Great Fun (Robin Hood (TV))

Member Name: jane08

Product:	Robin Hood (TV)
Date:	01/08/08 (58 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Funny, good cast and overall great entertaining

Disadvantages: not too many

This TV series is unsurprisingly a take on the classic tale of the outlaw Robin Hood and his band of merry men. If you're looking for realism or a gritty drama then this isn't the show for you, what you'll get is an often light hearted humorous programme that occasionally surprises by adding in depth and drama.

The lead role is played by the previously little known actor Jonas Armstrong. He's a fairly young, moral and charming character in this version of the story; as always stealing from the rich in order to give to the poor while teasing and flirting with Maid Marian. Lucy Griffiths has the honour of portraying the principle Lady of the story, she serves mainly as the love interest for both Robin and Guy of Gisborne and is the thing that causes such friction and hatred between the two men. Although Robin is supposed to be the primary character in the series it is Richard Armitage as Sir Guy who steals the show, at least for me anyway. Having previously loved him in 'North and South' I wasn't disappointed when I saw him tackle the complex character that Guy is. Unlike most of the other characters, who often are quite one dimensional, Richard makes Guy an intriguing character. Torn between his passion for Marian and both his loyalty to the Sheriff and his ambition, it's often unclear what he will do next which makes him all the more enjoyable to watch. The most well known amongst the cast is probably Keith Allen as the Sheriff and he doesn't disappoint, being both deliciously evil and thoroughly entertaining. The rest of Robin's company, Much, Little John, Will Scarlett, Allan A Dale and Djaq, are all played well and round up the primary cast.

The series, while currently off air at the moment, used to show on Saturday evenings and was brilliant entertainment for all the family. While the younger ones will enjoy watching Robin and his men thwart the bad guys the adults can enjoy the more subtle aspects in the programme, most notably Sir Guy and his changeable relationship with Marian. There have been two series thus far with a third currently in the making. Although Lucy Griffiths will not return for the new series the rest of the cast will be present. Furthermore it has recently been reported that the wonderful Toby Stephens will take on the role of King John, giving the ladies even more reason to watch, as if Richard Armitage wasn't enough!

Ultimately the series is a light hearted take on a classic tale that all of the family will enjoy. It's full of humour and does the heavy drama very well when it attempts it. The costumes may be somewhat unrealistic for the time and the makeup a little excessive but it all fits in perfectly with the production; this is a series that is to be enjoyed as entertainment not as a realistic portrayal of history so when watching it, take it as it is and enjoy.

Summary: Great family fun on a Saturday night