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I loved this UK show as a kid -- in the US it was played on Showtime and PBS. Two Robins -- the first the raven-haired and shag-rug chest-haired Michael Praed, the second the blonde-haired and Sean's-son Jason Connery.
I hadn't seen the show in decades, so on a lark I picked up the Complete DVD set -- a bit over $50 on Amazon, which is a $40 discount over the outrageous suggested retail price. The show really holds up! In fact I probably appreciate it more as an adult. There's a strong pagan influence, with the James Frazer-esque Herne the Hunter and tree-worshipping villagers who like to tell each other "Blessed Be."
So far I've watched through disc 3, so I'm still in the Praed years, though I recall preferring Connery in the roll when I was a kid. I'll have to see if that preference holds up, but Praed is great in the roll. His Robin is not a superhero, in fact he's not really the best at anything (save for bow and arrow, of course). He's special because he's been chosen by Herne, and Praed does a fantastic job at making Robin more human than archetype.
A few years ago I watched an episode or two of the new UK Robin Hood, which though entertaining in its own right didn't catch me as much as this version. The new one is very Hollywoodized, with one-liners and cgi and the like. This '80s series is more soft focus camera shots and bloodless deaths and New Agey Clannad music. Sir Guy is all bluster (played by the late actor who portrayed the adult Mordred in John Boorman's "Excalibur," a film which certainly influenced Robin of Sherwood), and the Sheriff of Nottingham is perfect here -- each episode you're guaranteed at least one laugh out loud line. Probably one of the more darkly droll characters I've ever seen. And as for Robin and his merry men...they're basically a terrorist cell of anarchist-pagans, which just comes off as wonderful in these drab times.
Highly recommended. Any other old fans/new converts? |
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