Doctor Who 8x3 Robot of Sherwood

I suspected many people took a few episodes to warm to Capaldi's interpretation and I'm loving that you're all on board with him straight away. Also HAHA HAHAHAHA HAHAHA HAHAHAHA HAHA

"That was an interesting reaction"- Juliette. Well noticed. That moment, right after he frees all the peasants and Marion kisses his cheek is I believe a moment of realisation for the Doctor in light of his questioning of himself and asking "Am I a good man?" He saves the peasants, rescues them and defeats the robots, he is in that moment their 'hero'. Represented by her grateful and gentle kiss. But he wasn't trying to be, he was just being himself, just being the Doctor with no thought of doing heroics or looking for praise or reward for it. As always he just couldnt walk by and ignore the suffering of the weak and powerless. And I think in that moment he realises that. Keep an eye out for similar small beats that all lead back into the Doctor's questioning of himself. Last week we had Rusty and the question of what is morality, what makes someone good? And this week what is a hero? What makes a hero like Robin Hood, or the Doctor? Its all thematically connected in this era. This episode had a different ending originally, with the Sheriff getting his head chopped off by Robin revealing he had been injured in the ship crash and the robots had repaired him making him a cyborg. Unfortunately shortly before it was due to be transmitted ISIS posted a video showing the brutal decapitation of British captives and it was deemed not in good taste to broadcast it as was, so the ending had to be hastily altered. Its a pity reality intruded so awfully into Who, as there are some things, like the Sheriffs ability to shoot a bow so well, and some lines of dialogue that still are better explained by him being part robot.

This episode is a good example of how DW can be so many things, silly, funny and beautiful, the scene at the end between Robin and The Dr is so good so I love this episode is like a quick tour of them all. Someone once said the first half of the episode the Dr and Robin are basically in a buddy cop movie, two partners who can't get on, like Sci Fi Rush Hour and I love that so much, Ha ha! (done in Robin's laugh)

I've always loved this episide, but it doesn't seem to be a popular one. I was really hopful that you'd like it, and I'm really glad you did! Not everyone gets the sillier side of Doctor Who, but I love it.

Since you love Robin Hood, and enjoy silly comedy, I have to ask, have you seen the movie Robin Hood: Men in Tights? If you haven't I highly recommend giving it a watch sometime.

Funnily enough, the Doctor has met Robin Hood before. In the 4th doctor novel 'The Return of Robin Hood'. Where he meets an older Robin. The Doctor does, however, get his mind wiped by the end of the book.

Glad you enjoyed the episode. It was great reaction. Can't wait to see your reaction to next week's episode. Which to me one is of the best series 8 has to offer. With regards to this weeks episode it's a fun little romp. Also as a side note a book was released a few years ago called "Doctor Who: The Return of Robin Hood" which sees the Fourth Doctor meeting Robin Hood. So why then does the 12th doctor in this episode not remember meeting Robin Hood before? In the words of River Song "Spoilers".

What other show would have the main characters go back in time to have a sword fight with Robin Hood using a spoon and end up dealing with robot knights? That's probably not what you were expecting when you started watching the show. It's fun that the setting appeals to you so much as well and enjoyed watching so much.. Oh and I love Clara's gown as well and would love to wear something like that.

Actually, Jules, if you go back and take a look at all those pictures shown of Robin Hood, there is one Patrick Troughton - alias The Second Doctor: 1966-69. Pat was the first television Robin in the '50s. So, you can say, without any doubt, that The Doctor has a history with Robin Hood.