The BBC has announced that Robin Hood will reappear in the spring with 13 new episodes of the successful but far from authentic version of the popular rogue hero.
It seems that the “re-imagining” of the Arthurian legend in Merlin was merely keeping the seat warm in preparation for the third series of the BBC’s Saturday night hit Robin Hood. Despite mixed critical opinion and lack of historical accuracy the show managed to attract ratings varying between 6-8 million in its first and second run so it goes without saying that it would have another go at trying to make people forget about Doctor Who.
Robin’s Rip-roaring Revenge
The story for this series starts three months after the death of Marian, which has left Robin (Jonas Armstrong) devastated. Taking a ruthless streak he's got rid of his gang since they all returned from the Holy Land and is fixated on getting revenge on those who killed who killed his wife, namely Guy of Gisborne (Richard Armitage).
Robin’s actions are fuelled by anger and grief but he gets help in the form of a travelling monk called Tuck (David Harewood), who tries his best to get the hero on the straight and narrow.
Speaking to the BBC Jonas said: "Robin's back from the Holy Land but without Marian, the beat of his life. He's questioning everything he ever lived for and now it's pay back time and he's become obsessed with killing Gisborne. The big question is will he take his mortal enemy's life?”
Robin and Gisborne forced to work together
As Robin is distracted in this new quest the Sheriff of Nottingham (Keith Allen) can continue his evil ways without complication. But Locksley villager Kate (Joanne Froggatt) objects to his forced conscription and ends up getting caught up in the cause of Robin Hood, eventually becoming a member of the gang.
But as the threat of Prince John (Toby Stephens) becomes more dangerous Robin and Gisborne have to form an uneasy alliance and they discover that they have far more in common than originally thought. Plus an unexpected addition to the Gisborne family, Isabella (played by newcomer Lara Pulver), arrives and becomes a problem both of them can do without.
Robin Hood Part of 2009 Drama Line-up
Critical opinion on Robin Hood is divided with some people applauding the family-friendly approach while others are confused by the contemporary references and storylines that reflect current events. The swish editing and antics of the young cast led Guardian critic Charlie Brooker to describe it as Grand Theft Sherwood.
Executive Producer Greg Brenman said: "Series three is bigger, bolder and more action-packed than ever before. From the get-go Robin's turbo energy compels the series forward. All the other new characters add so much texture and fun to this modern day interpretation of the legend that is Robin Hood."
The new series of Robin Hood is just part of the BBC Drama 2009 line-up which includes a Doctor Who special, more Ashes To Ashes and Torchwood and an all-star televisual remake of The Day Of The Triffids.
The copyright of the article Robin Hood Back on BBC One with Third Series in British TV is owned by Steven Cookson. Permission to republish Robin Hood Back on BBC One with Third Series in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
I am so excited about seeing Series 3; we've all been waiting so long for
this! But the new plotlines seem like the writers were scrambling for what
to do after they stupidly killed off Marian at the end of Series 2. All
the Robin Hood fans I know could do with less action and more romance (for
Robin) in this no-longer-family-friendly show (re: Guy's stabbing of
Marian). Tell me, Mr. Cookson: have you actually watched the show? If you
have, then you'll know it's not a show most would allow their children to
watch; not anymore, anyway. By the way: any idea about when Series 3 might
be shown in the U.S.? Thanks very much for all the info.
Feb 19, 2009 12:58 AM
Guest :
I have always been dead-set against the enormity of the part Gisborne has
played in this Robin Hood considering it is the story of Robin Hood.
Nowhere else has this part been played to the extent it was in this
adaptation. The part was brilliantly played, but too savagely brutal and
sadistic and definitely took up too much major viewing time at the Hero's
expense. The show in the second season featured more of the villain than
Robin and his Gang plus there's enough violence on TV/Movies these days so
that when promised family entertainment with all the thrills and excitement
and promise of a beautiful screen romance between two very attractive young
newcomers, we had it all for a short while. Why did it go so wrong and who
on earth sanctioned the storylines that saw Robin's Life Partner torn away
from him destroying the stories with a complete 13-part season to go, which
I might add after a shocking, overly long interim is finally promised at
long last, not to mention all the mystery and intrigue which has surrounded
what we may or may not expect. It will go down for all time as the biggest
mistake killing off the heroine in a well recognised and documented
centuries' old story, possibly the most popular of British legend.
Feb 19, 2009 8:40 AM
Guest :
This show is fantastic and had been getting better. I didn't like the
first season. Too silly. Season 2 was better and more adult. I like the
focus on Guy. That they chose to develop his character and give him a
story too. We've all heard the tale of "Hood" for so long. It's
good to have a new story with Guy being ever developed and so well acted by
Richard Armitage. I hope RA does not leave the show and I hope he
continues on thru seasons 4,5,6...... I do have a question about this
article however. It states: "As Robin is distracted in this new
quest the Sheriff of Nottingham (Keith Allen) can continue his evil ways
without complication. But his sister Kate (Joanne Froggatt) objects to his
forced conscription and ends up getting caught up in the cause of Robin
Hood, eventually becoming a member of the gang."
Who
exactly is Kates brother?
Feb 19, 2009 8:53 AM
Steven Cookson :
To answer your question, it was typo but I've fixed it now. Sorry for the
confusion but it's good that it was highlighted.
Feb 19, 2009 1:30 PM
Guest :
Series 3 sounds like it has many great story possibilities, and I
personally look forward to it. Nevertheless, the "family show"
quality of Robin Hood was completely lost in series 2 when there were far
too many moments between Marian and Gisborne that had unpleasant and
coercive sexual overtones. This is not the kind of behavior to which I
would expose any child. Furthermore, as has been so forcefully pointed out
by others here, this behavior by Gisborne toward Marian, which in real life
we would minimally label as harassment if not verging on stalking behavior,
culminates in Marian being murdered--an all too commonly encountered
outcome when disturbed individuals fixate inappropriately on a female.
Trying to pass such a plot off as a romantic story is ludicrous and
dangerous to impressionable minds. So as you can tell, I found it to be
offensive and irresponsible television writing. Thus, psychologically,
Robin Hood became very grim and "dark" indeed in season 2 (to
settle for a vast understatement), and most definitely was no longer a
family show, despite what I believe were it's original intentions. I hope,
in the face of the continued emphasis on "darkness," that season
3 is just a little more "family" friendly, perhaps suitable at
least for everyone over the age of 12, although what good that will do, now
that the families have stopped viewing, I don't know.
Feb 19, 2009 2:54 PM
Guest :
To the author of comment #1. I recognise your style I think. You have been
posting this kind of thing all over the web since December of 2007. We get
it. You hate the fact that RH isn't merely about the title character - not
least because admittedly it's a badly written part, but it's badly acted by
someone who so far has merely displayed a pretty limited range. The team
behind the show had to do something about this and so beefed up the parts
of the bad guys as they are much better written, better acted and much more
interesting and entertaining than anyone else.
My kids watch the
show and love it. My nephews do too. As do the children of many friends
both online and off. I'm interested in your claim that "most would not
allow their children to watch" Your hyperbole is breathtaking. How do
you know this? Where are the statistics that form the basis of your claim?
I wonder, if RH had stabbed Gisbourne instead would it then
have magically remained a family show suitable for children? I imagine so,
in your eyes.
Thanks so much for the column Steven. Am really
looking forward to the new series. I've seen a still of Robin, Tuck and
Kate and it's all looking terrific. Jonas looks much tougher and meaner,
which is all to the good and I sincerely hope that he finally finds his
feet in this new series. If he does raise his game, and the rest of the
cast keep up the good work, we'll be in for a real treat.
Feb 20, 2009 12:01 AM
Guest :
To the author of comment #5: the statistics that form the basis of my claim
that most I know with children would no longer let them watch RH is purely
anecdotal, but a result of the overwhelming outcry of many parents from the
various countries in which RH is shown, at the stabbing of Marian, comments
of whom I've been reading at various websites this past year. The claim
that RH would've remained a "family-friendly" show had Robin
instead stabbed Guy at the end of S2 has some sense to it: everyone knows
the bad guys have to die! I am not alone in my outrage and unhappiness
that the beautiful romance between Robin and Marian was completely and
utterly destroyed by the writers beefing up Guy's part simply because some
people like you preferred his looks to Robin's. As far as your snide and
cruel comment regarding Mr. Armstrong's acting is concerned: "badly
acted?" "limited range?" I think you've got the actors
confused. Mr. Armstrong displayed a myriad of emotions very convincingly,
from happiness, to anger, to great longing, compassion, heartbreak, etc.
Mr. Armitage, on the other hand, in my opinion, played Sir Guy as a rather
one-dimensional hissing, murderous snake.
By the way: I believe
I recognize your style, too.
Feb 20, 2009 1:05 AM
Guest :
Haha, no, you really don't recognise my style, as this is my first ever
public response to your ramblings. Nice try though :)
Why have
you brought "looks" into this - they are completely irrelevant to
the acting abilites of the cast, whcih is what I thought we were debating.
Bringing them up only shows the weakness of your arguments. Can we stick to
a more cerebral tone please.
If you really think my comments on
Armstrong's acting abilities "cruel" then I would suggest to you
that your sense of perspective is a little skewed. When someone goes into a
public profession they will be critiqued on their performance. It isn't
"snide and cruel" to have an opinion. Nor is it a personal
attack. It is a reasonable and legitimate conclusion to make based on
watching 26 episodes of the programme. Oh and reading many other reviews
made by eminnent journalists and TV critics, I'm fairly certain I haven't
got any actors confused :) The Sheriff and Gisbourne specifically, are
better actors by far and your defence of your particular favourite - while
admirable on some levels - is fatally weakened by your utter refusal to
accept that he has deficiencies which are thrown into sharp relief by the
talents of much of the rest of the cast.
Lastly, I assume the
bad guys will die at the end of this series. I've never considered
otherwise. Of course the legend of RH will win out in the end. If he'd have
killed his enemies at the end of the second series, what on earth would the
third series been about? The plan was always to have three series. The
conclusion to Series Two was a massive shock, but my goodness, its had me
and many, many others waiting breathlessly for Series Three since the
second it finished. I'm sure ratings will be uniformly good for Series
Three - I find that the children of my acquintance can clearly understand
the difference between real life and the life portrayed in a TV show.
Feb 20, 2009 7:36 AM
Guest :
Glad I'm providing you w/such amusement. When I said I recognized your
style, you could be anyone who shares your, in my opinion, misguided views.
I, and many other RH fans I know, would have preferred that S2 be the last
series; what can possibly be attractive about a S3 with two men heartbroken
about the death of their love? We all dreamed of a Happily Ever After for
Robin and Marian; now that's all gone and it all sounds like such a sad,
angry prospect for the main characters (who are left, that is).
Feb 20, 2009 8:05 AM
Guest :
I really an excited for this series of Robin Hood - and whats more, the
cast seem excited about the direction of the story lines. The one thing I
am hoping to see is a more traditional rendering of Robin Hood. I would
like to see at least a glimpse of him as we know him - as a Hero and not
someone who struggles so much to define who he is and what he is about.
Clearly, the murder of his beloved Marian has been a burning bush moment
for him and I can't wait to see it played out! Thank you for the article
Mr. Cookson.
Feb 20, 2009 8:39 AM
Guest :
Remember there wouldn't be much point in having a goodie (Robin Hood) if
there were no baddies in the storyline would there? All the cast are
excellent in their respective roles and I can't fault any of them. My fave
is still Guy (although his new look is going to sorely tempt me to abandon
him altogether! (What! Never!)
The scriptwriters keep wowing us
with new storylines and I love the contemporary spin they put on them!
Onwards and upwards. The excellent storylines by scriptwriters seem to go
from strength to strength. I hope Sally Wainwright will take up the
gauntlet and continue where Dominic Minghella has left off! I will be
interested to see what she comes up with.
Feb 20, 2009 9:40 PM
Guest :
Thank you for the article on my favorite program, Robin Hood. After a
hiatus of over 15 months, our UK cousins will soon be viewing Series 3 and
hopefully this is an indication that those of us across the pond will also
be enjoying more adventures with the Darlin’ Robin and his gang in the near
future. This retelling of the Robin Hood legend took some unusual turns in
Series 2, especially the ill-conceived and disastrous finale in which the
lovely Lady Marian is murdered by the dastardly Sir Guy of Gisborne.
Although there have been rumors and a few official bulletins that the
darkness of Series 2 will continue in S3, many fans would love to see Robin
Hood return to the fun entertainment that was Series 1. When Series 3
ends, we will miss the delightful Jonas Armstrong as our modern day Robin
but look forward to seeing him and the other capable cast members in future
productions.
Feb 21, 2009 9:43 AM
Guest :
I think Robin Hood has gradually changed to become more orientated towards
adults or older children perhaps, but I think that’s because some of the
characters became so popular and scriptwriters are just giving what the
audience wants. Namely entertainment!
If parents feel that its
content is no longer suitable for their children to watch then it up to
them to police their kids viewing, not programme makers. I remember when I
was a kid loving nothing better than watching a John Wayne western or war
film (still do!) and they used fake blood to make it more realistic. I
think the fact that RH omits to do the same is a shame, and in some way
underestimates our children’s intelligence and ability to tell the
difference between fiction and reality (mind you I think it’s not only the
kids that might have this problem!). Not to mention right from wrong!
I still believe however that it’s a series that the whole family
can watch and enjoy. Personally I hope that Tiger Aspect will keep churning
out series after series. I love it!
Just one more thing! Please
give Sir Guy a bath once in a while in series 4! (I’m sure there are plenty
of fans out there (me included) who would be willing to scrub his back for
him!
Mar 1, 2009 1:57 AM
Guest :
At the end of the day, regardless of timelines, facts, historical
references etc. it's supposed to be entertainment!!!
It's what
the BBC are good at. Why can't it be just enjoyed for that? Good Lord, do
we have to dissect everything these days?
Mar 5, 2009 6:28 PM
Guest :
It is only a show, agreed, but it meant a lot to us who are so fed up with
all the bad news of today so a bit of light-hearted entertainment was
extremely welcome. If it hadn't gone so far astray from legend, it would
have been up there with the classics in time but as it is, it will only be
remembered for Robin Hood sidetracked to become Gisborne's show
(misleading? - very misleading!). TPTB backed the wrong horse and
deliberately derailed the legend and instead of the good action, adventure,
comedy and romance in the family entertainment we were promised they lied
to us and reneged on their promise. They ruined what began as very
promising to harp on Gisborne who in all the books and ballads over
centuries, never lasted for any length of time at all in other adaptations.
We were NOT interested in the story aspects of a snarling
assassin/murderer, we wanted the jolly heroics of the Good Guys and didn't
see the need for going darker because of a previously non-existent
storyline overly made up as this now is rearranged to suit one actor who is
better known than the rest of the cast. It was a huge mistake and may well
ruin the current version altogether.
Mar 7, 2009 4:59 AM
Guest :
Re: comment #6: Series 1 was Robin-centric, as it should have been because
the show is called "Robin Hood", after all. I don't know about
you, but when I tune into a show called "Robin Hood", I expect it
to actually be about Robin Hood. And you may recall, Series 1 soared, got
tremendous ratings, had its own magazine, toy deals, etc. And then Series
2 came along, taking the focus off Robin...and ratings plummeted, magazine
canceled, viewer disinterest and fandom animosity exploded. So, I'm sorry,
can you please explain the problem with Mr. Armstrong, if he wasn't even
allowed to be featured? If he wasn't out in the lead, he certainly can't
have caused Series 2's poor performance, now could he? This isn't opinion;
these are the cold, hard numbers of ratings performance, the only metric
that really counts. So, "Robin Hood" featuring Robin: well
watched and liked. "Robin Hood" shoving Robin off the side:
apparently not so much.
Mar 11, 2009 4:22 PM
Guest :
Just remember: there are plenty of us out there who would rather scrub
Robin's back!
Apr 8, 2009 11:42 AM
Guest :
I liked season 1 and 2 of Robin Hood, but I kind of miss Marian in season
3. I don't feel like watching season 3 at all, it isn't the same without
Djaq, Will and Marian. And I do not like the Kate character in season 3,
why on earth did they put her in it. Spoiler coming up........ I saw in
promo video of bbc Robin kissing Kate, I was like how can they do this,
they are ruining Robin and Marian's love. Ofcourse you can't expect Robin
to stay single, but to put a love interest so soon, is cruel. I know its
just a tv show but I really liked the Robin and Marian relationship. They
should give Much and Allan a nice love interest, I find the characters
sometimes really shallow, there is not much dept. I just hate the fact that
Robin is moving on so fast and with Kate.
Apr 11, 2009 2:41 PM
Guest :
For those of you who have seen this series. What age is it appropriate for?
May 4, 2009 12:27 PM
Guest :
in anwser to the question "For those of you who have seen this
series>"pretty much anyone can watch it
Oct 18, 2009 2:59 PM
Guest :
I Love the series! not happy about what happened to Marion, what were you
thinking?! Gisborne is my favorite though, I am a woman. and Richard
Armitage is GORGEOUS! love the new wardrobe! Richard is an incredible actor, not just eye candy. Love the rest of the cast though,
wish he hadn't left two behind in the Holy Land and Marion's death. Don't
like KATE! Tuck bugged me at first, he's not the leader so he shouldn't try
to take over; now he's part of the team and doesn't bug me anymore and Much
isn't the kind hearted idiot he was. if Giborne gets killed off, I'll stop
watching; wouldn't be worth it. Robin and Gisborne are rivals, the loss of
Marian was wrong!SPOILER ALERT! and I know Jonas is leaving at the end of
series 3 I don't know how, but I hope that doesn't mean the loss of the
character as well. WE ARE ROBIN HOOD is great in that the are ALL one, but
without the real Robin Hood, it's like too many cooks in the kitchen,
things will go wrong. Kind of like killing Marion...
Feb 18, 2009
