Not My Robin Hood

by

Okay, so I’m totally hooked on the new Robin Hood series on MGM+! I’m going to talk about it, but be warned – I’m going to share some thoughts on what’s happened up through the sixth episode, “Bound by Love, Divided by Lies,” so spoilers ahead!

The new MGM+ series Robin Hood feels strangely designed to discourage the idea of a hero fighting for the common person. Instead of being driven by his own beliefs, this Robin Hood is molded by others, his motivations and even his name imposed upon him. The show spends a lot of time on a needlessly complicated backstory, and shockingly, Robin Hood ends up supporting a queen – agreeing to modify his rebellion to help her. It’s a bizarre twist, especially for a story in 2025, and it makes me wonder if Prime Video (which owns MGM+) is trying to offset the anti-capitalist themes of their show I’m a Virgo. This version of Robin Hood feels like a betrayal of the original story’s spirit.

With politicians seeking excessive power, growing inequality, and billionaires profiting from practices that harm workers, the story of Robin Hood feels especially relevant today. While entertainment can only do so much, a well-made Robin Hood series could offer a satisfying release. The character’s lasting popularity isn’t just about Disney’s charming version; it’s also about his core principles. The familiar story – a nobleman becoming an outlaw champion for the poor, encountering King Richard and the scheming Prince John, battling the Sheriff of Nottingham, and finding love with Marian – is built on Robin Hood’s unwavering belief in justice and his determination to fight against a system that unfairly burdens ordinary people. It’s a simple, enduring story that resonates because it’s easy to understand and widely relatable. In a climate where many believe the wealthy should contribute more, the idea of taking from the rich to help the poor is powerfully appealing. It’s a message that’s hard to disagree with.

This new version of the Robin Hood story takes some frustrating turns. Set in the 12th century, it begins after the Normans have conquered the Saxons, taking their land, banning their beliefs, and replacing their leaders. Hugh of Locksley, a former Saxon nobleman, loses his home and lands to the ruthless Huntingdon. The new Sheriff of Nottingham, played by Sean Bean, puts Hugh in charge of Sherwood Forest, but not to protect it – to control the Saxons and enforce the King’s ownership of everything within it. After a complicated scheme involving Huntingdon leads to Hugh’s execution and the death of his wife, their son, Robert, is left lost and determined to avenge his father. This quest for revenge worries his family and his lover, Marian, who is the daughter of the Norman Huntingdon – and despite hating her father, she remains loyal to her people.

Robert unexpectedly falls into the role of Robin Hood, and it’s quite passive. He spends more time longing for Marian than actually doing anything, mostly just reacting to events. He discovers he’s destined to be a hero, linked to the Saxon god Godda, which conveniently removes the need for him to actively decide that injustice is wrong. Even core parts of his identity – like the plan to rob the archbishop and help the poor – aren’t his own ideas; they’re suggested to him by Little John and Friar Tuck.

Television seems stuck on constantly revisiting and remixing old ideas, and the new Robin Hood series falls into that trap while also needlessly complicating the story. Instead of a simple hero, Hugh is burdened by losing his status, and Robert is portrayed as a leader because of his privileged upbringing. The show spends too much time questioning basic Robin Hood themes – like whether fighting violence with violence is justified – seemingly just to stretch the story to ten episodes. A large portion of each episode focuses on complex political maneuvering, with Queen Eleanor using Marian as a spy. Even though King Henry and Prince Richard haven’t appeared yet, Eleanor’s schemes against her husband and for her son dominate the plot – and this is where the show really misses the mark with its portrayal of Robin Hood.

By the sixth episode, titled “Bound by Love, Divided by Lies,” Eleanor in London learns about Robin Hood’s attacks on the sheriff. She sees an opportunity to undermine the king by making it appear the sheriff is failing to control the rebellion. Her plan is to create enough trouble that King Henry is removed from power and her son, Richard, can take the throne. To achieve this, she arranges a secret meeting with Robin Hood. The scene portrays their interaction as a clever teacher guiding a promising student, with Eleanor amused by Robin’s boldness. She’s particularly surprised when he reveals he speaks almost flawless French.

As a movie lover, I noticed this scene really focuses on Eleanor’s point of view, and it’s cleverly done. When she asks Robin if he wants to make a bigger impact than just Sherwood Forest, and he says no, it instantly sets them up as opposites. She comes across as this experienced, calculating politician, and he feels like a naive kid who needs her direction. Honestly, the way she tries to manipulate him into escalating the rebellion – telling him to ‘burn and take’ – feels so obviously inspired by a villain like Littlefinger, but it’s a bit of a clumsy imitation. It’s like a cheap knockoff! And poor Robin… he’s portrayed as this lovesick teenager, completely focused on Marian. He’s willing to change the whole direction of his uprising just for a chance to get Marian released from her duties. It’s frustrating to watch! His revolution started as a quest for revenge, but now it’s just about getting the girl. Seriously, Robin, you need to get a hold of yourself!

The new take on Robin Hood replaces his natural selflessness with teenage selfishness. While the show is meant to be about forcing the monarchy to truly serve the people, this version has Robin selling out to a manipulative queen. It’s possible he’ll correct this mistake, as there are still episodes left this season. However, portraying Robin Hood as both a naive teen who needs guidance and a self-serving opportunist is inconsistent and misses the point of a Robin Hood story. Viewers want a classic outlaw performing exciting heists with a dedicated team. We want a hero whose commitment to his cause is clear, not someone constantly questioning himself. The character might be skilled, but the show itself isn’t hitting its target.

Read More

2025-12-04 18:55