The pre-publicity for the Beebs effort to fill Doctor Who-free Saturday nights looked promising: cherished British folk hero, lavish budget,
a charming lead and, of course, action aplenty. In actual fact, its a fair effort, but the flaws in these opening six episodes
are numerous and grating: hugely over-produced action scenes, the Nottingham peasantry dont look that oppressed (some of the women have fake tans), and there are some decidedly forced bridges between the Middle Ages and now (Robin wears a hoodie). Jonas Armstrongs sensitive, boyish hero doesnt generate the necessary commanding presence, and Keith Allens sarcasm-heavy Sheriff Of Nottingham has all of Alan Rickmans ham, but little of his menace.