Robin Hood - MGM+
Discussion
In a TV landscape full of fast-paced trends and overt messaging, this new Robin Hood series on MGM+ stands out as a welcome throwback. It's clearly a high-budget production, with lush visuals and detailed sets that immerse you in medieval England. Refreshingly, it skips the pandering to contemporary tastes—no forced agendas or winks to the audience—just a straightforward tale of outlaws, loyalty, and rebellion in Sherwood Forest.
The story unfolds at a deliberate pace, much like the best series from decades past, letting characters and conflicts develop naturally through quiet intrigue and tense stand-offs. Acting is solid (no more than that) across the board, carrying the ensemble with believable grit and warmth. It could easily fit into any era of television, from the '70s to the '90s, aside from a few moments of nudity that feel awkwardly inserted for modern appeal.
One jarring choice is its portrayal of the native English as joyful pagans, oppressed and converted to Christianity by the villainous Normans—a narrative twist that adds flavour but might raise eyebrows among history buffs familiar with pre-Norman England (King Alfred, that well known Christian monarch, comes to mind....).
It’s not without its slower stretches (I'm only two episodes in, and Robin's still a bit of a wuss), but if you crave thoughtful escapism over instant gratification, this is a series worth your time.
7 solid arrows out of 10 quality streaming quivers.
The story unfolds at a deliberate pace, much like the best series from decades past, letting characters and conflicts develop naturally through quiet intrigue and tense stand-offs. Acting is solid (no more than that) across the board, carrying the ensemble with believable grit and warmth. It could easily fit into any era of television, from the '70s to the '90s, aside from a few moments of nudity that feel awkwardly inserted for modern appeal.
One jarring choice is its portrayal of the native English as joyful pagans, oppressed and converted to Christianity by the villainous Normans—a narrative twist that adds flavour but might raise eyebrows among history buffs familiar with pre-Norman England (King Alfred, that well known Christian monarch, comes to mind....).
It’s not without its slower stretches (I'm only two episodes in, and Robin's still a bit of a wuss), but if you crave thoughtful escapism over instant gratification, this is a series worth your time.
7 solid arrows out of 10 quality streaming quivers.
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