"Robin of Sherwood" (1984)TV series 1984-1986

Creator:

Richard Carpenter

Seasons:

1 | 2 | 3

Release Date:

28 April 1984 (UK)

Genre:

Action | Fantasy | Drama

Plot:

A forest mystical being appoints two men in succession as the legendary outlaw defender of the oppressed.

Plot Keywords:

Swashbuckler | Archery | Fencing | Magic | Medieval

Awards:

1 win & 1 nomination

Cast

Peter Llewellyn Williams	...	Much (24 episodes, 1984-1986)
Ray Winstone	...	Will Scarlet (24 episodes, 1984-1986)
Clive Mantle	...	Little John (24 episodes, 1984-1986)
Mark Ryan	...	Nasir (24 episodes, 1984-1986)
Judi Trott	...	Lady Marion / ... (24 episodes, 1984-1986)
Phil Rose	...	Friar Tuck / ... (24 episodes, 1984-1986)
Robert Addie	...	Sir Guy of Gisburne (21 episodes, 1984-1986)
Nickolas Grace	...	Robert de Rainault / ... (17 episodes, 1984-1986)
John Abineri	...	Herne the Hunter (17 episodes, 1984-1986)
Jason Connery	...	Robert of Huntingdon / ... (13 episodes, 1986)
Michael Praed	...	Robin of Loxley (11 episodes, 1984-1985)

Also Known As:

Robin Hood (USA)

Runtime:

60 min (24 episodes)

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Colour:

Colour

Certification:

UK:PG

Filming Locations:

Alnwick Castle, Alnwick, Northumberland, England, UK

Company:

Goldcrest Films International

Trivia:

Originated the now-customary character of Robin Hood's Saracen companion - due to Mark Ryan’s unintentional permanent addition to the cast. Every new version of Robin Hood made since has included a Saracen character - or even sidekick.

Quotes:

Herne the Hunter: String the bow.
Robin of Loxley: Why?
Herne the Hunter: To give it purpose.

Movie Connections:

Spoofed in "Fast Forward: (#3.4)" (1987)

Soundtrack:

Strange Land

The Definitive Robin Hood

There is nothing more I can add to what has already been said about the entire series. As well as taking me back to a time in my life when the words "mortgage" and "bills" meant anything to me - and when Saturday night prime-time entertainment didn't involve reality TV, people wanting to be pop stars and hour-long programmes to pick lottery numbers when I could do it myself in ten minutes at the most) - there is no other TV show or movie about Robin Hood that even comes close to being on a par with "Robin Of Sherwood."

Every member of this young cast brings their character to life, and the Merry Men are perfectly written and acted. The Sheriff Of Nottingham breaks away from the usual mustache-twirling, scenery-eating bad guy, and has more in common with a corrupt politician than his previous incarnations.

Michael Praed's Robin Of Loxley was certainly a better Robin than Jason Connery's, but that isn't to take anything away from Connery. Praed's swansong in "The Greatest Enemy" is one of the best episodes of any TV show I have seen in such a long time.

Richard Carpenter's knowledge of both the legend of Robin Hood and beliefs in England at that time clearly show here - and it goes without saying that if the people behind "Prince Of Thieves" had this much insight and knowledge of the source material, their "Raw-bin Hood" would not have been so dismal. Blatantly stealing elements from RoS, and yet ignoring others make this film merely a pale imitation of RoS.

Without wanting to sound harsh, Connery seems to have been chosen to garner a little publicity for this often under-rated show; the son of a former incarnation of Robin Hood playing a modern-day Robin Hood. Connery handles the part extremely well, but isn't the actor Praed was. That said, I do prefer the third season episodes and stories to the first two series'. No one would envy having to follow in the footsteps of a role made famous by someone else for two series, and there is - as in all the series' - an excellent camaraderie and relationships - between Robin, his Merry Men and his Merry Woman.

The addition of the "old religion" trying to continue, while the new religion of Christianty tries its hardest to stamp it out. It's ironic that this reminds me of "Prince Of Thieves" in relation to RoS: borrowing a lot of elements from the original, and tweaking them a little. Still, though, the old version prevails over time.

Clannad's soundtrack works excellently alongside the programme - and I doubt RoS would have been the success it was without it. If you don't already have Clannad's "Legend", go out this weekend and treat yourself.

All of the stars appear on the DVD boxsets and everybody has good memories and making this show. Now a huge star, Ray Winstone seems genuinely pleased to take time out to talk about his experiences and love of the show.

Whoever suggested in this discussion that Carpenter should bring all of the Merry Men back together as older, wiser outlaws is 100% right. Do it now.

"Nothing's Forgotten. Nothing Is Ever Forgotten."