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Things I thought Robin Hood as a show did right (spoilers)

posted 9 years ago by mille-91651
6 replies | jump to latest

I just got done watching the show and these are my thoughts. Disclaimer: I am well aware that this version of Robin Hood is by no means historically accurate. If you can take this show for what it is, which is a young adult targeted fun romp, you will enjoy it.
1.Robin Hood himself – I know many will disagree, but I thought Jonas Armstrong was an excellent Robin. He was witty, smart, brave, talented, and most of all – he has a great love for his king and country which is essential for this role. I thought his role was well acted, too.

2.Marian – I found Lucy Griffiths to be the perfect Marian. Although I thought her chemistry with Robin was a little lacking, she played the perfect balance between her dedication to her role in Nottingham in court and to Robin and the people in need. I loved the addition of the night watchman because it allowed Marian to be her own person with a storyline outside of Robin, and added a facet to her feelings about him leaving for the holy war. I also think the love triangle was done perfectly. I fully expected her feelings to be completely one-sided towards Robin. I was pleasantly surprised when this was not the case, and you saw her inner tug of war between the childhood love that left her for the war and Guy, the man who could actually provide for her and who she sees as a man who could change for the better despite his rough past. Finally, I liked that they didn’t pick a typical beauty for her. Don’t get me wrong, I think Lucy is gorgeous, but not in the typical Jessica Alba-Kim Kardashian way, which was very refreshing.

3.Guy – Richard Armitage has done incredible justice to this role, providing a great deal of humanity and inner turmoil that shows through in just the right sort of ways. His turnaround in season 3 was good and you really felt like he changed for the better. His death scene also made you really feel for his character.

4.Guy killing Marian was incredibly gutsy, but was a wise decision I think because it made Robin and Guy’s characters more complex, putting them against each other even more, while at the same time uniting them in despair.

5.Much, Allan, and Little John – I love when minor characters get a more complex storyline than just being a sidekick.

6. Toby Stephens as Prince John was perfection itself and I wish he could have made a larger appearance on the show

7.Sets – overall despite their low budget I thought they were well done.

Do you agree or disagree? I'm also posting one on what I think they didn't get right.

[–] Shimmer_Me_Timbers 9 years ago

4.Guy killing Marian was incredibly gutsy, but was a wise decision I think because it made Robin and Guy’s characters more complex, putting them against each other even more, while at the same time uniting them in despair.

I think it was a good idea, it was just executed poorly. Had Marian gone full throttle and just blasted Guy I could understand it. Or if she had gotten in the cross fire.

But there is no way in hell that those two would work together in any capacity in series three if there wasn't more of a reason for Guy to kill Marian.

[–] sabrinajaine 9 years ago

I think the music was really good and one of the best things the show had going for it, especially the theme tune, 'Marian's theme' (with the guitar) and the Nightwatchman fight music, which was actually like a sped up 'Marian's theme'. Obviously for the most part RH didn't take itself that seriously and I'd say the music was at its most appropriate for more serious moments (remember the swelling, devastatingly sad music they used in the final episode of series 2 after Marian died?) but it also worked for silly moments.

I agree with you a lot about Toby Stephens! And in general I think the actors and characters overall were amazing - especially The Sheriff, Allan and Much, because at times those characters in particular are hilarious. In series 3 the characters were weaker and I didn't like Tuck or Kate much but the actors still did a good job with what they were given. Isabella was also a very interesting character and Lara Pulver is a fantastic actress.

I disagree about killing Marian off being a good decision, to me it seemed like a bit of a lazy way to end the love triangle as I get the feeling the writers couldn't think of a different way. But that's just my opinion :)

[–] Shimmer_Me_Timbers 9 years ago

I disagree about killing Marian off being a good decision, to me it seemed like a bit of a lazy way to end the love triangle as I get the feeling the writers couldn't think of a different way

I sort-of agree with this. I think that it could've been a strong way to end the triangle and actually get Guy onto Robin's team and give Guy and appropriate character redemption story line. (All while avoiding the Archer storyline altogether) but I think they WAY the writers did it was a lazy way of ending the love triangle.

[–] mille-91651 9 years ago

Never really thought about it that way - but I agree. I did like it for the aspect that the show didn't shy away from a major character death.

[–] Shimmer_Me_Timbers 9 years ago

I did like it for the aspect that the show didn't shy away from a major character death.

I completely agree. It's just unfortunate that they got lazy. Then took it to the max in the final season.

[–] mlaiuppa 8 years ago

I think they did really well with guest stars.

I thought David Bamber (Mr. Collins-Pride and Prejudice, Cicero - Rome) was a great quack doctor opposite Josei Lawrence (Enchanted April). The two played off each other wonderfully. They each made a lot of their characters without going over the top. What I would expect from seasoned professionals.

It's wonderful they were able to get these and other high quality guest actors.