Robin of Sherwood

There have been countless dramatizations of the Robin Hood legend over the years—some lighthearted, others gritty—but Richard Carpenter’s Robin of Sherwood stands apart as something truly unique. This is no simple tale of “boys in tights” cracking jokes in Sherwood. Instead, it is a dark, brutal, and atmospheric retelling that embraces both the historical grit of outlaw life and a mythic, almost spiritual dimension.

What sets this series apart is its willingness to delve into occult themes and folklore. Pagan rituals, eerie supernatural elements, and even touches of Norse mythology are woven seamlessly into the story. Rather than cheapening the legend, these aspects give it real weight and a sense of ancient, almost primeval power. This darkness isn’t just for shock—it’s thematic, exploring loyalty, sacrifice, and the cost of defying authority.

The series also achieves something rare in television: a successful transition between two lead actors as Robin—Michael Praed and Jason Connery. Both deliver compelling, distinct takes on the character while maintaining a consistent narrative spirit. It’s a testament to the strength of the writing and direction that the change doesn’t feel jarring or diminish the show’s momentum.

The supporting characters are equally well-drawn. Guy of Gisburne is more than a sneering henchman; he’s complex, prideful, and often sympathetic in his failures. Guy de Belleme, in particular, is a chilling antagonist whose occult practices elevate the stakes beyond mere banditry. While the historical accuracy of these occult elements can be questioned, they work brilliantly within the series’ own mythos.

And then there is the music. Robin of Sherwood wouldn’t be half as immersive without Clannad’s superb soundtrack. Ethereal, haunting, and evocative of ancient woodland mystery, Clannad’s score is outstanding. It doesn’t just accompany the action—it becomes part of the storytelling, imbuing the entire series with atmosphere and emotional depth.

Visually, the series makes excellent use of real locations, capturing misty English forests in a way that feels raw and authentic. The cinematography isn’t flashy by modern standards, but it’s effective, giving viewers a sense of a lived-in, dirty, and believable medieval world.

I highly recommend Robin of Sherwood. It remains, to my mind, the definitive screen version of the Robin Hood legend. Everything before and since pales in comparison if you want a Robin Hood that feels ancient, magical, dangerous, and deeply human.

Ratings:
⭐ Overall: 10/10
🎬 Production: 10/10 (The dark thematic focus and outstanding Clannad music are superb.)
📷 Film & Cinematography: 8/10
🛡 Authenticity: 7/10

The one adaptation that actually feels like an autentic version of the Robin Hood myth. It is a much more mysterious and has an aura of fantasy over it which actually makes it more fantastic than anything else I have seen about the character. This series was also hugely inspirational on future productions as it was here that we were first introduced to a merry men who was a Muslim and Marion even participates in the action. Sheriff of Nottingham is also played as a egocentric crazy bastard that steals any scene he is in. Michael Praed would also never again achieve the same dimension and facets as he did here and his excellent turn was so good that he was tempted by Hollywood money making him leave the series at the end of season 2 in what is one of TV history's most shocking moments. Luckily, the Robin Hood myth actually contain two characters so a new Hood was introduced in the third season and it actually made sense, but Sean Connery's son Jason was inferior to Michael and probably why the series only lasted three seasons. Clannad's music add an extra dimension to the supernatural and while the series didn't have a huge budget it delivered much more joy, excellent stories, ambition and strong acting than other shows I have seen from the 1980s. The one Robin Hood that all other Hoods are compared to.

Ive watched this twice. Once as a young lad on TV in Saturday mornings and again in the last few years. Dont regret it, old school adventure with less of the modern boring drama. Only thing to warn is it kind of doesnt finish, it was cancelled due to large budget costs. So youre left with unanswered questions.