In Which Allan A Dale Breaks Sophie's Heart

[sophieisgod]

So, after the COMPLETE JAMBOREE OF AWESOME that was "Angel of Death", I was hoping against hope that Robin Hood would continue in its brilliance. And it really, really did. Rambling and spoilers lie ahead, so be on your guard.


Oh yes. Opening with Guy and Allan in a darkened tavern is something I approve of. A lot.

"Allan. You knew I'd kill him. You just didn't want to admit it to yourself." Phnar. Guy's voice is so bloody silky.

Okay, Robin's camoflauge!cloak is just nasty. It looks like dead snakeskin. And is it just me who thinks referring to the outlaws as a 'gang' takes away some of the drama and makes them sound twelve?

"Silencing". That sounds ominous. Leeches are icky. And David Bamber is sporting some rather excellent facial topiary.

OH, MY HEART. MUUUUUUCH. Robin actually possibly thinking that Much might be the traitor! Also, I love the way that Much is always in flux between calling him 'Master' and 'Robin', and when they have to close ranks against a traitor it's back to 'Master', quick as a flash.

"That's why you sent us back to camp. Because you suspect. You suspect me."
"Much, I have to suspect everyone!"
"No, it's me. You suspect me."

That exchange absolutely kills me, because of course it's different for them, and Robin would know that if he wasn't such a douche sometimes. It's like, Much is completely defined by his relationship to Robin, and if Robin doesn't trust him, if Robin still doesn't trust him after everything they've been through, then what does he have left? But of course, this lovely crazy show can't just have undiluted emotion, so we get the kerfuffle about chopping off your own arm. Oh, Much. I heart you.

Ahh, Matilda. Matilda is a little bit awesome. "If you were on fire I would not damp you with my wet underwrappings." The phrase 'wet underwrappings' makes me feel queasy. Bleurgh.

MARIAN/GUY! Proper flirting! At this point I don't even care that she's completely playing him because they are so very awesome together. And she's cajoling him and he's going along with it and humouring her but not really and it's banter and ach! I loves it. Especially Guy's saucy glinting looks.

HAHA Matilda mocks the stubble! Love it. And she delivered Robin, which is cool, I suppose. And bees are evil. I have always said this. And DUDE. It is not cool that Robin suggested cutting out someone's tongue. I'm all for him killing people, but that's way too Sherriffesque for my liking.

Silly Henry. "I have come from the Holy Pork!"

MARIAN/GUY! With the lurking and the mocking and the chemistry! He's all smirks and raised eyebrows and "What have you been doing?" but really he's just enjoyng the BANTER! OH LORD THEIR HEADS ARE VERY CLOSE TOGETHER! Smirking! "Shall we?" Oh burn, Robin.

CAMP! Will is such a cutie. And Much's righteous indignation! And I LOVE him pointing in both directions at once on "You're done for!" And calling Will a traitor! OH NO WILL'S ACCUSING ALLAN! BOYS, DON'T FIGHT! AND IF YOU MUST, TAKE YOUR TOPS OFF! Ohhh, and Much attacking Allan because he said Robin doesn't trust him either! ANGST.

Ohh, Will. He cares about the people! And when he says 'gang' it doesn't sound lame, it sounds wonderful. ♥ OOOH ANGRY LEANING. And Allan looking shifty. And MUCH!

Yay, John gets stuff to do that isn't brandishing a big stick! Even if it is the least realistic method of turning a baby, ever. Bless.

MARIAN/GUY! Look at him, not wanting her to get accused of witchery. Also, has Locksley always had a pond?

ALLAN/DJAQ! I love Allan in this scene, I really do. "People get stuck, you know?" Yes, they do, but that's not the whole story here and he knows it and he's trying to justify it to himself. And Djaq absolutely knows what they're really talking about and she's got tears in her eyes and oh! "I believe you are a good man, Allan A Dale." And he can't say anything to her. Ach.

Aha, Guy is babysitting Crazy!Henry! That ducking stool looks hardcore. And hee! at the Sherriff's deep breath. And also at his response to being cursed.

Aww, John. *hugs for John*

Will has really got a taste for killing people now, hasn't he? And I love that Allan doesn't want to because it'll endanger Robin. He loves the gang, the lovely traitor. And smacks for Much! "You keep pumping." I could not agree more.

WET UNDERWRAPPINGS FTW!!! And Guy fails again.

Seriously, Will has bloodlust. And OH NOES MUCH AT KNIFEPOINT! And Robin finally kills a bad guy. For Much. WILL IS TRUSTED! And completely willing to do whatever Robin wants. But gets repeatedly punched for this. And Allan is shocked and concerned and awwww, my boys. "No... Robin." OH GOD MY HEART. And Djaq knows. And she is sad.

Oh, Allan. With the change of heart and the returning of the money and so forth. Although, if he knew Robin was going to the inn, why did he go? Shh, brain. SHOWDOWN! Oh, the intensity. And Allan is still concerned about Will! And of course Robin doesn't believe him because it's way too little way too late, but still. Ouch. And in Allan's mind there's such a clear distinction between betraying their cause and betraying his people, because he only cares about the people. I do like that they brought up the torture scene though, because then I got topless!Allan flashbacks. And now it gets REALLY angsty. *rubs hands together*

"You're always in the sun, Robin. And I'm always in the shade."
GAH. He really does have a point. If the gang disbanded, where would Allan go? Everyone else has got people, and his family's dead. Maybe Allan's subconsciously sabotaging the gang to keep the gang together! *deluded* Sigh. Tear. And Allan's pleas for forgiveness sound kind of half-hearted, like he already knows that he's lost it all because Robin sees everything in such black-and-white terms. 'Tis heartbreaking. Robin has teary eyes. And Allan's eyes are so very blue.

WILL/DJAQ! With the face touching! And Djaq still belives in Allan. Come on, OT3! Don't die!

Next week: Allan is Sir Guy's Man! And Robin and Allan are standing on some sort of giant plinth like in Gladiators!

Comments

[thestorymaker.livejournal.com]

''That exchange absolutely kills me, because of course it's different for them, and Robin would know that if he wasn't such a douche sometimes. It's like, Much is completely defined by his relationship to Robin, and if Robin doesn't trust him, if Robin still doesn't trust him after everything they've been through, then what does he have left? But of course, this lovely crazy show can't just have undiluted emotion, so we get the kerfuffle about chopping off your own arm. Oh, Much. I heart you''

my thoughts EXACTLY...I started talking to my TV at this point explaining to Robin exactly WHY Much could not be the betrayer and how exactly does Robin even JUSTIFY suspecting him on even some minor level! (Personally I could have done without the arm chopping lines, although Much would indeed chop off a limb or two. And I suppose it is a good point...how much does he need to do to prove himself to Robin? He served him, followed him to the crusades, gave up his chance of freedom, gave up Bonchurch, became an outlaw. I think Robin is the last person on earth to understand how faithful Much is to him...I doubt even if someone kindly sat down and explained everything to him in little words like you would explain to a child, that he would realise it)

Can you tell I heart Much also?

[halfapint.livejournal.com]

*dies. again*

Must rewatch again... *_* ALLAN!!!!!!!! He has made fangirls everywhere so happy, and so sad, and your points are so excellent I feel all squee-y.

[sophieisgod.livejournal.com]

I just rewatched "Tattoo? What Tattoo?" and I nearly cried when Robin told Much he was 'simple'. Robin is really arsey sometimes :(

Someone needs to give Much a really good hug ♥

[literateur.livejournal.com]

Yes, Locksley has always had a pond. I think it's the same pond outside Locksley Manor (remember in S1 when Robin comes to ask Thornton if Sir Guy was away in the Holy Land? There was a pond outside and people doing laundry).

The Marian/Guy scenes in this series are SO wonderful. *faints* Even if MOST of them are fake on Marian's part. Most.

[sophieisgod.livejournal.com]

Ah, of course! *is a dunce*

I really am loveing the Marian/Guy action. Even if he knows she's faking, he's still turning it around so she has to hang out with him anyway ♥

Love = completely manipulating your life partner of choice

[thedreamygirl.livejournal.com]

I just saved so many Robin Hood icons to my hard drive I need to create a seperate sub-folder for them. Oh noes.

[sophieisgod.livejournal.com]

AHAHAHA YOU HAVE BEEN CAPTURED! THIS SHOW WILL EAT YOUR BRAIN AND NEVER LET YOU GO!

[darkangsty42.livejournal.com]

This episode was so tasty!

And omg, Denis Lawson next week! This show is trying to kill me with it's guest stars.

[sophieisgod.livejournal.com]

It keeps getting more insane and brilliant! And yay for Denis Lawson! I was watching with my friend and she just said "He has Ewan's eyes..." *bounces*

[inaforest.livejournal.com]

...And in Allan's mind there's such a clear distinction between betraying their cause and betraying his people, because he only cares about the people.

Ooh, good point. I hadn't thought of it like that.

[precious-rosie.livejournal.com]

This episode was wonderful on so many levels. I don't know where to begin. :-) If Joe Armstrong doesn't get any recognition or an award for his performance in this current series, I'm going to be majorly pissed off.

Allan's eyes are so very very blue... *whimpers*

[sophieisgod.livejournal.com]

So very, very blue... :)

[gregoria44.livejournal.com]

Nothing to do with anything, really, but I love that this fandom is happy to take the michael out of their favourite programme without making it sound like the worse thing ever.

It's so affectionate, and fun, and unlike any other fandom I enjoy.

Bless you and your comment posts!

[sophieisgod.livejournal.com]

Firstly, icon love! Secondly, that's really one of the things I'm loving about this fandom. Most people seem to be able to recognise and embrace the complete and utter lunacy that this show is capable of :)

Awww, thank you!

[miss-bluesky.livejournal.com]

Oh good lord it's back on TV? How did I not realise? O____O

[sophieisgod.livejournal.com]

Dude, you've missed five episodes! Get thee to a torrent!

[bishwop.livejournal.com]

I basically agree with everything you said.

And bees are evil.
...Where did this come from? But yes, yes they are.

Oooooh he got stung by a bee didn't he. I forgot.

And yes, I'm with you on "wet underwrappings". ...Eurgh.

Oh burn, Robin.
LOL. The show does seem to have forgotten that Robin/Marian is its central ship, amiright?

Even if it is the least realistic method of turning a baby, ever.
THANK YOU. This is what I am saying.

Harry Lloyd pumps with the best of 'em. ;)

WET UNDERWRAPPINGS FTW!!!
Oooh I didn't get that in the episode. You get points for observation. Or I lose points for lack thereof, it depends.

Shh, brain.
I know =D You just have to switch it off during RH and try to forget things, you really do.

Your reaction was a lot more thoughtful than mine. The best observation I made was that there was a shoutout to the Disney!RH.

Will and Allan are standing on some sort of giant plinth like in Gladiators!
I thought it was Robin and Allan...?? *GOES TO FIND CAPS*

[sophieisgod.livejournal.com]

You're right! I have Will on the brain. It's the show, and all it's talk of 'pumping'. *edit*

How has this happenend to me?! I used to scorn this show! I just bingewatched 3 S1 episodes when I should be reading To The Lighthouse!

LOL, Robin needs to bring his A game if he's going to outsex Guy. That's all I'm saying.

The good thing is, my brain is now very rested.

[kenorland.livejournal.com]

COMPLETE JAMBOREE OF AWESOME

ROFL I'm going to incorporate this into my daily language.

This episode was SO GREAT because it literally had something for all the characters. And it was a well-written episode with real tension and not everything was 100% obvious, rather the-- er, usual.

Next week looks like... a tournament?

[psychie.livejournal.com]

LOL! Will does have blood thirst.

Finally Robin killed someone. About fucking time.

I'd have married Guy if I was Marian, I think it would have made things easier. LOL.

[templa-otmena.livejournal.com]

So yeah... I'm on here and I'm looking for slash and I come across your post.

Allan concern for Will "No... Robin", still has my heart.

I need more icons xXx

[sophieisgod.livejournal.com]

You want slash? (http://razorxrosary.livejournal.com/116971.html)

LOVE THOSE BOYS. More later, yes?

[little-giddy.livejournal.com]

You win at life. And I join you in the "Come on OT3! Don't die!"

That is all.

[sophieisgod.livejournal.com]

:D *waves OT3 flag and throws them a lifebelt*

[fireflyfailure.livejournal.com]

That exchange absolutely kills me, because of course it's different for them, and Robin would know that if he wasn't such a douche sometimes. so, so, SO agreed. damn robin. >:(

"You're always in the sun, Robin. And I'm always in the shade."
GAH. He really does have a point. If the gang disbanded, where would Allan go? exactly. or any of them, really, save robin and--maybe--much. they're all pretty screwed, except mr. fancypantsrobin. :p

WILL/DJAQ! With the face touching! And Djaq still belives in Allan. Come on, OT3! Don't die! ♥ ♥ ♥

[sophieisgod.livejournal.com]

Robin = IDIOT. Sometimes. Often. Bless.

mr. fancypantsrobin
My new favourite nickname for him :)

[corrielle.livejournal.com]

And in Allan's mind there's such a clear distinction between betraying their cause and betraying his people, because he only cares about the people.

I've never heard anyone put it that way before, and that is it EXACTLY. The problem is that for Robin, it's the cause that's most important. That's how it usually is with leader types.

[sophieisgod.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I think for Allan the most important thing is being in the gang, or at least having some company. He's never been as moral as the others (See: reaction to Robin wanting to kill Guy. Everyone else: *nooo we don't kill!* Allan: *shrug* :D).

And ohhh, the hurt on his pointy little face when Robin asked if he'd betrayed the camp or Marian... *hugs lovely traitor*

[wndmills4lovers.livejournal.com]

MARIAN/GUY! Proper flirting! At this point I don't even care that she's completely playing him because they are so very awesome together. And she's cajoling him and he's going along with it and humouring her but not really and it's banter and ach! I loves it. Especially Guy's saucy glinting looks.

EXACTLY!!! gah... I really don't know who to pair Marian up with!

[nebula99.livejournal.com]

Actually, the baby turning was probably the most realistic part of the whole birth.*G* It's called External Cephalic Version and is how obstetricians would try to turn a breech baby. Of course, it is quite dangerous and they have a theatre on standby, but then again, this is Robin Hood where historical inaccuracy is positively celebrated!

[zaeik.livejournal.com]

You really, really, and I mean REALLY amuse me. All of us RH fans think alike. :)