New Adventures of Robin Hood Season 1 [DVD] [1997] [Region 1] [US Import] [NTSC]

First off, the cover of this DVD is actually from the second season, not the first. I must add that the second season was far superior to the first, and I really hope Warner Brothers will follow the first season closely with the second.

This series is one of a long line of movies and TV series based on the legendary outlaw who robbed from the rich and gave to the poor, and that famous characteristic is demonstrated in this series. In this version, the very athletic Matthrew Porretta takes the role of the title character. Richard Ashton is convincing as Little John, Anna Galvin is the surprisingly short-skirted Marion, and Martyn Ellis is the lovable Friar Tuck. Also present is Andrew Bicknell as the evil Prince John, Christopher Lee in a recurring role as the mystical Olwyn, and Greg Porretta (Matthrew's brother) also in a recurring role as Sir Guy of Gisborne, Robin's rival for Marion's affection.

That said, the writing doesn't quite live up to the talent of this excellent cast. I really hate to admit it, since I count this series one of my favorites, but there are some episodes that come pretty close to being silly. On the other hand, most of the episodes are simply fun and interesting, a new take on an old story. One excellent episode deals with how young Robert of Locksley took the name of Robin Hood and went to live in the forest. Be on the lookout for Matthew Porretta's backflips and handsprings. The man's talent is not limited to his acting ability!

In my opinion, the talented and likeable cast manage to pull this series up enough to make it worth seeing, enough that I can overlook some questionable script writing. In a word, Porretta IS Robin Hood in this series.

With the release of Ridley's Scott's latest big screen version of Robin Hood, every previous film and TV version has been getting a new lease on life as studios try to strike while the iron is still hot. One of those TV versions is "The New Adventures of Robin Hood" which ran for a total of 52 episodes in 1997 - 1998 on the TNT network. It was inspired by shows such as "Hercules: The Legendary Journeys" and "Xena Warrior Princess" that were less concerned with realism and more concerned with action and campy humor. The first season consists of 13 episodes in all.

The cast is a light version of Robin Hood and his Merry Men consisting of Robin (Matthew Poretta), Lady Marion (Anna Galvin), Little John (Richard Ashton), and Friar Tuck (Martyn Ellis). The series begins with little in the way of setup or introduction to the characters in the episode titled "Rage of the Mongols". In what is a recurring plot throughout the series, Robin and his comrades come to the aid of a small village, this time from band of raiding Mongols. Never mind that the Mongols are a little out of the territory, Genghis Khan's empire extended only into the far eastern part of Europe. Historical accuracy is not one of the show's strong points. The opening episode is heavily influenced (read ripped off) of the western film "The Magnificent Seven" as the heroes teach the villagers to defend themselves from the bandits.

In Episode two we have another village but essentially the same plot as this time Robin and the gang have to help a village besieged by Viking raiders in "Attack of the Vikings". This episode introduces us to Robin's arch-nemesis Prince John as the pair are captured and held for ransom by the Vikings.

"Robin and the Golden Arrow" is one of the best episodes of season one, primarily due to the presence of legendary actor, Christopher Lee. Prince John employs a knight who wears magical armor that makes him invulnerable. The knight has kidnapped Friar Tuck and Little John's sister. Lee plays a wizard who sends Robin on a quest to find a golden arrow, the only weapon capable of piercing the armor.

Another solid outing is "A Price for His Soul". A monster is stalking the people of yet another generic village, killing them and drinking their blood. The monster is a sorcerer who needs the blood to regain his youth. His demonic lord tells him he can permanently restore his youth by taking the life force of a man pure of heart...Robin Hood!

The New Adventures of Robin Hood was rock bottom in terms of budget and because of this it simply could not compare to shows like Hercules and Xena. The acting of most of the non-main cast members was woefully amateurish but that could be largely attributed to the terrible dialog. The fighting scenes were often laughable and poorly choreographed. The props such as the swords and other weapons looked like they were made out of plastic or wood.

Poretta was dashing and charismatic as Robin and easily the best part of the cast. He was an athletic guy who looked comfortable in the role. Anna Galvin cut a strikingly beautiful and buxom figure as Lady Marion and did an admirable job in her action scenes. Regrettably she left the show after the first season. With his long hair and lean frame, Richard Ashton seemed like he would be more at home in a Whitesnake video than playing the rugged Little John, however.

Given the cheap budgets and lack of talented supporting actors, The New Adventures of Robin Hood made the best out of what they had to work with. It may not have always been good, but it wasn't dull.

This TV show aired the 1st 3 seasons. The 4th season was filmed, but never aired on TV.

I'm going to sit on the sidelines & wait until this is done RIGHT, meaning all 4 seasons + some EXTRAS become available as a SET

I didn't know about this show until the beginning of the 3rd season, which means I've never seen the 1st 2 seasons. A "season" consisted of only 13 episodes.

I'm unwilling to buy this piece meal.....meaning 1 season at a time.

I'm hoping others will express similar sentiments & encourage the studios to do this RIGHT -- meaning a set of all 4 seasons + EXTRAS