Review: Doctor Who "Robot of Sherwood"

Doctor Who

"Robot of Sherwood"

This past weekends episode of Doctor Who finds the Doctor and Clara visiting a legend - Robin Hood, at the request of Clara. The Doctor, however, doesn't believe that the man known as Robin Hood even exists. Enter the conflict of this episode.

In this episode, the story arc about robots and the Promised Land continues and we learn a little more about the Doctor. Robin Hood seems to exist, as well as his Merry Men. Clara is head over heels at meeting the real Robin Hood, while the Doctor is more skeptical. Yes, the Doctor is always skeptical, but he seems more so in this season. He seems less likely to believe in the unbelievable and the fantastic, and dwells mostly on the logic and reality of a situation. Very different than past incarnations of the Time Lord.

While trying to figure out what kind of thing Robin Hood is, the Doctor gets into a battle of egos with Robin Hood. Who's the better man? Indeed, who is the better man? Who is the hero and who is the man who time will forget? egos aside, there is something strange in Sherwood. 

In the trademark shooting contest, not only does the Doctor get involved, but he helps reveal that the Sheriff has robot buddies that begin blasting the place up. These robots are not like Cybermen or the Clockwork robots from before - they are fast and have great aim. Well, great aim for any robot minion. 

These robots are preparing to blast-off from the planet very soon by using. However, with egos bruised and Clara now potentially in danger, the Doctor and Robin Hood realize they have much in common and eventually work together to destroy the Sheriff and his robot army. 

In the end, the Doctor and Robin Hood discuss the role of heroes. This is where information about the new Doctor is slowly being revealed. As Robin Hood now only exists in legend and as a inspiration for other heroes, perhaps the Doctor is the same. Maybe is power lies in the fact that he is mostly legend now. Is he a hero though? Only time will tell.

Final Thoughts:

A fine episode that seems to move the story arc along with robots and the Promised Land but also a small glimpse into the nature of the Doctor as hero. Is he one? Does he want to be one?