The latest offering from the realm of fantasy and folkloric tomfoolery has arrived, just in time for autumn's chill to set in. Welcome Robin Hood, a show that ticks all the right boxes with its young cast of hopefuls trying out their mettle, alongside seasoned actors who are no doubt banking on this next project to keep the alimony flowing.
It's worth noting two key aspects of this, ahem, 'gem'. Firstly, Sean Bean is back as the Sheriff of Nottingham, a role that has clearly served him well enough to live to see another day. Secondly, and more refreshingly still, there are no bad wigs in sight – at least, not on screen. It appears someone must have wielded significant influence over the wardrobe department to steer them away from the usual 'long, stringy Yore-hair' look.
Beyond these small mercies, Robin Hood is off to a promising start with its opening caption. Who doesn't enjoy a good introductory phrase that sets the scene without resorting to heavy-handed dialogue or exposition? The show gets this right by stating, in crisp and clear terms, where we are and what's happening – no beating about the bush here.
Robin Hood's world is built around a Norman Conquest-era England, with Saxon lands being slowly taken over by Norman law. It's not the most subtle approach, but one that serves the show's purposes, allowing it to swiftly move on from this initial exposition and into its main event: the story of Robin Hood.
The action unfolds at a steady pace, with all the expected elements in place – chainmailed Norman soldiers meeting their end via Saxon archery, faerie debauchery, and Hugh of Locksley teaching his young son to shoot a bow. The drama is not going to win any awards for originality or pacing, but it does provide ample opportunity to admire the show's visuals, particularly its CGI creations.
The drama is still in its early stages, with Robin Hood (or Rob, as he prefers to be known) only beginning to contemplate a life of outlawry. There are more characters on the horizon – Connie Nielsen as Eleanor of Aquitaine and the introduction of Little John, Guy of Gisborne, Friar Tuck, and King John, among others.
Make no mistake, Robin Hood is not for everyone. It's bad, objectively speaking. However, if you can get into its 'terrible' groove – and I suspect many viewers will be able to do just that – then this show might just be the perfect antidote to your viewing diet. So go ahead, give it a chance, and above all, rejoice at the absence of bad wigs.
It's worth noting two key aspects of this, ahem, 'gem'. Firstly, Sean Bean is back as the Sheriff of Nottingham, a role that has clearly served him well enough to live to see another day. Secondly, and more refreshingly still, there are no bad wigs in sight – at least, not on screen. It appears someone must have wielded significant influence over the wardrobe department to steer them away from the usual 'long, stringy Yore-hair' look.
Beyond these small mercies, Robin Hood is off to a promising start with its opening caption. Who doesn't enjoy a good introductory phrase that sets the scene without resorting to heavy-handed dialogue or exposition? The show gets this right by stating, in crisp and clear terms, where we are and what's happening – no beating about the bush here.
Robin Hood's world is built around a Norman Conquest-era England, with Saxon lands being slowly taken over by Norman law. It's not the most subtle approach, but one that serves the show's purposes, allowing it to swiftly move on from this initial exposition and into its main event: the story of Robin Hood.
The action unfolds at a steady pace, with all the expected elements in place – chainmailed Norman soldiers meeting their end via Saxon archery, faerie debauchery, and Hugh of Locksley teaching his young son to shoot a bow. The drama is not going to win any awards for originality or pacing, but it does provide ample opportunity to admire the show's visuals, particularly its CGI creations.
The drama is still in its early stages, with Robin Hood (or Rob, as he prefers to be known) only beginning to contemplate a life of outlawry. There are more characters on the horizon – Connie Nielsen as Eleanor of Aquitaine and the introduction of Little John, Guy of Gisborne, Friar Tuck, and King John, among others.
Make no mistake, Robin Hood is not for everyone. It's bad, objectively speaking. However, if you can get into its 'terrible' groove – and I suspect many viewers will be able to do just that – then this show might just be the perfect antidote to your viewing diet. So go ahead, give it a chance, and above all, rejoice at the absence of bad wigs.