Robin of Sherwood: Set One
WhenRobin of Sherwooddebuted in 1984, it revolutionized the legend of Robin Hood with a young, scruffy Robin (Michael Praed, later to appear onDynasty) and his ragged, rough-and-tumble band of thieves. Fusing the derring-do of the traditional story with a more Arthurian magic element (ranging from druidic visions to outright black magic),Robin of Sherwoodwas an immediate sensation.  Unfortunately, not all revolutions age well, and some viewers may have trouble getting past Robin's flowing 1980s hairstyle or the Clannad soundtrack, which seems to have been played on the cheapest, tinniest synthesizer available. More open-minded audiences will enjoy the show's virtues: Gritty, realistic medieval sets and costumes; an amusing blend of feudal politics and occult danger (episodes featured everything from possession to love spells to devil-worshiping nuns); a scenery-chewing performance from Nickolas Grace (Brideshead Revisited) as the Sheriff of Nottingham (the bad guys always have the most fun); and the surly presence of a young Ray Winstone (Sexy Beast) as Will Scarlet. All the classic characters are there, including a dewy Lady Marion, towering Little John, plump Friar Tuck, and more. Though sometimes cheesy,Robin of Sherwoodnever slid into camp, and fans appreciate its earnest interpretation.Set 1includes the 13 episodes of the first two series, along with a bonus disk of retrospective interviews with the cast and creators, outtakes, and other appealing features.--Bret Fetzer