Rewatching and Liveblogging Robin of Sherwood

If I were to think of something that shaped my preferences in fiction probably for the rest of my life, the BBC series Robin of Sherwood is very very near the top. I was seven when I first saw it and I was a goner. I spent the summar playing "Robin and Marian" and was fixated by the story. On a more shallow note, I wanted to have an outfit like Marian's :) They replayed it when I was 13 or so and I loved it even more. And finally, I got my hands on the DVDs a few years ago, half-excited and half full of trepidation. So many things I thought were wonderful in my childhood turned out not so when seen through adult eyes. What if this was going to be another one of them?

Luckily for me, this was not to be. I loved RoS even more as a grown-up (and yay, Mr. Mousie liked it too). But what struck me even more was how many of my fictional tastes (not to say kinks) seem to have first been discovered by me via RoS, when I didn't even know that's what I liked. Everything, from a rebel against the system (and an angry hero) and a strong heroine to hurt-comfort and men with medieval weapons and angst. I am forced to conclude this RoS was responsible for all of this :)

Oh, and yeah, it was probably also the start of my unreasonable devotion to fictional characters. Even without the excuse of emotionality of childhood, on rewatch, I cried so hard at the end of S2, Mr. Mousie had to get a kleenex box and comfort me. And I confess I never watched S3 because I don't think I ever got past the trauma. Yup, I am a wimp.

Anyway, this is a long-winded way to say that I've started rewatching RoS and plan to post my thoughts and caps on it as I go along. Oh, how I love this series! The fact that Michael Praed is one of the most handsome men I've ever laid eyes on doesn't hurt. I really really recommend it. Provided 80s-type haircuts on ladies don't bug you, this is perfect. It's my favorite take on Robin Hood in any media, and I have never yet seen (with the possible exception of Hong Gil Dong) a take that is that unflinching about hopelessness of that world and lack of glamor, and yet the necessity to fight on even when you know it's hopeless.

( Caps and thoughts )

And then I went to bed, but not before posting above.

And not related to anything above, but here is one of my favorite songs ever.

Rewatching and Liveblogging Robin of Sherwood

If I were to think of something that shaped my preferences in fiction probably for the rest of my life, the BBC series Robin of Sherwood is very very near the top. I was seven when I first saw it and I was a goner. I spent the summar playing "Robin and Marian" and was fixated by the story. On a more shallow note, I wanted to have an outfit like Marian's :) They replayed it when I was 13 or so and I loved it even more. And finally, I got my hands on the DVDs a few years ago, half-excited and half full of trepidation. So many things I thought were wonderful in my childhood turned out not so when seen through adult eyes. What if this was going to be another one of them?

Luckily for me, this was not to be. I loved RoS even more as a grown-up (and yay, Mr. Mousie liked it too). But what struck me even more was how many of my fictional tastes (not to say kinks) seem to have first been discovered by me via RoS, when I didn't even know that's what I liked. Everything, from a rebel against the system (and an angry hero) and a strong heroine to hurt-comfort and men with medieval weapons and angst. I am forced to conclude this RoS was responsible for all of this :)

Oh, and yeah, it was probably also the start of my unreasonable devotion to fictional characters. Even without the excuse of emotionality of childhood, on rewatch, I cried so hard at the end of S2, Mr. Mousie had to get a kleenex box and comfort me. And I confess I never watched S3 because I don't think I ever got past the trauma. Yup, I am a wimp.

Anyway, this is a long-winded way to say that I've started rewatching RoS and plan to post my thoughts and caps on it as I go along. Oh, how I love this series! The fact that Michael Praed is one of the most handsome men I've ever laid eyes on doesn't hurt. I really really recommend it. Provided 80s-type haircuts on ladies don't bug you, this is perfect. It's my favorite take on Robin Hood in any media, and I have never yet seen (with the possible exception of Hong Gil Dong) a take that is that unflinching about hopelessness of that world and lack of glamor, and yet the necessity to fight on even when you know it's hopeless.

( Caps and thoughts )

And then I went to bed, but not before posting above.

And not related to anything above, but here is one of my favorite songs ever.

Rewatching and Liveblogging Robin of Sherwood

If I were to think of something that shaped my preferences in fiction probably for the rest of my life, the BBC series Robin of Sherwood is very very near the top. I was seven when I first saw it and I was a goner. I spent the summar playing "Robin and Marian" and was fixated by the story. On a more shallow note, I wanted to have an outfit like Marian's :) They replayed it when I was 13 or so and I loved it even more. And finally, I got my hands on the DVDs a few years ago, half-excited and half full of trepidation. So many things I thought were wonderful in my childhood turned out not so when seen through adult eyes. What if this was going to be another one of them?

Luckily for me, this was not to be. I loved RoS even more as a grown-up (and yay, Mr. Mousie liked it too). But what struck me even more was how many of my fictional tastes (not to say kinks) seem to have first been discovered by me via RoS, when I didn't even know that's what I liked. Everything, from a rebel against the system (and an angry hero) and a strong heroine to hurt-comfort and men with medieval weapons and angst. I am forced to conclude this RoS was responsible for all of this :)

Oh, and yeah, it was probably also the start of my unreasonable devotion to fictional characters. Even without the excuse of emotionality of childhood, on rewatch, I cried so hard at the end of S2, Mr. Mousie had to get a kleenex box and comfort me. And I confess I never watched S3 because I don't think I ever got past the trauma. Yup, I am a wimp.

Anyway, this is a long-winded way to say that I've started rewatching RoS and plan to post my thoughts and caps on it as I go along. Oh, how I love this series! The fact that Michael Praed is one of the most handsome men I've ever laid eyes on doesn't hurt. I really really recommend it. Provided 80s-type haircuts on ladies don't bug you, this is perfect. It's my favorite take on Robin Hood in any media, and I have never yet seen (with the possible exception of Hong Gil Dong) a take that is that unflinching about hopelessness of that world and lack of glamor, and yet the necessity to fight on even when you know it's hopeless.

( Caps and thoughts )

And then I went to bed, but not before posting above.

And not related to anything above, but here is one of my favorite songs ever.

Robin/Marian FTW!!!

I've been watching more Robin of Sherwood and I have thoughts and caps but now I just want to talk about the OTP. More specifically the one scene in the second ep (it's a second part of a two-parter 'intro') that makes me die. Nothing like kissing an about-to-be-a-nun. Oh, Robin, idealistic, angry, sweet. Oh, Marian, you strong pragmatic darling!

( More caps )

Robin/Marian FTW!!!

I've been watching more Robin of Sherwood and I have thoughts and caps but now I just want to talk about the OTP. More specifically the one scene in the second ep (it's a second part of a two-parter 'intro') that makes me die. Nothing like kissing an about-to-be-a-nun. Oh, Robin, idealistic, angry, sweet. Oh, Marian, you strong pragmatic darling!

( More caps )

Robin/Marian FTW!!!

I've been watching more Robin of Sherwood and I have thoughts and caps but now I just want to talk about the OTP. More specifically the one scene in the second ep (it's a second part of a two-parter 'intro') that makes me die. Nothing like kissing an about-to-be-a-nun. Oh, Robin, idealistic, angry, sweet. Oh, Marian, you strong pragmatic darling!

( More caps )

Robin Hoods I have known...

Because I've been in a Robin Hood type of mood, I wanted to talk a bit about my favorite movie/book/TV versions.

I am a sucker for anything Robin Hood. Slap a 'this is about Robin Hood' label on it, and chances are I will check it out.

But this doesn't mean I like everything that is churned out. Some things (like the Kevin Costner abomination) give me hives and some just don't really grab me. But some? Own me. So here are 6 retellings of the story (one movie, two TV, and three book) that I really love. No order.

1. Robin of Sherwood (BBC)



This British 1980s series was one of my earliest fiction 'crushes' and has kept its favored status till this day. Robin is just a peasant in the grim 12th century world, who's had enough. Nobility is grasping and blind. There is love and honor, but it must be fought for, and sometimes lost anyway. This is my favorite cinematic version of this story, with its gritty, unpretty world; hard-won idealism; angsty, angry, and competent Robin; Marian strong as nails; great supporting characters; smattering of fantasy; and one of my favorite OTPs ever. They would have to do something incredible to displace it as my favorite screen version.

2. Sherwood and Robin and the King by Parke Godwin



This duology of novels moves the story back, to shortly after the battle of Hastings. Robin is a Saxon rebel thane, trying and failing to adjust in the new world. It's a harsh story, not very stinting with the brutalities and realities of the medieval world, with some amazing shippiness and ambivalence, and manages to make me adore both Robin and the Sheriff. And Marian is awesome. I have never finished the second novel because I can't bear the way it ends.

3. Lady of the Forest by Jennifer Roberson



Pardon the cheesy cover. The version I have (an older printing) has a more normal one, but I can't find it on line :) Despite the cover, nope, not a romance novel. Romantic novel? Yes. Romance novel, the way they are usually defined? No. This is a feminist retelling of the story, centering on Marian (while Roberson manages a feat of being both feminist and not bending historical realities so much it will drive me straight out of the story). This is a 'prequel' to the legends, of sorts: Robin only becomes the rebel at the end. Marian is competent and clever, and strong. Robin is a traumatized, gorgeous, deadly mess (in this version he has just returned, 'not quite right' from the Crusades). It's pretty awesome. All the adventure, angst, and h/c you might want. I am not as big on the sequel, "Lady of Sherwood", but it's not bad.

4. The Outlaws of Sherwood by Robin McKinley



I am not normally big on YA novels (just not my thing) but I love this one. It fleshes out every character, changes some backsttories, has interesting things to say about rebellion, roles of women etc etc. Awesome. But then McKinley usually is.

5. Hong Gil Dong (Korea)



tThis is not technically a RH story. HGD is Korea's version of an outlaw, stealing from the rich to give to the poor, and fighting authority. Yet, it's still one of the best retellings of the story. In its 24 eps, it made me laugh till I hiccuped and made me cry till I couldn't see. Gil Dong is an irresistable mix of boyishness, deep-seated anger, desperation to be loved, and humor. The romance makes me swoon, and the fights are almost as good as what it has to say about the unchanging of the power imbalance.

6. Robin Hood (1922)



A funny, fun, silent retelling of the story, this has nothing to offer in either its view of politics or deep-seated emotion, but boy, oh is it fun! How could it not be, if it starred Douglas Fairbanks.

Honorable Mention: The Errol Flynn movie version. A bit too technicolor-bright for me, but great fun anyway.

Robin Hoods I have known...

Because I've been in a Robin Hood type of mood, I wanted to talk a bit about my favorite movie/book/TV versions.

I am a sucker for anything Robin Hood. Slap a 'this is about Robin Hood' label on it, and chances are I will check it out.

But this doesn't mean I like everything that is churned out. Some things (like the Kevin Costner abomination) give me hives and some just don't really grab me. But some? Own me. So here are 6 retellings of the story (one movie, two TV, and three book) that I really love. No order.

1. Robin of Sherwood (BBC)



This British 1980s series was one of my earliest fiction 'crushes' and has kept its favored status till this day. Robin is just a peasant in the grim 12th century world, who's had enough. Nobility is grasping and blind. There is love and honor, but it must be fought for, and sometimes lost anyway. This is my favorite cinematic version of this story, with its gritty, unpretty world; hard-won idealism; angsty, angry, and competent Robin; Marian strong as nails; great supporting characters; smattering of fantasy; and one of my favorite OTPs ever. They would have to do something incredible to displace it as my favorite screen version.

2. Sherwood and Robin and the King by Parke Godwin



This duology of novels moves the story back, to shortly after the battle of Hastings. Robin is a Saxon rebel thane, trying and failing to adjust in the new world. It's a harsh story, not very stinting with the brutalities and realities of the medieval world, with some amazing shippiness and ambivalence, and manages to make me adore both Robin and the Sheriff. And Marian is awesome. I have never finished the second novel because I can't bear the way it ends.

3. Lady of the Forest by Jennifer Roberson



Pardon the cheesy cover. The version I have (an older printing) has a more normal one, but I can't find it on line :) Despite the cover, nope, not a romance novel. Romantic novel? Yes. Romance novel, the way they are usually defined? No. This is a feminist retelling of the story, centering on Marian (while Roberson manages a feat of being both feminist and not bending historical realities so much it will drive me straight out of the story). This is a 'prequel' to the legends, of sorts: Robin only becomes the rebel at the end. Marian is competent and clever, and strong. Robin is a traumatized, gorgeous, deadly mess (in this version he has just returned, 'not quite right' from the Crusades). It's pretty awesome. All the adventure, angst, and h/c you might want. I am not as big on the sequel, "Lady of Sherwood", but it's not bad.

4. The Outlaws of Sherwood by Robin McKinley



I am not normally big on YA novels (just not my thing) but I love this one. It fleshes out every character, changes some backsttories, has interesting things to say about rebellion, roles of women etc etc. Awesome. But then McKinley usually is.

5. Hong Gil Dong (Korea)



tThis is not technically a RH story. HGD is Korea's version of an outlaw, stealing from the rich to give to the poor, and fighting authority. Yet, it's still one of the best retellings of the story. In its 24 eps, it made me laugh till I hiccuped and made me cry till I couldn't see. Gil Dong is an irresistable mix of boyishness, deep-seated anger, desperation to be loved, and humor. The romance makes me swoon, and the fights are almost as good as what it has to say about the unchanging of the power imbalance.

6. Robin Hood (1922)



A funny, fun, silent retelling of the story, this has nothing to offer in either its view of politics or deep-seated emotion, but boy, oh is it fun! How could it not be, if it starred Douglas Fairbanks.

Honorable Mention: The Errol Flynn movie version. A bit too technicolor-bright for me, but great fun anyway.

Robin Hoods I have known...

Because I've been in a Robin Hood type of mood, I wanted to talk a bit about my favorite movie/book/TV versions.

I am a sucker for anything Robin Hood. Slap a 'this is about Robin Hood' label on it, and chances are I will check it out.

But this doesn't mean I like everything that is churned out. Some things (like the Kevin Costner abomination) give me hives and some just don't really grab me. But some? Own me. So here are 6 retellings of the story (one movie, two TV, and three book) that I really love. No order.

1. Robin of Sherwood (BBC)



This British 1980s series was one of my earliest fiction 'crushes' and has kept its favored status till this day. Robin is just a peasant in the grim 12th century world, who's had enough. Nobility is grasping and blind. There is love and honor, but it must be fought for, and sometimes lost anyway. This is my favorite cinematic version of this story, with its gritty, unpretty world; hard-won idealism; angsty, angry, and competent Robin; Marian strong as nails; great supporting characters; smattering of fantasy; and one of my favorite OTPs ever. They would have to do something incredible to displace it as my favorite screen version.

2. Sherwood and Robin and the King by Parke Godwin



This duology of novels moves the story back, to shortly after the battle of Hastings. Robin is a Saxon rebel thane, trying and failing to adjust in the new world. It's a harsh story, not very stinting with the brutalities and realities of the medieval world, with some amazing shippiness and ambivalence, and manages to make me adore both Robin and the Sheriff. And Marian is awesome. I have never finished the second novel because I can't bear the way it ends.

3. Lady of the Forest by Jennifer Roberson



Pardon the cheesy cover. The version I have (an older printing) has a more normal one, but I can't find it on line :) Despite the cover, nope, not a romance novel. Romantic novel? Yes. Romance novel, the way they are usually defined? No. This is a feminist retelling of the story, centering on Marian (while Roberson manages a feat of being both feminist and not bending historical realities so much it will drive me straight out of the story). This is a 'prequel' to the legends, of sorts: Robin only becomes the rebel at the end. Marian is competent and clever, and strong. Robin is a traumatized, gorgeous, deadly mess (in this version he has just returned, 'not quite right' from the Crusades). It's pretty awesome. All the adventure, angst, and h/c you might want. I am not as big on the sequel, "Lady of Sherwood", but it's not bad.

4. The Outlaws of Sherwood by Robin McKinley



I am not normally big on YA novels (just not my thing) but I love this one. It fleshes out every character, changes some backsttories, has interesting things to say about rebellion, roles of women etc etc. Awesome. But then McKinley usually is.

5. Hong Gil Dong (Korea)



tThis is not technically a RH story. HGD is Korea's version of an outlaw, stealing from the rich to give to the poor, and fighting authority. Yet, it's still one of the best retellings of the story. In its 24 eps, it made me laugh till I hiccuped and made me cry till I couldn't see. Gil Dong is an irresistable mix of boyishness, deep-seated anger, desperation to be loved, and humor. The romance makes me swoon, and the fights are almost as good as what it has to say about the unchanging of the power imbalance.

6. Robin Hood (1922)



A funny, fun, silent retelling of the story, this has nothing to offer in either its view of politics or deep-seated emotion, but boy, oh is it fun! How could it not be, if it starred Douglas Fairbanks.

Honorable Mention: The Errol Flynn movie version. A bit too technicolor-bright for me, but great fun anyway.