Robin Hood

            The story of Robin Hood has had many different adaptations.  While for the most part this is not a story I seek out, this version, a British television show first airing in 2006, intrigued me.  After watching the first few episodes I was not quite sure I wanted to continue, but something told me to at least give the next disc a shot.  After disc two, I was hooked.         

                At the beginning of the series Robin Hood returns from war with his faithful servant and dear friend, Much.  Upon Robin’s arrival home, he discovers his estate has been taken over by Sir Guy of Gisborne and the land he loves is terrorized by the Sheriff of Nottingham.  As a result Robin and Much end up joining with a band of outlaws lead by Little John.  Thus the adventures begin.

                Most, if not all, of the episodes involve rescuing someone from jail and helping the poor in some way.  While in many ways this could fill the allotted time on its own, there is another element to this story.  That element is Marian.  Robin and Marian have a romantic history that was altered when Robin went off to war.  At first Marian is greatly unhappy when Robin returns.  She has her own thoughts on how the new situations in the land should be handled and does not agree with Robin’s ways.  While I cannot say they end up seeing eye to eye, the frost does melt.  This is good since Marian has a big secret Robin discovers.  Keeping this secret is difficult enough for Marian, but she has other pressures around her as well.  Guy is greatly interested in her.  Since Guy tends to do some dastardly things, and is very close to the Sherriff, Marian must play many roles to protect those she cares for and keep her secret safe.

                This series is funny.  Actually, cheeky would be better word.  There are some great lines, especially coming from the Sherriff.  As awful as he is, the character can also be a riot.  He grandstands, he acts visibly bored, and he says some very strange things.  The actor must have had a great time with this character.

                Onto Guy.  I am so torn with how I feel about Sir Guy of Gisborne.  He does terrible things, but there are moments where you can tell he has a conscience and does not always agree with the Sherriff’s ways.  I so want him to be a good man.  There will start to be an inkling of it, but then he goes off and does something deplorable.  I am still working on the first season, so I hope all the good in Guy will come out by the end.

                The outlaws are really funny too, and each one is unique.  Much is kind of goofy, but in my opinion he is wiser than people give him credit for.  Little John, while able to be severe looking, is in reality a man with a kind and caring heart.  Will Scarlett is quiet and sweet.  Allan is quirky and funny, but also seems to have a head on his shoulders.  Then there is Djaq who is most interesting.  Djaq was brought to England as a slave.  Rescued by the outlaws, Djaq becomes a member.  Very intelligent and educated, Djaq is a valuable member of the group.  One more thing, Djaq is actually a woman, disguising herself as a boy. 

                With so many characters one would think things would get confusing.  For the most part it does not.  Some of the other outlaws I get a little mixed around, but the main characters are each unique and distinct.  As each disc arrives, I have to wonder what antics will come next.