It is unusual that the writer of the most powerful episode doesn't have a screen credit. The tension between Robin and Guy plays as strongly now as it did back then. The episode highly both the romantic conflict,. but also the broader political dimension.
Two decades ago, I was bothered that the tropes of children's television were bringing down weightier material. Perhaps that was an error. Maybe I should have noticed how a witty, children's adventure show was elevated by these stronger elements.
Of course, I wrote my original review back when the second series had already been filmed and was ready to air. But I was glad to discover that many of the elements I liked the most about the first series had been picked up and expanded for the second series.
While Marian also advised Robin to play the long game, she acted in secret. And while the presentation leans toward the modern superhero, the idea that Marian was helping people independently -- years before Robin Hood -- is a good one. It means she believes in a cause, not just a cute archer in a hoodie.
I started my original 2007 review by remarking on the absurdity of Robin's no-kill policy. But reflecting on it, it does make an interesting arc, and quite an unusual one for a kid's show. Robin goes to the Crusades willing to kill. He sees how power is misused and abused in the Crusades and abandons killing altogether. But effectively carry on his fight, he does need to embrace some of his darker impulses. It resembles some of the tropes around western gunslingers who are tainted by their violent lives. Looking at it that way, the first season's storyline transcends any press release touting Robin's newly-rediscovered machismo.
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