Monday, March 12, 2007

Robin Hood -- Sheriff Got Your Tongue?

Judy and I were busy Saturday evening, so I missed the second episode of the new BBC Robin Hood series. I recorded it, however, and watched it today. This was a good thing, since I was able to zip through all the irritating commercials and watch the show in about 45 minutes instead of an hour.

I'm glad I decided to stick with this show. There are some things that are a little irritating, but here are some of the things I like: the music, the colors, the action, and (mostly) the characters. The Sheriff of Nottingham is way, way over the top. I don't care. I enjoy watching him as he delights in his villainy, whether he's having a tongue cut out or whether he's taunting the peasants. He's also a pretty shrewd judge of character. Robin might be a little too noble, but I like that, too. His ability with a bow is possible only with modern film techniques rather than in real life, but that doesn't bother me at all. I'm ready for another episode.

12 comments:

Benjie said...

I also had to wait for a taping because of houseguests and trying to get little ones to bed. I'm with you on keeping with it, though. Still my biggest fear is that they'll take the modern road and switch from action to drama -- the death of many a good western or police show.

I am interested in the development of Much's character. As for the technological enhancment of the bow-play--I'm all for that, too. After all, why would one watch Robin Hood if not for the archery action. It's like saying you watch Walker, Texas Ranger for the acting and not the action.

mybillcrider said...

I have to admit the bow-play is very cool.

Anonymous said...

I'd like less of the Sheriff and more of Sir Guy.

stilwell

Cap'n Bob said...

I had it on while I was Netsurfing so I listened more than watched. They're doing something I hate in period pieces: using modern language. Xena sounded like a Valley Girl, and Robin like some mall rat. When a character said, "No way" I changed channels.

mybillcrider said...

The language was one of the irritations. "We don't do towns!" But I've decided that they translated the old language into modern slang and let it go at that.

Steve, Sir Guy looks like he could be interesting. I have a feeling we'll see more of him.

Benjie said...

So far, Guy has looked like a pansy to me. Maybe he'll get some backbone as the show develops. The sheriff's love affair with evil and himself is intriguing to me.

Benjie said...

I'm sorry, did I just say, "to me" twice in one paragraph? That's amazing to me.

Anonymous said...

To me, too, Benjie.

Seriously, though, Jackie agrees with you, Bill. The Sheriff is her favorite character.

But then she also likes his servant who can't keep his mouth shut.

mybillcrider said...

I like Much, too, but he might become annoying.

Anonymous said...

I'm one of the ones unbothered by the physics-defying bow feats, as well, had the acting been up a notch to "sell" it. But, I eventually decided BBC America, who financed this series in part, were shooting for the Xena audience and were not interested in those portions of the American audience that might care for a different level of show. But then, we are the culture of Stargate and Star Trek, in its many incarnations, Xena and Hercules, et cetera, et cetera.

I'm interested to see how you will like the next 11 episodes, so I'll keep checking in!

Clement Glen said...

Anyone remember Disney's live version called the Story Of Robin Hood made in 1952. It is sadly neglected now but had some wonderful qualities. The actors included Peter Finch, Joan Rice and Richard Todd.

It was this film that got me interested in the complex legend and I have started a blog about the film, the actors and the history.

let me know what you think!

Its at:
http://disneysrobin.blogspot.com/

mybillcrider said...

Saw it and enjoyed it quite a bit. Disney did Robin again later on, with cartoon characters.