"This, my friends, is an ambush"

    We have never done a review on our blog of a favorite TV series before, but watching BBC's Robin Hood with a bit of a writer's perspective, we really enjoyed the depth of the different characters, even the villains, and the very clever plot twists in this show.

    And, instead of simply telling you our favorite things about the show, we thought we'd mix it up a little by doing character profiles. (and we will try not to give away any spoilers)

  Starting off, we have Robin Hood, or Robin of Locksley, as he is called in the beginning, before becoming an outlaw. 

 Of course, he gets to go first, since the show is named for him.  :)

Yes, he's wearing a hoodie

Played by: Jonas Armstrong

Robin is, on first impression, quite the ladies man. But when he returns from the war in the Holy Lands, his desire to see justice returned to England is very strong.  He is willing to give up his lands and title as Lord of Locksley to help the poor and fight against the unfair taxes that are being forced on the people by the infamous Sheriff of Nottingham. 

Because of all the death and bloodshed in the Holy Lands, Robin values human life and avoids killing.

Robin is kind, a charismatic leader, loyal to King Richard, and his first thought is for others, but he occasionally gets distracted by a pretty face -

such as Maid Marian.

Played by: Lucy Griffiths

Marian's father was the old sheriff of Nottingham, and she shares Robin's concern for the poor. But her ways of fighting injustice differ greatly from Robin's, and bring her in closer contact with the Sheriff and his right hand man.

Marian is brave, devoted to her father, and quite independent. She isn't your typical damsel in distress. She has some of the cutest, and most awkward costumes (don't expect clothing to be period correct, the costume designers take some liberties in their job)

Marian and Robin have loved each other since they were children, but over the five years while Robin was off to war, Marian was left feeling rather abandoned and doesn't welcome Robin back home with the warmth he was hoping for. 

While Robin was gone, Marian had unwittingly gained the affections of a man of rather questionable reputation-

Enter: Sir Guy of Gisborne

Don't you like his biker outfit? Just wait until you
see the pirate costume in season 3!  :)

Played by: Richard Armitage

Guy is rather single minded in his life's quest; to have power and for Marian to be his wife.

Robin just happens to get in the way of both of those goals, and must be eliminated.

Guy has ruthlessly made his way into a place of position as the Sheriff's right hand man.

The only decent side of him is revealed in his true- if not mislead- love for Marian, and he strives to be a man she could love in return. 

His life is torn between the good man that Marin wants him to be and the wonderfully wicked power the Sheriff can give him - if he obeys all the Sheriff's commands of course.

Oh! Hello Vaisy, we where just talking about you…

all good things of course.

I don't think he's convinced...

Played by: Keith Allen

The Sheriff…how should we describe him?  He's the most insane villain you've ever seen,

But don't underestimate his intelligence or forget that he is completely heartless and only wants- "POWER OVER PEOPLE!" :)

Everything seems to be going well and everyone's been cooperating- well, maybe under some duress…

until Robin comes back;  he's the first to openly defy the Sheriff. 

 How dare he!?

Of course, Robin is not alone is his quest.
He has a band of faithful, if not quite so merry, men.

First off, we have Much.

Played by: Sam Troughton

Much began as Robin's manservant, fought beside him in the Holy Lands, and then was freed when they returned. Finally given the choice of what to do next in his life, he decides to stay with Robin.

Much may not be the cleverest, but he's very loyal, goodhearted, and hungry…mostly hungry.

Will Scarlet.

Played by: Harry Lloyd

Will has experienced the hardships of living under the Sheriff first hand, and is ready to fight back.

His family has suffered greatly, and he is passionate about fighting against the Sheriff and for the good of the people.

Will is quiet, brave, one of the youngest in the group, and a good friend of…

…Allan a Dale!

Nope, he's not a minstrel in this version

Played by: Joe Armstrong

Allan doesn't have a personal vendetta against the Sheriff, and no specific urge to avenge the poor, 

so... why is he here?

Well, after Robin saved his life, twice actually, he decided that this group of outlaws might be rather exciting to accompany for a while.

But if, or when the situation changes, is he really loyal to his friends? Or more concerned with his own welfare and making an extra bit of cash?

And "I'm not being funny, but..." Allan is a very likable, sarcastic, lying, cheat who just happens to be on the wrong side of the law, only this time for the right reason.

Djaq (pronounced, Jack).

Played by:  Anjali Jay

Djaq is the only girl in the band, but she plays a very big part. Her father was a doctor, and taught her many skills that become indispensable for Robin's group.

She is a very likable character, and becomes a member of the family quite fast. Despite being a "rubbish cook", her skills with medicine and fighting are a wonderful addition to the group, and she adds a feminine touch.

Little John... correction, John Little.

Played by: Gordon Kennedy

John has been an outlaw even before Robin. Separated from his wife and son because of the choices he had made, he is glad at the chance to join Robin, and do something to help.

So, would we recommend this show? Yes. with a few warnings.

It has a PG rating, mainly for violence. The fight scenes are intense, swords clash and arrows fly, but not bloody in anyway.

Language is fairly mild, the Sheriff's favorite exclamation being "La di da di da!"

Some of the female characters have rather tight and low cut costumes at times, and there is some kissing. And there's Archer (3rd season)…watch out for him…

There is also a few "shirtless guy moments"*, mainly during torture scenes, or when being robbed or when trying on amour….why?

As in any secular portrayal of Christianity, the viewpoint of God is skewed, and Islam and Christianity are both shown as being equally right.   

*Quote from Natasha's review of the show here. We first heard of the show on her blog, and are very glad we gave it a try.

Note to Whovians: Does Will Scarlet look familiar? No? Alright, picture him clean shaven, with a neat hair cut, a 1900's school boy uniform, and then him tilting his head to the side, widening his eyes, and inhaling deeply through the nose ...

 

Yup, that's Harry Lloyd too... But don't let that distract you too much while watching Robin Hood. It kind of disturbed Becca.    :)