Jonas as Robin Hood by Lucky [South Wales]

 My younger sister and I are life-long Robin Hood fans, my fondest memories are of sitting with my Dad watching Robin of Sherwood. We're a family of Hoodies

We had also been fans of Jonas in Ghost Squad and when the news broke that there would be a re-telling of the Robin Hood Tale we were understandably nervous about what direction the story would take and who would be cast as Robin.

The day that Jonas was named as the new Robin Hood, my sister and I were sat in our parents lounge reading the papers. She read out the story and we both said "safe". We knew that Jonas would be prefect for the part of Robin and that our childhood hero would be safe in his hands.

And he didnt disappoint us...not for a second. Not once in 13 episodes did Jonas let us down. He brought a new dimension to the character of Robin and made him everything that a 21st century Robin Hood should be. Whereas we were in awe of the original Robin of Sherwood with our girlish crushes, Jonas' Robin Hood had us swooning left, right and centre and laughing throughout every episode.

Jonas brings his own personality to the role of Robin and despite his assertations that he is infact a whinger, the sense of humour and the twinkle in Robins eye definitely belong to Jonas. These are qualities that he brings to every role he plays.

His background in stage work and training at Rada helped immensely as well. He gave convincing performances in all of the fight scenes thus ensuring that no criticism could be levelled at him. I have spoken with re-enactors who participate in this kind of combat regularly and they have all praised him from this aspect.

On an emotional level Jonas as Robin Hood makes all those who have gone before him look one-dimensional and devoid of feeling. Oh the angst! His pain when witnessing Marians apparent death made me feel as if my insides were being torn out. And his anguish on being forced to hear Marian tell Guy she did not have feelings for him (Robin) had me a quivering wreck. When watching Jonas as Robin Hood you are guaranteed a performance that will send you on an emotional rollercoaster. It took me days to recover after each episode.

But for me, the best thing about having Jonas play Robin was the sense of fun he brought to the part, he approached this role with an enthusiasm which leapt off the screen and grabbed the viewer by the throat. His zeal and obvious enjoyment were infectious.

A truly magnificent Robin for a new generation, he has made the role his own, I'm really not sure they would ever be able to replace this Robin and I for one don't want them too.

An exceptional performance by Jonas.






Jonas as Robin Hood by Katie [Edinburgh]

 Being a fan of Robin of Sherwood in the 80's, I didn't think anyone could be as good at playing Robin Hood as Michael Praed .... until a talented actor called Jonas Armstrong came along.

Jonas has just completely blown me away with his portrayal of Robin. The way in which the character has developed since the first episode has been compelling viewing, and the emotions that Jonas has shown throughout the series as Robin have made the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end.

Who can forget the agony that showed in his face when Guy proposed to Marian, or the devastation when he thought that Marian had died.

He has put every kind of emotion you possibly could into Robin, from flirty and cheeky to anger, hurt and love.

For me, there will never be another Robin Hood apart from Jonas ..... he IS Robin Hood





Jonas as Robin Hood by Rosie [England]

 Well I adored Michael Praed, and I didn't expect to like Jonas at all tbh. Now, I can't imagine anyone else in the part - I agree with you Katie, he is Robin.

It really bugs me when I see him criticised - especially by people who accuse us fans of just liking him because he's eye candy. Of course that helps - but can't those people see how much depth he has brought to the character. There are so many more layers than we've ever seen in Robin Hood before.

He is cheeky, arrogant, impetuous, compassionate, reckless...etc. etc.

He has made the character his.  





Jonas as Robin Hood by Tink [England]

 Jonas has an unparalleled ability to develop Robin’s character further each episode, so that the audience witness and feel involved in Robin’s personality and character to the point where they almost feel they have an influence over who he is and what he becomes.

Jonas brings a new dimension to the legendary hero; Robin Hood. Jonas’s Robin is more realistic than any that have gone before him, he has weaknesses and flaws despite his hero status, yet we just love him all the more. Why is this? It’s because everybody hates perfection. It is unrealistic and hard to identify with someone without faults. The new Robin is arrogant and attractive but there is a deeper side which entices the audience in. Robin is haunted and tortured by the horrors of War in the Holy Land, and ridden with guilt for leaving his people to face the new Sheriff and his Henchman Sir Guy of Gisbourne alone, but in particular for leaving his childhood sweetheart Marian.

On first meeting we believe Robin to be only interested in the chase of pursuing Marian, however as the series progresses we saw more and more of Robin’s true intentions. He just wants to protect her, to make her trust him and to try and make up for leaving her, which he deeply regrets. Though he never tells her it is increasingly evident how much he loves her, yet how much he believes she is too good for him. He respects her for her bold character, and the way she has fought a lone battle against the Sheriff and Guy for the good of the people of Nottingham whilst he has been away at war seeking the glory of war.

We see the slow realisation that war does not bring the glory he seeks, and that the real war is here, in England against Sheriff Vaisey. And whilst he was at War he realised that the Holy Land he was fighting for was not only holy to Christians but to the Muslims and the Jews and that it is their Holy Land too. And so his guilt at fighting Saracens, who just want what his people want, increases. Yet he felt his loyalties torn between his guilt and his loyalty to the King. He needs to regain his people’s respect and trust, and most importantly as his very loyal and observant manservant, Much says; Robin just wants to be loved. This particular aspect of the new Robin Hood brings political significance in modern day, and shows a desire for Jonas to do more than entertain, but also inform the British public as to the complications of War and politics.

The new Robin has stark principles and is driven from his lands and his people into Sherwood Forest because he refuses to abandon them. He could have had it all; lands, wealth and status if he had gone along with the Sheriff. But he cannot betray his true feelings, and most importantly his people. And so he is forced to become an outlaw, and to make friends in the forest who will help him defend the people of Nottingham, scupper the Sheriff’s plans and be ultimately loyal to Robin and the King of England. This subtly encourages morals into the story of Robin Hood, morals of justice, forgiveness and for standing up for what you believe in despite the costs.

Jonas manages to combine all the best aspects of previous Robin’s, whilst bringing his own slant to his portrayal of Robin. He is still the chivalrous hero, who is loyal and principled and dedicated to the poor. Yet he is a tortured soul, who is haunted by his crimes of War and who is not invincible, as his injuries and scars show. He is too proud and regrets his ignorance and glory-seeking attitude to entering the War, and most of all the time and life he has lost with Marian. He has sacrificed his own happiness to defend and support his King. Jonas also modernises Robin’s character giving him street cred and a hoodie, this enables the youths of today to identify more with him. And he also brings humour to the part that appeals to all age groups, and sees him mocking the Sheriff and Guy, and the situations he finds himself in. He also modernises the way Robin flirts with Marian, rather than saving the ‘damsel in distress’ and sweeping her off her feet as in previous portrayals of Robin Hood. Jonas’s Robin has to fight for Marian’s approval and loyalty, he has to justify his actions to her and she acts as his conscience helping him to decide upon which actions are best for his people.

The new Robin Hood series provides entertainment, humour, romance and morals to Saturday night TV. And Jonas has a major role in providing all four of these aspects successfully.

Jonas’s performance throughout series 1 was commendable, showing the many different sides of Robin, displaying many different emotions. But two particular performances stick out in my mind as really showing Jonas’s impressive acting ability and helping the audience have a real insight into Robin’s character.

Firstly, episode 8 where Robin fights Guy of Gisbourne, two motives lead to this showdown. The realisation that Guy betrayed England by trying to kill the King in the Holy Land, and the fact that at the end of episode 7 Guy had proposed to, and been accepted by, Marian – under duress. This episode shows Robin’s inner soul divided between a need for justice – to kill Guy for his crime against the King, and a need to keep his promise never to kill another person and maintain the respect of his people, and in particular Marian who forbids him to kill Guy. He fights for the support of his gang of outlaws, and is left with his ever loyal friend Much. Much and Marian become Robin’s conscience in this episode, and it ends with Guy and Robin fighting it out for the honour of the King, England and most of all Marian. This episode shows Robin’s rage and compassion, love for Marian and love for his King. And is an amazing performance by Jonas.

Secondly, the scenes from the end of episode 12 running into episode 13 where Robin admits his feelings and regrets to Marian, and believes he has lost her forever. He manages to show such realistic and amazing emotions throughout these scenes; from denial and humour, to love and loss, to eventual anger. This outstanding performance by Jonas shows his true ability and potential as an actor. As well as developing the Robin and Marian storyline further to its climax in episode 13 when Robin leaves Nottingham when he realises Marian is alive but he believes he cannot save her from her fate to become Gisbourne’s wife. These scenes are electrifying and heart-breaking all at the same time. And ultimately show why casting directors made the right choice in assigning the part to Jonas on his acting skill, rather than his reputation – because as a relatively small star and inexperienced TV actor, some feared the part would be too big for him. But after viewing series 1, audiences have been captivated by Jonas’ performance and are left impatiently awaiting the second series. And I for one believe that no one else could play Robin Hood better, with more skill, or more empathy. Jonas has become and developed that character and I cannot wait to see him become the MASSIVE sensation he is destined to be





Jonas as Robin Hood by Nimuae [Holland]

 I have always loved the legend of Robin Hood, being a fan of legends and myths in general. We all know the existing versions of Robin Hood's tale, in series and films. So when I read that a new version of Robin Hood was about to be broadcasted, I got very excited and curious. So much, that I told all my friends and family (or at least those who could possibly care) about the new show.

Finally that first Saturday arrived and I knew it to be a promising series. For me the cast was largely unknown, living abroad, but that did not prevent me from giving the series a chance. It was fresh, funny and entertaining and knew this version to be different. (I even had my dear Mother hooked on the series)

Immediately I was taken with Jonas Armstrong playing Robin, as he should be played in my humble opinion: slightly arrogant, youthful, loving and caring and not afraid to tell another man that he loves him. Throughout the series I could tell he really got into the part; he became Robin and was convincing as he showed a whole range of emotions.

In short, very well done. This has become one of my favorite versions of Robin Hood, if not the favourite





Jonas as Robin Hood by Penwoman

 For me, this is the most charismatic Robin Hood we've ever had. You could argue that most of the credit should go to the writers for not being afraid to make him a bit different this time around. But I think that if you want an audience to stop watching a character and start caring what happens to him then it's all down to what the actor brings to the part - and Jonas Armstrong gave us a real gem. No clunky dialogue required, every expression on his face told us whatever we needed to know at any given time. He was as convincing in his brash, cocky reluctance to take anything seriously as a man trying to reconcile the person he thought he was - prior to the Crusades - with the person who'd come back. Unlike past Robins, you could see why people were drawn to him. Why he had to take such a firm stance on who he was. The invulnerable hero who didn't put a foot wrong never worked for me. Not to say that the admiration wasn't there but it was always a cold, distant thing. The whole of my attraction for this Robin could be summed up in his own words "Do you know something? I am SICK of doing the right thing." Not particularly because of the words themselves - but the amount of emotion that was poured into them. How they were said. The look in his eyes. That's the strongest image of the whole season for me because it just sums up someone struggling to do what he thinks is "right" only to find - again and again - that nothing is ever that simple. How difficult is to live with what you think are your mistakes. And where you find the strength and belief in yourself to keep going anyway - still trying to do what's best. Stuff that's close to all of us because it's what makes us human. That could have been tedious - if it hadn't been done with such a light hand. And well mixed in with a lot of humour and genuine love of life. So I think - great instincts. Great acting. And a fabulous character you've just got to love.





Jonas as Robin Hood by Krista, [Tennessee, USA]

 I usually don't know what to say when I'm trying to describe how I feel about something, but I figured I owed it to Mr. Armstrong to let him know just how proud and excited I feel when I watch him perform. It's absolutely splendid.

First of all, I've been a devoted Robin Hood fan since I was a little girl. The Disney version of the movie was my favorite all the way through my childhood, and it still remains to be one of my top movies today. I even fancied the Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves movie through the years. I've researched, wrote essays, and read upon countless stories and folklores about this wonderful legend, so it's something that I truly care about. It's something that I will always love.

Jonas makes a perfect Robin Hood in my book. I've never seen a role performed as well as he has played it. I've always imagined Robin Hood to be arrogant and egotistical, but underneath all of that still have a kind and gentle heart and a good since of humor. I've always imagined him to be very witty... seriously, he has to outsmart the sheriff somehow! And Jonas pulls this off with perfection! I'm so stunned that this is just the sprout of his career.

Jonas makes a fine Robin Hood and a fine actor. I cannot wait to see him in future T.V. series and films. Bravo, man! You're awesome!





Jonas as Robin Hood by Ninu [Jakarta, Indonesia]

 For me, Robin Hood was just another fairy tale where the outlaw gets the girl and stuff, probably because I was just so distant from where Robin Hood comes from. Where I am, barely anything becomes legendary and a lot is just boring...

I have seen the cartoon and other versions of Robin Hood but never have I watched a series about him. In movies it's always cut short, the way Robin steals, wins hearts and wins battles. RH merged into a series shows us what he goes through in detail and what he feels and all his emotions.

I think Jonas is great in showing us how RH can be strong, vulnerable, funny and even lethal. The turmoil in his mind is really great because I don't think RH wanted to become an outlaw and help people in that way. I have goosebumps just seeing Jonas portray RH so well.





Jonas as Robin Hood by lilnaughtynicky [Kent, England]

 I have always been interested in the legend of Robin Hood and was very excited when, dropping my son at school one morning in September 2006, i saw Jonas's face on the side of a bus advertising that the BBC had filmed a new tv series of Robin Hood. I eagerly searched through the tv books each week looking for when it started. The first episode came and my son and i sat down to watch it together. We both throughly enjoyed it and was hooked. The whole series was very well written and acted.

Jonas was amazing, showing us just how fantastic his acting is. The way he showed each emotion, making you feel it with him, was fantastic. He was able to switch from one emotion to another at the drop of a hat. I don't recall ever seeing an actor play Robin with the range and ease Jonas has. He has shown us happy, sad, cheeky, anger, love and so many more. He has also been supported by a fantastic cast. I have never really thought about going too much into research about the legend that is Robin Hood but watching this has encourged me to do so.

I look forward with great excitment to series two and hopefully many more to come.





Jonas as Robin Hood by Bpool JA Fan [Blackpool]

 There have been plenty of reveiws of Jonas as Robin. And I got to say you all are so right. It was hard trying to write a review about him playing Robin as all you Angels have said it all.