S3 Episode Guide - The Power of Albion (Episode 3)

Robin of Sherwood: Series 3, Episode 3

The Power of Albion

Original Transmission Date: 19th April 1986
Written by Richard Carpenter

Story
In a montage sequence we see the outlaws robbing from rich merchants and giving money to the poor. When soldiers surprise the outlaws the ‘new’ Robin helps Will escape, wearing a hood to protect his identity. Robin later saves two woodsmen from a flogging by shooting a forester and is rewarded with a thank you nod and smile. Returning the smile, Robin melts back into the forest. Later, three foresters catch a poacher and threaten to cut off a hand until Robin intervenes, shooting one whilst the other two flee. The poacher, on bended knee, profusely thanks Robin, grabbing his hand saying, “Bless you Robin, bless you...!” which causes some bemused looks from the other outlaws.



The episode opens with a rugged bald man riding on a cart with some soldiers as escort.

At Leaford Grange Marion meets Robert/Robin and warns him about the Sheriff acquiring a torturer, the King's Devil, to find out the identity of the new Robin Hood. Robin vows that he won’t let him arrive at Nottingham Castle. Marion also offers him Albion, but he won’t take it until he is worthy of it, one day perhaps. Marion asks after the others to which Robin says they are glad to be back in Sherwood, and she says she misses them. Robin asks why Marion doesn’t join them in Sherwood, and she replies that she can’t because her father gave his word when she was pardoned, and she's his only child, but she never wanted a pardon. He wonders if her father thinks it will protect her from the Sheriff, and warns that she may be forced to come back to Sherwood. Before Robin leaves, he comments on a bird tweeting, saying it must be in love, then kisses her hand and departs.

At Nottingham Castle, Guy and the Sheriff make ready to go off hunting with falcons. Gisburne persists in his suspicions that Robert of Huntingdon is the new Robin Hood. De Rainault is extremely sceptical and says the only way they can prove it is if they can catch him in the act with a bow in his hand, which he severely doubts Gisburne can achieve. He is concerned that if they are rash in their accusations he will be humiliated, and they will both lose their positions. However, as a precaution de Rainault has left a spy, Oliver, to watch over Leaford Grange and Marion to follow and report of any goings on and possible meetings she may have with the outlaws.

In her chamber Marion studies Albion, trying to understand the meaning of the runes etched on the blade. What does it mean? Herne’s voice is heard, "Herne’s son is my master, I cannot slay him."

Marion then has a vision where she sees Robin get shot with a crossbow bolt as the outlaws ambush the torturer. The guard and the torturer are despatched with arrows, as Robin lies on the ground in agony. Marion gasps and drops the sword in horror.



We then see the aftermath of the attack as Tuck tends to a wounded Robin while John and Will examine the contents of the cart and discover torture equipment. Will looks at the bolt in Robin's leg saying, "That? That's gotta come out."

Discarding the torture implements in the river, the outlaws leave the road and head back into Sherwood.

At Leaford Sir Richard Tells Marion that Robin's exploits are being talked about all over Nottingham and pleads with her to promise that she will have no more dealings with the outlaws. There is only one way this can end, to which Marion responds that she lived with that every day she was in Sherwood. Still fearing for her safety Richard leaves Marion to her thoughts.

Under cover of some trees Nasir removes the bolt with a heated blade, commenting that the arrow is poisoned. Tuck says it needs looking at but John doesn't know who could help. Will angrily retorts that they’re useless, then Much mentions old Peg, who Will dismisses as she’s mad. John decides that they will bind the wound as best they can and head to Wickham. Will is concerned it's not safe, but John replies that nowhere is safe.

Back at the road where the torturer was killed it is apparent that he is not dead but merely wounded. Splashing some water on his face he tries to make his way towards Nottingham, but collapses again.

At Wickham the outlaws meet Edward who takes Robin in. Old Peg has died so there is no one to look at the wound. But Much suggests that Marion might and will go to fetch her. Despite Robin’s protests Much heads off as Tuck insists that the wound needs to be seen to. Edward then helps to get Robin under cover whilst the outlaws wait.

At Leaford Grange Much stealthily enters Marion’s room, but she knows the reason of the visit due to the vision. Hearing that there is no one else to help, she decides to go with Much to Wickham. Despite leaving quietly they are noticed by Oliver outside, who's been drinking heavily from a wineskin, and who follows at a discreet distance.

Inside a hut in Wickham Tuck watches over a feverish Robin while Nasir and John keep look-out outside. Despite John’s doubts Nasir is sure that Marion will come. On the outskirts of Wickham Much and Marion hear that they are being followed, hide and surprise Oliver. The drunken Oliver topples backwards into the river, hits his head and dies. The commotion is noticed by Edward and the others who come to help and Edward recognises him as the Sheriff’s man. John takes Marion to Robin as nothing can be done. Will asks Much if Oliver was alone, and after making sure asks Edward as to what they should do.



In the hut Robin asks Marion what’s happening. Marion explains that they were followed but he fell and broke his neck. Robin says she shouldn’t have come, to which she smiles.

Edward says they need take Oliver's body deep into the forest and bury him in order to avoid a murder accusation and a hefty fine. Fetching a cart, they take the body into Sherwood.

Meanwhile back in Wickham Robin is getting worse. Marion sighs that she has done all that she can, and utters, "Herne protect him." She instructs the others not to move Robin and to wait several days for the fever to break.

In the forest Edward sees a falcon, unfortunately it's the Sheriff's which has got lost. De Rainault hears its bells and starts heading into Sherwood after it.

Marion comforts Robin and they talk about Huntingdon becoming Loxley’s successor.

The burial party is soon found by the Sheriff and Gisburne, and is escorted back to Wickham. Nasir spots their approach and they take Robin on a stretcher back to the forest. Watching from the edge they spy on Gisburne and the soldiers looking for Marion.

Marion stays with the outlaws until dark, looking after Robin, but not sure if he will make it. Herne comes to tend to Robin and bids the outlaws to take Marion back to Leaford. Herne tells Robin that their enemies have Albion and that he will learn its mystery, then tells him to sleep.

Returning to Leaford Marion is surprised by Sheriff and Gisburne who are holding Richard and Albion. Demanding to know where she has been, de Rainault decides to question Marion back at Nottingham despite Sir Richard's protests.



The next day Richard rides off and meets the outlaws, informing them of Marion’s capture and blaming them for endangering her. After some squabbling a much-recovered Robin appears and announces he will go to Nottingham as Robert of Huntingdon, saying that they may suspect him, but they have no proof. He quickly forms a plan, mentioning the Newark road.

Elsewhere the torturer has recovered a bit and can be seen still stumbling through the forest on his way to Nottingham.

That evening in Nottingham de Rainault dotes on his falcon Ajax whilst eating. He summons Marion for questioning and while waiting, he taunts Edward about his fate and says he will soon suffer the torturer. He then turns his attention to the newly arrived Marion and questions her on Loxley’s successor, threatening to kill the hostages if she doesn’t comply. However, he offers to spare her and the villagers if Marion reveals the Hooded Man’s name. She replies, “Robin Hood” to which the Sheriff embarks on quite a rant.

Robert of Huntingdon arrives and comes to confess that he has been attacked, by Robin Hood! Gisburne is incredulous but de Rainault falls for his story. Especially when, after some word games, Robert suggests sending Marion to the dungeon. Safe with Edward, Marion waits. Meanwhile Robert gains de Rainault’s confidence, drinks, tells jokes and proposes a strategy to catch Robin Hood. He devises a trap with the prisoners as bait, with the Sheriff taking them to Newark for further questioning. They will have some foresters with them, and plenty of soldiers ready to catch the outlaws if they are ambushed.



The next day they all set out as planned. At a point in the road the outlaws eliminate the escorting foresters, knock out the Sheriff and Guy and before the soldiers can react, take Robert ‘prisoner’, threatening to kill him if they don’t release the prisoners. Gisburne is reluctant to comply but de Rainault reminds him that he is an Earl’s son and there would be consequences for his death. After the prisoners are released, Robert is returned to the Sheriff, but not before Marion tells him that he has Albion.

Meanwhile the torturer is now in sight of Nottingham Castle.

In the castle Gisburne berates Robert for letting himself get captured and losing the prisoners. Robert apologises and proposes another plan as compensation. De Rainault politely refuses and suggests that he returns home instead. Meanwhile the torturer arrives and informs Gisburne that he shot Robin Hood in the left leg, and that Robert is the man he shot. Stopping Huntingdon from leaving at sword point de Rainault initially protests but is soon pushed to one side as Huntingdon engages Gisburne in a sword fight.

With his injured leg Robin is finally overcome but as Gisburne is about to make a killing blow, Robin notices the sword Gisburne is holding is Albion and that of course it cannot slay Herne’s son. Gisburne collapses under its power and in the confusion, Robert makes his escape, taking Albion back and stealing a horse in the process.



In Sherwood in the outlaws' camp, Tuck gives Edward some money to pay the fine for Oliver’s death. Robin returns and announces that because the torturer survived he is no longer Robert of Huntingdon, not even to his father. Marion announces she will be staying in the forest too. Robin tells them that Albion saved his life and offers it back to Marion. She reads the runes that say Herne’s Son is my master, I cannot slay him. She tells him that Albion is his now, he must take it. All united in the forest at last, they are visited by Herne who says, “Help the weak, defend the helpless and fight against tyranny, Robin i' the Hood. So must it be!”

Comments
From this episode forward, Jason's character is credited as Robin, whereas In Herne's Son parts one and two he is credited as Robert of Huntingdon. It's not an easy transition for the outlaws though. They look awkward when a man he rescues calls him Robin, and when they're discussing getting Marion to tend to his leg John quickly corrects himself when he says, "He's right Robin……Robert."

Then there is the scene with Marion and the injured Robin, with Marion still trying to come to terms with the loss of Loxley and the fact Huntingdon is the new Robin Hood.
Marion: "They're saying you're Robin Hood."
Robert: "In the villages, yes."
Marion: "And in Nottingham."
Robert: "I never wanted it to happen."
Marion: "It's only a name, Robert or Robin, it doesn't matter."
Robert: "It matters to you."
Marion: "I'm remembering, I need time. Time, that's all. And I do understand. It's right you should take his name. It's right."

Later, when Sir Richard finds the outlaws and asks to see Robert of Huntingdon he gets this reply:
Will: "There ain't no Robert of Huntingdon in Sherwood."
John: "Here, he's Robin Hood."

The Power of Albion seems to take place a month or so after events in Herne’s Son. By building a reputation for himself, Robin Hood is back. This is alluded to by the numerous reports of robberies and attacks of merchants and soldiers in and around Sherwood Forest and the roads from and to Nottingham.

In the opening montage Robin shows some sleight of hand with a coin, skills he brings into use in The Pretender when he shows the others how Arthur is doing the three shell trick.

I'm not impressed with the outlaws dumping the torture implements in the river, that's littering!

Leaford Grange looks like a really nice place to live. Not too big, and Marion's room is very cosy. However, it must be a bit cold. Sir Richard arrives in a cloak, takes that off and puts on an even thicker robe!

Max Faulkner, who plays Oliver, also played one of the soldiers that accompanied Gisburne when he left in The Children of Israel. It makes it quite possible that he's the same character, demoted after the events in that episode and taken to drink.

The Sheriff's soldiers are pretty poor. During the ambush they start to chase after the outlaws, then are shot at, whereupon they run straight past the Sheriff and Gisburne lying on the ground. They had shields, they could have tried to protect them.

What happens to Sir Richard after this episode? Does Marion remain in contact? We see the Earl of Huntingdon in a later episode, but I don’t think we hear of Marion’s father after this episode. Do the two of them meet up afterwards to have a drink and discuss their wayward offspring?

Bloopers
A polystyrene cup can be seen just over 34 minutes into the episode, located on the table in between Guy, Robert and de Rainault after Robert has arrived.



When Nasir and Scarlet jump and attack Gisburne and the Sheriff they are replaced by stuntmen who are wearing terrible wigs.

Best moments and lines
The opening montage is a great way to show the new Robin fitting in with the group.

The scene in Leaford when Robin meets Marion is so romantic, as they hear a bird tweeting.
Robin: "He must be in love."
He kisses her hand.
Robin: "Goodnight my lady."

Will has some great lines which although they sound comedic are actually Will showing his discomfort being in vulnerable situations.

Regarding treating Robin's leg wound.
Much: "What about Old Peg?"
Will: "What, the one in Wickham? Leave off she’s mad."
Much: "Well she cured my toothache, she took a little worm…"
Will: "Much! We’re not talking about toothache!"

Tuck reporting on Robin’s condition.
Tuck: "He’s beginning to sweat."
Will: "Yeah, and so am I!"
Tuck: "It’s the fever!"
Will: "Well don’t look at me Tuck, I can’t do nothing about it, can I!"

When they are talking about burying Oliver.
Edward: "Bad luck to bury him after dark."
Will: "Bad luck? Who for? Him or you?"
Edward: "Him of course!"
Will: "Well, I think he’s had his bad luck."
Edward: "Depends where he's going, doesn't it?"

The Sheriff’s rant when Marion tells him that the leaders name is Robin Hood is somewhat overdramatic:
"You devious drab! You think you can make a fool out of me? The Lord High Sheriff of Nottingham, responsible for law and order in this shire! Appointed by the King of England! Tell me his name!"



Robert's manner with the Sheriff is very funny, especially the way he shifts suspicion from himself, and the jokes he tells.
Sheriff: "This villain who's calling himself Robin Hood, Could you describe him?!
Robert: "About my height, fair haired."
Sheriff: "Could he be mistaken for you?"
Robert: "For me? Certainly not! He was a peasant!"

Robert: How does a forester shake a poacher’s hand?
Sheriff: I don't know, how does a forester shake a poacher’s hand?
Robert: On a piece of string!

The fight between Robert of Huntingdon and Gisburne is very entertaining, taking in the whole hall, with Robert doing an Errol Flynn-style swinging candelabra move at one point.

The final scene when Marion announces she will be staying in Sherwood and they are all reunited in the Greenwood is moving, and sets the seal on the outlaws all getting back together and Robert becoming Robin Hood.



Review
The episode follows on nicely from the events witnessed in Herne’s Son. The outlaws are reunited, and with Robert of Huntingdon in his persona of Robin Hood are able to help the poor, the weak and dispossessed once more. In the opening montage we see Robin is careful to protect his identity by wearing a hood whenever he fights his opponents, and we see the establishment of a new camaraderie between the outlaws and Robin. Little John covers their escape from some mounted soldiers and Robin aids Will in clambering up a steep bank.

Marion remains in Leaford Grange as a result of a bought pardon and the fact she doesn’t want to upset her father, who still fears for her safety and the prospect that she may return to Sherwood now that ‘Robin Hood’ has returned. She is also the keeper of the sword Albion, safeguarding it as per Loxley’s request. However, during the episode, she realises that Robert is truly the rightful heir and is the new Herne’s Son and tries to give it to him. Robert refuses feeling awkward and unready to take the sword. There are several reasons for this, firstly, Marion is still separate from the outlaws, torn between loyalty to them and loyalty to her father. As a result, I think Robert initially takes this a little personally and feels that perhaps she is doubting him as being Loxley’s successor. He also has risked his entire inheritance, fortune and position to save her life, because he has feelings for her and to right the injustice, and perhaps there is a little resentment on his part. Perhaps feeling guilty about this small feeling of resentment, and the fact it will commit him fully to giving up his previous life is why Robert refuses to take Albion at that moment.

He does however undertake to stop the torturer who would no doubt at some point be utilised to bully Marion to reveal the identity of Robin Hood. Being injured by a poison arrow and having Marion tend to the wound brings the two characters closer together. Marion’s guilt at having some feelings for the new Robin is perhaps softened by seeing Robert being dedicated to the fight against injustice and the sacrifices being made. Robert also has the revelatory moment; Herne comes to tend to his son personally and Albion recognises him as its new master and stops Gisburne making the killing blow in their duel. Once these events have passed it opens a new chapter for both Robert and Marion.

I enjoy this episode as it also shows plot elements from a Norman perspective. For the past year the Sheriff has been delighting in the fact that he has rid his shire of a troublesome outlaw, only for him to come in a different guise. As he said, his troubles will never be over. After failing to obtain Leaford Grange and its lands, and no doubt suspecting Richard was aided by the new Robin Hood, the Sheriff employs the torturer, the King's Devil to find out the new identity of Robin Hood.

The fact that this new Hood was Robert of Huntingdon totally catches the normally astute Sheriff unawares. He cannot comprehend why anyone would give up a position of power and wealth, whereas Gisburne shows some rare insight, realising that love of the Lady Marion could do this. Robert plays the Sheriff superbly, chastising Marion for not being helpful, suggesting putting her in a dungeon and his scheme to capture Robin Hood. Even when the scheme backfires, de Rainault scolds Gisburne and tactfully suggests that Robert returns to Huntingdon.

The Sheriff is obviously initially flattered by Robert’s attention, enjoying a drink and a meal with him and looking happier than I think we've ever seen him. He's also keen to cultivate what would no doubt be a useful and, profitable relationship with the future Earl. He dismisses Gisburne’s suspicions with laughs and even upon the arrival of the torturer doubt remains. It is only as Robert fights Gisburne in the episode finale that the truth sinks in.

Gisburne of course knows that Robert has feelings for the girl, and along with his suspicions about the grey horse in the previous story he is sure that he is correct about the identity of the new Robin Hood. Ultimately, he is proved correct. I suppose he knows what foolish things men do for the love of a woman, even if it is unrequited, as with Gisburne’s actions in The Children of Israel.

With the torturer confirming Robert’s identity as Robin Hood, his privilege is lost and the door to the Earldom is slammed in his face. But also, Albion sees Roberts’ integrity and truth in his heart and desire for equity and justice. Witnessing the sword's power acting in his favour cements Robert’s destiny as Robin Hood.

In Marion’s case she realises by the end of the episode that she will never have peace at home, she will always be a Lady Wolfshead, Loxley is free but there is a new son to continue the fight. The outlaws, Herne and Albion have accepted him, and it is time that she should do the same.

In many ways The Power of Albion could be titled Herne’s Son part three. In parts one and two Robert wins approval of the outlaws and they start to meld as a team. In this episode Marion leaves her father, Robert becomes Robin Hood, and they are all together in Sherwood.

Cast in order of appearance
Robin.......................................Jason Connery

Will Scarlet...............................Ray Winstone

Nasir........................................Mark Ryan

Friar Tuck.................................Phil Rose

Much.......................................Peter Llewellyn Williams

Little John................................Clive Mantle

Torturer....................................David Walker

Marion.....................................Judi Trott

The Sheriff of Nottingham...........Nickolas Grace

Sir Guy of Gisburne....................Robert Addie

Oliver.......................................Max Faulkner

Sir Richard of Leaford.................George Baker

Edward of Wickham...................Jeremy Bulloch

Herne the Hunter.......................John Abineri

Old Prisoner..............................Stuart Linden

Series created by Richard Carpenter
Executive Producer & Story Consultant Paul Knight
Executive Producer Patrick Dromgoole
Produced by Esta Charkham
Directed by Gerry Mill

Locations

Alnwick Castle, Northumberland - exterior distance shot of Nottingham Castle.

Great Chalfield Manor, Wiltshire - used for Leaford Grange exterior and interior (Marion's bedroom).

Castle Combe, Wiltshire - used for Wickham village set.

Leigh Woods, Somerset - woodland scenes.

Mells Park Estate, Somerset - not confirmed, possibly the area where the torturer was ambushed.

Pro-Cathedral of the Holy Apostles - contained set for Nottingham Castle Great Hall.

Episode guide written by Dennis and Lucy of Ravenscar.
Location information compiled from Trail of Robin of Sherwood Location Guide, and Hooded Man volume one by Andrew Orton, as well as from personal visits.