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Robin Hood's Star on the Shocking Finale

Exclusive: Jonas Armstrong's post-season wrap up of the show.
by Laura Burrows

We spoke exclusively with series star Jonas Armstrong to get his reaction to the huge events from the end of Season 2 of Robin Hood and also got a taste of what's in store for Season 3 of the hit BBC series. Armstrong gave us an inside look at the Hungarian set, the departure of Maid Marian actress Lucy Griffiths and threw in a few good words about the cast for good measure.

Marian's tragic demise left quite the gaping hole for Hood fans at the end of the season, but a few words from the show's star cleared up all the mystery around Marian's sudden death and put the third season in a new light: "There's a lot of action in the third series, more than ever before and that's what the show's about. It's about action so even though Robin's devastated about her death, he really steps things up to make up for it," Armstrong said.

Armstrong did not say more about Griffiths' last minute decision to leave the show other than he hopes she's happy and that her decision to leave in order to find new opportunities pans out for her. He also said that Griffiths is a joy to be around, though he laughed about the fact that they did not get along well in their first few meetings. Armstrong admitted that he was nervous when he first got the lead role and to make up for it acted a bit arrogant which made early interactions difficult. Ultimately, Armstrong noted that they grew up a lot together as actors and ended up as great friends.

As for the rest of the cast, Armstrong said that the summer shoot under the Hungarian sun tends to wear out the cast of mixed characters, but that they're all excited to get back to work.

Armstrong also gave us a few brief looks into the upcoming storyline: he said that he was unsure of the likelihood of a new love interest springing up quickly for him, but that there are three new characters coming on for major roles in the third season and that at least one of them is female.

He did not comment on Djaq and Will's departure either, but hinted at a speedy return of most the characters seen in the finale "We Are Robin Hood" with the exception of those that were killed. In total, the actor made light of Griffiths' quick exodus and did his best to throw us a few bones for the third season, but it seems that the writers may be scrambling to fill in the gaps made by a missing love interest and that the cast will be flying by the seat of their pants, acting scene-by-scene, until they came come to grips with an unsteady storyline.

We're optimistic for the third season and can only hope that a summer full of new characters and bright new storylines will bring us a solid third season. The season opener does not have an official date for the BBC, but is slated for late fall and American fans can look for it on BBC America this spring.

[b]Interview[/b]

US, April 25, 2008 - There have been many 'Robin Hood of Sherwood' incarnations, but there has not been a television series so influential on the tellings of the medieval outlaw as the BBC's rendition, Robin Hood. In 2006 the show wowed British audiences, drawing in over 8 million viewers a night; back in the States the show pulled in significantly lower numbers, but gradually gained a following that has made it one of the most anticipated shows on BBC America's lineup.

Season two of Robin Hood returns to BBC America on April 26 and IGN spoke directly with the prince of thieves himself, Jonas Armstrong, about the second season and got an inside look at the Hungarian set, the new plot lines and of course the long-time-coming relationship between Robin and the brazen brunette, Lady Marian, played by Lucy Griffiths.

In the interview, Armstrong divulged some rather revealing plot lines that unfold in the second season: according to him, the characters have grown up considerably and the balance of good and evil has shifted in the Sheriff's favor. Armstrong said that the outlaws go through a much more intense battle with the Sheriff and his cronies in the second season and that they start to feel the burden of his heavy hand as the series progresses.

Robin is weighed down by all the things that are going on and now has to deal with troubles in the Holy Land too," Armstrong said. "There is trouble abroad, but Robin has to deal with the new (and old) villains in Sherwood before he can be of aid to the king."

It has been nearly a year since Armstrong and the rest of his 'merry men' have been back on the Hungarian set, so as Armstrong reminisced he said it was difficult to remember all of the intricacies of his relationships because there are so many new twists. He did say that Robin and Marian have developed as a couple and that their new problem with Guy of Gisborne -- Marian left him at the alter to be with Robin -- has proven to be one of the most significant challenges. "Their relationship is strained, but it is much closer. Robin is that ever-romantic, so he'll do anything for his love."

This season promises to have Marian in a constant state of unrest because her uncivil union with Guy went awry in the first season's finale. Guy does not know that Marian is on Robin's side - he still only suspects foul play and an wavering heart from her, but it is unlikely that she will be able to use her feminine wiles quite so liberally on the doting degenerate this season. Armstrong said that Guy is less forgiving this time around, and that Marian is never certain where she stands with the Sheriff or his right hand man, Guy.

As for the other outlaws -- Much, Alan A Dale, Will Scarlett, Little John and Djaq -- there is much in store for their merry band as they have progressed from mere scavengers and nomads and have finally made a permanent camp somewhere deep in the forest. Armstrong said that they are much more unified than they were previously, but that there is a dark plot afoot this season as one of them is less loyal to the band than Robin would have hoped.

Armstrong said that episode 8, "Get Carter," was one of his favorite episodes because it is a turning point for Robin. He said that it becomes clear to him what he needs to do in that episode and that the audience gains a whole new perspective on what Robin has done in the Holy Lands and why he is still loyal to the King.

This season promises to hold the key to a few of the mysteries that were left unsolved at the conclusion of the first season, but will unravel a whole new list of dangers as it takes Robin and his men on a whole new journey through the unknown and unparalleled 12th century world. Tune in to BBC America on April 26 at 9pm et/pt to see the first official American showing of the swashbuckler's new adventures.