DVD Robin Hood Season 1

BBC America

Released on DVD: May 30^th, 2007

$79.98 US

5 stars

Reviewer: Deborah Ground Buckner

Robin Hood, BBCAmerica's exciting new approach to the classic legend, is now available on DVD. All 13 episodes of Season 1 are included, along with such extra features as character profiles, a “making of” feature, and a tour of the set.

The setting is a time familiar to depictions of the Robin Hood legend, during the crusade of King Richard I. Robin of Locksley (Jonas Armstrong), injured in the Holy Land, returns to Nottinghamshire to find a new, corrupt Sheriff (Keith Allen) in power. Robin's house and lands have been taken by Sir Guy of Gisborne (Richard Armitage), and Robin receives a less-than-warm welcome from Marian (Lucy Griffiths), the girl he left behind in his pursuit of glory.

Robin takes to the forest with his devoted servant, Much (Sam Troughton), where he recruits a faithful band of outlaws, including John (Gordon Kennedy), Will Scarlett (David Copperfield), and Allan-a-Dale (Joe Armstrong). It is a much smaller band of “merry men” than in other versions of Robin Hood, but this provides ample development of characterizations.

This is a fascinating telling of the story with more emphasis on relationships than adventures, though there is no lack of action. Jonas Armstrong presents a well-intended but mischievous and sometimes angry Robin, a perfect match for Lucy Griffith's headstrong, defiant, yet vulnerable Marian. As the Sheriff of Nottingham, Keith Allen brings a delicious sneering evil to the character, reminiscent of Alan Rickman's portrayal in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. Richard Armitage makes Guy of Gisborne a truly three-dimensional villain, harsh and cruel, yet capable of real emotion portrayed with a smoldering charm.

The episodes can be enjoyed in repeated viewings, making this a worthwhile DVD purchase, and a way to enjoy the forest life until Robin returns in Season 2.