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Robin Hood

Editorial Review

Editorial Review

It's strange that ABC1 have chosen to give this costume drama so little publicity. Returning to local screens some weeks ago, this is the sixth episode of the second season. We're almost halfway through the season, and hardly anyone knows Robin Hood's on air.

This is strange because, as dramas go, Robin Hood is well-constructed stuff. Produced by the BBC, this retelling of the classic story is modern and likeable. The young leads are suitably photogenic and engaging. Though Jonas Armstrong's Robin doesn't so much brood as pine, his tortured angst works. He's nicely matched by Lucy Griffith's Marian, whose fiery nature is tempered with a gentle innocence.

Strongest of all among the cast is Richard Armitage as Sir Guy of Gisborne. There's no doubt Gisborne is the true villain of the piece, but Armitage doesn't overplay it. There's a burning menace to his character that elicits alarm by sheer presence.

In tonight's episode, the merry men continue in their quest to liberate England of Prince John's tyranny by busting in on a secret Black Knight's gathering. The series isn't all that swashbuckling, but it's good fun. The contemporary feel is refreshing and should appeal to viewers.

Robin Hood airs on ABC1 on Sunday, March 9, at 7:30pm.

Minh Nguyen, February 2008