Wait, there are people who *don't* like Robot of Sherwood? It's comedic genius, for the Twelfth Doctor & Robin Hood interactions alone! I mean, we literally get Capaldi sneaking in a middle finger as he says, "I'm the Doctor, and this is my SPOON!" 🥄🧤Not to mention the fact that Jenna Coleman in this episode still rocks the medieval maiden look. 👌👸
For a friend in High School this was the episode where they jumped of the show. They couldn't take the show seriously after the golden arrow or some nonsense they blamed on Moffat. Which like yeah, valid criticism for this episode but really? Granted this was also someone who was very disillusioned with the latter half of the Smith era so it was more a breaking point. Sucks that they missed one of the best eras of Doctor Who
The best part of this episode is it led to one of my favorite DW quotes (and in general) of all time: *”Every story ever told actually happened. Stories are where memories go when they’re forgotten”* (Hell Bent (that opening act was SO good)).
This was actually one of my favourite episodes. The Doctor isn't wrong often and the fact he kept thinking Robin Hood was fake but he ended up being genuine.
This is one of my favorite episodes. Robin’s cheer clashing with the doctor’s annoyance is comedy gold. How the doctor doesn’t believe in Robin Hood so meeting him makes him skeptically angry and he’s trying to figure out what they are. Often funny trapping a optimist and a pessimist together. And their goodbye is wonderful. Doctor: I’m not a hero Robin: neither am I, but if we both keep pretending to be *robin scoffs and chuckles the way he’s always been doing it* maybe others will be hero’s in our name. They shake hands and show mutual respect, then robin says “ remember doctor, am just as real as you are”
@@lillystolpe6063 I would preferred Robin say “neither am I, I’m just a story, but if we both keep pretending to be *haha* maybe real people who read our stories can find the heroes within themselves. Personally I wonder if the Doctor is real. Obviously he’s not literally, however has the doctor not had a bigger impact on your life than some real people? Even if someone isn’t real doesn’t mean they can’t have an impact on the world.
I'm admittedly a massive 12 fan, but this episode is just fun, with great characterization too. If a Who episode isn't gonna knock my socks off, this is what I'd like instead.
Robot of Sherwood is so funny. I never agree with the criticism I sometimes see that this story should have been with the Eleventh Doctor, because as you stated, Eleven would have giddily interacted with the characters. He would have been in awe. It just wouldn't work like it does with Twelve. The ending between Robin and Twelve is so good about others being heroes in their name.
Series 8 was the peak of Capaldi's era. Went downhill quickly once he put on those silly sonic sunglasses (not saying that the sunglasses were the problem, they just happened to be a symptom).
@@the_kovic..... No way you believe that Series 10 is best of capaldi and arguably best of new who as a whole Series 9 is yea a bit hit and miss but it had heaven sent All of capaldi's series were good with series 10 being Amazing
What I found really surprising last time I re-watched S8 was how much fun you could feel exuding from the production on most stories, especially in the first half. Robot of Sherwood was where this really hit: the writing, production, costuming, performances...Even while doing this darker story arc, all of the team are clearly savoring playing in the sandbox they're making, and that's what made me realise how fantastic this series is.
I was in hysterics throughout the entire episode. Granted, DOCTOR WHO isn't really meant to be a comedy, but every so often you get an episode like this...
Even as far back as the classics I think it can be said that comedy is a part of the show's DNA. There are a LOT of quips throughout the various stories, and some full on comedies like the 1st Doctor stories, "The Chase" and "The Romans."
How come Doctor Who isn't meant to be a comedy? Have you seen Doctor Who? It's literally a comedy, this is probably the weirdest take on the show I've heard in my whole life
It has always bothered me that some fans slate these comedic light-hearted episodes. Because it's these sort of episodes that draw in the young generation of new children who will become lifelong fans eventually
8:55 The bland room thing is perhaps the most unrealistic part of the story besides the robots of course. Medieval castles where rich in color, both outside and inside. The blandness of today only comes from the colors having worn off throughout time. Like the Romans before them, people in the middle ages didn't want to stare at blank walls all day so they decorated them. This is something that historical movies and TV shows ALWAYS do wrong - probably because we are so used to the bland walls in the (sometimes ruined) castles.
Great review. I always enjoy this story, which I often think of as NuWho's equivalent of Pertwee's "Time Warrior". That was also a light-hearted medieval romp, complete with a robot knight and a deliciously OTT human villain.
Ultimately, this episode is just fun. It's definitely not the most highbrow thing but it's just enjoyable to watch, and I adore Ben Miller in this (he's great generally but the ham is ideal for this kind of story)
This episode shows why Clara is probably my favorite companion. I love how she uses her time with the doctor to become the doctor. It's so interesting. Martha and Donna were similar, but they each only had 1 season, so they didn't get a full arc
I remember I had fun with this story, and it was fun to watch. I do like the idea of The Doctor meeting with fictional characters, and this happened in the 2nd Doctor story The Mind Robber. I do like Robin Hood in this story, and he is played well. I will say this story would be interesting if The Doctor and Clara are in the Land of Fiction and this story does remind me of The Mind Robber, but it would be cool if The Doctor returned to the Land of Fiction in this story and I would be blown away by that.
I would love for Doctor Who to explore more stories based around like mythical and legendary heroes that may or may not have exited like Robin Hood or King Arthur. I want something to challenge the Doctor and their core values and beliefs. I like explorations of stuff like faith and mythology and magic. The Doctor is a person of logic and science and reason so stuff like this makes them expand their mind and perspectives more and it's a lesson we all could learn some times.
I actually overall quite liked it -- It's hardly a great episde, but I do think people are far too hard on it. It's brisk, has a solid sense of fun, does its own thing and then ends. It doesn't try to throw unearned emotional gut-punches at you, nor does it attempt to do anything unwarranted, like deconstruct Robin Hood as some kind a secretly evil individual.
While this feels more like a Smith story, it works so much better with Capaldi as a level headed serious figure who balances out the over the top comedy characters around him. With the 11th Doctor these characters might have been too much, having someone to tell them to "shut up" occasionally helps them from going to far with the comedy.
I feel the Golden Arrow would have been a much better plot device against a Lone Cyberman plot, I can't remember many stories in NuWho bringing up the Cyberman (at least Mondassian) weakness to Gold
The thing I remember most about this episode was that me and my family were making our way through Game of Thrones while this season was airing and one night we sat down to watch two episodes of GoT except the first one we watched was the Red Wedding and it upset my dad so much that we decided to watch the newest Doctor Who next instead but it was this episode which opens with a guy stabbing another guy in a medieval setting as if we never left
I was so excited for the ep when it came out because I loved the 1938 robin hood film. this was before my great-grandmother mentioned the fact that she wasn't allowed to play with him when they were kids because he kept swearing (they lived on the same street in sandy bay, hobart)
Yeah! I've always loved robot of Sherwood because it was so hilarious. I'm unsure if people were trying to take it too seriously. It is a good uplifting and light-hearted episode for a series drenched in darkness.
Did you know: When the 12th doctor puts his glove on when he fights Robin Hood he actually uses the middle finger against robin hood. Go watch it for yourself and keep an eye on the hand, It's hilarious.
The golden arrow actually makes sense if you think about it. Their plan was to capture whoever wins the tournament, which would obviously be Robin. And once they capture Robin, they get the arrow back, to then smelt it again.
It doesn't matter whether Robin was real or not, it matters what function Robin serves. Function is the greatest part of character, not just in story but in life. Strength of character and qualities of your actions are factors in the impact of a person on the society around them.
This is one of my most rewatched episodes. It's just solid and fun, 7 or 8 out of 10 level quality material that you can throw on anytime for an enjoyable 45 min. Not a classic by any stretch, just the good side of "bog-standard," as one might say.
I remember being so mind blown the Sheriff just wasn’t the Master Like he had the beard, the alien alliance and I thought he was building a new TARDIS In Nottingham. Like I was so flummoxed that wasn’t the Master return from Series 8
This episode could've been made better with Stephen Amell as Robin Hood, (since Arrow was hitting the peak of its popularity, it would've really boosted both shows) Or they could've called Carry Elwes to take the role and made a more comedic version.
Yeah I didn't like this episode at first at all purely because Robin Hood in my head is Jonas Armstrong 😂 a crossover would have been the stuff of dreams
Ooookay, mon ami, I get what you're saying and I will defend your right to say it but please...don't ever, and I mean, NEVER, as in not even in your wildest fever dream in a nineteenth century opium den ripped from the pages of "The Talons of Weng-Chiang", don't ever put Mark Gatiss in the same bracket as Chinballs. Don't make me come looking for you with a spoon old bean...
How is he out of character? The Doctor hates to be wrong. Throughout the episode, he keeps making theories as to why Robin is there. He's spent thousands of years believing he was a fictional character and time is saying "No, you're wrong. He's real!". It goes against everything the Doctor believes because he was certain Robin didn't exist. Look at Jack. When the Doctor learnt he was immortal, that he went against everything he believed, he abandoned Jack.
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*And do people ever punch you in the face when you do that?* God I love Series 8 Capaldi.
He was straight up family friendly Malcom Tucker and I will always love it
Only season 8?
"I am the Doctor and this is my SPOON!!" is the single greatest line I have heard in that show.
Yeah, it even sounds like something I would say 😂
I think Clara wanted to be his/hers/they/its spoon 🥄 🥰😂
@@CashelOConnolly their? Lol
@@DriverHenryWho3245 so you have autism?
Wait, there are people who *don't* like Robot of Sherwood? It's comedic genius, for the Twelfth Doctor & Robin Hood interactions alone! I mean, we literally get Capaldi sneaking in a middle finger as he says, "I'm the Doctor, and this is my SPOON!" 🥄🧤Not to mention the fact that Jenna Coleman in this episode still rocks the medieval maiden look. 👌👸
Is there an outfit Jenna Coleman doesn't rock?
People just wanted to complain about Series 8, to this point.
For a friend in High School this was the episode where they jumped of the show. They couldn't take the show seriously after the golden arrow or some nonsense they blamed on Moffat. Which like yeah, valid criticism for this episode but really? Granted this was also someone who was very disillusioned with the latter half of the Smith era so it was more a breaking point.
Sucks that they missed one of the best eras of Doctor Who
@@backpackerraden6268 Oh wow, they thought it was that bad, huh? Quite the shame indeed.
@@ptolemeeselenion1542 For me, this episode is exactly what I expect from Doctor Who. It's not always high quality writing, but it is always FUN
The best part of this episode is it led to one of my favorite DW quotes (and in general) of all time: *”Every story ever told actually happened. Stories are where memories go when they’re forgotten”* (Hell Bent (that opening act was SO good)).
“I am the doctor and this is my spoon” is up there as well
This was actually one of my favourite episodes. The Doctor isn't wrong often and the fact he kept thinking Robin Hood was fake but he ended up being genuine.
This is one of my favorite episodes.
Robin’s cheer clashing with the doctor’s annoyance is comedy gold. How the doctor doesn’t believe in Robin Hood so meeting him makes him skeptically angry and he’s trying to figure out what they are. Often funny trapping a optimist and a pessimist together.
And their goodbye is wonderful.
Doctor: I’m not a hero
Robin: neither am I, but if we both keep pretending to be *robin scoffs and chuckles the way he’s always been doing it* maybe others will be hero’s in our name.
They shake hands and show mutual respect, then robin says “ remember doctor, am just as real as you are”
This is one of my favorite quotes. It‘s so beautiful and underrated!
@@lillystolpe6063 I would preferred Robin say “neither am I, I’m just a story, but if we both keep pretending to be *haha* maybe real people who read our stories can find the heroes within themselves.
Personally I wonder if the Doctor is real. Obviously he’s not literally, however has the doctor not had a bigger impact on your life than some real people?
Even if someone isn’t real doesn’t mean they can’t have an impact on the world.
I'm admittedly a massive 12 fan, but this episode is just fun, with great characterization too. If a Who episode isn't gonna knock my socks off, this is what I'd like instead.
Robot of Sherwood is so funny. I never agree with the criticism I sometimes see that this story should have been with the Eleventh Doctor, because as you stated, Eleven would have giddily interacted with the characters. He would have been in awe. It just wouldn't work like it does with Twelve. The ending between Robin and Twelve is so good about others being heroes in their name.
I must say I agree with this. Twelve just makes it work in a way no other Doctor would expect maybe Nine and maybe Ten.
These reviews are slowly proving to me how criminally underrated series 8 is (with the most underrated Christmas special)
Series 8 was the peak of Capaldi's era. Went downhill quickly once he put on those silly sonic sunglasses (not saying that the sunglasses were the problem, they just happened to be a symptom).
@@the_kovic..... No way you believe that
Series 10 is best of capaldi and arguably best of new who as a whole
Series 9 is yea a bit hit and miss but it had heaven sent
All of capaldi's series were good with series 10 being Amazing
What I found really surprising last time I re-watched S8 was how much fun you could feel exuding from the production on most stories, especially in the first half. Robot of Sherwood was where this really hit: the writing, production, costuming, performances...Even while doing this darker story arc, all of the team are clearly savoring playing in the sandbox they're making, and that's what made me realise how fantastic this series is.
Really appreciate the love for Series 8 so far. It's easily the most underrated series of New Who, Capaldi is king
I was in hysterics throughout the entire episode. Granted, DOCTOR WHO isn't really meant to be a comedy, but every so often you get an episode like this...
Even as far back as the classics I think it can be said that comedy is a part of the show's DNA. There are a LOT of quips throughout the various stories, and some full on comedies like the 1st Doctor stories, "The Chase" and "The Romans."
How come Doctor Who isn't meant to be a comedy? Have you seen Doctor Who? It's literally a comedy, this is probably the weirdest take on the show I've heard in my whole life
As a child this episode was my favourite! the spoon swordfight was iconic
Capaldi is so underated as a doctor.
It has always bothered me that some fans slate these comedic light-hearted episodes. Because it's these sort of episodes that draw in the young generation of new children who will become lifelong fans eventually
8:55 The bland room thing is perhaps the most unrealistic part of the story besides the robots of course. Medieval castles where rich in color, both outside and inside. The blandness of today only comes from the colors having worn off throughout time.
Like the Romans before them, people in the middle ages didn't want to stare at blank walls all day so they decorated them.
This is something that historical movies and TV shows ALWAYS do wrong - probably because we are so used to the bland walls in the (sometimes ruined) castles.
great to see you getting more and more comfortable in front of the camera :)
Great review. I always enjoy this story, which I often think of as NuWho's equivalent of Pertwee's "Time Warrior". That was also a light-hearted medieval romp, complete with a robot knight and a deliciously OTT human villain.
This was my first Doctor Who episode. I absolutely loved it!
Ultimately, this episode is just fun. It's definitely not the most highbrow thing but it's just enjoyable to watch, and I adore Ben Miller in this (he's great generally but the ham is ideal for this kind of story)
This episode shows why Clara is probably my favorite companion. I love how she uses her time with the doctor to become the doctor. It's so interesting. Martha and Donna were similar, but they each only had 1 season, so they didn't get a full arc
Ben miller performance reminded me of the Roger Delgado Master stories also “that rubbish beard”
I remember I had fun with this story, and it was fun to watch. I do like the idea of The Doctor meeting with fictional characters, and this happened in the 2nd Doctor story The Mind Robber. I do like Robin Hood in this story, and he is played well. I will say this story would be interesting if The Doctor and Clara are in the Land of Fiction and this story does remind me of The Mind Robber, but it would be cool if The Doctor returned to the Land of Fiction in this story and I would be blown away by that.
Hm.
I would love for Doctor Who to explore more stories based around like mythical and legendary heroes that may or may not have exited like Robin Hood or King Arthur. I want something to challenge the Doctor and their core values and beliefs. I like explorations of stuff like faith and mythology and magic. The Doctor is a person of logic and science and reason so stuff like this makes them expand their mind and perspectives more and it's a lesson we all could learn some times.
Hm.
I actually overall quite liked it -- It's hardly a great episde, but I do think people are far too hard on it. It's brisk, has a solid sense of fun, does its own thing and then ends. It doesn't try to throw unearned emotional gut-punches at you, nor does it attempt to do anything unwarranted, like deconstruct Robin Hood as some kind a secretly evil individual.
This episode sold me on Capaldi. I didn't like Deep Breath and Into the Dalek. But this made me keep going. I'm glad I did.
This was a very enjoyable episode .The banter between the doctor and Robin hood trying to win Clara's affections was the highlight .
I use to really not enjoy this episode but I have stared re watching doctor who again and I’m really appreciating capaldi as the doctor he is so good
While this feels more like a Smith story, it works so much better with Capaldi as a level headed serious figure who balances out the over the top comedy characters around him. With the 11th Doctor these characters might have been too much, having someone to tell them to "shut up" occasionally helps them from going to far with the comedy.
Well, all of series 8 was intended to be Smith's tenure, originally.
@@ptolemeeselenion1542 It definitely has S7 vibes.
its the second best Robin Hood related thing the BBC at that time at least.
I've always loved this episode. Definitely top 5 of Capaldi's run.
I'm glad you reviewed the return of Robin Hood thanks
Jenna's medieval attire is drop dead gorgeous in this episode
This is my favorite episode in the ENTIRE show
Finally up to date on series 1-7 reviews so I can watch this in real time 😊
The Sheriff of nottingham kind of looks like the old classic tv show master a little
I've always loved this episode. Glad it's getting the love it deserved!!
I feel the Golden Arrow would have been a much better plot device against a Lone Cyberman plot, I can't remember many stories in NuWho bringing up the Cyberman (at least Mondassian) weakness to Gold
The thing I remember most about this episode was that me and my family were making our way through Game of Thrones while this season was airing and one night we sat down to watch two episodes of GoT except the first one we watched was the Red Wedding and it upset my dad so much that we decided to watch the newest Doctor Who next instead but it was this episode which opens with a guy stabbing another guy in a medieval setting as if we never left
I was so excited for the ep when it came out because I loved the 1938 robin hood film. this was before my great-grandmother mentioned the fact that she wasn't allowed to play with him when they were kids because he kept swearing (they lived on the same street in sandy bay, hobart)
This was actually the first episode of Doctor Who I ever saw. Immediately got me hooked on the show.
A fun episode. Something that didn't exist in the Chinball era.
Yeah! I've always loved robot of Sherwood because it was so hilarious. I'm unsure if people were trying to take it too seriously. It is a good uplifting and light-hearted episode for a series drenched in darkness.
Undercover Arya Stark and Mace Tyrell kicking it in Nottingham lmao
Robot of Sherwood gos in the same bucket as Dinosaurs on a Spaceship for me. Not some epic writing but it makes my inner child very happy.
Robot's were a big part of series 8
They tied the story together which builds towards Missy and the cybermem. All apart of her plan.
Did you know: When the 12th doctor puts his glove on when he fights Robin Hood he actually uses the middle finger against robin hood. Go watch it for yourself and keep an eye on the hand, It's hilarious.
The golden arrow actually makes sense if you think about it. Their plan was to capture whoever wins the tournament, which would obviously be Robin. And once they capture Robin, they get the arrow back, to then smelt it again.
Am I the only one who thinks the Sheriff of Nottingham looks a bit like Anthony Ainley’s Master?
Yo, I'm from Maidstone too!!! Didn't realise you were from here as well!
Anyone notice he actually flips the middle finger at Robin Hood
This was the first full Doctor Who episode I saw! It's a lot of fun
It doesn't matter whether Robin was real or not, it matters what function Robin serves.
Function is the greatest part of character, not just in story but in life. Strength of character and qualities of your actions are factors in the impact of a person on the society around them.
I never noticed the similarity between deep breath and this one
I loved this episode, it was a lot of fun but I couldn’t stop thinking about the BBC series with Jonas Armstrong awhen looking at the set pieces! 😂
I thought it would have been interesting if Robin was brought back as companion for some kind of team up adventure later.
This is one of my most rewatched episodes. It's just solid and fun, 7 or 8 out of 10 level quality material that you can throw on anytime for an enjoyable 45 min. Not a classic by any stretch, just the good side of "bog-standard," as one might say.
A crossover with the Robin Hood series would have been interesting, but possibly not as much fun as this turned out to be!
I remember being so mind blown the Sheriff just wasn’t the Master
Like he had the beard, the alien alliance and I thought he was building a new TARDIS In Nottingham. Like I was so flummoxed that wasn’t the Master return from Series 8
The Sherriff in this story is played by Ben Miller - who plays the Master in my Doctor Who
Australian heartthrob, Errol Flynn!
Doçtor vs robin hood
the greatest fight ever
I LOVE this episode
Definitely one Mark Gatiss’ better stories. Of course, there are a few moments that make me cringe.
Can't wait for Chippy to see this comment
The so obvious of a plot whole in this episode caused me to pause watching it almost until the end of the Capaldi run sadly.
Love capaldi but this is like my least favourite upon first viewing but might have to rewatch now, might appreciate it more.
This episode could've been made better with Stephen Amell as Robin Hood, (since Arrow was hitting the peak of its popularity, it would've really boosted both shows)
Or they could've called Carry Elwes to take the role and made a more comedic version.
Yeah I didn't like this episode at first at all purely because Robin Hood in my head is Jonas Armstrong 😂 a crossover would have been the stuff of dreams
Commenting for the algo
It was a funny episode.
Ooookay, mon ami, I get what you're saying and I will defend your right to say it but please...don't ever, and I mean, NEVER, as in not even in your wildest fever dream in a nineteenth century opium den ripped from the pages of "The Talons of Weng-Chiang", don't ever put Mark Gatiss in the same bracket as Chinballs. Don't make me come looking for you with a spoon old bean...
Yes, I was a bit cross at that, too. You can take issue with Gatiss's writing, I am personally not a fan of a lot of his stuff, but seriously?
When my British cousin across the pond drops a WHO vid, I’m watching it ASAP! Keep up the great work kid. Love your vids.
When this episode first aired, I dubbed it "The Robots of Sh!+wood." My opinion then declined on subsequent viewings.
Can't defend this one. It's literally an entire episode of the Doctor acting out of character, and there's nothing that kills the mood more than that.
How is he out of character? The Doctor hates to be wrong. Throughout the episode, he keeps making theories as to why Robin is there. He's spent thousands of years believing he was a fictional character and time is saying "No, you're wrong. He's real!". It goes against everything the Doctor believes because he was certain Robin didn't exist. Look at Jack. When the Doctor learnt he was immortal, that he went against everything he believed, he abandoned Jack.
In 8 seasons it has to be the worst episode ever..shockingly bad lol
Series 8 was so boring
I liked it a lot
this episode was good til robin showed up
Hater.