Maid Marian and Her Merry Men (1989–1994) User Reviews

Good Show

[strogger · 9/10 · 23 June 2000]

The comprehensiveness of the IMDb never fails to amaze me. I found this shows listing after viewing the page on Nicholas Roegs classic "Don't Look Now." Anyway, I remember watching this TV series when I was a kid and it was good fun. The guy that played Robin was great and it was good to see Danny John-Jules in another role. I managed to download some episodes from the UKnova bit torrent site so if you know anyone's who is registered there or if there are some spaces you know where to look. Hopefully one day we will see a commercial release on DVD in Britain so everyone can enjoy this series. The Beeb don't make quality children's programming like this anymore.

Edit: I see the first three series are now out on DVD, great news.

So glad to see it wasn't only me!

[elchivo83 · 9 June 2004]

I love this program, I can still remember feeling sad when the credits rolled on the last ever episode. Unfortunately I missed most of it when it was repeated a few years ago, and I find it harder to remember specific jokes, but I still remember it as being class. One bit I do remember is of an idiotic man jumping around in the forest, shouting "I'm so funny! I'm so funny! I'm so funny like a big fat bunny!" I remember it being the funniest thing I had ever seen at that point, probably because it was just so random and so untypical of children's telly, and its still a line that gets a frequent airing through me and my brother. I am going to go and petition the BBC to show it again or bring it out on DVD, there must be a sizable number of people who saw it when they were younger who are now older and want to see it again.

One of the best British Kids Shows ever.

[The_Sandheaver · 10/10 · 30 December 2005]

This was definitely one of the defining moments in Tony Robinson's career. Here he displays his talent for comical writing and gets the mood of the 90s era just right. The gags were spot on and the style was just so unique as it twists the original story of Robin Hood on its head.

Basically, it's about how Maid Marian was the real leader of the Merry Men, and her merry men include: Barrington, a fun-loving Raster (played to perfection by the incredible Danny John-Jules), Rabies, the traditionally dopey but strong type, Little Ron, an aggressive dwarf, and Robin Hood, who is actually a bit of a timid person obsessed with his good looks, who seems to be on the wrong end of most of Marian's jokes.

The series chronicles their adventures and their struggle to beat King John and his cronies, the Sheriff of Nottingham and his two henchmen, Gary and Graeme.

Any fans of the 90s as a decade should find this perfectly enjoyable, as the acting is top-notch, and you'll love the perfectly silly songs. Every character is one we can identify with and find perfectly enjoyable. If you can, watch an episode, as it is well worth it.

Hilarious, Witty, Un-PC + Really Classy - BEST TV SHOW EVER ! !

[diveinthedark-89834 · 10/10 · 2 August 2017]

After Black Adder, Fry + Laurie did Jeeves And Wooster, Rowan Atkinson did Mr. Bean, and what did Tony Robinson do next ? Not much, only a highly classy, highly original and simply phenomenal TV comedy that parodied not only The Robin Hood legend but contemporary society as we knew it in the early 90s !

Officially for children, I've met countless people who watched this back in the day as adults; the appeal was far more universal ! Too un-PC by today's standards, the merry men was composed of the most unlikely tribe imaginable; female leader, a dwarf, a Rasta man, a stupid fat bloke called Rabies and a highly camp, wimpy Robin Hood! The humour essentially evolved around anachronisms - "This is a royal wedding, not an Oxfam shop"; "You're singing is bad enough to win the Eurovision Song Contest !", as well as the more fitting lines like "I'm not raising money for the royal arsenal; I hate football !" The songs certainly gave the show another fun edge, especially the 'Father Bloopy' song that sent up Christmas !

I don't think today's children would understand this programme. For a start it would be considered too un-PC for airing today, and the kids would think the modern references are to make it seem cool, not ironic !

Timeless, deathless and something I'll watch with my children

[LexiWolfe · 10/10 · 25 March 2013]

I watched this series religiously when I was a kid, and my mother taped as many episodes as she could. Fast forward about twenty years (yes, believe it or not!) and me and the mister spend hours howling with laughter and wondering why the heck our younger siblings and future kids don't have anything half as good to watch as this. Maid Marian is probably the reason I'm so independent nowadays (and, yeah, bossy too). Despite becoming a biker glove fan myself, I still always associate them with King John. And if I ever meet Tony Robinson, I think I may have to hug him just for creating this series.

This series has everything going for it. The actors just throw themselves into their parts like nothing you seem to get nowadays. Whose amazing idea was it to have a laid back Rasta and an overly aggressive Little Person as members of the Merry Band, and make Robin (of Kensington) an absolute wuss?

From the brilliant one liners ('They've got the power, they've got the weapons. All we've got is a Raster, a Wally and a Bearded Avocado') to the memorable songs that I join in with though years have passed since I last saw that particular episode (I dare you not to come away from this review not reminiscing over 'Naked To The Visible Eye' and 'P-p-p-p-p-p- pancake Day!'), Maid Marian and her Merry Men is as much an institute of British humour as Blackadder or Monty Python.

The wonderful thing is that watching it as an adult, it's actually even funnier for the references that I never got, but still thought were funny as a kid. I have every faith that I'll be watching this again and laughing along with my own children in years to come. I love how real the characters are in it as well, and definitive. There's no 'filler characters' you find in a lot of shows these days.

Because of the nature of the show being filmed 'out of its time', despite some of the contemporary references, there are so many generic social and popular culture jokes, that even now it doesn't seem to be as old as it is. Twenty years? Seriously?

There's a different and varied plot for each episode, from the gang to getting together, to a talent show for Worksop, to visitors from Outer Space, and each plot is used to great effect.

I could go on and on about it, but the best thing to be is to crack out the old VCR player, or get on down eBay and get the complete series.

All time favourite

[staceybutterfly · 10/10 · 19 April 2020]

Recently purchased the box sent off zavvi and I'm glad to say it's as good as I've always remembered and my children love it too, absolutely timeless will never grow too old for this pure classic much loved tv show.

It's Monty Python for kids

[indiefish · 23 November 2002]

I've recently realised that this show is probably responsible for my sense of humour. As an impressionable child I was captivated by this show. I loved it all, Marian was a bossy but funny role model, Robin was a wimp and King John was the funniest monarch ever.

The best bit was that the script wasn't just for kids, Tony Robinson has written a gem, my mum loved it the first time and when i watched recent repeats as a (supposedly) grown up person i found out why. It has some of the best lines on TV and some of the most surreally brilliant visual gags. It's Monty Python for kids, and believe me the kids could do with more like this.

My favourite episode was the one with the White-ish Knight, but they were all good and whenever my friends argue about the best show of our (sniff... long gone) childhoods, this one is one of the few we can agree on. Sorry if I'm gushing like an Oscar winner but if you think I'm exaggerating then you can't have seen this.

Sir Tony Robinson

[The_Man_Is_Back · 4 August 2004]

Superbly written, wonderfully acted, Brilliantly directed and who wrote those hilarious songs?

I loved this series when I was younger. It was unique, highly entertaining and amusing for all who watched, parents and children alike could and would enjoy. An interesting spin on the Robin Hood classics, made into a children's TV show by the BBC and written by Tony Robinson where by Maid Marrian was the principal leader and Robin Hood was bumbling buffoon!

The characters were rich and well thought out, the lines were down right side splitting at times. I really do hope they bring this one out on DVD and soon. As far as I'm concerned Tony Robinson should be knighted for services to children's TV for this awesome show!

Sheer Genius

[nackynoodle · 29 July 2001]

Until the beeb started repeating this recently I'd forgotten how good it was. Maid Marion was the original girl power show, well it was for me anyway. Funny, twisted and brilliant cast of supporting actors plus Tony Robinson make it what it is. Watch it!

why I'm obsessed with this awesome series

[kaiytlinne · 9 February 2001]

This show in my opinion was simply the best that ever was created. It is just so funny! Its absolute genius! The songs crack me up the most, my personal favorite being 'the story of workflop' from 'Voyage to the Bottom of the Forest'. The bit in the middle 'and he and his cohorts will bear down upon you like avenging angels - and you won't like it very much' I'm probably still laughing about it as you read this. And the bit 'while she went out on all night raves' with the witch raving. The only thing is, my friends barely even remember the show. Is there anybody out there who loves it as much as I do? Email me!

Rabies: 'ahhh its a giant loaf' Marian: 'no its a giant loafer'

Rock on !

The finest children's TV show of its generation

[taylor_mayed · 19 July 2005]

This series worked on just about every level - "Blackadder for kids" is an expression often used to sum it up, but that does it a disservice, suggesting it's some kind of imitation of another show. This really was wonderful in its own right, though - entertaining stories and performances delicately laced with some delicious satire and gags you can't believe they got away with, i.e. Robin's "I've never laid anything in my life!" when trying to sneak into the castle under the guise of being a carpet fitter. It's a crying shame they never made more than they did, but at the same time at least it never became stale. DVD release soon, please!

How GOOD was this programme?

[nvh1982 · 13 February 2002]

This was my fave programme when I was little (well littler, Im 19 now but was about 7 or 8 when it was first on). It still appeals to me now although I missed many of the recent repeats due to college (blub). I am just hoping that CBBCs new channel shows repeats of it. It was recently voted number 21 in the top 100 kids tv list, I thought I was the only one who really loved this ace show thank god I was wrong. Also Wayne Moris deserves much more succes than he has got, he was gorge as Robin (he was my first crush) and I think I recently spooted him in a sweet ad poor luv!

Childhood Fave.

[Hel3n · 4 May 1999]

This programme was a classic, the plots were hysterical! The acting was brilliant and those ludicrous songs topped it all off!!!PLEASE BRING IT BACK!

If you're a "Red Dwarf" fan, see if you can spot "the Cat" as the cool rapper Barrington!

Very funny, classy comedy

[bain-3 · 20 April 2001]

This was top, class, quality children's entertainment. Tony Robinson and all the other cast put in a great performance and really made something that could have been boring come to life. Hilarious, fast-moving script and very funny gags and situations. WHY DID IT END!?

Top.

[Rhys-4 · 18 February 1999]

This is a forgotten gem. It was great. It was full of slapstick humour and was guaranteed to raise a laugh. If you have a chance watch it.

best Robin Hood of all

[eva.bernstein · 2 February 2001]

The series was brilliant even in German - as, luckily, they didn't dub the songs. The humour was just funny, as me and all my friends thought - and even my younger brothers loved it! Besides, the series provides explanations for the big questions of mankind - like the invention of snooker... My favourite Robin Hood pictures!

Cracking britsh comedy

[intermilan83 · 3 August 2001]

This series is so understated . The characters are played with perfection . Kate longeran who play's marian plays the leader with great ease . Wayne moris who play's robin is very very funny as the charachter . The series created by time teams tony robinson is a great atempt at this great hollywood topic of marian and robin hood . This series is far different from it's hollywood counterparts . It does not look down on its audience and is truthful and frank at it's young audience. And in reminicant of Robin hood men in tights but out does it's hollywood slap stick comedy twin . A great series not well past it's sell by date please bbc we want more.