WRITER: Joe Turner DIRECTOR: Declan O'Dwyer
CAST: Jonas Armstrong (Robin), Lucy Grifiths (Marian), Keith Allen (Sheriff), Richard Armitage (Guy Of Gisbourne), Sam Troughton (Much), Gordon Kennedy (Little John), Harry Lloyd (Will Scarlett), Joe Armstrong (Allan-a-Dale), Anjali Jay (Djak), Charles Dale (Lucky George), Rachel Cairns (Eleri), Daniel Abelson (Tom) & Michael Elwyn (Sir Edward)
The outlaws grow in number after recruiting Allan-a-Dale's brother Tom, who turns out to be more trouble than he's worth...Half-way through the season and it's beyond doubt that Robin Hood is struggling to find original storylines, with each episode being just variations on a theme. In Brothers In Arms, the outlaws yet again have to infiltrate Nottingham Castle to rescue people from the Sheriff before they're hanged. Sound familiar?
The storytelling staleness is only alleviated by Marian and the unwanted romantic advances of Sir Guy. Lucy Griffiths and Richard Armitage are both highlights in the show, and perform very well in their uncomfortable scenes together.
To be honest, the main plot about Allan-a-Dale's wayward brother Tom (Abelson) isn't particularly involving, but manages to peak your interest with an unpredictably downbeat ending. However, the emotional meat is undoubtedly with Sir Guy's plot to unearth a mole and his misguided quest to woo Marian, so it's a shame the episode is ultimately a rudimentary exercise with just a few bright moments.
Technically, I remain impressed with the scenery and location shooting. Robin Hood's style lacks the muddy realism of Medievel England, instead choosing a less-garish range of primary colours and sunny afternoons mildly evocative of the classic Errol Flynn movie. While the production is too clean and sanitized for my taste (off-camera horror sits uncomfortably), the look is perfectly suited for family entertainment.
As a show, Robin Hood has found its identity and provides honest lighthearted fun -- mainly due to its likeable actors and impressive design. But it's also learning first hand the problems with bringing Hood to the small screen: the story has always been simple and doesn't really lend itself to multiple episodes. There are only so many woodland raids, jail breaks, sword fights and rescues you can stage before it begins to grow tired.
Seven episodes into the series and, narratively, Robin Hood is struggling to hit the spot.
