August 20th 2024.
There has been a lot of buzz surrounding the upcoming season two of the BBC series Sherwood, as it introduces a new and controversial character. Creator James Graham has been quick to correct any misinformation and confront the internet trolls who have already started stirring up drama.
Set in the Nottinghamshire mining district of Ashfield, the first season of this real-life inspired drama focused on two shocking murders that occurred in 2004, with flashbacks to the 1984 Miners' Strikes. Led by an impressive cast including Lesley Manville, David Morrissey, and Joanne Froggatt, the BAFTA-winning show delved into the intricate dynamics of the community and its deep-rooted history, including the notorious drug-dealing family, The Sparrows.
Now, the acclaimed show is returning for a second season, set in the present day. The Sparrows will be making a comeback, and two new families will be introduced, all of whom will be caught in a complex web of local gangs, old rivalries, revenge, and betrayal. Along with these new characters, viewers can also look forward to the addition of a newly-appointed Sheriff of Nottingham, played by Ria Zmitrowicz, known for her role in Three Girls.
Zmitrowicz's character will be a passionate advocate against a proposed new coal mine in the area, which promises much-needed jobs and prosperity but also brings up painful reminders of the community's troubled past. She joins a talented cast of characters, including the infamous Sheriff of Nottingham.
The Sheriff of Nottingham is a well-known role in British history and mythology, dating back to the 13th century and often portrayed as the central antagonist in the legends of Robin Hood. Over the years, the character has been brought to life by actors such as the late Alan Rickman in The Prince of Thieves in 1991 and Keith Allen in the BBC's family series Robin Hood in the mid-2000s.
But outside of literature and entertainment, the role of Sheriff of Nottingham is also a real-life position that still exists today. James Graham, the creator of Sherwood, explained that his decision to make the Sheriff of Nottingham a "young, queer, and female" character was a modern and important choice for representation. He also shared that many people are surprised to learn that the position still exists in Nottingham.
The news of a female Sheriff of Nottingham has caused quite a stir among some individuals on the internet, who have accused the show of "wokeism." However, many fans have come to the defense of the decision, pointing out that the show is not a retelling of the Robin Hood story. Even James Graham himself has responded to the backlash, explaining that Sherwood is a modern drama set in the present day and not a reimagining of the classic tale. He also mentioned that the role of Sheriff is a real civic position in Nottingham and has been held by women several times.
The role of Sheriff of Nottingham is a year-long tenure that is seen as symbolic and ceremonial. In fact, filming for Sherwood took place in the actual Sheriff's office in City Hall, and the cast even got to meet the real Sheriff at the time, who was described as "brilliant and lovely" by James.
In an interview, James also reflected on how the themes in Sherwood reflect real-life issues, such as the RMT strikes, protests against policing in the wake of Black Lives Matter, and the Sarah Everard case. He noted that the show sheds light on the toxic relationship between the police and mining communities that dates back 40 years.
As the highly-anticipated second season of Sherwood approaches, fans can expect to see a diverse and talented cast of characters, including a strong and determined female Sheriff of Nottingham. And for those who may have doubts or criticisms, James has a clear message: Sherwood is not a retelling of Robin Hood, but a contemporary drama that explores important social issues and stories of the real people in Nottingham.
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