In 12th century England, the Saxon peasants languish under the thumb of imperious Norman overlords. A few try to fight back, but they are over-matched by the weapons and armour of their opponents. All seems lost ... but in the heart of the country, the supernatural power of Herne the Hunter stirs, seeking the right person to lead a new resistance.
When his gaze falls on Robin of Loxley, the ancient spirit believe he has found the one he needs ... and soon the legend of the Hooded Man begins to spread ...
My mother's side of the family comes from Nottinghamshire, so it was probably inevitable that I would grow up with stories of Robin Hood and the outlaws of Sherwood Forest. When this show debuted, 10-year old me was pretty much the core demographic, and I was a faithful viewer.
Of course, things we like as kids don't always hold up well as adults, and this show was created and largely written by Richard Carpenter. That's the man behind Dick Turpin, which was, shall we say ... not as good as my childhood memories suggested.
I'm pleased to say, though, that while it is not high art, Robin of Sherwood has aged considerably better than Carpenter's earlier show. Robin's enemies are not as buffoonish as those in Turpin, and the overall tone is more grounded (despite the addition of supernatural elements). I also like that it subverts a few expectations along the way.
Also, it has a baby-faced Ray Winstone as Will Scarlet. Who knew there was a time Mr Winstone wasn't craggy ? :)
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