Episode 5: Let the Games Commence

A woman dressed in rich silks flees through Sherwood forest. Her pursuers eventually catch her, after she abandons her horse and hides a pouch of something in a fallen log. It is immediately clear that she is a very capable woman, as she dispatches a few of her captors before being overwhelmed in the end. That's when Robin Hood comes in. With some of his old arrogance, he sends the men running, and then turns to the lady, whose name he finds out, is Isabella.

Shortly afterwards, Robin discovers that Gisbourne has returned; bringing with him a host of Prince John's trained guards. These guards begin 'herding' the gang towards the clearing where Sir Guy has set up his secret weapon. A rather sleepy looking lion.

The entire gang plus Isabella, is rounded up, except for Little John who escapes with the help of Bertha, a circus master, of a sort. In return for her services to him, Bertha asks Little John to compete in a gladiator fight for her that night. Reluctantly, he agrees to do so, while he waits for the rest of the gang to show up in Nottingham.

The Good:

Here we get our first taste of Izzy, Gizzy's sister. I must say that she is a much more interesting/like-able character than Kate was at first. I think I'm really going to like her. The only thing I didn't like was the hint of romance with Robin. However, I'm all for no romance ever again for Robin. In the end, I'm just glad it's not Kate. Lara Pulver did an excellent job portraying Izzy, and I love the family resemblance between her and Gizzy.

The plot was fairly enjoyable at first glance, however there were major issues here, as might be expected. Overall, though, I did enjoy it. Little John spoke a lot, and it was nice to see him get some screen time.

Oh, and Gizzy washed and trimmed his hair while he was in London. That was nice to see.

The Bad:

Judging by how long this section will be, you might think I didn't like the episode, but really, I did.

One of the things that has made me so irritated with this series is the fact that they are so busy introducing new characters that they hardly seem to have time for the old. Much and Allan had significantly small screen time, and were reduced to one-liners. I realize they have to replace lost cast members, but it seems such a shame to have lost the 'family' type atmosphere that the gang had the last few seasons.

Plot holes! Plot holes! Plot holes!
Do the writers even care about this show any more? Did the one sickly looking lion eat all of Prince John's men? There had to be over 100! Why didn't they escape the way Gizzy did? What was with the lion anyway? And GLADIATORS! Seriously? This episode abounded with ridiculous things. More than usual.

The Sheriff acted rather strangely this episode as well. I can't put my finger on it, but... he just seemed off. Until that last scene with Gizzy and Izzy. Then he was back.

Bertha was alright as a guest star, but was not quite up to the high standards set by the previous guest stars of this series (who have all been stellar). Her whole thing just seemed kind of odd.

The Ugly:

I don't know if anyone else has noticed, but I can't think of a single catch phrase that has been used this season. No, "A clue? NO!". No, "I'm not being funny, but...". It's terrible. I LOVE the catch phrases! If they've written them out, I'm going to throw a fit.

It's official. They are never going to mention Marian again. Another key part of the series thrown under the bus. Even in death she could have had some impact. Instead, both Guy and Robin seem to have forgotten her.

In Summary:

I think Isabella really made this episode. She is a very fascinating character, and I'm excited to learn more about her. However, I'm even more excited to meet Prince John next week. Toby Stephens is going to be BRILLIANT! I can't wait.

I think this episode was about the level of episode 3, not great, but not terrible either. Here's to hoping the gang gets more time next week, however, with Prince John coming, and Isabella to continue developing, it's not likely.

~Paige