Ep 1. Robin Hood and the Sorcerer (1)
- Not Rated
- April 28, 1984
- 51 min
Robin of Sherwood is a British television series that follows the adventures of the legendary outlaw, Robin Hood and his band of Merry Men, as they fight against the oppressive rulers of medieval England. The series premiered in 1984 and ran for three seasons.
Season 1, Episode 1, titled "Robin Hood and the Sorcerer (1)," introduces us to Robin of Loxley (Michael Praed), a nobleman who returns home from the Crusades to find that his father has been murdered and his lands taken by the Sheriff of Nottingham (Nickolas Grace). With the help of a band of outlaws, Robin sets out to avenge his father's death and reclaim his rightful inheritance.
The episode begins with a group of travelers being attacked by the Sheriff's men. Robin and his friend Much (Peter Llewellyn Williams) come upon the scene and intervene, driving off the attackers. Among the travelers is a young man named Herne (John Abineri), who tells Robin that he has been sent by the forest spirit, Herne the Hunter, to aid him in his fight against the Sheriff.
Robin and Much then head to Loxley, only to find that the Sheriff has taken control of the castle and is threatening to execute all of the former lord's servants. Robin devises a plan to rescue them, but is thwarted by the appearance of a mysterious sorcerer (Robert Addie), who uses his powers to create a supernatural storm that prevents the outlaws from entering the castle.
Undeterred, Robin seeks the aid of a local witch woman named Morgwyn (Patricia Hodge), who tells him that the sorcerer is the Sheriff's brother, and that he derives his power from a magical object known as the "Sword of Wayland." With the help of Herne, Robin sets out to find the sword and destroy it, in order to render the sorcerer powerless.
The episode is filled with action and adventure, as Robin and his friends fight against the Sheriff's men and the supernatural powers of the sorcerer. There are also moments of drama and romance, as Robin is reunited with his childhood sweetheart, Maid Marian (Judi Trott), and grapples with the loss of his father and the oppression of his people.
"Robin Hood and the Sorcerer (1)" sets the stage for the rest of the series, introducing us to the main characters and the overarching storyline of Robin's fight against the Sheriff and his allies. It also establishes the mystical element of the show, with the introduction of Herne and the sorcerer, which becomes increasingly important in later episodes.
Overall, "Robin Hood and the Sorcerer (1)" is a thrilling and engaging start to the series, combining historical drama with fantasy elements and a healthy dose of swashbuckling adventure. It is a must-watch for fans of the Robin Hood legend and anyone who loves a good action-packed romp through medieval England.