BBC’s Robin Hood
By stephanie - Sunday, March 4th, 2007
No, it’s not sci-fi, but I figure if you’re a sci-fi geek there’s a good chance you might also be interested in swashbuckling type stuff like a show about Robin Hood.
The BBC’s new Robin Hood series, which premiered in 2006 across the pond, has just premiered in the states on BBC America. I caught the first episode, not really expecting much. My interest in Robin Hood hasn’t extended much past the Errol Flynn version (and that’s just because I’m an Errol Flynn fan). Still, if there’s some swashbuckling to be had, I’ll at least give it a shot.
My concern, actually, was that this new television version of Robin Hood would strive to be too realistic and “dark,” much in the same vein as Battlestar Galactica. Fortunately for me (and not so fortunately for the purists), this Robin Hood has just the right balance of humor, swashbuckling stunts, and a little bit of the serious to make it a truly fun ride.
I do realize there are others out there who have decried this show for being a bunch of claptrap – and if you’re looking for a very serious version of Robin Hood, this isn’t it. If, on the other hand, you want to see a Robin Hood that spurs on your imagination and lives right on the edge of impossible, then you might like this one.
Although our Robin is a bit youngish, I thought he was terrific (and, excuse me, very cute). He may not be as cleanshaven as Errol Flynn, but he has that special charisma that an onscreen Robin Hood should have when it comes to the ladies. (Kevin Costner…ouch.)
The show’s pacing is good, with just the right balance of intrigue and battles. In the first episode, we saw arrows flying, swords a-clashing, and lots of gymastics.
If I had one gripe to the show’s creators it would: Hellooooo, women did not wear such obvious make-up back in 1192!!
Otherwise, I thought this was a blast, and I am surprisingly itchy to see the next installment.
March 13th, 2007 at 9:49 am
i have to agree with you that the show is amazing only thing i disagree with is that Robin was cast to young. for the first time they are casting a potentially realistic age for Robin, as the average life expectancy back in the day was only 30. love the show (must admit a soft spot for Will) as i’ve seen the series as it was aired in Britain i guarantee much more fun to be had with this series.
March 17th, 2007 at 1:08 am
You can have Will and Robin (both cuties), cause I like black-haired, rocker-dude-looking bad boy, Guy of Gisborne. Oh, yeah.
Mir
March 19th, 2007 at 12:43 am
Guy of Gisborne is a super hottie too. I also like that Will Scarlet (I think that’s who it is, the young one with the black hair). Just a lot of cuties all around…