Posted at 10:23 a.m. Friday, Aug. 8, from holiday in Nebraska

Can there be a “Robin Hood” without Robin Hood?

BBC America dropped a bombshell Thursday about Season 3 of the series, which will air on the network in 2009. Jonas Armstrong (above), who plays Robin Hood, will leave the show at season’s end.

“Playing Robin Hood has been one of the most incredible experiences of my life,” Armstrong said in a press release, thanking fans, cast and crew for the “amazing memories.” “The time has come to take on new challenges and look at new opportunities.”

Will Armstrong be replaced? Will the producers try to continue the series without its title character? Will the show simply end? Or will Sir Guy of Gisborne (Richard Armitage, right) realize what an ass he’s been and take up Robin’s cause to battle the Sheriff of Nottingham? After all, in Sherwood Forest, anyone can say “We are Robin Hood.”

BBC America didn’t elaborate on the fate of the show or its hero.

In the press release, executive producer Foz Allan was quoted as saying, “We cannot confirm the series climax, nor can we guarantee who will survive and who won't. You will have to watch it to see! But we can assure you Robin's exit will be unmissable!”

The press release cryptically adds: “How the legacy unfolds after Jonas [Armstrong] leaves is in itself mysterious and intriguing—guaranteed to make fans desperate to find out what happens next.”

Yes, we’re desperate. What gives? I’m waiting for a response from a BBC America rep. In other words, stay tuned.

Until then, here’s how BBC America describes Season 3, which is currently filming in Budapest, Hungary:

“Season 3 returns with an older and tougher Robin, hell bent on revenge following the tragic murder of Marian by Gisborne and the Sheriff's failure to kill King Richard. The Sheriff is more precarious and unpredictable than ever with new threats looming over him and there's the much anticipated arrival of Friar Tuck (David Harewood, ‘Blood Diamond’) who joins the gang and becomes one of Robin's closest allies.

“However, the tension on-screen will kick-off at the outset as Jonas Armstrong, who plays Robin Hood and updated the popular legend for a whole new generation, is set to bow out of the show in an explosive, nail biting Season 3 finale.”

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Curt,
Another great review.
Season 3 has another great addition in the midst of all the loss, Toby Stephens who will play Prince John and a sister for Gizzy. Actress' name slips my swiss cheese mind right now but I look forward to the scenes with Armitage and Stephens. Two such actors will surely steal almost every scene. Well I can dream right.

I also hope Guy never hangs up the leathers and his wicked ways. He is just too much fun to watch as a baddie in leather. Gosh we would end up with and Angel verses Angelus and we all know Angelus was so much more fun to watch.

Here is hoping the rewriting of the legend does turn into something with great dialog once again.

I am a die hard I will stick out through the end. Fingers crossed.

Thanks again Curt,

Ramones

Curt's reply: Thanks R.

This is a tough one, I would like to see a redeemed Guy, penitent for his sins. I think there is so much more to this multi layered character.
I am not sure if it should continue beyond a third season though. I love Richard as Guy, he is such a talented actor, but would also love to see him get other roles, something where he gets the girl for a change would be very nice!
If they could come up with a plausible scenario for a 4th season, then maybe. Richard is the only reason I watch Robin Hood, his portrayal of Guy is mesmerizing.

Curt's reply: I'd like to see Guy give the Sheriff what he deserves. He's not a good boss, is he? Thanks for writing.

I hope Guy doesn't go good and become the new Robin, it would be a stretch of the imagination too far, considering the wicked things he has done, I doubt whatever redeeming act he may do, in reality the gang would not accept him as their leader after his murder of Marian.
I think the exit of Jonas Armstrong should bring the show to a close.

Curt's reply: I just want to see the Sheriff get his, and who better to do that than Guy? Thanks for writing Lady E.

I can't wait to watch Robin Hood series 3! With Jonas Armstrong due to bow out how can the series continue? (Although he says he is leaving the series and I beg to ask a question "how can you leave something if it is due to end anyway?). Does that mean a series 4 is possible?
As for "will Sir Guy go good?". In my view NEVER! Let's face it Gizzy would be ever so dull and boring if he wasn't bad!
I would like to see the series continue in one of two ways. In RH legends apparently Robin dies in order to be reborn in a different guise (new actor perhaps?).
My favourite would be a spin off to the series. The Guy of Gisbourne story perhaps? But it would have to be played by Richard Armitage, no other actor could possibly be as good. (or should that be bad?!!!)
Again it's believed that in the earlier myths Guy of Gisborne was more of a major player in the stories. There is talk of a Knight that had been disowned by his family (not a dispossessed Lord as the current adaptation seems to suggest, that had their lands taken from them in the Norman Conquests).
Could we perhaps have a Prequel Robin Hood please BBC? A medieval equivalent of "Dynasty" or "Dallas" with plenty of plotting and treachery and one more for the adults and not the kids! (They'll have the new series "Merlin" to watch) But whatever else, please don't kill Sir Guy off. I think he has proved more popular than the character Robin Hood himself! (Although Jonas Armstrong has been absolutely fabulous as Robin and I can't imagine how RH could possibly carry on with any other actor. He would be a hard act to follow in my view!)
Curt's reply: Susie, you've got some ideas for RH. We'll see. Thanks for reading.

A redeemed Guy of Gisborne would be thrilling. The actor is so charismatic and the storyline would be irresistible!

Curt's reply: I agree--and he still would be a conflicted good Guy. Thanks for reading Barbara

Hello, Mr. Holiday in Nebraska (sorry, couldn't resist).
Er, I mean Mr. Wagner.
Gisborne the Good Guy? (Imba lets her imagination run wild for five seconds - OK, I get the picture). Yeah, I could see how that would keep fans riveted to the screen for S4.
Great idea!
Now stop blogging and go have a proper holiday.
Best regards,
Imba
Curt's reply: Thanks ImbA. I had a great vacation.

This question doesn't surprise me given that you are such a huge Richard Armitage fan but fans of the real hero of the show would like to see Gisborne fry!

What next - a series based on redemption of the Yorkshire Ripper?

Curt's reply: Yorkshire Ripper vs. Sir Guy? Hmmmm

How about the best of both worlds with Guy still having to do the Sheriff's dirty work to keep up appearances and position, but wracked with remorse, secretly taking on the mantle of the Night Watchman?

Curt's reply: Ahhh (curls his pretend mustache), that's a good idea. Thanks Acciocape.

You know, Curt, as much as I'd like to see Guy of Gisborne and Richard Armitage on the screen forever, I really don't see it going the way you suggest. Want my guess for how Season 3's going to go? OK, I'm assuming you just said, "Why yes, Lynn, I'm dying to know what you think!" So here goes: Prince John has been plotting with the evil Sheriff against King Richard. Now that their attempt against the King in the Holy Land has failed, (and lets face it, the Sheriff trying to kill the King with the arrow to the back probably won't go unnoticed by the King!), Prince John needs to get rid of the Sheriff before Vasey tells the King that the Prince was in on the plot. So Prince John, who has secretly been dallying with Gisborne's evil sister, sends her to Nottingham to convince Gisborne he must kill the Sheriff, that it's the only way to save himself. Gisborne does so, in one last attempt to redeem himself and live up to Marian's last request of him before he, you know... killed her. Then his evil sister, following Prince John's orders and her own desire to be Queen of England, kills her brother in the ultimate act of betrayal!

Oh, and.... as for the whole Robin Hood part of the series, and what to do with Jonas leaving? Who cares? :-) Guy of Gisborne and his story has always been way more interesting!
Lynn in Kansas

Curt's reply: Why yes, Lynn, I'm dying to know what you think! Oh wait, you've told me. Yes, Guy getting even with his boss the Sheriff would be great. Thanks Lynn.

I'd like to think Guy could be redeemed but only because this is la la land and not real life. So yes in theory Guy could go good. As for the Yorkshire Ripper. Well he was a REAL person not someone from fiction. (Robin Hood didn't really exist you know!) Some people would do well to distinguish the two! Real-life from fantasy that is!

Curt's reply: Thanks for the history lesson NL, and thanks for reading.

Wow. Did the press release really say "the Sheriff's failure to kill Prince John"? Do these people even watch their own show?
Curt's reply: It did Jon, and I missed it. Thanks for pointing it out.

I think Robin Hood must be the one to kill the Sheriff. He's the one responsible for most of the killing, torture and plotting around Nottingham with Prince John. Sir Guy was just his henchman remember! (and cute with it!). I think the fact that he will still be as bad as ever in RH3 but deep down given the fact that he has lost the woman he loved that will make him even more attractive to viewers. (Hope the scriptwriters invent a new love interest though!)

I think Guy will be stricken with grief for his killing of Marian and won't be able to think clearly about anything at the beginning of series 3. The Sheriff will be busy trying to cover his tracks and probably put the blame on Guy!(Rotter!)
Curt's reply: Thanks Sue! Oh, and the BBC America rep gave me only this response on your question concerning the "kick in the teeth" incident: "At this point the only information I have on Robin Hood Season Three is what was provided in the release."

Guy could kill The Sheriff, but I wonder if they will play it the other way, and have the Sheriff kill Guy. Guy sounds like he's going to go to pieces and the Sheriff is not one to show loyalty, so if Guy becomes a liability then I could see the Sheriff getting rid of him. That would be seen as Guy getting his comeuppance - he essentially chose the Sheriff and power over Marian and redemption in the end, so justice would be served, leaving Robin furious he didn't get to avenge Marian's death and the Sheriff and him fighting to the death ending in the death of the Sheriff.

Although of course, the Sheriff could kill Robin and then a strange man wearing antlers could just pop up with a brand new Robin. Who knows with this show.
Curt's reply: Thanks Lady E.

Dear Curt,

Thank you for posting on the new information we've received on series 3 of Robin Hood. It's nice to have a bit of news, as opposed to the news blackout to which the BBC has accustomed us.

Though the press releases give the impression that Jonas Armstrong's decision to leave the show came out of the blue, Jonas has actually said several times in interviews that he likely would do only 3 series of the show. He's honored the commitment he made to the show, and in my opinion, acquitted himself brilliantly.

As to whether Guy of Gisborne can or should be redeemed, count me in the camp that is decidedly against such a development. As Richard Armitage said in an interview, Guy really does need to get it in the neck at some point.

I'm an admirer of Mr. Armitage, but I think sometimes fans confuse him with the character he plays on Robin Hood. RA is a wonderful actor and from all accounts, a generous and decent bloke. Guy of Gisborne, however, is a murderer who, among other deeds, left his child to die in the woods and had decided to take Marian by force by the end of series 2. Girls and women are inundated with messages from the media, society, and the arts that they should redeem bad men. Let's bury this outdated and damaging message--especially, let's keep it out of a show that is watched by impressionable young girls.

Thank you for listening.
Curt's reply: Thank YOU for writing Annie.

Hi Curt! Just wanted to say a big THANK YOU for all the RA coverage and commentary you've been doing. He is an amazing and gorgeous actor and it's no surprise that he has stolen the show. What Richard has achieved with Guy is what everyone is (rightly in my view!) taking about!

All the press stuff from the BBC points towards taking nothing for granted. Robin killing the Sheriff or Guy turning on his master and killing the Sheriff? Or perhaps neither of them, perhaps someone else? RA has said that Guy turns away from the Sheriff and allies himself with Prince John and with the introduction of his sister, this could lead to another dark trio, to replace the Sheriff/Guy/Allan group. And if the Sheriff doesn't have Guy to do his dirty work, then who is going to take his place?

As for Guy's possible redemption...well, like many others I would like to see a glimmer of the heroic and brave man who was prepared to die by Marian's side at one point, but I think that part of Guy is probably lost now. Marian was his only hope and now he has nothing, apart from his ambition. He will be psychologically wrecked by her death. It's unlikely (although not impossible) that any positive side to him will emerge from his torment. Whether the writers decide to destroy Guy completely, in order to pay for Marian's death, or hold out some faint chance for him...it's so hard to judge at this stage.
All I know is that I can't wait to find out!
Keep up the excellent work!
Sazzy
Curt's reply: I'm glad you're enjoying the blog, Sazzy, and thanks for adding to it.

Hi Curt,

I don't know why it's such a 'bombshell' that Jonas Amstrong is leaving RH. He said at the very beginning that he'd only be doing three seasons to begin with.

That being said, on the whole 'Will Gisbourne Go Good' issue, while Gisbourne may be remorseful for murdering Marian, the fact still stands is that he has no backbone. He follows the Sheriff around like a love-sick puppy, doing his bidding without batting an eye.

Remember when he burned down Marian's house? Isn't that a brilliant way to show a person that you love them. And let's not forget, whatever the reasoning, he killed her for loving another man. What a winner.

The man has no conscience. He will do anything and everything to get what he wants out of life, including murder. How can a person like that 'go good'? I just don't see it.

And, I just want to point out that the name of the show is 'Robin Hood', not 'Guy of Gisbourne'. There can't be a show called 'Robin Hood' without a Robin. I'm sorry, it just won't work. I just hope the writers remember that. I'm a tad sick of seeing more of SGoG and less of the title character.
Curt's reply: Thanks Sammie for commenting

I actually don't think Sir Guy has been bad enough lately - with the exception of the Marian-gate. Richard Armitage is a good actor and doing a wonderful job playing the *bad guy* - so I say let him have at it!

Here's to Jonas Armstrong and his outstanding portrayal of Robin Hood and best of luck to Jonas the future! If this show continues to S4, it will not be the same.

Thank you for the article Curt!
Curt's reply: Thank you, Whittsend, for participating.

Sir Guy "going good" is a little far fetched don't you think? Come on now. He left his child in the woods,threatened her father's safety by intimidating her,burned her house down, jailed her father AND threatened to take her by force. Not to mention the dirty deeds he did for the sheriff. Redeemable?? Please. You really need to rethink that whole idea.

Jonas Armstrong has done a superb job as Robin Hood and he will be missed if they decide to continue on with the show. His fans know that he will go on to bigger and better roles and so we say to Jonas "Onwards and Upwards". Thanks.
Curt's reply: Thanks Joanie

It was never a secret Jonas's decision to commit to and honour a 3-year tenure as title character in Robin Hood which he has acquitted brilliantly however, I feel his character has been undermined by the very evil Gisborne who literally stole everything Robin cherished because that appeared to be the way the Producers and creators chose to play Gisborne's role over Robin's and personally, I believe that was the wrong way to go, (including writing Marian out of the Show), now any talk of redeeming a complete psychotic nutter is way over the top, still I don't care a hoot about Gisborne, he can be eliminated in the first 5 minutes of Season 3 for all I care - this is supposed to be Robin Hood and him, I do like, very much and despite him being overlooked as a very worthy Hero. I also think considering a S4 is a total waste of time and money and won't be bothered giving it the time of day once Jonas exits, they didn't appreciate what a brilliant Cast they had and the effort that Cast put into the show was magnificent all round and it would be best dropped altogether at the end of S3 until, say, the next generation perhaps, uses its brains and sees fit NOT to interfere with a well-known legend to the point of ruining it the way the current creators/writers ruined what started so briliantly until the dreadful ending of S2.
Onwards and upwards Jonas, you will always be the best Robin Hood for me - the best actor always - for me!
Curt's reply: This uninformed American had no idea Jonas pledged only 3 years. So I was surprised. Thanks for writing Judy.

I found something interesting at the end of season 2. Please note that at no time do we ever see Marian actually laid in her grave and covered with dirt. Never happens.

Then, as Robin the his men are taking leave, they have the farewell scene with JAck and Will. After saying his goodbyes to Jack, Robin turns to Will, hugs him and says, "Look out for her, will you?" or words to that effect. Interesting

Is this the door being left open for Marian's return at some future date? Seems like it to me...

Curt's reply: Nice theory Wolveriter. Nice indeed. They were just standing over two graves, but could have been empty. Hmmmm.

Why is it that Jonas Armstrong's fanbase constantly feels the need to trumpet it's fury in the direction of Richard Armitage every time his name appears in print? Do they, perchance, feel that his popularity and that of his character, Sir Guy, has eclipsed that of their hero and that he's stolen the show? If so, they're right. He has! Why this has transpired is hardly a surprise to anyone who knows anything about their respective careers to date and the high profile of this particular Sir Guy attests to the fact that he is no ordinary villain. His has been the lead role from day one and the outcome of Series 3 will prove why. What unfolds is a STORY - a fun romp in the greenwood. The production has never been the personal vehicle of any one man. Enjoy the show or not, as you please, but either way - please, get a life!

Curt's reply: Let's play nice, Natalie!

I'll get a life if you will Natalie. Are you perchance gifted with psychic powers? As far as I know the season 3 finale is a secret so how exactly do you know what will happen? I'd hate to think you were an insider favouring one actor over another and giving away plotlines. That would be very unprofessional.

Curt - underneath post a comment it mentions unfair attacks. Were you wanting Natalie to start an online war? Her comments are completely unfair and if you were to visit any of the Jonas Armstrong sites you would see that Richard is very much respected. Guy however is not! And this is the reason people like Natalie get so upset. They cannot differentiate between Richards character in North and South and Gisborne. They so desperately need for Richard to be the romantic hero.

Richard Armitage has only continued to appeal to the fanbase he already had going into the show whereas Jonas has built up a new fanbase because of his portrayal of Robin.

As to your original question Curt - no Guy should not go good. He's way too good at being bad. Richards fans should appreciate that.
Curt's reply: Like I said before, let's all play nice people. Or no more posting comments!! ;)
Sue, thanks for charing your opinion on my suggestion that Guy go good.

If I were handing out awards for television excellence, I’d start with the casting staff at Tiger Aspect for the fantastic job they have done on Robin Hood, the Series. Each character on the program, from the smallest part on up to the main players, has been selected with care. Contrary to what has been said by some misguided reviewers, Jonas Armstrong is superb as Robin Hood, the first really worthy successor to the wonderful Errol Flynn. As has been stated above, those of us who have watched JA's interviews knew that he committed to only 3 seasons of the program. I will definitely miss the spontaneity, sincerity and yes, the occasional cheekiness with which he delivered his lines. After the rather ridiculous plot twists and the horrendous finale of Series 2, I am hopeful that in Series 3, the program's Executive Producters/Creators will return to atleast some adherence to the ancient legend. Although Mr. Armitage is a fine actor, it makes absolutely no sense to continue the program as the ongoing saga of Sir Guy of Gisborne. When Robin Hood leaves, the program Robin Hood, should end. Thank you for the opportunity to provide my opinion.

Curt's reply: Thanks for offering your opinion, Brittvfan.

Sir Guy going good? Interesting question, but the one that really should be asked is will the writers redeem Sir Guy and more to the point...would it make sense? With all the horrendous acts he has done to obtain power, I can't see Sir Guy redeeming himself in the eyes of Nottingham, Locksley, Clun, and all the other villages. He definitely could not take over as the leader of the gang; they could never trust, much less forgive him. Yes, Guy did come back to Nottingham and stand with Marian (but only for Marian's sake). When he was presented with the opportunity to reedem himself by saving the King, Guy goes and kills the only supporter he had!! If the writers have Guy feel guilty and wanting to make amends then I would see him leaving Nottingham altogether, sparing the people further emotional pain with his presence being a constant reminder of what he did and what he allowed the Sheriff to do. This would be a more likely scenario seeing as the King would not be tolerant of his actions and would sentence him to death. We can speculate and discuss this all we want, but the writers make the calls. And unlike my fellow fans in the UK, I don't get to see what direction the writers take for the Series until it is much too late to send in my constructive criticism. I defintely did not like the short lived happiness of Robin and Marian in Series 2. I do think that the acting by all the cast was superb given the material the writers provided.

I am a fan of Jonas Armstrong and discovered fans of Richard Armitage through a mutual love of the show. They have recommended previous works of Richard's to watch. As a result, I will continue to look for Richard in future projects, but Jonas will command more support in both his acting and personal projects. Let's recognize that just like the ability to love more than one person, we can admire and respect more than one actor.

Curt's reply: Thanks Debbie.

I have trouble thinking about where I want any of the characters to go now that Marian has gone. I will have to see what they do in series 3 before I could decide what I wanted after Jonas leaves. At this stage I have a tendency to go for a replacement actor to play Robin, Guy as a defacto Robin Hood does not quite fit with the boy band gang and the feel of the series to date. I would like to see Guy reject the Sheriff though and preferably dispatch him. Yea! But then we would not have the Sheriff's jokes. Boo! I will have to sit on the fence at this stage.
Curt's reply: I think if the show does end, Guy should get to dispatch the Sheriff. Bad boss, bad boss! Thanks tiff.

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