Hailed as one of the most authentic and realistic portrayals of the Robin Hood legend, "Robin of Sherwood" -- which was retitled, with stunning originality in America as "Robin Hood"! --- was perhaps the first of the many interpretations down the years to treat the myth without satire or lampoonery, without making the title character a larger than life figure, and with as much attention paid to historical accuracy as possible when you're dealing with a person who may not have existed, or may be an amalgam of other people living at the time. It was also the only show I ever saw about Robin Hood that brought in pagan and mythic elements to the story; Robin himself paid obeisance to the pagan god Herne the Hunter, who treated him as his own son.
In this alone the show was unique. In every other film or series about the famous freedom fighter Robin was always the top authority, the man in charge. He deferred to no man, and perhaps only one woman. But here he willingly acknowledges the leadership and guardianship of the enigmatic man who professes to be the human representation of the spirit of the forest, Herne.
Running for three years from 1984 to 1986 over three seasons, the show was a big hit on UK television and is still seen as the benchmark for programmes about the legend, its popularity helped by the haunting theme and incidental music provided by Irish traditional group Clannad. It was one of the few British programmes to feature two different actors in the title role, with Michael Praed's Robin of Loxley being taken over by Jason Connery's Robin of Huntingdon in season three. In a timeslot clearly aimed at children and adolescents, "Robin of Sherwood" was obviously far more mature than the other Robin Hood shows that had been around, and appealed to adults just as effectively.
All the main cast were English actors, so there was none of the uncomfortable American accents of the likes of "Prince of thieves", and this of course helped the authenticity of the show. It was also shot on location in England, bringing in elements of both Saxon and Celtic myths. The show dealt with some uncomfortable subjects, among them devil worship, human sacrifice and witchcraft trials. The programme also retained many classic elements of the legend, such as the competition for the silver arrow, the rescue of Marion and of course, Robin's implacable enemy the Sheriff of Nottingham. Though the classic lineup of Merry Men were mostly present, there were some changes, with Allan-a-Dale not part of the band, only guesting in one episode, his place possibly taken by Robin's almost-idiot younger stepbrother, Much, the miller's son.
CAST
Robin of Loxely, played by Micheal Praed
What do you need to know that you didn't already? The son of a nobleman who was then killed in a rebellion against the Normans and had his lands confiscated, Robin is raised by a miller and meets the enigmatic pagan god Herne the Hunter, who recruits him to fight on the side of the poor and the disenfranchised. Robin gathers together a rag-tag mob who make Sherwood their base of operations and strike from there against the rich, being a particular thorn in the side of the Sheriff of Nottingham, who is trying to maintain law and order in the area.
Will Scarlet, played by Ray Winstone
A firebrand, hothead reactionary, Will wants nothing more than to crack some Norman heads, but he has no idea about planning or strategy. He constantly vies with Robin for leadership of the gang, but Robin is better liked and trusted by the men. He is against Robin's idea of helping the poor, believing that the gang should concentrate on striking against the sheriff and his men.
Friar Tuck, played by Phil Rose
The archetypal fat friar, Tuck is Marion's protector and escapes with her into Sherwood Forest, where they link up with and then become part of Robin's gang.
Little John (real name John Little), played by Clive Mantle
His name, as you no doubt know, belying his huge size, Little John is under an evil spell when he first meets Robin and fights him, but the younger man defeats him and destroys the influence of the spell. Thereafter he becomes Robin's friend and right hand.
Lady Marion of Leaford, played by Judi Trott
Ward of the Abbot Hugo, brother to the Sheriff of Nottingham, Marion is the daughter of a nobleman who is believed to have died in battle. She has a large inheritance coming to her, which the abbot is eager to get his greedy hands on. He promises her to the Baron de Belleme as his wife, but with Friar Tuck's help she escapes into Sherwood and meets Robin, with whom she falls in love.
Much, played by Peter Llewellyn Williams
One step removed from a simpleton, Much is the son of Robin's foster-father, and so sees Robin as his big brother, though they are not actually related by blood. He is ... well, I don't really know what he's supposed to do in the show. Most of the time he gets in the way. Could have really done without him to be honest. But Robin feels a sense of kinship and loyalty towards him, and will not have a word said about him.
Nasir, played by Mark Ryan
A Saracen warrior and assassin, Nasir originally works for the Baron de Belleme, but when his master is defeated he joins Robin's band, the two having fought and gained mutual respect for each other. Nasir is a man of few words, allowing his swordplay to speak for him, but he is fiercely loyal to Robin.
The Sheriff of Nottingham, played by Nickolas Grace
One of the most entertaining figures to grace any Robin Hood show, Nickolas Grace steals the show every scene he is in as Robert de Reinault, the long-suffering Sheriff. Whether he is browbeating his second, the unfortunate Sir Guy, or recoiling in disgust and perhaps fear from a rebuke from King John, Grace displays a dark humour that demands that you like him. Even as the "bad guy" he's totally engaging and corrupt to the core. His attempts to kill or capture Robin and his men are nothing short of comical, and he has some of the best lines in the series.
Sir Guy of Gisburne, played by Robert Addie
The downtrodden and ridiculed commander of Nottingham's garrison, Gisburne does everything he can to catch Robin, but like the schemes of Dick Dastardly or Wiley Coyote, every one fails and he is left to endure the wrath and contempt of the Sheriff. A man of action and war, he has little time for diplomacy, traits that land him in trouble as often as not. He has of course an abiding hatred for Robin, who sees him more as a bumbling oaf than a serious enemy.
Abbot Hugo de Reinault, played by Philip Jackson
Younger brother of the Sheriff, he is the senior clergyman in Nottingham, but is more interested in amassing personal wealth through the acquisition of land than in devotion to God. He is the ward of Lady Marion, since the supposed death of her father.