Instead of concentrating on the traditional conflict between Saxon and Norman, which has been a central theme of many previous adaptations, this series focuses on the conflict between the old traditions (steeped in the last vestiges of the old magic) and the new, corrupting influence of the Norman invaders, or, as it is often described in the series, the conflict between the powers of light and darkness. This concept is taken quite literally, with the forest and peasant villages sunlight and idyllic, and the castles of the Normans dark, smoky, and filled with corruption.
Robin of Loxley (Michael Praed) is the chosen son of Herne the Hunter, an old man who claims to be possessed by the spirit of an ancient forest god. Robin is as a man constantly at the mercy of his own destiny. He meets Marion and his other companions during the first of many escapes from the Sheriff's dungeon, and is quickly caught up in the plots of an evil wizard who captures Marion with the intent of human sacrifice. Robin at first rejects Herne, but is finally forced to accept his destiny so that he can save Marion.
During final episode of the first series, Robin is caught by the sheriff's men and must sacrifice himself to allow his friends to escape. Herne then picks Robert of Huntington (Jason Connery, Sean's son) to be his new son. Robert also rejects Herne's appeal, unwilling to surrender the life of a nobleman to become an outlaw in the forest. But Marion needs rescuing again, this time from the clutches of a Welsh warlord.
Two 13-hour series were made during a two-year run. The four two-hour episodes "Robin Hood and the Sorcerer" & "The Swords of Wayland" (with Michael Praed) and "Herne's Son" & "Time of the Wolf" (with Jason Connery) are available in video stores, and these are the best of the series. The soundtrack throughout the series was performed by the Irish folk group Clannad, and their haunting music adds much to the magic of the series. It is available on CD under the title Legend.
-- from Design Lines, March/April 1990.