested and all-around small region to work with. It essentially takes place in Nottingham and the forest locals, as did the book, with a few towns and villages thrown in for good measure. After about 6 episodes I started to wonder how the band of rogues would continue to infultrate the same castle over and over. Can the Sheriff and his men really be THAT stupid as to not know by then what the members of the group looked like, thereby allowing them to get in almost undetected episode after episode? I have to say, however, that the writers do it in very understandable and concievable manners. That, to me, is the mark of a great series, continuity and believability. One other thing that made this series truely full in all area's was the humor. I constantly found myself laughing out loud at this show. I'm a lover of british comedy anyhow, but the character's do such an outstanding job of creating the humor through their own acting technique's, the actor playing Robin Hood especially(something about his personality makes him magnetic, even through moments when he seems cocky and full of himself). Get this dvd if you love a well-rounded drama with tons of action and actor's who really deserve recognition for the work they do. Can't wait for season 2 to come out =D Read more

I've always wanted to watch something Robin Hood and was so excited to see this! In the first episode of season 1 we meet Robin Hood with his friend Much on their way back from fighting during the war in the Holy Land. We also meet the Sheriff and Sir Guy, more men join the band as the show progresses and in each episode you learn something more about the characters that you didn't know before. This show can be brutal at times and the sheriff in this story isn't someone fighting for justice - he's downright evil. He doesn't hesitate to throw a woman and her child in jail for not paying their taxes, or killing a man if it will help him gain power. Sir Guy helps the Sheriff a lot, though I think he can never quite make up his mind whether he wants to be the bad guy all the time or try and turn to be the good one. Lady Marian is perfect in this show, and always how I imagined she would be. There is humor in the story at times as well which can make the dark times seem a little lighter, and Jonas Armstrong did an amazing job at betraying Robin! I love how Robin is serious at times but can also be very cheeky. There is also lots of action and you never know what could happen next - lots of surprises happening along the way. Adventure is around pretty much every corner in this show, and there is never a dull moment!!! I am pretty much on the edge of my seat at every moment of the show. =) This show can also be a bit contemporary at times so it gives it a little different mood, but I really like the difference! Also I love the Medieval time period and they did a very good job at betraying that! My siblings (ages ranging 5-13) love it as well, and we all love to sit down in the evenings together and enjoy it. Wonderful and a must watch for Robin Hood fans! ♥ Read more

Whether or not you like the BBC's new version of Robin Hood will depend largely on what you are looking for in entertainment. If you are looking for a serious show, a history lesson, a classic interpretation of Robin Hood or if you eschew all things modern then you should look elsewhere. However, if you are looking to enjoy a few hours of guilty pleasure that is light and campy enough to make you feel good, but with characters complex enough to keep you interested, then you will thoroughly enjoy this charming series from the BBC. The acting is superb, the cinematography lovely and there is fun to be found in each episode. Granted, the show relies heavily on the suspension of disbelief and the writers make no attempt to offer an authentic version of medieval life - but surprisingly this is what makes the series so fresh and alluring. And while the scenarios may seem implausible, the characterizations are the most realistic I've seen of any Robin Hood interpretation. What kind of noble lives in the forest with a bunch of outlaws and steals from rich people to give to poor people? According to this series, Robin Hood - well played by Jonas Armstrong - is trying to atone for his sins. He feels guilty for the numerous murders he committed in the name of a war he no longer believes in and wants to set things right not only with Nottingham but with his inner demons. This question of motive and circumstance is what gives the series its backbone. The production avoids a black and white narrative of good vs. evil. Amidst the lighthearted romp is the exploration of the very grey areas on the subject. For all his admirable qualities, Robin Hood is not a saint. He is reckless, egoistic and exhibits a ruthlessness that often disappoints his loyal followers. Conversely, his rival, the vicious Sir Guy of Gisbourne, reveals a tender side in his love for Marian. He is willing (unlike Robin) to express the depth and sincerity of his affection, and Richard Armitage's skillful portrayal allows the audience to feel Gisbourne's desire for redemption acutely. Here is an opportunity to laugh and to lose yourself in characters whose circumstances are far fetched even as their internal dilemmas hit close to home. Read more