In Review: Robin Hood (S1 – Eps 1 & 2) – I See Him & A Heinous Devil

Synopsis: Robin Hood returns in a bold new reimagining set in the aftermath of the Norman conquest. England is a land torn between conqueror and conquered: Rob, a Saxon outlaw forced into the forests of Sherwood, leads a rebel band against oppressive Norman rule, while Lady Marian—herself a Norman noblewoman—works undercover within the corrupt court to expose injustice from the inside. Though divided by birth, they are united by purpose, risking everything to challenge tyranny, heal a fractured nation, and fight for a vision of peace where Saxon and Norman can stand as equals.

The Story

“I See Him” opens with England still reeling from the aftermath of the Norman conquest. The rebellion is scattered and leaderless, and Saxons who once held land — including Hugh of Locksley, father of Rob — must do whatever they can to survive. While teaching his son the secrets of the forest, Hugh works as one of the Sheriff’s foresters, but when it is discovered that he has been letting poachers go, he draws the anger of the Earl of Huntingdon, the Norman lord who has taken over the Locksley estate. Hugh is captured and falsely accused of murdering one of the Sheriff’s guards. He is hanged, leaving Rob without a father. Before this happens, Rob has already begun developing an interest in Lady Marian, Huntingdon’s daughter. She defies her father by attending a pagan Saxon wedding, where Rob teaches her about ancient customs.

“A Heinous Devil” deals with the aftermath of Hugh’s death, as Rob struggles with grief and rage. His pain worsens when his mother also dies, leaving him with nothing. His uncle, Gamewell — father of Will Gamewell (likely the future Will Scarlet) — tries to steady him and stop him from being consumed by anger. Just as Rob begins to regain control, Marian reveals that it was her father who arranged Hugh’s execution. Though born Norman, Marian despises the cruelty of her own class and wants justice.

Gamewell encourages Rob to enter an archery competition in Nottingham, buying him a new bow to give him purpose again. But on the way, Rob is confronted by the Sherrif of Nottingham’s Captain of the Guards, who challenges him to hit a mark in the woods — a mark dangerously close to grazing deer. If Rob strikes one, he’ll be arrested for killing the king’s game. The worst happens, and as Rob flees, the Captain fires at him. Rob returns the shot, killing him. In that moment, Rob becomes an outlaw.

Acting

Jack Patten delivers a strong performance as Rob — soon to become Robin Hood — convincingly portraying a young man shattered by the loss of his father and pushed toward rebellion. Sean Bean is perfectly cast as the Sheriff of Nottingham, bringing a grounded menace and just enough complexity to avoid the role becoming a one-note villain. But the real antagonist of the piece is Steven Waddington’s Earl of Huntingdon, who not only brutalises his daughter Marian but also manipulates the Sheriff’s court into granting him lands, titles, and political power. His hatred of the Saxons — and the Locksley family in particular — simmers throughout both episodes, escalating scene by scene until it becomes clear that he is the true force driving the conflict.

Lauren McQueen brings a subtle, thoughtful presence to Marian, beginning as a curious observer of Rob and the Saxon way of life before gradually coming to respect his values and his fight for justice. Her performance balances quiet rebellion with genuine vulnerability, making Marian’s shift from sheltered noblewoman to an ally feel believable and earned.

Overall

It’s been a while since we’ve had a fresh interpretation of Robin Hood. The last movie adaptation was forgettable, and the early 2000s TV series had a very modern, almost anachronistic vibe. This new version feels far more grounded, giving us a rich backstory for Rob and showing the events that shape him into the legendary outlaw who stole from the wealthy and gave to the poor. I particularly enjoyed learning about Rob’s Saxon background and their pagan beliefs, including devotion to a deity named Goda. The wedding scene, where a couple participates in a handfasting ceremony, adds depth and authenticity, showing that Rob is fighting for more than just the oppressed—he’s defending the right to preserve his family’s pagan traditions in a world increasingly dominated by Norman rule and the Catholic Church. The first episode sets up the world brilliantly, and the portrayal of Rob’s relationship with his father allows viewers to fully understand the magnitude of his loss, which makes his eventual transformation into the famous outlaw feel earned and emotionally resonant.