Robot of Sherwood

"When did you start believing in impossible heroes?"

Writer: Mark Gatiss

Format: TV 

Broadcast: 6th September 2014

Series: 8.03

Featuring: Twelfth Doctor, Clara

Synopsis 

When robots threaten Sherwood Forest, the Doctor must join forces with Robin Hood to stop the evil reign of the Sheriff of Nottingham.

Verdict 

Robot of Sherwood was a truly wonderful episode. It was really beautiful and the plot and characters were great from start to finish. It was intriguing seeing Doctor Who's take on a fictional character and the result was absolutely magnificent! The episode began very well I thought with the Doctor and Clara in the TARDIS, clearly getting along. No faffing about picking her up and dropping off, it was just as it should be. And this time the destination was Clara's choice which I thought was rather nice. The Doctor's wish to return to Mars to catch up with the Ice Warriors will have to wait because Clara wanted to meet Robin Hood! I loved how of all the things she could hope to see the thing she chose was to see the star of her favourite story. The outlaw who robbed the rich and gave to the poor. The concept is a historically great one and once the TARDIS landed in Sherwood Forest in 1190 the Doctor's assumptions were proved wrong. I like how serious and somewhat stubborn the Twelfth Doctor was and seems like he's going to be. Although the quirkiness and humour of the Eleventh Doctor was absolutely sensational, I think he'd have reacted a whole lot differently to the true existence of Robin Hood in a more accepting and hand-shaking way. And there's no doubt that would have been brilliant but I'm glad that with Capaldi, the Doctor just ridiculed it. There's no such thing as Robin Hood, we all know that. Except for Clara which was beautiful. And beautiful is exactly what she was in this episode! Jenna Coleman is just unbelievably stunning and in that red dress she looked absolutely incredible. Clara was sensational in this episode with her relationships with Robin and the Sheriff. Flirtatious, seductive yet oh so innocent which is a tremendous quality she possess. Her glee at seeing that the Doctor had successfully brought her to Robin Hood was fantastic and in contrast the way she acquired the plan and hopes of the Sheriff of Nottingham was absolutely brilliant. The realisation on the Sheriff's face was just outstanding. Ben Miller was sensational in the villainous role and I think after this performance a return has to occur in some other form. He's got a masterful look, has he not? I loved the sword fight between the Doctor and Robin Hood and it was a lovely throwback to the Third Doctor era! The reference to The Crusade was also nicely thrown in. Speaking of the Pertwee era, the suspicion from the Doctor that Robin Hood's existence was similar to the situation in Carnival of Monsters was great. The referencing to banter throughout was superb and I adored the humour between the Doctor and Robin. Inside the cell, with and without Clara, was just terrific. The Doctor acknowledging the flight path being similar to the Half-Face Man in Deep Breath was intriguing and it continued the series arc along nicely, even if I'm against them. Just what is the promised land? I was surprised we didn't see Missy appear though. The plot itself was fantastic and I loved how the Doctor thought seeing a spaceship in Sherwood Forest in the 12th century made more sense than Robin Hood. Tremendous irony! The scene where the Doctor showed Robin the fictional works in the future was outstanding with a lovely homage to Patrick Troughton. I thought the robots were a bit naff to be honest and weren't exactly necessary but they didn't discredit the story at all! In fact, it was utterly brilliant full of emotion, irony and humour. Clara was amazing, Capaldi has started off in style with that voice and presence and Robin was reunited with his love and proved real. Stunning. 

Rating: 9/10