In Review: Robin Hood (S1 – EP3) No Man Can Hide Forever

Synopsis: In No Man Can Hide Forever, the death of the Sheriff of Nottingham’s captain deepens the growing rift between Normans and Saxons. Rob gains a formidable ally in Little John, but the Sheriff’s relentless pursuit drives the outlaws ever deeper into Sherwood. Meanwhile, Marian risks everything to navigate the perilous court at Westminster.

The Story

The death of the Sheriff’s ruthless captain sends shockwaves through Nottingham, deepening hostilities between the ruling Normans and the oppressed Saxons. To make matters worse, the surviving guards claim that Rob attacked them, and the Sheriff quickly accepts their story. Now branded an outlaw on yet another lie, Rob flees into Sherwood Forest.

Desperate and afraid, he prays to Godda — and soon finds himself in the care of Ralph the Miller’s Boy (who is, in truth, a girl) and her two brothers: one older and skilled with a knife, the other living with a learning disability and perhaps a touch of autism. As they travel together, a friendship forms between Rob and Ralph, and he teaches her to use a bow and arrow.

Meanwhile, the Sheriff and his soldiers enter Sherwood, determined to capture Rob alive for a public execution. The Earl of Huntington, harbouring a grudge against Rob for both his Saxon birth and his affection for Marian, volunteers to aid in the hunt — even striking one of his sons in anger when his orders are questioned.

In London, Lady Marian enters the Queen’s service and is guided by a sharp-tongued Frenchwoman who appears to run the household. During her introduction to the servants’ quarters, Marian discovers that Rob’s cousin, Will Gamewell, is also employed there as a page — and has been charming his way through the palace staff in his spare time. When Marian finally meets the Queen, it becomes clear that she is not there merely to serve, though her true purpose remains a mystery.

Back in Sherwood, Little John is hunting Rob to claim the bounty. Yet after a vision from Godda, he undergoes a change of heart and joins Rob’s growing band of outlaws. Tragedy strikes when the Earl of Huntington’s eldest son, eager to prove himself, finds Rob’s group and looses an arrow meant for Rob — only to strike Little John’s dog instead. Ralph retaliates, killing the Earl’s son. Rob shouts for everyone to run as the Earl’s forces close in.

The episode ends in chaos, with Rob and his newfound companions fleeing through the dark forest, pursued by the Earl and his men.

Acting

Jack Patten delivers a strong performance as Rob in this episode, immediately showing convincing chemistry with Erica Ford’s Ralph as the two develop a sibling-like bond. Their dynamic feels genuine — more brother and sister than romantic — and adds warmth to the darker moments in the story.

Also impressive is Marcus Fraser, whose stoic portrayal of Little John gives the character real emotional depth. His quiet confession about killing his father — and his remark that he “can see the killer” in Rob — becomes one of the episode’s most haunting exchanges.

Steven Waddington continues to shine as the true villain of the piece. His portrayal of the Earl’s hatred toward Rob simmers with misplaced resentment and class-driven spite, and it’s clear that his obsession will only intensify as the series progresses. In contrast, the Sheriff’s anger is far more controlled — and all the more dangerous for it. Sean Bean excels in this type of role, channelling shades of Alec Trevelyan from GoldenEye — minus the quips and high-tech toys.

Overall

I continue to enjoy this story and the gradual unveiling of its mythology, particularly through Rob’s belief in Godda — a faith that he shares with Little John. Sean Bean continues to seethe as the ambitious Sheriff of Nottingham, offering a more serious and grounded interpretation of the character than we’ve seen in recent years.

We also get our first real glimpse of the political world of Westminster, presented as a far less civilised arena than we might imagine. The Queen’s conversation with Marian — hinting that a woman’s sexuality can be a source of influence and power — could prove to be a fascinating thread in the episodes ahead.