I shouldn't really have to explain the premise of a show called Robin Hood. If you don't know the basic story, then go read about it on Wikipedia or something. However, there are things which make this show different from the other versions of Robin Hood which have appeared either on the big screen or the small screen.
First and foremost, it's important to go into this show with the proper mindset. If you're thinking of trying this show to see a serious historical drama, then forget it. The words serious and historical are rarely applicable. Drama however, describes it to a T. It has somewhat justly been called The Sherwood Soap Opera, occasionally.
And as far as historical accuracy goes, well, people who complain about it are just watching the wrong show. This show never ever ever pretends to be historically accurate. The costumes, people's personalities, the way they talk, all of it is 21st century stuff. (Think A Knight's Tale.) That's what the show is. It's a fun show about characters in the 12th century that act like they lived in the 21st century. Minus a lot of the junk that you'd get from a 21st century show.
Now, enough disclaimers. Here is the basic start of the series. It's pretty similar most other Robin Hood stories. Robin of Locksely is just returning from fighting with King Richard in the crusades. With him is his faithful manservant, Much. They are both looking forward to being home after a five year absence, and Much is thrilled that Robin has promised to free him and give him land in return for his service.
On the way home, they encounter a man who has been caught poaching. A group of soldiers are about to execute the law of the land, and cut off one of the man's fingers. He begs them not to, claiming that he must get food for his wife, who is pregnant and will lose the baby if she doesn't eat. Robin and Much decide to give the man a helping hand, and rescue him.
Robin and Much continue on, and the next day arrive in Locksely Village, Robin's home. They are not back for long before they notice that things are not the same as when they left. Robin's land has been left in the charge of Sir Guy of Gisbourne, and his methods of managing the villagers is much different than Robin's. On the very day of Robin's return, three village boys are arrested for stealing flour, and sentenced to hang by the Sheriff of Nottingham. Robin goes to request that the Sheriff release them in honor of his return home, but the Sheriff refuses. He places before Robin a fatal ultimatum. Either watch four (yes, four. Remember the poacher from the beginning? He's in trouble again.) men hang for insufficient crimes, or lose his rank, land, and possibly his life. It's Robin Hood. What do you think he chooses?
Robin Hood:
Although not the typical Robin Hood (Jonas Armstrong is pretty small. Especially in season 1.) The character is quite winning. This Robin is light hearted, and fond of what he does, which is rob from the rich (mostly the Sheriff) and give it back to the people who adore him. He's cocky, and a lady's man, but there is only one lady who really catches his fancy. The lady which I left out of my initial description...
Lady Marian:
If you know anything about Robin Hood, you know Lady Marian (not Maid Marian, this time.) Without her, this Robin Hood's head would get so big it would explode. Robin's former fiancee does not sing his praises as many do. Although she is against the Sheriff of Nottingham, she supports her father, a former Sheriff himself, if a silent opposition to the Sheriff. They work to turn the nobles who serve the Sheriff, and prefer to keep their dissidence hidden. She most often calls Robin a 'fool' although when Robin needs help, or information, he knows where to go.
The Sheriff of Nottingham:
He is evil. And it's funny. That's pretty much all there is to say about Sheriff Vasey of Nottingham. No matter what dastardly deed he is committing, he always manages to bring out the comical side of it, whether by puns, or out right jokes, he is brilliant. Keith Allen brings a real energy to the screen, and provides a great adversary for the great Robin Hood to play off of.
Sir Guy of Gisbourne:
Undoubtedly the most, or at least one of the most, popular characters of the show. Sir Guy is the Sheriff's right hand man, and does not hesitate in carrying out the most violent of the Sheriff's plans. However, the leather clad baddie played by Richard Armitage has a soft spot for Lady Marian. She acts as a conscience for him, and he even listens to it a few times. The somewhat 'grey' nature of his character seems to be a big part of his popularity. However, I think it has more to do with the brilliant Richard Armitage.
Much:
Robin's faithful servant is possibly the most endearing of all the characters. He follows Robin into his exile, of course. Giving up the hope of having his beautiful lodge at Bonchurch, which Robin had promised him. Although not many people would name him as their favorite character, you would be hard pressed to find a person who didn't love Much. He symbolized the average person, in Robin Hood's gang. Not letting Robin get too carried away with his grand ideas to forget about the regular necessities of life. Like food.
Little John:
Not much to say here. Little John is the big man of the gang. If something needs broken, they call on Little John. Other than that, he's pretty much the most bland character in the cast.
Will Scarlett:
One of the boys which Robin rescued from hanging is Will, a village boy from Locksely. He is quiet, but very passionate, and fights with the weapons he is most comfortable with. His carpenter's axes. He is the gang's mechanic. If something needs built, carved etc. They call on Will. If it can be made with wood, he can make it. He also finds himself drawn towards the only female member of the gang.
Djaq:
Pronounced 'Jack', is the nickname of the Saracen woman who joins the gang in their fight for freedom. She was brought to England as a slave, but was rescued by Robin and the gang. She decides to stick around, and becomes the gangs scientist. She has a logical mind and is familiar with many scientific advances which have been made by the Saracen's recently. She also happens to be a proficient fighter. In the words of Allan, she is just 'one of the lads.'
Allan a Dale:
I have saved the best for last. Rounding out Robin's gang is Allan a Dale. (Remember the poacher? Here he is again.) He's not a minstrel in this version, however, he is a storyteller. Or to use the word which is a little more straight forward, a liar. Remember the wife he said he had back at the beginning? He doesn't have one. He was raised a pickpocket, and has the skills to survive in the forest with Robin. He doesn't have much of a noble nature, but he's getting there. His best friend Will Scarlett sees to that. When Robin needs a creative way of getting into the castle, he asks Allan. He's always scheming, and is never short a quick word. He is also the pessimist of the gang, and is fond of saying 'I'm not being funny, but...' when he has some sort of objection to make.
So, there are the main characters for you. This show really is a lot of fun. And it manages to throw in a few good serious moments as well. However, don't take it too seriously, because if you feel like analyzing every episodes plot, you're bound to find a few holes. If you take it at face value and enjoy the fun character interactions as well as some good clean action entertainment, this show is the best!
~Paige
P.S. One more disclaimer. Don't judge the show by the first 15 minutes of episode one. Or all of episode one, even. Give it a few episodes to hook you.
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