Robin of Sherwood: Set 1 (Seasons 1 & 2)
The landmark series and definitive retelling of the Robin Hood legend.
Robin of Loxley is chosen by the mystical Herne the Hunter to become his 'son' and champion the oppressed. Gathering a band of comrades around him he fights a guerilla campaign against their Norman dictators, particularly the Sheriff of Nottingham and his deputy, Guy de Gisburne. Later he is succeeded by Robert of Huntingdon, renegade nobleman. This retelling of the legend introduces a strong fantasy element, with black magic and the old religion.
Member Reviews
Enchanted in Sherwood - rdees
Like many viewers, I came to discover this show when I was quite young (12 or so) and revisiting it now (in my 30s) has been a joy that I know is partly owing to nostalgia, but also partly due to the show’s unique qualities. There’s something about the grain of this film, shot in the early 80s in England – the colour of the earth, the forest (the browns and greens are superb), the hazy light and soft focus – that lends it an earthy yet otherworldly quality. Perfect details for depicting a medieval England that is also informed by a certain degree of paganism, mists and magic. The soundtrack by Clannad is classic “80s Celtic synth folk” (if that’s even a term), drenched in reverb and echo effects, cheesy and lovely in equal measure. A drawback here is that the same few tunes get used a bit too often throughout the episodes, which makes a lot of the action feel predictable. The battle scenes in particular can be quite tedious. The cast is delightful (Judi Trott is radiant as Marion, Nickolas Grace makes a perfect villain of the Sheriff, etc.), and they show their chemistry through brief yet funny exchanges from time to time, but we know intuitively that we’re not really watching this for the acting. The writing, too, is fine but asks little of its audience (clichés abound). So why are we watching? We’re watching for atmosphere, for nostalgia, for fun. For touches of sorcery, a vision of medieval England enchanted by magic and ideals, while also sinking in corruption. For the clinking of armour, the shot of an arrow, the rustling of leaves. And that’s where this series succeeds: in the details and quieter scenes where little happens, just light and shadow, colour and sound, and elaborate set designs that create this wonderful trip into another world. I can immediately see why it appealed to me as a child, and some of that enchantment is obviously still with me today, though regarded much more critically through time. Recommended.Excellent Series - Doug3
I was hooked when I first saw this series during it's original run in the 1980's and it still holds up today. The stories are well written, characters similarly so and the production values excellent. Finally, a Robin Hood where the heroes are young and looking like they really do live in the forest. Nicholas Grace as the Sheriff of Nottingham was brilliant. He a villain you love to hate.
The inclusion of magic was an interesting touch. It's not in every show, so the viewer isn't hit over the head with it. True, there isn't much blood or gore, this was prime time television, after all.
Lastly, if you like celtic music you'll really enjoy the incidental music done by Clannad. It adds a wonderful sense of atmosphere to the series.
I haven't seen the more recent British series so I don't know how it compares.
Oh, and it's interesting that Ray Winstone (as Will Scarlett) has done very, very well as a character actor, both in television and movies.
Member Reviews
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Enchanted in Sherwood - rdees
Like many viewers, I came to discover this show when I was quite young (12 or so) and revisiting it now (in my 30s) has been a joy that I know is partly owing to nostalgia, but also partly due to the show’s unique qualities. There’s something about the grain ...Excellent Series - Doug3
I was hooked when I first saw this series during it's original run in the 1980's and it still holds up today. The stories are well written, characters similarly so and the production values excellent. Finally, a Robin Hood where the heroes are young and ...