Comments on: Robin Hood Disgrace http://www.markmitchell.co.uk/2006/12/01/robin-hood-disgrace/ Whispers from the Void Thu, 06 Oct 2011 08:48:31 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3 By: Jan http://www.markmitchell.co.uk/2006/12/01/robin-hood-disgrace/#comment-10552 Jan Tue, 07 Jun 2011 19:17:59 +0000 http://www.markmitchell.co.uk/2006/12/01/robin-hood-disgrace/#comment-10552 Gwen, your missing the point. If I speak using US slang in the 21ST c that's ok, because we are influenced by American culture.It's not ok in the context of 12thc England. The same for the flying pigs--you can use fantasy as long as it is consistent and suspends disbelief. That is what they did in Robin of Sherwood-used actual legends that people believed in, such as Herne, used REAL magical spells (yes,really!). If they had added in unicorns or twee winged fairies, it would have been a disaster. The BBC Robin had NO fantasy but completely disregarded medieval history. Robin is a legend but one taking place in a historical time and that constrains you to a lesser or greater degree. There was no excuse on any level for the first series costuming anyway--except cheapness! Gwen, your missing the point. If I speak using US slang in the 21ST c that’s ok, because we are influenced by American culture.It’s not ok in the context of 12thc England. The same for the flying pigs–you can use fantasy as long as it is consistent and suspends disbelief. That is what they did in Robin of Sherwood-used actual legends that people believed in, such as Herne, used REAL magical spells (yes,really!). If they had added in unicorns or twee winged fairies, it would have been a disaster. The BBC Robin had NO fantasy but completely disregarded medieval history. Robin is a legend but one taking place in a historical time and that constrains you to a lesser or greater degree. There was no excuse on any level for the first series costuming anyway–except cheapness!

]]> By: Gwen http://www.markmitchell.co.uk/2006/12/01/robin-hood-disgrace/#comment-5438 Gwen Mon, 21 Feb 2011 15:19:16 +0000 http://www.markmitchell.co.uk/2006/12/01/robin-hood-disgrace/#comment-5438 I agree Michael Pread has been one of the best Robin Hoods. But you want Robin Hood to remain English and not American. Well you are using (American) non-standered english like trash and crap which shows you obviously don't care. Robin Hood has always been one of my favorite legends in the whole of history. So if Robin Hood is a legend then it doesn't have tp be true. There are many takes on the story of Robin Hood, all different. So it could contain flying pigs and it would still remain a legend. None of the stories of Robin Hood have been accurate so I don't know why you have decided to pick on this one. By the way Doctor Who isn't trash programing, have you accually seen it because your comments make me think you haven't. What has Keith Allen done to you? He's welsh I'm welsh, I have great respect for welsh people. That means they are from WALES. That's in Britain ok (I thought I'd tell you that because you think you are all so stupid and dull). I like this series of Robin Hood. Yes its a little too dramatic. But if you think this series is far too unreal then what about Robin of Sherwood. Do you think somebody would really have a sword which could not kill them or a which who could control a man? I don't think so. I agree Michael Pread has been one of the best Robin Hoods. But you want Robin Hood to remain English and not American. Well you are using (American) non-standered english like trash and crap which shows you obviously don’t care. Robin Hood has always been one of my favorite legends in the whole of history. So if Robin Hood is a legend then it doesn’t have tp be true. There are many takes on the story of Robin Hood, all different. So it could contain flying pigs and it would still remain a legend. None of the stories of Robin Hood have been accurate so I don’t know why you have decided to pick on this one. By the way Doctor Who isn’t trash programing, have you accually seen it because your comments make me think you haven’t. What has Keith Allen done to you? He’s welsh I’m welsh, I have great respect for welsh people. That means they are from WALES. That’s in Britain ok (I thought I’d tell you that because you think you are all so stupid and dull). I like this series of Robin Hood. Yes its a little too dramatic. But if you think this series is far too unreal then what about Robin of Sherwood. Do you think somebody would really have a sword which could not kill them or a which who could control a man? I don’t think so.

]]> By: Gavin http://www.markmitchell.co.uk/2006/12/01/robin-hood-disgrace/#comment-2156 Gavin Mon, 02 Aug 2010 19:25:32 +0000 http://www.markmitchell.co.uk/2006/12/01/robin-hood-disgrace/#comment-2156 I completely agree with all of the comments here. This recent BBC version was a very bad joke. A completely inaccurate and "modernised" take on Plantagenet England. The acting was dire, the fight scenes laughable, and the costumes were way beyond poor. I'm sure that a primary school play could have made a more realistic job? This was a totally shameless attempt to try and make the classic Robin Hood tale as politically correct as possible. There is no way on earth I would part with my cash to buy this series on DVD. The best version that we are ever likely to see in our lifetime, is Robin of Sherwood with Michael Praed. I grew up watching this excellent series when it was first shown on ITV in 1984, and it remains the finest version ever made. Even with the pagan element to this series, it remains the most authentic treatment of this legend ever seen on film. Michael Praed is the definitive Robin, and all of the other actors played their parts extremely well. Richard Carpenter wrote this series very well indeed. As a very young lad back in the 80's, I was totally gutted when Praed's Robin died in the last episode "The Greatest Enemy". I also shoot English Longbows at various informal shoots throughout the country, and have done so for 26 years, but this recent load of BBC drivel didn't cut it for me one bit! I completely agree with all of the comments here. This recent BBC version was a very bad joke. A completely inaccurate and “modernised” take on Plantagenet England. The acting was dire, the fight scenes laughable, and the costumes were way beyond poor. I’m sure that a primary school play could have made a more realistic job? This was a totally shameless attempt to try and make the classic Robin Hood tale as politically correct as possible. There is no way on earth I would part with my cash to buy this series on DVD.

The best version that we are ever likely to see in our lifetime, is Robin of Sherwood with Michael Praed. I grew up watching this excellent series when it was first shown on ITV in 1984, and it remains the finest version ever made. Even with the pagan element to this series, it remains the most authentic treatment of this legend ever seen on film. Michael Praed is the definitive Robin, and all of the other actors played their parts extremely well. Richard Carpenter wrote this series very well indeed. As a very young lad back in the 80′s, I was totally gutted when Praed’s Robin died in the last episode “The Greatest Enemy”.

I also shoot English Longbows at various informal shoots throughout the country, and have done so for 26 years, but this recent load of BBC drivel didn’t cut it for me one bit!

]]> By: Sachith http://www.markmitchell.co.uk/2006/12/01/robin-hood-disgrace/#comment-2055 Sachith Tue, 19 Jan 2010 11:24:16 +0000 http://www.markmitchell.co.uk/2006/12/01/robin-hood-disgrace/#comment-2055 BBC Robin hood like a Baby hood , I watched both series on Sri Lanka National Televition BBC Robin hood like a Baby hood , I watched both series on Sri Lanka National Televition

]]> By: Mark http://www.markmitchell.co.uk/2006/12/01/robin-hood-disgrace/#comment-2053 Mark Sun, 03 Jan 2010 23:32:03 +0000 http://www.markmitchell.co.uk/2006/12/01/robin-hood-disgrace/#comment-2053 Nice to see that so many of you also hate this trash. As an archer (English longbow) and medieval re-enactor I watched with trepidation then almost loosed a few arrows at my television. The Micheal Pread version is definately the best depiction to date and is unlikely to be bettered by any major producer. Shame about the dubious casting of Jason Connery for the latter series though! You truly got to hate the Normans and feel for the put upon Saxons. The use of Pagan symbolism was also a nice touch. As a side note who is looking forward to this years entry into the fray with Russell Crowe in the title role of Robin Hood! From the released stills they appear to have put some effort into his outfit and the bow looks roughly right, let's hope he doesn't try any of this silly sideways holding of the bow or ripping off fletchings to make them go around corners or whatever! Nice to see that so many of you also hate this trash. As an archer (English longbow) and medieval re-enactor I watched with trepidation then almost loosed a few arrows at my television. The Micheal Pread version is definately the best depiction to date and is unlikely to be bettered by any major producer. Shame about the dubious casting of Jason Connery for the latter series though! You truly got to hate the Normans and feel for the put upon Saxons. The use of Pagan symbolism was also a nice touch.
As a side note who is looking forward to this years entry into the fray with Russell Crowe in the title role of Robin Hood! From the released stills they appear to have put some effort into his outfit and the bow looks roughly right, let’s hope he doesn’t try any of this silly sideways holding of the bow or ripping off fletchings to make them go around corners or whatever!

]]> By: Annabelle http://www.markmitchell.co.uk/2006/12/01/robin-hood-disgrace/#comment-2047 Annabelle Fri, 18 Dec 2009 22:25:11 +0000 http://www.markmitchell.co.uk/2006/12/01/robin-hood-disgrace/#comment-2047 Totally and utterly spot on. Well said Bravo Totally and utterly spot on.
Well said
Bravo

]]> By: zahrans http://www.markmitchell.co.uk/2006/12/01/robin-hood-disgrace/#comment-2027 zahrans Sun, 09 Aug 2009 17:21:39 +0000 http://www.markmitchell.co.uk/2006/12/01/robin-hood-disgrace/#comment-2027 i'm a great admirer of bbc programming. their "being human", "the office" and "top gear" are among my favourite t.v. programms so it was with high hopes that i tuned in to watch their (relatively) new "robin hood" t.v. series. only one word for it... SHITE! the costumes are atrocious, the merry men look like some out of work boy band, the action scenes are laughable and (as mentioned here) the lead character is a pacifist, emo wimp who apparently doesn't know how to use a traditional english longbow... even the kevin costner version was far more believable (despite the rubbish storyline & his american twang) and yet there are those who sing high praises for this bbc version. can't figure out why. perhaps those are the same people who consider the sam raimi inspired xena & hercules, high entertainment.... i'm sorry but the bbc seems to have lost the plot here. the series have been dumbed down and (dare i say it?) americanized far too much for my liking. it may gather an instant fan base but i can assure you, in another 10-15 years time, it will most probably been forgotten unlike some of the older offerings... me? i'll stick to "robin of sherwood", probably the greatest re-imagining of the robinhood legend until something equal or better comes along. certainly not this bbc tripe... i’m a great admirer of bbc programming. their “being human”, “the office” and “top gear” are among my favourite t.v. programms so it was with high hopes that i tuned in to watch their (relatively) new “robin hood” t.v. series.

only one word for it…

SHITE!

the costumes are atrocious, the merry men look like some out of work boy band, the action scenes are laughable and (as mentioned here) the lead character is a pacifist, emo wimp who apparently doesn’t know how to use a traditional english longbow…

even the kevin costner version was far more believable (despite the rubbish storyline & his american twang)

and yet there are those who sing high praises for this bbc version. can’t figure out why. perhaps those are the same people who consider the sam raimi inspired xena & hercules, high entertainment….

i’m sorry but the bbc seems to have lost the plot here. the series have been dumbed down and (dare i say it?) americanized far too much for my liking. it may gather an instant fan base but i can assure you, in another 10-15 years time, it will most probably been forgotten unlike some of the older offerings…

me? i’ll stick to “robin of sherwood”, probably the greatest re-imagining of the robinhood legend until something equal or better comes along. certainly not this bbc tripe…

]]> By: Mark Mitchell http://www.markmitchell.co.uk/2006/12/01/robin-hood-disgrace/#comment-2021 Mark Mitchell Sun, 21 Jun 2009 12:35:35 +0000 http://www.markmitchell.co.uk/2006/12/01/robin-hood-disgrace/#comment-2021 No excuse for armour apart from not setting Word language up correctly and being in a rush. Other Americanisms in my writing, I think, are appropriate considering the subject, maybe even ironic. Our language will change over time as do all languages, a good story and good production values do not however. I am willing to accept the change in the English language as inevitable, it has constantly evolved since the early Britons, and I see no reason why it would stop now. This is a blog by the way, and I am pretty busy so mistakes are going to happen. I don't apologise for them, most people get the message. BTW "You go on to shout about our heritage being butchered" I think your grammar could do with some polising. No excuse for armour apart from not setting Word language up correctly and being in a rush. Other Americanisms in my writing, I think, are appropriate considering the subject, maybe even ironic.

Our language will change over time as do all languages, a good story and good production values do not however. I am willing to accept the change in the English language as inevitable, it has constantly evolved since the early Britons, and I see no reason why it would stop now.

This is a blog by the way, and I am pretty busy so mistakes are going to happen. I don’t apologise for them, most people get the message.

BTW
“You go on to shout about our heritage being butchered”
I think your grammar could do with some polising.

]]> By: Martin http://www.markmitchell.co.uk/2006/12/01/robin-hood-disgrace/#comment-2020 Martin Sat, 20 Jun 2009 20:14:49 +0000 http://www.markmitchell.co.uk/2006/12/01/robin-hood-disgrace/#comment-2020 While I agree with the thrust of your diatribe, the ironic thing is your Americanised use of English: armor, program, trash, dumb... only a few decades ago, those words were only heard on US-made programmes and films. You go on to shout about our heritage being butchered. One of the greatest parts of our heritage is our language. The number of misspellings and other errors in such a short piece is laughable for someone who purports to care about it. While I agree with the thrust of your diatribe, the ironic thing is your Americanised use of English: armor, program, trash, dumb… only a few decades ago, those words were only heard on US-made programmes and films. You go on to shout about our heritage being butchered. One of the greatest parts of our heritage is our language. The number of misspellings and other errors in such a short piece is laughable for someone who purports to care about it.

]]> By: Linda http://www.markmitchell.co.uk/2006/12/01/robin-hood-disgrace/#comment-1779 Linda Fri, 27 Feb 2009 03:29:05 +0000 http://www.markmitchell.co.uk/2006/12/01/robin-hood-disgrace/#comment-1779 I'm back after 7 months. :) I still haven't seen the new BBC Robin Hood. I don't think I want to for the mere reason (and probably not the ony one) that they picked the wrong actor to play the part. I did, however, buy the "Robin of Sherwood" series and watched them all. I loved the series and really loved Michael Praed. He fit the part perfectly with a kind of innocence and wood faerie quality about him. Shame it had to end. I’m back after 7 months. :) I still haven’t seen the new BBC Robin Hood. I don’t think I want to for the mere reason (and probably not the ony one) that they picked the wrong actor to play the part. I did, however, buy the “Robin of Sherwood” series and watched them all. I loved the series and really loved Michael Praed. He fit the part perfectly with a kind of innocence and wood faerie quality about him. Shame it had to end.

]]>