Robin Hood (TV series)/Recap/S01/E05 Turk Flu

At Treeton Mine, the workers are refusing to go down in the dangerous conditions any more; when Gisborne arrives, he murders Dunn in front of his son, Rowan, as punishment for Dunn's refusal to stop working. The Sheriff plots to capture Robin by organising an archery competition as part of Nottingham Fair with first prize of a silver arrow, knowing he will be unable to resist. The outlaws, however, are concentrating on the mine, and ambush a slave trader, Brooker, taking a group of Saracen slaves to the mine.

Robin learns that people fear the "turk flu" they believe they can catch from the Saracens; he also finds one of the Saracens, Djaq, speaks English. After freeing the slaves Robin bargains with them: if they help with his latest plan, he'll make sure that they can get back to their home-land safely. Djaq agrees on behalf on the others, but while he is washing himself for prayer, Will Scarlett inadvertently realizes that "he" is a "she."

Allan is smuggled in amongst the slaves as they are taken to the mine, and when he exhibits the effects of the "turk flu" the Sheriff's guards run, giving the outlaws the opportunity to burn down the mine. Before they can do so, though, Little John falls through a hidden hole into the mine. Rowan, angry that they are not taking revenge on Gisborne, slips off as Djaq prepares to rescue John. Brooker arrives at the fair to tell the Sheriff about the outlaws at the mine.

Djaq enters the mine and revives John before he is pulled to safety, just as the Sheriff's men arrive; Robin sets fire to the mine and escapes in the nick of time. Robin learns from Djaq that Rowan is now planning to take revenge on Gisborne by "killing his woman" - that is, Marian. Marian, however, talks him out of killing her just before Robin arrives. Robin ensures that Rowan wins the silver arrow (by way of dressing as Rowan, firing the arrow, running for it and then switching places with Rowan). Back at the outlaws' camp, Djaq is invited by Robin to join the outlaws.

Tropes
"Sheriff: This place is done for! You should have expected him. It was obvious this was a target!
 * Oh Crap: "Robin Hood - mine - fire - SOLDIERS! SOLDIERS!" Also a Crowning Moment of Funny.
 * And then later, after the mine has burnt down:

Gisborne: With respect, my lord, he was supposed to be in Nottingham, trying to win the silver arrow.

[Beat, during which they realise what has happened, and then race off to Nottingham]"


 * Sweet Polly Oliver: Djaq
 * Tempting Fate: "They claim they would rather die than go back down!"