The great “novelty” of this Robin Hood series is its attempt to incorporate historical elements that are often ignored or treated as mere background — a clear effort to add political weight and dramatic density to the familiar story of the outlaw who robbed the rich to help the poor. Thus, in addition to Eleanor of Aquitaine — since Prince John has always been part of the legend — the plot begins to weave in characters and consequences from the Crusades. After all, Richard the Lionheart was absent for years precisely because he was fighting them.

The episode picks up immediately after the tragic rescue that cost Henry his life. Baron Warwick’s castle is set ablaze, and he is taken prisoner. “The king will come after you,” Warwick threatens. “That’s exactly what I’m counting on,” a confident Robin replies. Ralph watches with a thirst for revenge — but Warwick will not personally pay for killing his brother.

The Sheriff’s spy reveals the Merrymen’s location and confirms that Robin is now the group’s leader. His new mission is simple: kill Robin Hood.

Marian, distracted, hands the Queen the Warwick coin that Robin gave her. Eleanor is pleased but criticizes the delay. Marian questions the agreement between the Queen and Robin Hood and is stunned to learn that what Robin negotiated was not for himself, but for her freedom from service to the Crown. The catch? Marian remains completely clueless about the bigger picture.

Friar Tuck summons the somber Robin: Warwick wants to speak with him. The baron offers a bribe — a hidden fortune — in exchange for his release. Robin lists his crimes, including the murder of innocents and even children. Tuck tries to stop the execution for the sake of their souls, but the Saxons ignore him: they are not Catholics. One of them, Drew Miller, carries out the execution to avenge Henry.

Priscilla has yet another premonitory dream (inevitably cheesy), wakes up sick, while Pembroke sleeps beside her, oblivious.

The Queen receives an unexpected visit from the Sheriff of Nottingham, who claims to know where Robin is hiding and asks for military reinforcements to attack him. Eleanor cuts him off: King Henry has sent Guy of Gisborne to deal with the problem. We’ll talk about the historical Guy later, but anyone who has seen Kingdom of Heaven knows he’s bad news.

The Sheriff is furious — Eleanor “got what she wanted.” She pushes back: Guy is so bloodthirsty and uncontrollable that he’s dangerous for both of them. But especially for Philip — if Guy succeeds, what use would a sheriff be? In barely veiled metaphors, Eleanor suggests eliminating the knight. Philip calls it treason. Still, the Queen insists: they now want the same thing.

After the events at the camp, Friar Tuck decides to leave. He tells Robin that he has ceased to be the man he should be — a leader for something greater. Hard truths are exchanged, and Tuck insists that Robin can, and must, be better. It’s a farewell for now.

Priscilla speaks with her father about the trip to London, and he reveals what he discussed with the Queen. For him, it’s a relief to have her in Westminster — it’s safer. After all, Guy of Gisborne is arriving.

And who is the villain’s first visit? The loathsome father of Marian, Huntingdon. Nothing good can come from this alliance. Guy makes it clear he intends to “correct” the fact that it is the Sheriff, not Huntingdon, who truly holds power.

Robin enters an existential crisis over Warwick’s death. Little John argues that it was just part of the war. Tuck’s opposing voice lingers, and Robin wavers again. He seems unable to make a decision on his own.

In London, the foolish Prince John complains about England’s lack of luxury. Eleanor prods him, suggesting he return to Rome. Not subtle at all: he realizes she’s been spying on him. The argument over succession and maternal favoritism escalates, and John calls his own mother a serpent.

The Prince seeks out Marian and invites her to accompany him to France. She refuses. As a “gift,” he strikes her. Marian had foolishly believed he didn’t know she had always been a spy. The fairy-tale prince illusion shatters — brutally.

Huntingdon and Guy drink and plot to remove Philip from the Sheriff’s post. Huntingdon explains Nottingham’s strategic importance. The order is clear: crush the rebellion at any cost.

In the cave, Spagrat — our Judas — chats with Isabel, one of the women now surrounding Robin. The scene exists to sow doubt about who he is and what he wants. He goes out “hunting” and runs into his target: Robin. Before Spagrat can act, Tuck appears and kills him to save Robin. He then breaks down — he is now a killer too.

Priscilla sees Marian’s bruised face when she tries to flee the castle to avoid the night Prince John demands. Marian wants to go to Robin. Priscilla questions the choice and reveals that Guy of Gisborne is in Nottingham and knows where the outlaw is hiding. Marian begs for the location, and Priscilla helps — believing her visions foretell her own death.

Robin speaks with Tuck: the Friar has now killed as well. He defends himself — it was self-defense, not execution. Once again, he urges Robin to stop being a pawn in a war that isn’t his and choose to do good.

The Sheriff returns home to find Guy already settled in the palace, completely at ease. Who is sitting in his chair? Huntingdon. Guy and Philip trade barbs. Despite his blood tie to the king, the Sheriff must yield — for now. He has another plan.

Eleanor reveals to Pembroke that she deliberately exposed Marian, knowing John would react impulsively and leave. It worked. Now he must go to Rome. Pembroke hesitates at leaving Priscilla, but gives in. Eleanor orders that John be stopped at all costs. Ordering the death of her own son certainly reinforces the serpent metaphor.

In Sherwood, Marian is surrounded and asks to be taken to Robin. Ralph still grieves Henry’s death and the fact that he didn’t kill Warwick himself. Their moment is interrupted when Marian warns them: everyone knows their location. Including Guy of Gisborne. Robin decides to verify whether she’s telling the truth.

Huntingdon fumes over being unable to locate Robin Hood. Guy’s suggestion is simple: massacre innocents until they emerge. Huntingdon loves the idea.

Marian grows frustrated that Robin needs confirmation and insists on talking. There’s no time — but she insists. She asks why he never told her about the agreement with the Queen to free her from the Court. And, true to her most naïve instincts, suggests they run away together. Robin answers bluntly: Things have changed. She must return. He has a fight to face. Marian declares her love. Robin ignores it. This is clearly not the moment.

Guy and Huntingdon attack a defenseless village. “Kill them all.” Everything is burned.

Priscilla pressures Pembroke about his trip to Rome. The farewell is heavy — he doesn’t know if he’ll return, and she is convinced her vision predicts her own death. High drama.

Ralph confronts Marian: Robin will never abandon his people. As a Saxon, he cannot flee. Soon after, Robin confirms the scale of Guy’s camp — “it looks like a city.” They cannot back down. He tells Marian she must go: it’s far too dangerous. She tries to convince him to flee to save his friends. He seems to agree. Marian still doesn’t understand everything.

Tuck and Little John — the competing voices in Robin’s conscience — talk. John says their place is with the Merrymen. They smile.

The Sheriff is informed of the village massacre and is visibly shaken. He tells Guy that such brutality will only strengthen Robin Hood’s cause. When Guy laughs, the Sheriff reveals he knows where the archer is hiding. Better to act together. Huntingdon asks what Philip gains from this. “The end of the damned rebellion and the return of law and order.” Guy reminds him that, in the end, Philip’s position will also be lost. Philip cares about Nottingham. Guy only cares about killing.

Robin really was fleeing with Marian — until he sees the smoke rising from the village where his family once lived, now destroyed. The acting is questionable, but the scene aims for impact. Standing amid the ruins and the bodies of innocents, the question remains:

Is Robin still capable of choosing Marian?
Or has he already chosen something else?