Things you should check out, volume 1

I know I've used my blog in the past to plug things I enjoy, but I've decided to make it a regular feature...

Today's plug is the BBC television series Robin Hood.




I want to start off by telling you that I know that it is historically inaccurate and a bit cheesy. This isn't a show that I'd call particularly smart, but it is clever and funny. It's totally aware of its place in the universe and is just plain entertaining.

We all know the story of Robin Hood, and this series bets on that, using all that we know in order to stray from historical accuracies in favor of fun and modern sensibilities.

Jonas Armstrong:



Is a cheeky and adorable Robin, and I love his hoodie. Yes. Hoodie. This aint your mama's cape wearin' Robin Hood, people.




One of my all time favorite British actors (and the groom in the "It Should've Been Me" video seen previously on this blog) Richard Armitage plays the brooding and complex Guy of Gisborne.



I know. It's a lot of black leather. And some guyliner. But, even though he's a baddie, and trust me he is BAAAAAAAAAAD, he's complex. You can see why Marian is kind of drawn to him even if she is in love with Robin.

Also enjoyable are his interactions with the deliciously evil and campy Sheriff of Nottingham played by Keith Allen.



Allen has said he plays the sheriff as if he has a crush on Robin, and I must say, it shows. I love this sheriff, he's so deliciously evil.

So, I highly recommend you check out Robin Hood on BBC America or on dvd. You'll be glad you did.