Robin Hood and Leverage
I like Robin Hood. When I was a kid, I didn’t see him as somebody who helps people. I just saw him as a thief and one who defies authority. I also like the bow and arrow. Archery is great. There is more respect, class and grace to shoot an arrow from a bow than a bullet from a gun. Robin Hood is a British show from the BBC and Leverage is an American show that doesn’t exist yet. They are both modern ways of telling the Robin Hood story.
Robin Hood
Robin Hood premiered in 2006 on BBC with Jonas Armstrong filling the shoes of the hero. It’s a young portrayal of the character with quick wits, who always has something clever to say whether it’s simply a joke or about a serious matter.
In the series, Robin is ordered, by King Richard, to return home from the Holy Land. Upon arrival, Robin finds out that there is a new corrupted sheriff. He becomes an outlaw. He and his merry men steal from the rich and give to the poor, while the sheriff schemes to catch them and plots to kill the King to take over England.
The story, the acting and the cinematography are absolutely appropriate for the 21st century, even with the setting in the woods and the castle of Nottingham.
Leverage
Leverage, on the other hand, is a very modern day way of telling the Robin Hood story, just like The Incredible Hulk could be a new way of telling the Beauty and the Beast story. The characters are common thieves led by one honest man, just like in Robin Hood. They are thieves, actors, grifters, and hackers out to steal from corrupted rich people. The one thing missing is something equivalent to the bow and arrow.
The leader of the group, Nate Ford, could very well be compared to Robin Hood. He is a self-righteous who has been wronged and he does something about it. His goal is to help people. As far as I’m concerned, the others are just in it for the fun and the thrills. I don’t believe they even care about the loot.
Robin Hood and Leverage are both published as dramas. However, they include some comical aspects through sarcasm, witty remarks and behavior in the script, which add so much to the shows.
The third season of Robin Hood should start in fall 2008 and Leverage should premiere around the same time.
