Robin of Sherwood: "The Prophecy" and the amazing guest casts

I'm now into season 2 of my latest Robin of Sherwood rewatch. And this story of a rediscovered lost important character, and a scene chewing Prince John. The guest cast continues to astonish. George Baker as the mysterious prisoner would be strong casting in itself. But then you have Phil Davis as Prince John, and perhaps even more surprisingly John Nettles - in mid Bergerac era - as his lackey. Even Simon Dutton (known best, perhaps, as an international version of "The Saint" character, though I remember him more from a brief glimpse in Matt Smith era Doctor Who) contributes a lot. It's remarkable how much is packed into this one episode, not just in plot, toing and froing, but also acting and effective scene chewing. Oh and I forgot to mention the recurring characters of the Old Prisoner in the castle dungeon and his rat Arthur, who both shine in this episode. Great rat acting.

There is a feeling of impending doom as I hurtle through this second season. But very much enjoying it. I have the DVDs and Blu-Rays, but started rewatching on Britbox, and am now watching on ITVX (Britbox is closing down in the UK this month).

Sherlock Holmes reread: plans

I'm planning to reread soon the short stories of Sherlock Holmes. In other words the collections The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes, The Return of Sherlock Holmes, His Last Bow and The Case-Book of Sherlock Holmes. Though I enjoy the novels too the short stories are more tackleable for me. And I'd like to write up thoughts as I read through. Such thoughts will be a mix of general non spoiler comments and text in spoiler space. I'll also be reflecting on the stories as artefacts of their time, and thinking about televisual and other versions of them too. But yes, a plan. More soon.