In the fourth episode of Robin Hood, the forest takes center stage as a formidable obstacle that even the might of Norman military cannot overcome. It's a magical place where those who know its secrets can vanish within its depths, never to be found again. It's a fascinating concept, yet the MGM+ series consistently makes Sherwood Forest feel like the tiniest corner of the world. Rob can barely take a hundred-yard stroll without bumping into someone who, after a single conversation, becomes a steadfast ally. Last week, it was Little John; in "The Cause of This Unrest," it's Friar Tuck, among others. By the time a few more episodes unfold, Rob and his merry men will be ready to engage the Normans in open conflict.
However, we're not quite there yet, which is why this episode builds up to the gang's first heist. And it's a brilliant idea. Money is a pressing issue in Nottingham. Calling in reinforcements to hunt Rob down is costly, and King Kenry II isn't inclined to send more funds immediately. The Sheriff can't afford the manhunt out of his own pockets. The only other option is the notoriously stingy Catholic Church, but the Bishop isn't keen on that idea. He'd much prefer to let Rob and his allies roam the forests unmolested, just like several other Saxon bandits already make their homes there. But that's an untenable scenario for the Sheriff. Rob's exploits are already taking on a mythic quality, and rebellion foments under those conditions. Plus, it makes him look bad. Instead, he proposes raising the bounty, funding half of it via Nottingham and half via the abbey, and then repaying the outlay back with state taxes. The Bishop approves of this plan, albeit reluctantly, but it comes back to bite them both, as we'll see.
In the meantime, Rob and his new allies continue to roam the forests and discuss the morality of killing Normans, with the blood of Aaron Huntingdon still fresh on their hands. Personally, I would gladly trade an infinite number of Normans – any humans, really – for the sake of Little John's now-dead dog, but we're supposed to side with the outlaws in this story anyway. Their first robbery as a unit is of a wagon carrying supplies to the abbey, which Little John is a bit reluctant to knock off given there are holy men inside. But Rob's faith is still with the pagan gods, which leads him to meet another of his iconic Merry Men – Friar Tuck, who is still resolutely Catholic and goes on about it for the entirety of Robin Hood Episode 4. However, he's also not inclined to return to the abbey and face the wrath of the abusive and self-serving Bishop.
The presence of Friar Tuck gives the show a nice new texture. He's the only person who has really provided a coherent viewpoint in support of the Norman rank and file, who are answerable to their political and religious overlords and are functionally not much different from the Saxons. He's also unusually self-aware for a religious person, having recognized that the Bishop is exploiting his position as God's supposedly chosen Earthly representative to line his own pockets and indulge his worst impulses. This is why he's willing to join Rob's group, and soon after, a couple of Saxon thieves named Spragart and Mary do the same. You see what I mean about how frequently Rob just bumps into useful people?
Certainly, let's amplify the narrative to make it more vivid and engaging, while preserving the original meaning.
The story of "The Cause of This Unrest" necessitates a nuanced account of its diverse characters and settings. Robin Hood's unwavering commitment to not overlooking the female protagonists is commendable. Priscilla and Marian each have a significant role to play. Priscilla finds herself in a predicament, forcibly exiled to the convent at Hereford Abbey to prevent her from pursuing guards. The Sheriff, in a comical twist, orders the Bishop to deliver this news, which only serves to fuel Priscilla's determination. She devises a scheme to return to Nottingham by seducing the grieving Earl of Huntingdon and racing back to the estate. However, things take a turn when her father discovers her return home. Emasculated by the reminder of his lack of control over his household, regardless of his official status, he becomes so irrational that one of his trusted employees draws a dagger on him—whether to protect Priscilla or himself is unclear—resulting in his imprisonment.
Meanwhile, Marian continues her studies under Queen Eleanor's tutelage, effectively a hostage in the court but the kingdom's real power behind the scenes. She is introduced to key political figures like the Earl of Pembroke and William Marshal. The atmosphere here is vastly different from Nottingham, though equally transactional. There's a touch of luxury that suits some better than others, though Marian isn't particularly fond of it. Rob's cousin, Will, however, has become a swaggering Lothario and takes things too far when he attempts to woo Marian himself.
Back in the forest, it's Friar Tuck who proposes the first major target for the Merry Men: the wagon carrying the bounty for Rob's capture. It's a brilliant idea, as it would deny the Sheriff any funds to pay the bounty and thus deter bounty hunters from claiming it. Moreover, Friar Tuck has inside knowledge of the cash's transportation and the best location for an ambush with minimal risk. However, there are more guards than anticipated, leading to the tragic deaths of Henry and Mary. Though their names didn't resonate much at first, their demise serves as a poignant reminder of the stakes involved. And yet, it can't be Friar Tuck or Little John who pay the ultimate price, can it? This is also the first time Rob is referred to as Robin Hood, and we are grateful for this change indeed.
As a final touch, Rob releases the Bishop so that he can return to Nottingham and spread news of his growing legend far and wide. There's no such thing as bad publicity after all, as he becomes more synonymous with the forest and its brave men.
