Director: Ciaran Donnelly
Cast: Jonas Armstrong (Robin), Lucy Griffiths (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)
After a gang of children discover a plan to create impenetrable armour for the Sheriff's soldiers, all but one are captured and Robin Hood 's assistance is required...Childhood is another entertaining adventure for the series, which has clearly improved from its first year, but remains a frustrating blend of missed opportunities and stylistic oddities (slo-mo, whooshing graphics). It really helps that this episode focuses on children, as a small gang of kids led by Daniel play "outlaws" in Sherwood Forest and accidentally witness Guy Of Gisbourne (Richard Armitage) testing a new, impenetrable armour.
Soon enough, the kids are captured and taken to Locksley Manor, although their leader Daniel manages to escape and find his hero Robin Hood (Jonas Armstrong), who draws up a rescue plan. The episode sees Daniel live out his boyhood fantasy, while Robin devises a way to free his young friends, and ensure the Sheriff's "magic metal" is never put into production -- by stealing the diamonds used to create it...
The idea to involve kids proves to be a brilliant one, as it's nice to see Robin Hood and his men are treated as heroic figures. Too often on this show, the poor villagers are quick to take the stolen riches given to them by Robin's gang, but rarely show their appreciation. Indeed, the general spirit of everyone outside of Robin's clique is annoyingly ambivalent to the situation with the Sheriff. I really hope the series begins to cultivate a growing sense of unrest with the population, as surely a mass uprising wouldn't be too far away?
For a family-friendly show, kids watching will love seeing people their own age taking part in the adventure. It's just a shame the emphasis on the children dissipates and eventually becomes a more typical Robin Hood plot. But, for all the criticism heaped upon Robin Hood every week, it would make a great children's series -- if that were its intent.
Richard Armitage is a constant source of joy as Guy, primarily because he's the only villain you're ever fearful of. In stark contrast, Keith Allen's Sheriff is too often a figure of boo-hiss fun, who exists to be humiliated. Guy snakelike charm is far more insidious and, unlike his master, he actually carries out his threats. I didn't expect to see children being slaughtered on primetime Saturday night TV, but it's a testament to Armitage's performance that the thought crossed my mind...
The late appearance of Marian (Lucy Griffiths) is also a wise choice -- not that I don't like Griffiths' performances, but because keeping her at distance makes a change. Robin Hood is quick to settle into formulas and repetition, so the episode takes a different shape by keeping her at arm's length for awhile. Indeed, it might good to have future episodes entirely without Marian, Guy or the Sheriff's involvement. Marian does play a significant role in the finale, but it's nice to see the emphasis of an episode move away from the obvious.
Alan-a-Dale (Joe Armstrong) continues his traitorous subplot, reporting Robin's plans to Guy, in exchange for food, wine and silver. This storyline is certainly one of the better ideas introduced in series 2, and it will be interesting to see the fallout when his actions are inevitably revealed to Robin. I'm predicting a last-minute change of heart and redeeming action from Alan, myself.
Unfortunately, the finale reverted to type and became a bit too jokey for my taste. The Sheriff threatens to hang a captured Daniel unless Robin hand over his stolen diamonds (and you know his threats are never born out), Guy gets to lurch around dressed as a medieval RoboCop, and Marian again scuppers the Sheriff's plans. Another silly punishment for Marian should be forthcoming, but atleast Guy finally begins to consider Marian may be working for Robin...
Overall, Childhood was a solid story and Robin Hood is beginning to show form in series 2. I could do without the panto villainy of the Sheriff (he even utters a "oh no..." when his plan falls apart), while the show's general attitude and casting decisions will always cripple it -- but this was entertaining, light-hearted fun. Robin Hood is worth watching if only for the marvelous Richard Armitage, endearing Lucy Griffiths, and the beautiful scenery.
As a TV show, it could be so much more -- given the big production values and classic premise -- but if you're willing to accept its many artistic faults, Robin Hood is breezy fun with a handful of performances to savour.
20 October 2007
BBC1, 7.15 pm
