Search - Robin Hood: Season Two on DVD

Another thrill ride (with heart) that surpasses season one

Trillian | San Diego, CA | 06/15/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Robin and the gang are back, giving us a second season packed with action, intrigue, humor, and even more of those wonderful little character moments that made the first season such a joy. It is evident even from the first episode that the overall tone of the show is much darker this time around, as each our heroes must contend not only with the Sheriff's evildoings, but also with their own personal tragedies. This darker tone goes hand-in-hand with a bit more violence, though it is no more graphic than what was presented in the first season. This gives the show an intensity that had been missing before, and the opportunity to present some jaw-dropping action sequences (Robin vs the Black Knights is not to be missed!).

It was always the characters that made the show appealing to me, and on that score S2 delivers in spades. There are many lovely Robin/Marian moments, and some surprising new alliances (of friends and enemies) are formed as well. One of my favorite scenes of the entire series is a beautifully-written character exposition sequence in the episode "A Good Day To Die" where, in the classic death-at-sunrise scenario, each member of the gang spends their potentially last-night-on-earth revealing their inner secrets. It's an extremely emotional scene, and a powerful one, that brings up insecurities and issues that have been building since the very beginning of the series.

Of course, the series wouldn't be Robin Hood if there wasn't also plenty of fun to be had along the way. The Sheriff is still as hilarious as he is evil, and it's a blast watching Robin and Co. get the best of him time and again. Keith Allen does an especially great job with the Sherrif's gloating/crying in "Get Carter", an episode which also introduces one of the most enjoyable recurring characters to come to Nottingham in quite awhile.

Season 2 has more of a cohesive story arc than season one, and as such, there are plot twists galore (most notably the 2-part finale) that impact future episodes and draw on events of those past. I'd recommend staying spoiler-free until you've seen them. That being said, get a box of tissues handy and be prepared to pick your jaw up off the floor by the time you finish the last episode. It's a doozy.

Rumor has it, there will be a S3, although the BBC is a being a bit cagey as to the details. In the meantime, settle down with season two and enjoy the ride!"

"Always delightful and fun"

Laurie C. Davis | Northeast GA USA | 10/14/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The reason I love this series is because it is so much fun. I am a huge fan of the Robin Hood legend. My favorite rendition is Errol Flynn ("Adventures of Robin Hood", 1938) but what Jonas Armstrong brings to the character shouldn't be missed. Armstrong's facial expressions and delivery makes you love Robin even more.

The actors who portray Hood's gang was well cast. They play off each other beautifully. I feel the group is more unified that I have ever seen before-I love it when they state together, "WE ARE ROBIN HOOD". you realize that is is more than one person, it is an ideal.

The storytelling is also well done. It gives you more than Robin Hood and his band of thieves stealing from the rich (and giving to the poor). From the beginning of season 1, you discover the history of Robin Hood, the Sheriff of Nottingham (brilliantly played by Keith Allen), the battle of the throne between Richard and John as well as how the gang was formed.

I love every season-as I am now enjoying the 3rd and last on BBC America, my favorite is season 2. So many people are critical of certain details (i.e. accuracy of costumes). Personally, I think it is a beautiful telling of the legend in every way. It is an enjoyable series-lighthearted and fun.

I hate to say goodbye to Jonas Armstrong's Robin Hood after only three seasons. Thank goodness for DVDs so I can continue to invite him, Big John, Much, Tuck and the others in my home."

Great television despite a few cheesy moments

LadyKate | Middletown, NJ USA | 09/29/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The second season of the new BBC "Robin Hood" gets off to an uneven start. The first three episodes feature overly cheesy adventure plots (including one in which the hero is slowly lowered into a snakepit and one in which the baddies are trying to build an invincible army by creating armor out of impenetrable metal), but the strong character and relationship development more than makes up for it -- specifically, the Robin Hood/Lady Marian/Guy of Gisborne triangle, the storyline of Allan turning a spy for Gisborne, and the tense dynamic between Guy and the Sheriff of Nottingham.

From Episode 4 onward, however, the pace really picks up and the cheese factor drops dramatically (despite some lame moments here and there). The Sheriff's plot against King Richard and Robin, Marian, and the gang's efforts to stop this plot take center stage, even as the character/relationship developments get ever more complicated and interesting. Robin's almost fanatical zeal in the king's cause takes an often dark turn, Marian is devoted to his cause but finds herself stifled when she joins him in the woods, Allan is torn between opportunistic self-interest and attachment to his friends in the gang, and Guy's feelings for Marian bring out his long-suppressed humanity and cause him to question the Sheriff's actions. Meanwhile, Marian's love and admiration for Robin coexists with increasingly complex attraction/repulsion feelings toward Guy as she begins to see a compassionate and even noble side to him. The dynamic between Guy and Allan is fascinating to watch as the two seem to develop a genuine friendship. The storyline involving Marian's father is also very touching. Meanwhile, the Sheriff remains his deliciously evil self as he plays for ever-higher stakes. The cast does a great job, particularly Richard Armitage as Guy, Keith Allen as the Sheriff, Lucy Griffiths as Marian, Joe Armstrong as Allan and Jonas Armstrong as Robin. Some of the supporting cast is excellent as well, especially the actress who plays Matilda the accused witch in "Ducking and Diving" and the actor who plays Lord Winchester in "For England."

Episodes 6 through 12 are truly awesome (my personal favorites are "For England" and "Walkabout"). The season finale is highly controversial because of ....

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SPOILER AHEAD...

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... Marian's death at Guy's hands. I don't think it was a wise decision, and Marian's departure definitely harmed the show (though I think there is a lot to like in Season 3 as well), but at the same time, it is a very powerful if tragic conclusion to the S2 storyline. (Too bad it's somewhat diluted by a ridiculously drawn-out death scene in which Marian is way too coherent for someone who's been stabbed in the stomach, and the sequences after her death drag on much too long as well.)

All in all, a vastly enjoyable season.



"

AWESOME

Amanda Whaley | 03/31/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This show is just awesome. However, prepare to be a little dissapointed at the season finale, they change things around."