Raise the BLACK SAILS

Article first published as BLACK SAILS Review on Seat42F.

Starz’s BLACK SAILS, a prequel to Treasure Island, opens exactly how one would expect such a show to begin – with a high-octane battle on the high seas. It’s exciting, with lots of fighting and bloodshed, explosions and combat. Basically, it kicks things off as a pay-cable pirate program should, reeling in the viewers with a flashy sequence that will hook those tuning in for just such a scene.

Because this is Starz, there is gratuitous violence and nudity. However, it’s not so much so that it distracts from the story. Instead, it’s the sort of enhancement subscribers have become accustomed to, and are typically used in the correct manner, not being a hindrance to the writing.

Underneath that, there are real characters and story that unfold over the hour, titled “I.,” perhaps a reference to its literary roots. Captain Flint (Toby Stephens, Vexed) is the leader of this pirate ship. His reign is threatened by a man named Singleton (Anthony Bishop, District 9) when Flint’s power seems to waver, with smaller and small hauls. Flint’s right-hand-man, Gates (Mark Ryan, The Prestige), does his best to sway opinion back the other way, but it may be too late.

This struggle is best illustrated through the part of Billy Bones (Tom Hopper, Merlin), whose loyalty to Flint is wavering, but whom still accompanies him on a mission to see their business partner, Richard Guthrie (Sean Cameron Michael, This Life), offering protection and counsel. Billy wants to keep the faith in his superior, but because he thinks the captain has grown weak, he considers turning away. Yet, he’s noble enough to give Flint the chance to win back his authority.

BLACK SAILS is not a story of noble people, by and large, but there is a certain honor code among a number of the characters. Flint seems intelligent and has a legitimate beef against those who would make the rules. Viewers will root for him to succeed in his quest to become king of the pirates, even as that goes against the law of the land. I supposed any series starring pirates, though, must strive to make them likeable characters.

Somehow, the pirate myths have taken on an air of romanticism over the years. These were hard men, outlaws who would slit the throat of an innocent man to steal his treasure without batting an eye. But there’s also an attractive, rebellious quality, a hint that they might stand for something and are acting out for good reason. Plus, they seem to lead a life of fun, and so we cheer their accomplishments.

The character in BLACK SAILS I found hardest to like is the one with the familiar name recognition, John Silver (Luke Arnold, Winners & Losers). We know he’s a treacherous fellow with a selfish streak, someone who will earn Flint’s trust and fear. This dynamic is set up right away in “I.” for Silver, though Flint is barely aware of the younger man’s existence. It’ll be interesting to see when Silver makes his move and in what way.

The rest of the cast is packed with a variety of interesting parts. Captain Vane (Zach McGowan, Shameless) seems like the villain of the piece, at least in its first season, while the motivations of Rackham (Toby Schmitz, The Cookes), another pirate, are more murky. We have Mr. Scott (Hakeem Kae-Kizim, 24), who seems to act more important than he is, and Eleanor Guthrie (Hannah New, El tiempo entre costuras), who may do the opposite.

Eleanor does feel like a stock character, the strong woman in an era that didn’t have many of those. Yet she also has a role to play that’s more than two dimensional. There are two other girls in the main cast, too, Max (Jessica Parker Kennedy, The Secret Circle) and Anny Bonny (Clara Paget, Fast & Furious 6), prostitutes with business acumen, who can be described the same way. The women in this show are not wasted or subservient when they don’t want to be, and whether they are historically accurate or not, they will be compelling parts.

There is a lack of suspense in the fates of certain characters because the story of Treasure Island takes place about twenty years after this starts, ensuring the survival of John Silver, Captain Flint, and Billy Bones. We also know this crew will eventually amass a large fortune, so their victory is guaranteed. That is, unless BLACK SAILS decides to toss out its source material and go in a completely original direction, which would be a refreshing surprise, sure to be delivered with great effect.

The challenges BLACK SAILS faces are the same as any prequel, admittedly, but the argument about being disappointed because the lack of stakes figures more prominently here than in other stories because it is such a dangerous tale. There is inherent risk to the pirate life, and we see people killed in the first hour alone. By removing any real threat to the lives of multiple main players, it waters down their story, as well as makes the other main characters more disposable, perhaps leading viewers to be less invested in those who aren’t around for Treasure Island.

Apart from these things, though, BLACK SAILS is an enjoyable and well-made show that I look forward to watching. Its characters and story are better developed than other recent Starz efforts, and the production looks terrific, using physical sets more than CGI (though there’s some of that, too), and building on a grand scale.

BLACK SAILS airs Saturdays at 9 p.m. ET on Starz.

Robin of Sherwood set 2 concludes series

Robin of Sherwood Set 2, containing all thirteen episodes of the third and final series, is now on Blu-ray and DVD. When Robin of Sherwood Set 1 ends, Robin of Loxsley (Michael Praed, Timewatch. Dynasty) is dead, leaving the characters in disarray. As Set 2 begins, a new Robin, Robert of Huntingdon (Jason Connery, Shanghai Noon), emerges. This Robin is significantly different, coming from a privileged background. But he is soon tapped by Herne the Hunter (John Abineri) to take over the legendary sword, and with it, the role of Robin of the Hood. The new Robin is reluctant, until Marion (Judi Trott) is kidnapped, and he springs into action, rousing the Merry Men back together, and resuming the noble work left undone by his predecessor.

If one is a fan of Set 1, Robin of Sherwood Set 2 has many of those same great characteristics. It is largely shot outdoors, in authentic settings. The budget may not be huge, but what there is is dedicated to the special effects of the magical elements, which are stepped up in this second set. This is a show with a lot of the supernatural, and also, a lot of sword fights, which are usually executed in a seemingly realistic manner. The acting is the same high quality as Set 1, and aside for a handful of cheesy missteps, the story, as a whole, remains among the best of the genre. Robin of Sherwood, which aired in the U.S. as Robin Hood, is worthy of being remembered, and Set 2 carries on the proud traditions of Set 1.

Connery, son of Sean, takes over the mantle well. He is physically and temperamentally very different from Praed's Robin, which is a good thing. Any imitation would have fallen short, and for Robin of Sherwood to keep going with a different lead, a new nature needed to be incorporated. Connery plays the part in a manner that does not resemble the former Robin, but it is not inferior, either. He handles the dramatic and the mystical with ease, and one wonders why his career, while respectable, did not take off further after this.

Of course, many of the other great characters from the first set return. Of particular note are Will Scarlet (Ray Winstone, the fourth Indiana Jones), Nasir (Mark Ryan, the new Transformers films), and the Sheriff of Nottingham (Nickolas Grace, Brideshead Revisited). The latter is a fantastic villain, who still chills and proves a worthy antagonist three seasons in. Another bad guy with an intriguing twist is Sir Guy of Gisburne (Robert Addie, Excalibur), who uncovers a startling secret. Unfortunately, Robin of Sherwood is canceled before all of the implications of that twist can be fully explored.

For a series so old, it is remarkable at how well Robin of Sherwood has been restored! The picture quality is quite good, if a bit soft, with clear colors, and images relatively sharp, considering. It isn't the same as today's releases, of course, but it is definitely one of the better touched up series of the past that surely needed a lot of work. That it looks as good as it does deserves high praise. The audio is pretty good, too. The episodes are not available in surround sound, but the stereo mixes are decent, and not distracting. Sound effects and music are blended well with dialogue, and it does not appear that anything gets lost in the output.

Robin of Sherwood Set 2 delivers on the bonus features. Nine of the thirteen episodes have audio commentary tracks, which use some of the principal actors and creative team. There are fun anecdotes, and some rich background information. There are also cast filmographies, a thirteen minute blooper reel, a photo gallery with over 400 images, three episodes with tracks available to listen to the music by itself, and a preview for the U.S. Showtime run.

That's far from all. A 76 minute documentary called "Nothing's Forgotten: The Making of Robin of Sherwood) tells a comprehensive story of the series, with many of the central acting and backstage team involved. The band Clannard, which won awards for scoring the show, gives a twelve minute interview about what they bring to the table. Performer Mark Ryan talks about the swordplay techniques used in an eight minute feature. And Esta Charkham, a producer, presents a four minute retrospective through photographs.
Robin of Sherwood Set 2 is a solid collection, well worth the purchase price. For fans of British television of the fantasy genre, this is a must-have for any comprehensive collection. Buy Robin of Sherwood Set 2 on sale now on Blu-ray and DVD.

Robin of Sherwood Set 1 on Blu-ray

     Acorn Media's newest release is Robin of Sherwood Set 1, just released two days ago. Already available on DVD, this release brings the British drama series to Blu-ray, and includes all 13 episodes of Series 1 and Series 2 in a four-disc set. Though the picture is 4:3, as television shows were filmed then, it is presented here in 1080p. Some of the bonus materials are 16:9 widescreen, but they are in 480p.


     The series is based on the Robin Hood legends and fables from hundreds of years ago, featuring the famous rebel who lives in Sherwood Forest with a gang of like-minded men. They steal from the rich and give to the poor, though that phrase isn't uttered exactly in these episodes. Shown under the title Robin Hood in the United States, these episodes originally ran in 1984 and 1985. The film has been remastered for Blu-ray.

     Robin of Sherwood follows the adventures of Robin of Loxley a.k.a. Robin in the Hood (Michael Praed, Timewatch, Dynasty) as he gathers a group of merry men and tries to bring justice to England from his hideout deep in the forest. Unlike many versions of the famous tale, this Robin must deal with magic, from sorcery and curses, to possessions and pagan rituals. He is tapped by Herne the Hunter (John Abineri), a man who dresses as a half deer. The local serfs pray to Herne, considering him Protector of the Realm.

     Robin is aided by the lovely, but tough, Maid Marion (Judi Trott), whom he marries early in the series. This Marion can shoot an arrow and help out in a fight. She's one of the boys, although Robin and Friar Tuck (Phil Rose) look after her a bit more. The Friar can handle himself when the soliders attack, and both he and Marion are sometimes shown as a liability, but they are also every bit as much a part of the team as any of the men.

     Speaking of the band of Merry Men, the group includes four characters additional main members. Although others show up as extras, most of them are killed in battle. Much (Peter Llewellyn Williams) is Robin's meek adopted brother, sometimes referred to as the half wit, and who tends to stay near the edges of the fight. Short tempered Will Scarlet (Ray Winstone, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, The Departed) butts heads with Robin when he disagrees on the leader's decisions. Giant Little John (Clive Mantle, Game of Thrones) is possessed when Robin first meets him, but after John is freed from the spell, the tender-hearted man becomes a loyal follower. Finally, Nasir (Mark Ryan, the new Transformers movies), a character invented just for this series, is a mysterious Palestinian who can wield two swords at once.

     It's a rag tag crew, to be sure, but they persevere against mightier enemies than themselves again and again. Even when the villagers are ungrateful, they still help. The Merry Men may bicker and argue, but they also play and practice together, and will do anything for each other. Members of the group break off from time to time, especially Scarlett, but always return when they are needed. All are willing to risk their lives to save their fellows, even when it seems hopeless.

     The Merry Men have their work cut out for them, as there are intelligent, dangerous enemies for them to face. The slightly insane Sheriff of Nottingham (Nickolas Grace, An Ideal Husband, Brideshead Revisited) is a frequent thorn in their side, as is his dim-witted minion, Sir Guy of Gisburne (Robert Addie, Excalibur, Intimacy). The two are in most of the episodes, and wish to kill the band whenever they show themselves.

     Other bad guys come and go. Perhaps most telling about the level of caliber of these guest stars is that they are often put into the opening credits. Of all the regular characters mentioned above, only Robin and the Sheriff make it into the theme song, but most episodes contain another name or two as well. That's because top notch performers play friend and foe alike in this series. One of the most memorable is John Rhys Davies (Lord of the Rings) as King Richard, who does not save the day, but seeks to use Robin and his men for his own motives.

     Honestly, all of the cast is terrific. Each one of the recurring parts have depth and development as the story goes along. Not a single hero or villain is a black and white part. The Merry Men have their faults that get them into trouble. Sometimes their enemies let them escape for one reason or another. While the Sheriff would like to kill the whole Sherwood band, they are not his primary focus day in and day out. Similarly, the Merry Men don't sit around plotting to oust the ruler of Nottingham, but instead, live their lives, and do their ambush robberies. Such people would not feel realistic without great performers behind them. A facial expression often means as much as witty dialogue.

     The magic may seem a little hokey at first, owing to old style special effects, but it informs the story, and almost all of it is based on local legends from the area or historical fact. Plus, since it isn't usually done, it adds a neat extra element to set this versions apart from the many other incarnations out there. The creators of Robin of Sherwood take great pains to ensure a series as authentic to the time and place it is set as possible, and they overwhelming succeed.

     The story holds up wonderfully. There is no boredom to be had, and the same scripts could be used today on a cable channel willing to take a chance on a risky, original series. Which is what happened in the 1980s when the show was made. Unlike many, many other shows out there, it's still easy to enjoy thirty years later.

     The scenery is beautiful. While not coming across as crisp as most high definition programming seen today, for a series nearly three decades old, it's amazing it looks as good as it does. Individual leaves can be picked out in the lush, green forest, and the stonework looks incredibly raw and real. Clearly, much work has gone into restoring a picture to the best ability of current technology, and it pays off. Watching Robin of Sherwood is a delightful experience, rarely plagued with the grainy images seen on old shows, and therefor, easier to lose oneself in than most. In fact, while the film does somewhat show its age, the colors are crisp and clear. There is no fading or washed out looks. The only time the visual gets a bit outdated is during the magical scenes where reds, whites, or blues may overtake everything else. But this is done for effect, not because the quality is bad.

     The sound is even better. Each bird chirping comes through like a bell, and the surround sound capabilities, matched with the setting, make the viewer feel like they are actually in Sherwood Forest. It's only Dolby Digital 2.0 stereo, but honestly, it feels like more, and it really pulls you in in a way few films I have watched do. I could not say if the effects are newly recorded or somehow restored, but sound perfect.

     Musically, the soundtrack leaves something to be desired. This is personal opinion, as it won a BAFTA and sold tons of soundtracks in its day. It is entirely recorded by the Irish band Clannad. To my ears, it sounds dated and retro, and would never work as is if Robin of Sherwood were made today. That being said, the melodies, while performed on instruments that sometimes sound like they are from the 1980's, do match the medieval time period in which the show is set.

     If you are looking for special features, there are many, and they are varied. Production stills from both series have been remastered in HD. There are commentaries by Richard Carpenter, Ian Sharp, and Paul Knight, the creator, a oft-used director, and a producer, respectively, on five of the episodes. There are outtakes from both series, and documentaries about making them, nearly an hour long a piece. Shorter featurettes are included for those not wanting to spend so much time, and have some of the cast heaping praise on their co-stars. There is an expanded episode of The Electric Theatre Show as it goes on the set.

     And that's not all. Besides those things to look at on the discs, a forty page booklet telling the story behind Robin of Sherwood is also included. Pop the Bonus Disc into your computer, and you can look at Carpenter's original story treatment, some scripts, and PR materials. All in all, it's hard to be disappointed with so much. One is left feeling they really get to know the show, not just watch the episodes. It is an immersive experience, if you want it to be.


     A third series of thirteen episodes was made, and hopefully will be released as Set 2. Go out and buy Robin of Sherwood Set 1 today on Blu-ray.

     Please click here to buy Robin of Sherwood Set 1 on Blu-ray now!

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Article first published as Blu-ray Review Robin of Sherwood Set 1 on Blogcritics.