For some reason I was looking forward the BBC’s latest adaptation of Robin Hood for the autumn season. The early evening slot coming at just the right time on a Saturday when Mandy is kept from the remote by hair and make-up ect.
I was expecting a slightly darker version of the story that was told in the kevin Costner film a few years back. Remember the one accompanied by the self harm inducing Brian Adams track that spent eight years at number one? That film took a story of myth and did a fairly good job of americanising it, that is making the story fit into the tried and tested Hollywood format. It was drivel.
And I’m afraid the BBC’s latest effort is the same drivel minus the special effects. I understand that it is aimed at young adults as well as grown ups, but that doesn’t mean that it has to be produced to a Hollywood simplicity. The stereotyping must be from the same team responsible for casting Eastenders, as the storyline watches like some kind of Comic Relief spoof.
Robin, the scruffy student from Oxfordshire, complete with smug middle England wit and corny one liners. Marion, a glorious match of intelligence and beauty, should we need reminding that the later is actually a function of the first.
Then there are the peasants who of course are all ugly, apart from the brassy tart from the first episode, and speaking with thick northern accents to add to the setting of poverty and ignorance. It goes without saying that their humour is rather more slapstick, less knowing, with no irony or wit.
And last but not least there’s the cheeky chappie, the wheeler and dealer with the sharp eye and even quicker tongue. Any guesses where his accent might come from?
So as much as the aggressive advertising campaign may suggest, it’s really not worth watching. In fact, the only way it can get any worse is if Bill sodding Nighy makes an appearance.
Just another example of patronising money wastage from the self important BBC.
I can turn it over, but I still have to pay for it.