Robin -- oooh -- the Hooded Man

I suspect I don't have to tell most readers of Scarlett Letters about "Robin of Sherwood," the 1980s British TV series created by Richard Carpenter, which starred first Michael Praed and then Jason Connery as Robin Hood. About a week ago, one of Film.com's DVD bloggers wrote about the release of the series on DVD here in the US. I've been meaning to post a link to the story here mainly because if you haven't seen the show, you ought to try and rent it; if you were a fan, it's available on DVD now (though the packaging isn't what I'd call pretty).

Carpenter's series was the first to introduce a Saracen into Robin's band (and subsequently provide a justification for Morgan Freeman to appear in Kevin Costner's awful big-screen version). It was the first to present Robin in something like a historical context. It explored both of the preeminent theories of Robin's personal origins. It gave us a nearly sociopathic Will Scarlett played by Ray Winstone. It featured a distinctive (though repetitive) soundtrack by Clannad. It was great stuff, and Michael Praed was magnetic as Robin.

Anyway, if you haven't encountered it before, check it out. Well worth watching.