Robin Hood (BBC TV series)

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Robin Hood

Format Drama, adventure, folklore
Picture format 1080i (HDTV)
Run time 45 minutes
Creator(s) Dominic Minghella and Foz Allan, based on traditional legends
Starring Jonas Armstrong
Lucy Griffiths
Keith Allen
Richard Armitage
Gordon Kennedy
Sam Troughton
Harry Lloyd
Joe Armstrong
William Beck
Anjali Jay
Channel BBC One
BBC HD
Production company Tiger Aspect Productions
Air dates October 7, 2006 –
No. of episodes 13
IMDb profile
TV.com summary

Robin Hood is a British television programme, produced by independent production company Tiger Aspect Productions for BBC One, with co-funding from the BBC America cable television channel in the United States.[1] Based around the stories of legendary English folk hero Robin Hood, the programme started on October 7, 2006.

Contents

[edit] Production

Comprising thirteen 45-minute episodes, Robin Hood was created by Dominic Minghella and Foz Allan, who serve as executive producers on the series, with Minghella the chief writer. Minghella was previously responsible for the successful ITV network comedy-drama series Doc Martin. Richard Burrell is the producer, and the other writers involved on the first series are Paul Cornell, Mark Wadlow, Debbie Oates, Kurti & Doyle, Joe Turner and Julian Mitchell.[2]

The programme was shot in Hungary, standing in for 12th century England. Production was based in the town of Fót, near Budapest, at a facility leased by Tiger Aspect from the Hungarian film company Mafilm.[3] The first series had a reported budget of £8 million.[1] The programme was specifically designed to run in the same Saturday evening family drama slot as the successful revival of Doctor Who, filling the slot in Doctor Who's absence between series. Shot in the high definition format, the programme also airs on the BBC's BBC HD service.

Robin Hood was announced as a possible commission by BBC One Controller Peter Fincham in July 2005,[4] but not officially confirmed by Head of Drama Jane Tranter until October 24 that year.[5] On February 18, 2006, the Daily Mirror newspaper announced that actor Jonas Armstrong had been cast in the lead role in the series.[6] This was confirmed by the BBC in a press release on April 3, 2006, which announced that filming on the series had begun in Hungary and also announced further casting.[7]

On Thursday November 23, 2006, the BBC confirmed that the programme had been renewed for a second series, to be shown in 2007.[8]

[edit] Tape theft

On Monday 28 August 2006, it was reported in various British tabloid newspapers that several master tapes for the programme had been stolen from the production base in Hungary, possibly by an extra working on the series. "Now TV executives are deciding whether to pay off the crooks or reshoot large chunks of the show. At worst the series, due to replace Dr Who on Saturday nights from October, could be shelved," reported the Daily Mirror.[9]

A BBC spokeswoman would not confirm reports of a £1m ransom being demanded for their safe return or that the tapes were the only copies of the footage. She added: "All reasonable steps are being taken to recover the tapes." The BBC further said that the series would still be shown as planned, despite the theft.[10]

Given the irony of a Robin Hood series falling victim to theft, and the fact that the crime came to light as the BBC was beginning to publicise the show in preparation for its launch, there was some suggestion in sections of the media that the story was actually a publicity stunt. Guardian Unlimited columnist Mark Borkowski, for example, wrote that: "OK, so I might be a cynical old publicist, but has anybody checked the crime scene on the set of Robin Hood in Hungary? ... expect a miracle in Budapest and don't try getting money on at the bookies for the lost footage turning up, saving the odd red face and gloating PR exec."[11]

The Controller of BBC One, Peter Fincham, denied that the story had been a publicity stunt at the programme's press launch in London on September 6. The cast and crew confirmed at the same launch that they had been forced to re-shoot some scenes in order to cover the material lost on the stolen tapes.[12]

The day after the press launch, the BBC News Online website reported that the tapes had been successfully recovered, and two men arrested for their theft.[3]

[edit] Characters

Spoiler warning: Plot and/or ending details follow.

The programme uses the majority of the established characters who appear in the many previous versions of the Robin Hood legends, with the exception of Friar Tuck, who does not feature in the first series at all. This created some comment in the British media, with the Daily Express newspaper claiming that Tuck had been "banned from the new BBC series of Robin Hood so that people won't laugh at fat people."[13] The production team gave varied responses as to why Tuck had been omitted. Foz Allan told The Sunday Times that "We’ve got Robin coming back from fighting in the Holy Land. If you put in a Christian priest, you’ve got to start having conversations I don’t think we were ready for at 7pm on a Saturday night."[14] However, his co-creator Dominic Minghella insisted to the Radio Times: "It's simply that we had too many characters... If we're commissioned for a second series, we'd definitely consider adding him."[15]

In December 2006, it was revealed that Tuck would feature as a character in the second series, with BBC One controller Peter Fincham stating that he would like to see comic actor Matt Lucas play the part.[16] However, there is serious doubt about Lucas taking on the role due to his hectic schedule in 2007.[17]

[edit] Robin Hood (Jonas Armstrong)

Younger than many of the previous actors to have played the character, Armstrong described his version of Robin Hood as "A believable superhero... Like all leaders, he's an egoist and he's often quite arrogant. He's not an out-and-out hero... He has an undercurrent of darkness."[18] At the outset of the series, Robin has just returned to England after five years fighting in the Third Crusade, during which he was honoured by King Richard. He is Lord of the Manor of Locksley and was engaged to be married to Marian, still having feelings for her when he returns.He is secretly delighted that his childhood sweetheart remains unmarried, but Marian is angry that he chose to go to war, and shuns him on his return. Robin is devastated when Marian becomes engaged to Guy of Gisborne in order to keep herself and her father safe.

A dark side of Robin's character is revealed when he realises that it was a masked Gisborne that he prevented from killing King Richard whilst in the Holy Land thanks to a distinctive arm tattoo and scar that Gisborne keeps hidden. Robin himself gave Gisborne the scar when he stopped Gisborne from killing the king. This revelation sends Robin into a rage, and he attempts to kill Gisborne in his anger, compromising his own teachings about killing only when necessary.

[edit] Little John (Gordon Kennedy)

A former resident of Locksley, where his wife and young son still live believing he is dead, John is an outlaw for unknown reasons. He is initially the leader of the outlaw band seen in the forest, and meets Robin when he and his band capture him, Much, Alan and Will at the end of the first episode. This eschews the traditional meeting of John and Robin, seen in almost every other interpretation of the legends, where they battle with quarterstaffs over who can cross a river first. "We had a different version for their meeting and we had something so horrible going on in the episode that a jolly fight was entirely inappropriate," Minghella told the Radio Times.[15]

[edit] Marian (Lucy Griffiths)

The daughter of the former Sheriff of Nottingham, Marian is twenty-one years old,[15] and in another difference from other Robin Hood stories, is not described as a "Maid". "In those days [21] would be considered quite old to still be a maid," actress Lucy Griffiths explained in the Radio Times preview.[15] Somewhat cold and aloof at times, she is apparently bitter at Robin's long absence fighting in the Crusades, and does not approve of the outlaw life he has chosen, believing that the best way to fight injustice is from inside the system. However she does begin to help Robin in his fights against the Sheriff, and keeps him as informed as she can of the Sheriff and Guy's plans. In the third episode it is revealed that Marian is the mysterious and masked Night Watchman, a Nottingham legend who leaves food and medicine for the people who need it. She is a highly skilled archer, and can more that hold her own in a fight. In Episode 7, she is forced into agreeing to marry Sir Guy of Gisbourne, whom she does not love, to save both herself and her father. Robin is devastated when he hears the news. Robin and Marian have many tender moments together throughout the series, but Marian is often deterred by Robin's cheeky attitude. One line," Your charms, such as they are, ceased to work on me at least five years ago." To this, Robin replies, "A challenge?" Marian says, "A statement."

[edit] Vaysey, Sheriff of Nottingham (Keith Allen)

Cynical, sarcastic and with a dark sense of humour, Allen's portrayal was described by the Hollywood Reporter as "very camp in the Alan Rickman tradition of sardonic villains,"[19] referring to Rickman's role as the Sheriff in the 1991 film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. Vaysey became the Sheriff three years before Robin's return to England, and helped to install Guy of Gisborne as the new Lord of Locksley. He despises Robin and all that he stands for, but also taunts him for his beliefs. Weak at heart, the Sheriff covers his weaknesses with his humour and disregard for human life.

[edit] Much (Sam Troughton)

Robin's former manservant, he followed his master to the crusades, but was given his freedom after his service there. However, he remains a devoted follower of Robin, and his right-hand man. In the second episode of the series, Robin tells Much that he loves him. Troughton described his character to The Sunday Times as "an innocent who has lost his innocence."[14] Unlike previous versions of the character, Much is not portrayed in the series as having been a Miller's son — in the second episode, he claims to have no family at all. In some previous modern retellings (including the 1938 film and 1991 TV movie), this role has been taken by the character Will Scarlett and not Much.

[edit] Guy of Gisborne (Richard Armitage)

Installed as the guardian of Locksley in Robin's absence, Gisborne is reluctant to relinquish his power there and takes over the lands fully when Robin is outlawed. He is eager to have his own lands as he has never had any to go with his title, an experience which has left him somewhat bitter. As in other tellings of the Hood legends, he is a suitor of Marian, and she does not return his affections. In the words of the Radio Times, Gisborne is "the chief dispenser of the Sheriff's rough justice... seen killing a man in front of his own son."[15] In Episode seven, he forces Marian to agree to marry him. It is later that the supposed masked Saracen that Robin stopped from killing King Richard whilst in the Holy Land was in fact Gisborne, and that Gisborne bears a scar from the encounter across a distinctive tattoo on his arm. It is seeing both the scar and the tattoo which causes Robin to realise it was Guy he prevented from killing the King.

[edit] Will Scarlet (Harry Lloyd)

The youngest member of the group. The young son of the local carpenter of Locksley, who has been forced to steal food for the family. Handy with an axe, he is a skilled carpenter which comes in useful for getting the band out of sticky situations. He was due to be hanged for stealing in the first episode but was rescued by Robin and followed him into the forest. In the 8th episode he admits to being in love with Djaq.

[edit] Allan-a-Dale (Joe Armstrong )

First met Robin whilst the Sheriff's men arrested him for stealing on the way from Rochdale. Robin saved him by outwitting the men. He met him again whilst he was to be hanged, and yet again saved by Robin. He followed Robin into the forest and joined the group. He is not a minstrel in this series, but is quite a good archer. He is also a pathological liar, which is useful to Robin. His brother Tom, also a liar and a thief and much like Alan used to be, is later hanged by the Sheriff.

[edit] Djaq (Anjali Jay)

Introduced in the episode "Turk Flu", Djaq is a Saracen who was being transported as a slave: she is a woman, but took on the disguise of a boy in order to go to war. She helped Robin free her fellow slaves and destroy a mine belonging to the Sheriff. After the incident, Djaq joined the outlaws. She appears to have some knowledge of medicine, and (as revealed in "Tattoo? What Tattoo?") alchemy. Djaq is not one of the traditional characters in the Robin Hood story, although she does follow in the recent tradition of a Saracen character being added to the band of outlaws, which began in versions such as Robin of Sherwood and Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. In "Tattoo? What Tattoo?", both Allan-a-Dale and Will Scarlett admit they "like" her.

Her character has attracted some criticism regarding political correctness.[citation needed]

[edit] Publicity and reception

Some of the UK media coverage from the week leading up to the first episode's broadcast.
Enlarge
Some of the UK media coverage from the week leading up to the first episode's broadcast.

[edit] Media coverage

On Saturday July 8, 2006, the BBC showed the first teaser trailer for the series — a shot of a flaming arrow flying into the BBC One logo in the corner of the screen as the Robin Hood logo and "Coming Soon" were displayed above. This teaser ran either side of the Doctor Who season finale on BBC One, and was shown on several other occasions on various BBC channels over the following weeks. A longer trailer with actual dialogue from many of the characters was previewed in the Video Room of the Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre during the first week of August 2006, as part of the community's Robin Hood Festival.

The BBC's Radio Times listings magazine ran a short preview article for the series, as part of a feature showcasing the best of the autumn season television line-up, in its 2–8 September 2006 edition, published on August 29, 2006, the day after the tape theft story was publicised in the press (see above). Wrote the magazine's correspondent Benji Wilson: "Why watch it? You can't beat a good ruckus — Armstrong and his merry co-stars all enrolled at a specially-commissioned 'Hood academy' before filming in Hungary, where they were drilled in horse riding, sword skills and archery."[20] The article was accompanied by a large publicity photo of Armstrong in costume.

The first full reviews for the programme began appearing on September 7, 2006, after a preview of the opening episode had been shown at the press launch the previous evening. The website of The Guardian said that: "The challenge for the new Robin Hood is to appeal to younger viewers while pulling in their parents as well. It will be no easy task. About as difficult, in fact, as simultaneously firing two arrows from the same bow, and both hitting the target. But as Robin showed in the opening episode, it can be done."[21] In The Times, critic Paul Hoggart backed the series to be a success: "Armstrong as the rather understated Robin Hood should still be moodily cheeky enough to find his way on to the bedroom walls of a few hundred thousand pubertal girls, and Lucy Griffiths as Marian is inevitably feisty. But the villains steal the show, with Richard Armitage’s Guy of Gisborne off-setting Keith Allen’s gags as the mocking, heavily sarcastic Sheriff. The audience including cast, crew and their friends cheered at the end but this remake should go down well with families at home, too."[22]

The BBC began running longer trailers for the programme on Saturday September 16, 2006, with the first being shown following the final episode of How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria? on BBC One. Trailers were also shown in cinemas, and billboard advertisements were taken out by the BBC. The Radio Times devoted the cover of its 7–13 October 2006 edition, published on 3 October, to the series, with a photo of Armstrong and Armitage in character.

[edit] Ratings

The opening episode won its timeslot in the unofficial overnight ratings, with an average viewing figure of 8.2 million, peaking at 8.5 million. This compared to an average of 7 million for its nearest opposition, Ant and Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway on ITV1.[23] According to the Guardian Unlimited overnight ratings report the following Monday, this equated to a 37% share of the total viewing audience available for Robin Hood in its timeslot, as against 31.1% for Ant and Dec.[24]

The second episode of the series lost 1.5 million viewers compared to the debut, with an average of 6.7 million in the overnight figures and a 30% audience share. This put it second in its slot, behind The X-Factor on ITV1, which average 7.3 million and a 35% audience share.[25]

By the time of the second series' confirmation at the end of November, the programme had averaged an audience of 6.6 million viewers for its seven episodes then broadcast.[8]

[edit] Episode guide

# Title Writer Director Airdate
1 "Will You Tolerate This?" Dominic Minghella John McKay Saturday October 7, 2006, 7.05–7.50pm
Robin returns home from The Crusades and discovers the oppression of the new Sheriff of Nottingham. 
2 "Sheriff Got Your Tongue?" Dominic Minghella John McKay Saturday October 14, 2006, 7.00–7.45pm
While the Sheriff of Nottingham and Guy of Gisborne take control of Locksley, Robin, Much, Allan and Will encounter Little John and his gang of outlaws in the forest. 
3 "Who Shot The Sheriff?" Paul Cornell Richard Standeven Saturday October 21, 2006, 7.15–8.00pm
With the people of Nottingham being attacked by a mysterious archer, Robin finds himself blamed. 
4 "Parent Hood" Mark Wadlow Richard Standeven Saturday October 28, 2006, 7.10–7.55pm
Robin and the gang attempt to steal some of Gisborne's horses and discover a mysterious baby. 
5 "Turk Flu" Debbie Oates Declan O'Dwyer Saturday November 4, 2006, 7.05–7.50pm
The Sheriff is importing slaves to work a dangerous mine. In the meantime there is an archery competition at Nottingham Fair. 
6 "The Taxman Cometh " Bev Doyle and Richard Kurti Richard Standeven Saturday November 11, 2006, 7.00–7.45pm
Robin and his group make use of a kidnapped tax inspector to break into Nottingham Castle to steal Tax silver and Marian makes a momentous decision. 
7 "Brothers in Arms" Joe Turner Declan O'Dwyer Saturday November 18, 2006, 7.15–8.00pm
The outlaws increase their number after allying with a rival band led by Allan-a-Dale's brother Tom, who soon proves to be more trouble than he's worth. Marian tells Robin the details of Gisborne and the Sheriff's latest plot to catch him - but puts herself in danger by doing so. 
8 "Tattoo? What Tattoo?" Julian Mitchell Declan O'Dwyer Saturday November 25, 2006, 7.10pm–7.55pm
The outlaws humiliate Guy of Gisborne at a feast by stealing an engagement ring he intended for Marian. But matters soon take a turn for the worse for Robin when he discovers a shocking secret about Gisborne that sends him spiralling out of control. 
9 "A Thing Or Two About Loyalty" Paul Cornell Graeme Harper Saturday December 2, 2006, 7.05pm–7.50pm
Castle scientist Lambert has invented explosive black powder. Realising that it could become a lethal weapon in the wrong hands, he hides his ledger detailing the secret formula. 
10 "Peace? Off!" Bev Doyle and Richard Kurti Graeme Harper Saturday December 9, 2006, 6.55pm–7.40pm
When a Saracen guest is revealed to be staying at Nottingham Castle, some of Robin's men believe he is a sorcerer, the Sheriff thinks he has a hostage and the Saracens themselves think he must be killed. 
11 "Dead Man Walking" Saturday December 16, 2006, 7.05pm–7.50pm (scheduled)
 
12 "The Return Of The King" Saturday December 23, 2006 (scheduled)
 
13 "Clue: No" Saturday December 30, 2006 (scheduled)
 

[edit] Overseas sales

As a co-producer on the series, BBC America owns the United States broadcast rights to the programme, which is expected to debut on the channel in 2007.[26] Sales have also been agreed with broadcasters in Australia, Denmark, France, New Zealand, Portugal, Sweden and Spain.[27]

[edit] Trivia

The music used in the Robin Hood trailers is Alice by The Sisters Of Mercy.

[edit] Notes

  1. ^ a b Robin Hood returns to British TV. BBC News Online (2006-04-03). Retrieved on 2006-09-01.
  2. ^ Robin Hood. Tiger Aspect. Retrieved on 2006-04-06.
  3. ^ a b Stolen Robin Hood tapes recovered. BBC News Online (2006-09-07). Retrieved on 2006-09-07.
  4. ^ Thomas, Liz. "Hood the new Who?", The Stage, 2005-07-14. Retrieved on 2006-07-19.
  5. ^ Deans, Jason. "BBC starts search for a new Robin Hood (subscription link)", The Guardian, 2005-10-24. Retrieved on 2006-07-19.
  6. ^ Robertson, Cameron. "ROBIN WHO? EXCLUSIVE — BBC picks unknown for £8m Hood series", The Daily Mirror, 2006-02-18. Retrieved on 2006-07-19.
  7. ^ Robin Hood revealed. bbc.co.uk (2006-04-03). Retrieved on 2006-07-19.
  8. ^ a b Robin returns for second series. BBC News Online (2006-11-23). Retrieved on 2006-11-23.
  9. ^ Methven, Nicola. "Robin Hood Kidnapped", Daily Mirror, 2006-08-28. Retrieved on 2006-08-28.
  10. ^ Tapes for BBC's Robin Hood stolen. BBC News Online (2006-08-28).
  11. ^ Hungary for publicity? (subscription link). Guardian Unlimited (2006-08-30). Retrieved on 2006-09-01.
  12. ^ Robin Hood overcomes theft drama. BBC News Online (2006-09-07). Retrieved on 2006-09-07.
  13. ^ Today's media stories from the papers (requires free registration). Guardian Unlimited (2006-04-03). Retrieved on 2006-10-14.
  14. ^ a b Kinnes, Sally. "Another string to Robin's bow", The Sunday Times, 2006-09-24. Retrieved on 2006-10-14.
  15. ^ a b c d e Naughton, John (2006-10-07–2006-10-13). "Boyz in the wood". Radio Times 331 (4305): 12–16.
  16. ^ Thomas, Liz (2006-12-07). Matt Lucas courted for Friar Tuck role. The Stage. Retrieved on 2006-12-08.
  17. ^ Saney, Daniel (2006-12-13). Lucas turns down Robin Hood role. Digital Spy. Retrieved on 2006-12-13.
  18. ^ Rampton, James (2006-09-02–2006-09-08). "The Hood Life". TV & Satellite Week: 14–15.
  19. ^ Bennett, Ray. "Robin Hood", 2006-10-06. Retrieved on 2006-10-14.
  20. ^ Wilson, Benji (2006-09-02–2006-09-08). "Stories to Stay in For". Radio Times 330 (4300): 12.
  21. ^ Plunkett, John (2006-09-07). First review: Robin Hood. Guardian Unlimited. Retrieved on 2006-09-07.
  22. ^ Hoggart, Paul. "Old villains steal new show", The Times, 2006-09-07. Retrieved on 2006-09-07.
  23. ^ Robin Hood debut watched by 8.2m. BBC News Online (2006-10-08). Retrieved on 2006-10-08.
  24. ^ Day, Julia (2006-10-09). ITV all-of-a-quiver as Robin rides in (requires free registration). Guardian Unlimited. Retrieved on 2006-10-09.
  25. ^ Day, Julia (2006-10-16). Robin's audience swiped (requires free registration). Guardian Unlimited. Retrieved on 2006-10-16.
  26. ^ Sheppard, Fergus. "Merry men Ant and Dec bow to latest incarnation of Robin Hood", The Scotsman, 2006-10-09. Retrieved on 2006-10-13.
  27. ^ Akyuz, Gün (2006-10-11). BBC's Robin Hood rides into action. C21 Media. Retrieved on 2006-10-13.

[edit] References

[edit] External links

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