Also filed here:

• Categories
  • No categories

So what happened to Friar Tuck?

I have been watching and enjoying the new Robin Hood series on ABC. I really like the play and references to “the war of terror” waged by the Sheriff against Hood. I like the merry men and Maid Marian is strong and cute…. but where is friar tuck? It seems to me that with the playful bent against the powers of greed he would fit nicely. You know, like in the Disney version, the Christian minister who helps aid with the redistribution of wealth, affirms the civil disobedience of hood’s action and is actively part of the liberation movement for the people. It seems like Marian has taken most of these roles in the new series without the spiritual/chaplain angle.

While thinking about other ‘Tucks’ it seems that beer/drunk or at least jolly is the key part of the character. Think of Tuck in the prince of thieves, a moderate figure whose main passion was for beer and ended up killing the other corrupt Christian minister. A far cry from the Disney Friar who was outspoken about the plight of the poor and the evil of the taxes. Of course Tucks protests for the poor were dismissed and told to save the sermons for Sunday.

I guess I’m wondering why miss such a rich character? Is it just that Christian figures are unpopular? Or is he in season two and I have jumped the gun. Thoughts?

BTW - I was chatting with Lynd about the lack of Tuck in the ABC show and mentioned that in the Disney version he was more like what I expected even sword fighting the sheriff being arrested for treason. Then James (7yrs) said (while jumping around the house demonstrating the scene), “Tuck didn’t sword flight he use a stick and shouted at them “I’ll give you taxes!!!” they were going to hang him you know” My kids make me laugh.