Customer Reviews

Robin Hood: Season Two

5 star:		(33)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

Robin and the gang are back, giving us a second season packed with action, intrigue, humor, and even more of those wonderful little character moments that made the first season such a joy. It is evident even from the first episode that the overall tone of the show is much darker this time around, as each our heroes must contend not only with the Sheriff's evildoings, but also with their own personal tragedies. This darker tone goes hand-in-hand with a bit more violence, though it is no more graphic than what was presented in the first season. This gives the show an intensity that had been missing before, and the opportunity to present some jaw-dropping action sequences (Robin vs the Black Knights is not to be missed!).

It was always the characters that made the show appealing to me, and on that score S2 delivers in spades. There are many lovely Robin/Marian moments, and some surprising new alliances (of friends and enemies) are formed as well. One of my favorite scenes of the entire series is a beautifully-written character exposition sequence in the episode "A Good Day To Die" where, in the classic death-at-sunrise scenario, each member of the gang spends their potentially last-night-on-earth revealing their inner secrets. It's an extremely emotional scene, and a powerful one, that brings up insecurities and issues that have been building since the very beginning of the series.

Of course, the series wouldn't be Robin Hood if there wasn't also plenty of fun to be had along the way. The Sheriff is still as hilarious as he is evil, and it's a blast watching Robin and Co. get the best of him time and again. Keith Allen does an especially great job with the Sherrif's gloating/crying in "Get Carter", an episode which also introduces one of the most enjoyable recurring characters to come to Nottingham in quite awhile.

Season 2 has more of a cohesive story arc than season one, and as such, there are plot twists galore (most notably the 2-part finale) that impact future episodes and draw on events of those past. I'd recommend staying spoiler-free until you've seen them. That being said, get a box of tissues handy and be prepared to pick your jaw up off the floor by the time you finish the last episode. It's a doozy.

Rumor has it, there will be a S3, although the BBC is a being a bit cagey as to the details. In the meantime, settle down with season two and enjoy the ride!

This second installment of the popular BBC series will take you on a serious ride. You will laugh and by the end you will most likely cry. Both Jonas (Robin) and Richard (Guy) are serious talents and they are really comfortable with their roles. Lucy Griffith's (Marion) shines this year as she serves as Robin spy in the castle. This Robin Hood series takes a serious turn as Robin begins to kill and as he fights for England, but he still possesses his cheekiness. Love this series and ABSOLUTELY LOVE JONAS AND RICHARD. I also recommend North and South for the hopeless romantics.

The reason I love this series is because it is so much fun. I am a huge fan of the Robin Hood legend. My favorite rendition is Errol Flynn ("Adventures of Robin Hood", 1938) but what Jonas Armstrong brings to the character shouldn't be missed. Armstrong's facial expressions and delivery makes you love Robin even more.

The actors who portray Hood's gang was well cast. They play off each other beautifully. I feel the group is more unified that I have ever seen before-I love it when they state together, "WE ARE ROBIN HOOD". you realize that is is more than one person, it is an ideal.

The storytelling is also well done. It gives you more than Robin Hood and his band of thieves stealing from the rich (and giving to the poor). From the beginning of season 1, you discover the history of Robin Hood, the Sheriff of Nottingham (brilliantly played by Keith Allen), the battle of the throne between Richard and John as well as how the gang was formed.

I love every season-as I am now enjoying the 3rd and last on BBC America, my favorite is season 2. So many people are critical of certain details (i.e. accuracy of costumes). Personally, I think it is a beautiful telling of the legend in every way. It is an enjoyable series-lighthearted and fun.

I hate to say goodbye to Jonas Armstrong's Robin Hood after only three seasons. Thank goodness for DVDs so I can continue to invite him, Big John, Much, Tuck and the others in my home.

The second season of Robin Hood BBC was a bit of a downer for me. Season One was electric. Due to the brilliance of the cast, particularly Jonas Armstrong as Robin Hood, Lucy Griffiths as Maid Marian, and Richard Armitage as Sir Guy of Gisbourne. But everyone was great. I have to say this was possibly the most gifted ensemble cast ever to grace a television series of any genre. This retelling of Robin Hood had the possibility to actually overshadow my previous favorite version, the 1984 Robin of Sherwood. ROS had everything but there were a few mis-steps,at times the talented actors, Michael Praed as Robin, Judi Trott as Maid Marian, Clive Mantle as Little John, Ray Winstone as Will Scarlett, etc, could give a bad reading of a line if left to their own devices. But at other times ROS ascended to the level of great art.

The actors of Robin Hood BBC rarely if ever misread a line. They were supreme. But unforunately the writers lost their vision midway through Season Two and totally went mad in the final episode, S2, E13. They in effect undid every positive thing in the series for me and S3 is just a mess. I would give S1 a 10, S2 a 9, and S3 and 2. It just wasn't believable or interesting for me. For Sir Guy of Gisbourne fans, perhaps, S3 was better, because basically the writers ignored Robin Hood and made S3 the "Sir Guy of Gisbourne Show". But back to Season 2. There is still enough left of the original conceit, Robin Hood for our generation, that Series 2 is still great. But it is a shame that the writers let everything fall apart in their zeal to do something different with the Sir Guy character.

This is why, despite my feelings that Season One and Season Two had the possbility of finally creating a Robin Hood that was the DEFINITIVE Robin Hood, (mostly because of Jonas Armstrong's brilliant portrayal of Robin Hood) they failed. Robin Of Sherwood is still champ. I think everyone should see this BBC version, because of the incredible chemistry between Robin Hood and Maid Marian... and also yet the chemistry between Maid Marian and Sir Guy.. But if you want to see the DEFINITIVE ROBIN HOOD.. buy the 1984 version, Robin Of Sherwood, starring the delicious Michael Praed in the first two seasons, and Jason Connery in the third season as Robin Hood.

The second season of the new BBC "Robin Hood" gets off to an uneven start. The first three episodes feature overly cheesy adventure plots (including one in which the hero is slowly lowered into a snakepit and one in which the baddies are trying to build an invincible army by creating armor out of impenetrable metal), but the strong character and relationship development more than makes up for it -- specifically, the Robin Hood/Lady Marian/Guy of Gisborne triangle, the storyline of Allan turning a spy for Gisborne, and the tense dynamic between Guy and the Sheriff of Nottingham.

From Episode 4 onward, however, the pace really picks up and the cheese factor drops dramatically (despite some lame moments here and there). The Sheriff's plot against King Richard and Robin, Marian, and the gang's efforts to stop this plot take center stage, even as the character/relationship developments get ever more complicated and interesting. Robin's almost fanatical zeal in the king's cause takes an often dark turn, Marian is devoted to his cause but finds herself stifled when she joins him in the woods, Allan is torn between opportunistic self-interest and attachment to his friends in the gang, and Guy's feelings for Marian bring out his long-suppressed humanity and cause him to question the Sheriff's actions. Meanwhile, Marian's love and admiration for Robin coexists with increasingly complex attraction/repulsion feelings toward Guy as she begins to see a compassionate and even noble side to him. The dynamic between Guy and Allan is fascinating to watch as the two seem to develop a genuine friendship. The storyline involving Marian's father is also very touching. Meanwhile, the Sheriff remains his deliciously evil self as he plays for ever-higher stakes. The cast does a great job, particularly Richard Armitage as Guy, Keith Allen as the Sheriff, Lucy Griffiths as Marian, Joe Armstrong as Allan and Jonas Armstrong as Robin. Some of the supporting cast is excellent as well, especially the actress who plays Matilda the accused witch in "Ducking and Diving" and the actor who plays Lord Winchester in "For England."

Episodes 6 through 12 are truly awesome (my personal favorites are "For England" and "Walkabout"). The season finale is highly controversial because of ....

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SPOILER AHEAD...

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... Marian's death at Guy's hands. I don't think it was a wise decision, and Marian's departure definitely harmed the show (though I think there is a lot to like in Season 3 as well), but at the same time, it is a very powerful if tragic conclusion to the S2 storyline. (Too bad it's somewhat diluted by a ridiculously drawn-out death scene in which Marian is way too coherent for someone who's been stabbed in the stomach, and the sequences after her death drag on much too long as well.)

All in all, a vastly enjoyable season.

Really??!!
Just got finished watching this season. Let me first say, I absolutely LOVED the characters and the casting in this series. LOVED Jonas Armstrong's portrayal of Robin with his Peter-Pan like humor & likability. Spunky Maid Marian had her high points, and the other members of the band were so fun. These elements kept me watching Season 1 & 2 despite some misgivings about writing and directing that were at times too big for their britches... BUT...
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SPOILER ALERT follows
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How in the world do you decide to kill off Maid Marian in a Robin Hood story?! What were they smoking in the conference room?! Badly done. I am BUMMED! When we got to that part in the finale, I couldn't even engage emotionally; I didn't even take the trip with them... I bailed and thought, "Rats. There goes the series". ...and then to leave 2 other great characters in the Holy Land... why do writers do this? At this point, I don't know if I can even go on to Season 3.
Good job to the actors, though; I wish them well.

This show is just awesome. However, prepare to be a little dissapointed at the season finale, they change things around.

I've been a fan of anything Robin Hood since reading Pyle's version of RH at the age of 9. I like the fact that there are those out there who are willing to re-write the RH story. While this DVD of the BBC show is good, I can understand how it could disappoint. It follows the pure RH version very loosely, but in my opinion it is fresh, new and presents an interesting twist to the story. It has action, humor, and just enough seriousness to make it work.

I think this is brilliant serial, because: 1) It's interesting for the whole family; 2)The storyline is very exciting; 3)Richard Armitage is perfect for the Guy of Gisborne role!

I was amused by and had lots of fun with the first season of this modernized version of Robin Hood but it always felt pretty lightweight, insubstantive. The second series changed that. I came to really care about the characters and their plights, getting drawn into the story arcs and character conflicts that ramped up from season beginning to end. There is treachery and deceit from unlikely places and the danger level is at a higher notch (despite the fact that you don't see any bloodshed ... this is a family show, after all.)
If you have not seen this season be sure to avoid reading *anything* about the show online to avoid being spoiled for the finale!
I look forward to this release and a 3rd run of the show this fall on BBC!