All the accolades to Robin Hood. While it may have taken its sweet time to arrive at its destination, Episode 9, titled "I Choose You," feels like it has finally reached that pinnacle. The stakes have never been higher, the character drama is at its tangled peak, and the stage is set for an exhilarating finale that, I'm certain, will not end properly, as MGM+ will undoubtedly be angling for a second season.
And why not? There's an abundance of compelling material here, from the infighting among the outlaws, whose safety has become even more precarious with King Henry II dispatching one of his lunatic knights to hunt them down, to the drama at court, where Maid Marian finally realizes she's caught in a web of ravenous – albeit impeccably dressed – spiders. With Marian now, for the first time, an honorary member of the Merry Men, we're finally arriving at a more classic take on the Robin Hood legend.
Membership of the Merry Men isn't without its stresses, as Friar Tuck can attest. After the ambush in the previous episode, Rob and his men kidnap Lord Warwick from his castle with the intention of torturing and killing him as a message to the Sheriff. But Tuck isn't keen on the plan; it seems like senseless, indulgent violence and cruelty for the sake of it, not to mention being against the teachings of Christ. It's easy to forget sometimes since Tuck slotted into the group rather nicely, but being a Norman and a Christian makes him somewhat distinct from the Saxons and their paganism.
Both positions are valid, though. Warwick was clearly established as being monstrous in his treatment of the Saxons, so there's a strong argument to be made that the world would be better off without him. But there's also a compelling case that senseless, indulgent violence and cruelty don't equate to justice. It isn't as simple as Saxons versus Normans either; even Rosemary, who has the most credible reason for wanting Warwick dead, isn't able to take the life of a grovelling, unarmed man. A conscience, as it turns out, isn't a uniquely Christian thing.
Drew Miller ultimately succumbs to his actions, resulting in Warwick's demise. Yet, the essence of the matter remains: Tuck departs from the group, his words echoing through the air like whispers of fate. Fortunately, his journey is not far-reaching; he finds himself in a strategic position to thwart the assassination attempt on Rob, orchestrated by a traitor the Sheriff had planted within the camp. Posing as a humble farmer during the castle raid, this turncoat had sold out Rob's secret base, only to be instructed by the Sheriff to return and silently eliminate Rob. Tuck's timely intervention saves the day, and the act of self-defense is fittingly Christian, earning him acceptance even from Little John, once his most vocal detractor.
Meanwhile, in Robin Hood Episode 9, Marian experiences her own betrayal - multiple, in fact. Eleanor uses the information she uncovered about Prince John and the Archbishop of Lille to confront him about his machinations for the throne. This revelation alerts John that it was Marian who betrayed him. In response, he assaults Marian, shattering her perception of well-mannered civility that had once lured her into life at court. Immediately, she realizes that she is a pawn in both Queen and son's games and decides to reunite with Rob, whom she now admires more than ever after Eleanor revealed that Rob's deal with her was solely to ensure Marian's freedom.
With Priscilla's assistance in informing her of the outlaw camp's location, Marian sets out to entreat her love interest. At around the same time, the Sheriff meets with Eleanor to share the same information but arrives too late. King Henry II has already dispatched his chief sadist, Guy of Gisbourne, to deal with the problem in the Midlands. The Sheriff is horrified by this outcome, both morally and politically, as it will only embolden Saxon rebellion and threaten his own position as the steward of the Midlands. Guy himself is slated to be named the next Sheriff of Nottingham once Robin Hood has been captured and killed, leading the Sheriff to be inclined to prevent the knight from accomplishing his mission.
The massacre does have its desired effect. Marian manages to reach Rob's camp in time to confess her love and convince him to clear the place out. However, after encountering the remains of what was once a bustling Saxon village at the end of the episode, it's clear that Rob is going to become even more emboldened. The only difference now is that he has Marian on his side, which might cause more in-fighting in the camp due to the romantic repercussions it may have on Rosemary.
With this cliffhanger and William Marshal sent by Eleanor to prevent Prince John from meeting with the Pope, albeit at the expense of his relationship with a now bitter and vengeful Priscilla, the stage is set for an explosive finale. Based on this recent run of form, it should be an exhilarating conclusion.
