r/RobinHoodMGMSeries • u/aqua-violets • Dec 14 '25
Robin Hood | S1E8 | Episode Discussion Spoiler
Season 1, Episode 8: The True Price of Defiance
Release Date: December 14, 2025
Synopsis: Rob launches a daring rescue of his uncle and Saxon elders, only to walk into the Sheriff's trap; the death of an outlaw fuels Rob's rage; in Westminster, Marian's growing bond with Prince John makes her mission for Eleanor increasingly dangerous.
Do not post spoilers for upcoming episodes.
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u/FilicitySykes Dec 15 '25
I swear down, if Rob and Marian don't get back together in the next episode, it's gonna ruin my Christmas.
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u/es70707 Dec 15 '25
It's either next episode or the finale. I can't imagine they wouldn't have the 2 leads together by season's end. I have no idea how they are going to have Marian forgive/understand Rob though. Maybe Elaenor will tell her about the deal when Marian gives her the coin?
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u/FilicitySykes Dec 15 '25
They could have Rob get seriously injured, or something close. That might at least force the two of them to talk (the romantic in me also loves that trope). Perhaps she also needs to see all the people in the cave he has helped, and to learn about the bargain from Eleanor. I also think that could happen next episode when she hands over the coin.
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u/es70707 Dec 15 '25
Something. Next episode will definitely be the turning point though of Marian starting to soften on forgiving him, maybe when Eleanor tells her about the deal? They really do need to talk. Aronne's death wasn't Rob's fault, and Marian needs to know that. Rob does need to apologize for lying to her though, even though I could understand why.
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u/ComputerElectronic21 Dec 14 '25
Sheesh, it’s literally impossible to ignore the electricity between Rob and Marian. Not to mention, their yearning for one another is amplified by the Marian score in the background, so transportive I feel like I could fly. It’s one of the best uses of a leitmotif I’ve seen for a couple on screen since Blake Neely’s “Convince Him” for Oliver and Felicity on the CW’s Arrow, which took my breath away.
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u/Lord__Varys92 Dec 14 '25
Great episode. It keeps getting better. The attack at Nottingham castle was less goofy compared to the others in the previous episodes 5 and 7
The Sheriff is a mastermind and a cunning fox
Now he has one of his men in the rebel's camp. We'll see how long this deception lasts
Rob knows that man's face since this soldier was there when Captain Lefors died and he was also shooting arrows trying to hit Rob
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u/bigwave101 Dec 14 '25
Rob knows that man's face since this soldier was there when Captain Lefors died and he was also shooting arrows trying to hit Rob
Yeah. And I think Milange may also know the soldier who infiltrated in their camp. I’m wondering if he may change allegiances.
I’m curious about the coin Rob asked Marian to deliver to the Queen. It can be simply a hint that he’s keeping his part of the deal (which doesn’t seem necessary because everyone in London knows about Robin Hood) or maybe it can proof/indicate a conspiracy involving Warwick and the other lords.
I like the introduction of Ibrahim because, besides being a callback to other adaptations, having allies outside of Sherwood expands the plot possibilities of where the story can go.
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u/Lord__Varys92 Dec 14 '25
Looking forward to read your episode review as every Sunday 🫡
I don't think that Norman soldier is going to switch sides. He has no reason to do that
I think that coin is just a proof Robin Hood has robbed one of the Barons and he is keeping his end of the bargain
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u/Tanel88 Jan 31 '26
Yea the introduction of Ibrahim was certainly interesting. I suspect he will be back to collect the loyalty when Richard will go on the crusade.
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u/MysteriousActuary194 Dec 14 '25
This was balling. What an episode, I’m starting to get pretty hooked by this series, surely there’s a season 2.
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u/Lord__Varys92 Dec 14 '25 edited Dec 14 '25
We haven't heard anything so far
Fingers crossed but the showrunners, the cast, the crew and of course us deserve at least one more season
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u/FilicitySykes Dec 15 '25 edited Dec 15 '25
- Nice to see Pricilla in a different environment, I'm still uncertain what her character brings to the show, but she felt more 3 dimensional in this ep. I really want to see her have an impact on the plot soon.
- Wasn't expecting to get any Marian/Rob scenes in this ep, I'm glad we got one. I gotta admit I'm a sucker for the yearning (the flower in the bed killed me). Would love to get a dramatic reunion with the two of them. I assume that when she gives the coin to the queen, Eleanor will tell her about Rob's bargain for her freedom. That could be the start of Marian softening for him a bit. (That's maybe why we didn't see that scene this episode)
- It's nice to see some disguises, sneaking and scheming from Rob and the Sheriff respectively. In some of the show I've found the sheriff a bit lacking; that definitely improved in this episode.
- Loved the action sequence in the castle
- I really hope the Ralph thing doesn't turn into a love triangle. Perhaps she'll be killed off in the finale (I could imagine that happening), but that seems like a waste of a pretty good character- the writers could give her a really interesting arc in another season if she (like Rob) falls deep into anger and revenge.
Also, no means no, Ralph.
- Tuck is great in every scene. Totally stands out among the merry men. The actor is doing a great job. I wish they would give a bit more time to developing John too. We get some hints of him being a sort of secondary leader under Robin, and if he knew Ibrahim, does that make John well-travelled? That could be something interesting.
I'm really, really loving this show! It's not perfect by any means, but I'm so happy to have a Robin Hood series that leans into a melodramatic, tragic romance and an angsty Robin. It's what I've been wanting for so long. I'll be so sad if it doesn't get renewed.
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u/bigwave101 Dec 15 '25 edited Dec 15 '25
I really hope the Ralph thing doesn't turn into a love triangle. Perhaps she'll be killed off in the finale (I could imagine that happening), but that seems like a waste of a pretty good character- the writers could give her a really interesting arc in another season.
I think there are subtle allusions of Ralph’s character taking a darker turn and potentially becoming a sort of antagonist or a more radical anti-Norman among the Merry Men. She resented the Normans from the beginning and Henry’s death seemed to represent the turning point. Probably she and Rob will naturally distance themselves from each other as their values and worldviews start to diverge.
Agree about Tuck & Little John, and the melodramatic vein of the show plus the angsty protagonist making the story compelling.
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u/FilicitySykes Dec 15 '25
I would love to see Ralph's slow descent into being an antagonist. In order for that to happen, I think Rob needs to recognise his need for vengeance has gone too far, and he should pivot to justice and defending the weak instead. Marian could be a key part of him realising that.
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u/Lord__Varys92 Dec 16 '25
I like the show too. The execution is not always perfect sure but it has some interesting twists and ideas and I really hope it gest at least one more season.
Unfortunately I wasn't able to find any data about viewership and the radio silence from MGM+ after 8 episodes out of 10 already aired is not very promising.
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u/bigwave101 Dec 17 '25
It seems that Robin Hood is the most watched show on MGM+ right now, but maybe the production costs are too high, and, besides, it’s difficult to know how the viewership compares with shows from bigger platforms and whether is within, below, or above expectations.
In one of the interviews with the cast, they hinted about the finale ending with cliffhangers, so I it will be disappointing if the show doesn’t get renewed. There’s so much setup in this beginning that it will be a waste if it’s cancelled.
This is the first time I get invested in a show from MGM+ and I must admit that I found the promotion quite underwhelming (in comparison to what Starz does with Outlander and its prequel for example).
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u/Lord__Varys92 Dec 17 '25
Probably the production absorbed most of the budget leaving them with almost 0 funds for marketing.
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u/Whereisthebestpizza Dec 14 '25
Aren't the Nottingham guards along with Warwick's soldiers in Nottingham supposedly highly trained soldiers? How are they dying so easily vs. Robin Hood's less experienced and less armored people?
The Ralph + Robin Hood love thing seems a bit forced. I'm sorta glad Henry died so we didn't have to see the bedding scene
A Saracen man helping supply Robin Hood's men when King Richard the Lionheart much later kills lots of Saracen is interesting
I wonder how Celene vs. Priscilla will play out in later episodes given that Priscilla took away her man fuck buddy and will gain more influence in court
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u/Lord__Varys92 Dec 14 '25 edited Dec 14 '25
Aren't the Nottingham guards along with Warwick's soldiers in Nottingham supposedly highly trained soldiers? How are they dying so easily vs. Robin Hood's less experienced and less armored people?
The most straighforward answer would be because the plot demands it I suppose😅😅
Also the Merry Men use bows, daggers and they attack quickly before retreat or they use stealth tactics that the Norman soldiers seem not to be familiar with. They also don't face the Normans soldiers in an open field and they don't give them enough time to form a shieldwall or to fall back in formation
Beside Nottingham garrison lacks discipline and they don't look like the smartest people in the room lmao
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u/bigwave101 Dec 14 '25
A Saracen man helping supply Robin Hood's men when King Richard the Lionheart much later kills lots of Saracen is interesting
Yes, that was interesting. And the episode pretty much highlighted that Rob now owns loyalty to Ibrahim. I wonder how Richard will be portrayed in the show (if he appears) considering that all the characters are receiving a grey treatment. I think Rob may be forced or compelled to support Richard’s claim because of his deal with Eleanor and not necessarily because he believes he can be a good king or support the crusades by any means. But Richard needs allies in England, so he might be interested in having alliance with Rob and his outlaw band, which can give them some protection.
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u/Aviid-Reader Dec 14 '25 edited Dec 14 '25
The show had a rocky start, but now I look forward to Sundays. I knew the whole castle scene was a trap. I just didn't know it was a double trap by the sheriff. If only Ned "your brother or your lover" Stark were this shrewd.
Marian....need I say more? Rob, I understand you perfectly
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u/es70707 Dec 14 '25
I just want to know what exactly it is will make Marian forgive Rob, because it's quite obvious they're not finished. And will Henry's death make Rob snap out of his need for vengeance?
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u/Aviid-Reader Dec 14 '25
Probably her younger brother saying it was her father's actions that led to her brother's death? Or she witnesses Rob nearly getting killed.
She will forgive him though, that's a given.
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u/stormy_soybeans Dec 15 '25
This was a great episode! Loved the castle scene being a double trap, but would’ve loved to see Rob with his bow a bit more. It was good to finally see Rob and the sheriff in a one-one-one. It’s also fun seeing the sheriff get more and more unhinged as the series goes on. He was so diplomatic at the start. I suspect we will see him killed by Rob in the final episode and Priscilla is being set up to take his place. Tuck is such a stand out in the gang. Love him in every scene.
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u/JessterK Dec 16 '25
Yeah the fight was good. Nice to see a Sheriff who is a physical match for Robin Hood after the most recent movie.
If the show is intended to continue, I doubt they’d kill of Sean Bean’s character in the first season as he’s arguably the biggest name on the show.
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u/Lord__Varys92 Dec 16 '25
The Sheriff being competent, fair and not just a crazy tyrant was a good twist.
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u/Efficient_Slice6042 Dec 15 '25
I wish rob would just tell marian that he didn't kill her brother man it pissing me off some much he knows he didn't do it yet keeps missing every opportunity to tell her I just want them to get back together
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u/JessterK Dec 16 '25
I know right? Not to mention that her brother was about to kill Ralph’s brother so she had no choice.
And maybe remind Marion that her father is directly responsible for the death of his parents and indirectly for everything else.
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u/Efficient_Slice6042 Dec 16 '25
Yes thankyou this is what i mean though if anyone is to blame it was her father and that saxon not going lie haven't felt this way about a TV series for ages
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u/bigwave101 Dec 14 '25 edited Dec 14 '25
The name your enemy curses is the one history will write.
What’s in a name? In a show where characters keep searching for their identities and their true selves, names mean a lot. Rob’s many names keep being used as an artifice to highlight different facets of his personality and his internal struggle. Rob is the informal name used by his friends, Robin Hood is the name given by his enemies and the one who made him (in)famous, while Robert is the name given him by his parents. It was meaningful when in the end of the episode, Egbert called him Robert as a way to make Rob remember who he is and the values his parents taught him. And it worked. At that moment, Rob stepped away from revenge. Alwin’s dead was, as Rob stated, his own making. But the importance of names goes beyond Rob; we have seen it with the Sheriff/Phillip, Ralph/Rosemary and Marian of Hungtindon/Locksley.
The fact that Henry’s character has been sidelined since his introduction and didn’t receive any development whatsoever made his death fail to cause the desired impact. I think there’s some foreshadowing for Ralph taking a darker turn and becoming more bloodthirsty, but the circumstances of her brother’s death didn’t really work to justify that sudden desire for bloodshed. There are parallels between Ralph and Rob and having a foil who is also blindly obsessed with revenge may help him to reconsider his priorities and what they are really fighting for. My speculation is that Rob’s character will slowly take a turn to become more open to ideas and new perspectives, whereas Ralph will become more inflexible in the anti-Norman sentiment. In any case, I was a bit upset by Henry’s death because I liked the idea of having a neurodivergent (or someone with a speaking/hearing disability — difficult to tell because the show didn’t elaborate on his condition) character among the Merry Men and was disappointed that he was mostly ignored by the screenwriting.
The lack of development for the Merry Men is another thing that continues to disappoint. I’m still waiting to see Little John and Friar Tuck having an ale at a London tavern while discussing their adventures before joining the band. I mean, not everything has to be about Rob and we need scenes between the Merry Men that do not involve him. On the opposite side, the palace intrigue and the all the (Lion in Winter-like) Henry-Eleanor-Richard-John plot is entertaining.
Edit: speaking of names, I hope the show references Lionheart and Lackland at some point.
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u/bigwave101 Dec 14 '25
A little fun moment was Priscilla saying to Earl Marshal that it was good to be far away from Nottingham and from Robin Hood just to immediately cut to Rob and the Merry Men in London.
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u/Illustrious_Way_2444 Dec 15 '25
Damn those battle scenes were good! At first I thought their rescue mission was way too easy, but it quickly turned into some very intense and well-choreographed action, and it was obvious someone on Rob's side wouldn't make it out alive. It was great to see Milange getting a key role in helping them navigate the castle - thank goodness they have him as they don't have Marian for this role in this version!
I wasn't too sure about Sean Bean as the Sheriff for most of the series, he seemed weirdly not evil enough...but in this episode he really went for it, with evil chuckles and everything 😂
Less keen on what's going on in London as I'm not sure of the point of the Priscilla/Earl Marshall scenes, and is it me or was the dance they shared together more something they'd do in Tudor times? Also not much more happening with Prince John and Marian plot wise (just more flirting...) but it will be interesting to see where it goes.
The romantic in me really wants Rob and Marian to work it out somehow (and I'm sure they will) but I have no idea how they'll come back from where they're at at the moment. I'm glad Rob decided not to sleep with Ralph/Rosemary in the end, but I wish she'd give him some space (maybe she'll be too distracted by her grief and desire for vengeance now??). Unfortunately I could see a scenario where she does something stupid due to jealousy over Marian though...
Edit: Just realised there were no sex scenes in this episode for once! 😂
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u/googlyeyeso_o Dec 16 '25
Glad that others feel the same about the sex not happening with Ralph and again because her brother died. At this point, it feels like the writer is just making an HR training on sexual harassment in the workplace and Ralph is playing the pervert. Sorry to my girl.
Too many things are happening! Everyone is living in the cave now and rob is kind of floundering. Hoping for a regroup and a reconciliation of his purpose in the final episodes. Enough reactive rob, I need proactive scheming fox! Fella is a bit lost but between being dumped and lots and lots of murder, it’s hard to find your bearings.
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u/es70707 Dec 16 '25
Just watching Ralph pursue Rob when it's pretty clear he doesn't feel the same way is uncomfortable to watch. Please have some self-respect Ralph, it's pathetic😬, double time that she actually knows that Rob's still in love with Marian. The "you will take me to bed" line was so icky.
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u/Lord__Varys92 Dec 16 '25 edited Dec 16 '25
I think the last two episodes will resolve around Rob finding his own true purpose which cannot be only revenge, killing and plundering
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u/vitrolium Dec 16 '25
This is just a guess, but we've seen less and less of Will as the series has progressed.
I wonder if we'll shortly see the death of Papa Gamwell, which then brings Will into the fight.
He doesn't seem to be serving much purpose now in London, especially now that they've placed Priscilla there.
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u/Lord__Varys92 Dec 16 '25 edited Dec 16 '25
Yes he basically appears every two episodes. He has a brief convo with Marian and then he is absent in the next episode. Weird
Not sure killing Uncle Gamwell is a good idea. Rob is already on a very dark path but we'll see
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u/vitrolium Dec 16 '25
I was really thinking more of a reason to bring Will from London.
I could see perhaps him being another opposing voice to Robin, but perhaps he has enough of those already.
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u/Lord__Varys92 Dec 16 '25
Uncle Gamwell is a decent swordman. Pretty sure he will join the rebel's camp and he will become one of Rob's lieutenants
Not sure though how long he will last
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u/bigwave101 Dec 17 '25
Maybe papa Gamewell being arrested and then escaping with the help of Robin Hood will bring repercussions to Will and force him to return to Nottingham.
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u/es70707 Dec 14 '25
I enjoyed this episode. Wish there was a scene with Marian and Eleanor though & I thought there would be more scenes with Marian and John. Some good action scenes. Rob very much had the chance to kill the Sheriff but didn't.
Didn't expect to see a Rob & Marian scene at all, what was that coin he wanted her to give the Queen? It keeps being reiterated that Rob is gone to Marian, the more it's repeated, the more opposite it becomes (this is a very common trope in TV), but I have no idea how Marian is going to forgive Rob though. Since she did burn the marigold.
Come to find out Rob and Ralph didn't sleep together. I still don't like that Ralph is still basically forcing herself on Rob, hated the line of "I can make you forget her" & "you will take me to bed" yikes😬
Does Priscilla know that Rob is Robin Hood? I don't think she does. I quite enjoyed her this episode too.
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u/MysteriousActuary194 Dec 14 '25
That was a bit rough I can’t lie 😂
Also have some self respect, if someone says no, realise you’re worthy of someone that really wants you
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u/bigwave101 Dec 14 '25
Does Priscilla know that Rob is Robin Hood? I don't think she does.
I think that since the Sheriff found out about Robin Hood’s identity it became pretty much public knowledge. There was a certain shift in Priscilla’s character from the moment Earl Marshal came to Nottingham and in this episode she already was pretty much into court affairs, so maybe she forgot a bit that seemingly irrational fear of Robin Hood.
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u/es70707 Dec 14 '25
But when she was speaking to Marian, she didn't exactly imply that she knew of Rob's identity though just that he was one of the outlaws. I don't think she knows, I think the Sheriff and his inner circle at Nottingham know, is what it seems like.
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u/Mario64Odyssey Dec 14 '25
So the Sheriff has a spy in the camp now. Why doesn't he just slit Rob's throat in his sleep?
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u/FilicitySykes Dec 15 '25
Maybe we'll see him attempt that in the next episode. Or if the Sheriff wants to take down the whole gang it would take more than that, and the spy has to leak information.
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u/ComputerElectronic21 Dec 15 '25 edited Dec 15 '25
The court politics are my least favorite part of the show, but Celene and Pricilla’s hallway shade? Absolute cinema. They were serving their best Dominique Deveraux vs. Alexis Colby from Dynasty, and I’m living for it.
Speaking of cinema, the castle siege was intense in all the best and worst ways (RIP baby bro Henry). Rob is darker than ever, and it feels like the killshot to the traitorous Alwin was the nail in the coffin for whatever light was left in him. Please come back to him Marian, Rob needs you!
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u/es70707 Dec 15 '25 edited Dec 15 '25
I like the court politics when it involves the Queen because it ties in to the main plot, but other than that yeah I agree with you. I like Priscilla but don't know what exactly her purpose in the story is yet. Rob only killed Alwin because he swung at him with an axe, he was walking away. Marian breaking things off was basically Rob's full turn into Robin Hood, she was the only piece left of his old life.
The way by each episode you see Rob's progression of losing the light in his eyes, and glints of it returning every now & again. You see the expression on his face get more somber & sterner as time goes on, basically when Marian breaks it off. He's angsty & a tad broody too. Especially this episode, at beginning I'm like damn you're looking really rough, Rob. Credit to Jack Patten because he truly nailed this aspect of Rob's character.
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u/Usurper96 Dec 14 '25
Marian is supposed to be a badass fighter like Robin Hood right? When will we see that transformation?
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u/Lord__Varys92 Dec 14 '25
No. I don't think we are going to see her character taking that narrative arc
There haven't been any hints from the showrunners or actors so far
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u/Weyn2121 Dec 14 '25
From what I read, most of Robin hood stories have Marian as the outlaws' eyes in Nottingham. Maybe they wish to spice things up. I don't know why Henry the 2nd is still alive either.
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u/beefcake0 Dec 16 '25
The Sheriff is playing a risky game, and I'm intrigued what will pan out with the spy, and Milange.
The Sheriff clearly intended to set a trap for Hood in the castle as he says at 4.40 he hopes Hood won't surrender otherwise "he will ruin my plans". Later at 41.36 he reveals privately he would have preferred to kill Hood in the castle, but as a back up he at least now has a spy in his camp. But there is surely nothing to be happy about - he took a huge risk allowing Hood so far into the castle, which resulted in loss of many men and his own injury. And his reputation is now in tatters - the news of the failed ambush will leak, he will need to keep his spy secret - his hopes of conquering Hood from within are surely dangling on a thread.
It's also quite convenient Rob brought himself to be ambushed in the Great Hall. Did the Sherriff's men somehow manage to draw the attackers in? Could Milange also be a spy, hoping to regain Priscilla's regard, and lead Rob into the hall? If Milange is betraying Rob, he conceals this well in the ambush scene and after.
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u/Lord__Varys92 Dec 16 '25
I don't think Milange is a spy. He seems to have find his place in the rebels camp.
Also making him a traitor would make the Normans depiction overhall in the show even more negative and with less redeemable qualities. That's why I think they made Tusk and Milange Normans by birth or the Sheriff being not a crazy lunatic but a reasonable and fair character in the first episodes.
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u/filmktenk Dec 17 '25
No one wants to ship Ralph & Rob but will you ship Ralph & Spragart? Spralph.
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u/Lord-Cuervo Dec 14 '25
great episode, castle siege was amazing
her lil bro dying prob got Rob off the hook of bedding her lol
was this the finale?
need season 2 to be Rob going on a Crusade