New/old fandom squee
I've just acquired and started watching The Legend of Robin Hood (the 1975 mini-series with Paul Darrow as the Sheriff of Nottingham (!!) and someone who looks like Brian Blessed but probably isn't as Sir Guy) and it is brilliant. I am only an episode an a half in, but I am riveted. To be honest, I only bought it because it was a fiver and because it had a semi-naked Paul Darrow (I am shallow shutup) and was anticipating a somewhat, um, overenthused performance on his part. I admit astonishment: he's actually good. Craven and ambitious and smart, and not a caricature in the least. He doesn't rub his hands together in evil glee, and he doesn't go around murdering puppies. He's just very good at being kingmaker. It's glorious.
Even more surprisingly, I love the other characters. I'm not much of a fan of the Robin Hood legend (by which I mean that I know it fairly well, but have no particular or abiding interest in it) and have found cinematic and televised Robins lacklustre. This Robin is strangely tender and endearing. He makes me believe in both his humble upbringing and his nobility. He also manages to convince on his emotional investment in the fate of his tenants, which many Robins subsequently spectacularly fail to do.
His interaction with Richard is wonderful, and I am astonished that no slash exists for it! Upon meeting him, Richard looks him over and commands him to strip... To check a birthmark, of course! It's very sweetly played, both Richard's amused indulgence and Robin's mortification are deftly handled. Richard himself is fascinating: young, yet clearly capable and committed. He is gearing up for his Crusade at this point, and it's interesting to see a Richard who argues with his advisers on the wisdom of his departure, and who takes precautions.
The female characters are also nicely rounded. Firstly - and magnificently - we gave Queen Eleanor, who is shown as her son's 'muscle'. While he talks of raising funds and men for the Crusade, she's out there making it happen. She reminded me a great deal of Livia, actually, that same sort of terrifying matriarchal figure, albeit one with what appears to have a healthy relationship with both her sons. After she takes John's side in an argument, Richard appeases her by relating some provision for John. "Why did you not say that in the first place?" she asked, mollified. "because I like it when you're angry with me," Richard replies gently, and kisses her on the cheek.
OK. Maybe it's not a healthy relationship... But healthier than some others! She seems to genuinely care about them both, I am fascinated to see what will happen when John makes a move for power.
She also has a relationship with the other major woman: Marian. I'm not sure to what extent these two will interact in future, but their one scene - where they discussed Marian's impending marriage - was really interesting. Marian also appears to have a story arc, which is startling political. She's a Saxon lady due to be married off to the Norman Sir Guy, as part of her uncle's plan to dilute the Norman stronghold on Saxon nobility and lands. "Madry them to Saxon women and give it a few generations, we'll turn them Saxon." Interesting to see the Saxon/Norman politics played so strongly, and rather fun to see a Richard so used to Norman things, including his French singer (baladeer?), who is disgruntled to be stuck in a comparative backwater...
Finally, the script: it's cracking. The dialogue feels natural, and there's none of the hamming opportunities so liberally strewn about in the adaptations these days. Even in a prime hamming scene - Prince John and Paul Darrow the Sherriff take in the 'latest thing' in relaxation (a standing sauna that looks like a wooden box with hot coals underneath), they spend that time plotting viable, subtle overthrow.
In conclusion = very, very good. Nay, excellent. Roll on episode two!
Posted via LiveJournal.app.