Lesley Manville’s returning BBC drama defended by show boss

As a lifelong fan of British drama, I eagerly await the return of Lesley Manville’s riveting series, “Sherwood.” The fact that the creators are daring to push boundaries and bring fresh perspectives to the table only makes me more excited for its premiere this weekend.


Creator James Graham has spoken up in defense of the return of Lesley Manville’s BBC series, “Sherwood,” following criticism over a particular element from certain quarters.

As a devoted viewer, I’m thrilled to share that my favorite crime series is back this weekend! This gripping tale delves into a community in Nottinghamshire, which remains fractured by the 1980s miners’ strike. The narrative takes an intriguing twist as the second season unfolds, with the action now set in contemporary times. Two fresh families find themselves drawn into the complex web of the Sparrow clan, promising a rollercoaster ride of suspense and drama!

One aspect that has caused some discussion online is the introduction of a new Sheriff of Nottingham, played by Ria Zmitrowicz, who Graham has described as a “young, queer female”.

Lesley Manville's returning BBC drama defended by show boss

The playwright has countered criticism regarding certain elements of the show, responding on X (previously known as Twitter) to one post that misconstrued the series as “woke” and erroneously labeled Sherwood a modern-day reinterpretation of Robin Hood.

In his writing, Graham stated that “Sherwood” is a contemporary drama, distinct from the traditional tale of Robin Hood.

He added that the position of Sheriff, found in Nottingham, is a genuine civil post filled by turns among council members. On occasion, this role has been held by women.

Lesley Manville's returning BBC drama defended by show boss

In response to online comments about the latest BBC series “Sherwood” featuring an LGBT Sheriff of Nottingham, Neghat Khan, leader of Nottingham City Council, voiced her support for the decision in a post on X, stating: “I’ve come across remarks online regarding the new BBC ‘Sherwood’ series and its portrayal of an LGBT Sheriff of Nottingham. I stand behind this choice.”

Every year, the position of Sheriff in our city, Nottingham, is passed on to a new individual. This role has been occupied by people from various ethnicities, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and numerous others who reflect the diverse makeup of our city.

During an interview with the BBC, Graham shared insights on creating a queer, female version of the character, stating: “Often when I mention there’s still a Sheriff of Nottingham, people find it hard to believe.”

Lesley Manville's returning BBC drama defended by show boss

As a devoted admirer, I can’t help but feel that mythology and folklore played a significant role in shaping the initial series. The tales we pass down from generation to generation, or the connections we forge with specific titles, hold immense importance overall. They form an integral part of our collective consciousness and cultural identity.

As a fan, I can’t help but draw connections between the original tales and our modern interpretation. Just as Robin Hood was known for his hideout in Sherwood Forest, our protagonist, a bold, queer female Sheriff of Nottingham, has made her mark on the town. While the classic stories feature an iconic Sheriff, our series offers a fresh take on this timeless character.

As a devoted admirer, I found it resonated with contemporary relevance to incorporate such diverse representation, aiming to create a richly developed character and title that truly stand out, I explained further.

As a devoted fan, I’m thrilled to share that the second season of Sherwood is set to debut! It’ll premiere on BBC iPlayer and BBC One this Sunday, August 25, at 9pm. The fun continues the next day, Monday, August 26, also at 9pm. From then on, new episodes will air every Sunday and Monday for the following three weeks, keeping the excitement rolling!

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2024-08-21 19:49

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