Robin Hood - Season 2 (2008)

Robin Hood

Everything I had to know about this dvd was stated before I purchased it. It arrived in excellent condition & before it was expected. I would definitely buy from this dealer again. October 2, 2008

Wha' Happened?

Here's what I said about Season One:

"This version of Robin Hood is fantastic. So much better than the '80s Robin Hood BBC series...This is a Robin Hood for fans of Indiana Jones and The Lord of the Rings. A gorgeous score, wonderful costumes, outstanding performances, riveting plots, cunning twists...Aside from the biased, uninformed view against Christianity that is evident in the writing, I endorse this Robin Hood wholeheartedly. Worth the full price! I can't wait for Season Two!"

And then I bought Season Two the day it came out...Um...what the heck happened? Did the writers just get in a big hurry? Did everybody lose their sense of humor? All of a sudden, this great Robin Hood story turns into a lackluster, boring crawl through Sherwood Forest. These characters I grew to love (and love to hate) in Season One are now making me want to walk away for a sandwich mid-sentence. I'm very disappointed in the way Season Two decided to turn. I won't be returning for Season Three. September 22, 2008

Highly enjoyable

I truly enjoyed this series and so did my 14 year old son who has an interest in archery and watching this made his interest renewed. September 18, 2008

Very Dissapointing Ending

I wasn't a huge fan of the first season, but I enjoyed it enough to continue watching once the second season had been released on dvd. Once I received my copy from my local library and started watching it, I was pleased to discover that it had taken on a more serious tone while still maintaining it's charming antics/humor. However, the ending of the season ruined the entire series for me.

Spoilers Ahead:

Mind you, BBC has every right to take created liberties with the original story, but killing off an important central character, thereby changing the entire tone of the story is unforgivable. Robin Hood is not supposed to be some tortured hero. He is supposed to be the embodiment of hope. I absolutely despise it when creators kill off main characters simply to boost their ratings. The death was entirely pointless and served no purpose other than to try to get a powerful reaction out of the viewers. I didn't cry, and I'm a huge baby when it comes to character deaths, but halfway through the last episode it became very obvious the direction they were heading, and I was very very unhappy about the turn of events.

I gave this seaon two stars instead of one because I honestly enjoyed the season up until the last episode. In part one of the season finale (which was my favorite episode) I was enraptured-- these characters were finally admitting their deepest darkest fears, as well as expressing their feelings of love for one another. I was truly moved by their confessions. However, due the the unexpected and entirely unnecessary death, I will not be watching season three.

Side Note: Guy of Gisbon is the most uneven character! The writers can't decide if he's good deep down, or if he's just an evil bastard thirsting for power. Make up your minds! In one episode he completely redeems himself through self-sacrifice and in another he commits several unforgivable, heinous acts of violence and treachery. I thought it had been established that he had changed... but apparently it was only for that one episode? September 16, 2008

Still A Winner Despite the Controversy!!!

I know there are some negative comments out there, but if you enjoyed Season 1 give Season 2 a try. Robin, his gang, Marion, Sir Guy and the Sheriff are all back. There is "more of the same" but there is also "more." I think this is what has upset many viewers. While there is still plenty of fun to be had in Season 2 the writers have stirred things up and thickened the plot. Many of the character weaknesses and conflicts that gave nuance to Season 1 come to fruition in Season 2. The tone is a bit darker, but unlike a soap opera that takes years to unfold, the Robin Hood story moves forward at an exciting pace.

Granted, the first few episodes are weak and lacking the energy of Season 1, but eventually the story opens up beyond Nottingham and things become more interesting. And some of the Season 2 episodes - like Lardener's Ring - are exceedingly clever! Most importantly, the characters are still captivating and the humor is still fresh.

To fully appreciate Season 2, it needs to be thought of not as just a continuation of Season 1 but as a precursor to Season 3. The writers took some risks shaking things up and in a way they have become similar to the hero they write about. I find myself asking - just as I do each time Robin and the gang are trapped - "How are they going to get out of this one?" The prospect is exciting! So enjoy Season 2 and wait with me in anticipation for Season 3.



September 12, 2008

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