||SPOILERS|| What's this? A really good episode of Robin Hood? Praise be. To be relatively brief, I thought "Lost In Translation" overcame a few slip-ups (not one, but two instances of a public execution to be foiled), and felt a lot more heartfelt and dramatic than usual...The Sheriff (Keith Allen) blackmails the local Abbot (David Hayman) into using his religious clout to make Robin (Jonas Armstrong) and his gang social pariahs, by claiming they have stolen from the church and must be captured and punished forthwith. Brother Tuck (David Harewood) investigates his old friend the Abbot, whom he can't believe would ever condemn Robin's men, while Robin tries to reason with the local villagers, who are all in two-minds about accepting his help any longer.
It was a relatively simple story, but that didn't really matter. The fact is, this was a more constructive and devious attempt by the Sheriff to catch Robin Hood, by using the people's religion against them. David Harewood also impressed in his scenes with the Abbot, after he realizes the Sheriff has threatened to burn an English translation of The Bible that he's been working on for over ten years. Such prose is considered sacrilege by some, but Tuck believes it will ensure Christianity's prosperity across the land. Undoubtedly this series is reaping the rewards from casting Harewood as Tuck; he brings real gravitas to the screen and, whenever he's around, the show feels far more adult in its attitude.
Sure, Tuck is captured and has to be saved from The Rack by Robin's men, who are later themselves captured to be burned at the stake, but "Lost In Translation" didn't suffer from indulging the show's clichés. There was more going on away from them than usual, and even Jonas Armstrong feels like he's growing into the role now. Strangely, the absence of Richard Armitage as Guy isn't really felt -- as it actually gave the Sheriff far more to do, and Keith Allen relished chewing the scenery. The balance of comedy was also nicely handled, with the Sheriff kicking a guard down some stony steps (and again, once he'd reached the top), and Much's (Sam Troughton) attempt to chat-up Kate (Joanne Froggatt) was also quite amusing.
Indeed, it's nice that Kate isn't the obvious love-interest for Robin, as I'd quite like to see Much get the girl instead. But I'm not sure how likely that is, as I can't see Robin being without a damsel to fret over for long. Keeping Kate separate from Robin's gang also provides a better link to the villagers, although it's becoming quite annoying how quickly the fickle peasants of Nottingham turn on Robin Hood and still seem to hang on their Sheriff's every word, despite all he's done in the past. But, I guess that's just a problem the series has to suffer if it's to create weekly stories.
Overall, "Lost In Translation" wasn't a truly excellent episode, but it showed a bit of maturity, and the style of the show isn't quite so kid-friendly. There was some nice touches of darkness, the scenery and sets looked great, and growly guest-star David Hayman made for a brilliant, conflicted Abbot. The repetitive music didn't kill the action sequences, either, although I still wish they'd compose some fresh tunes.
11 April 2009
BBC1, 7.45pm
Writer: Ryan Craig
Director: Alex Pillai
Cast: Jonas Armstrong (Robin), David Harewood (Tuck), Keith Allen (Sheriff), Gordon Kennedy (Little John), Sam Troughton (Much), Joe Armstrong (Allan-a-Dale), Joanne Froggatt (Kate), David Hayman (The Abbot), Terese Banham (Rebecca) & Matt Devere (Tar Seller)
