When Things Were Rotten

By Wes Penn

An interesting, quirky show that featured Dick Gautier as Robin Hood, Bernie Koppel (soon to be the doctor on Love Boat) as Alan-A-Dale and Dick Van Patten (of 8 is Enough fame) playing Friar Tuck.

The premise, born of the fertile mind of creator Mel Brooks, was that Robin and his band would of course wage war against the evil Sheriff of Nottingham, all the while taking time to run and frolic as much as the censors allowed. Historical accuracy was completely ignored. For example, the pilot shows the Merry Men masquerading as a traveling troupe of Conga Players to rescue a captured Robin.

While it did have it's moments, unfortunately "Things" were not the only rotten aspect... so were the ratings and the show was cancelled within four months.

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It was a wacky show. One thing in particular I remember was a scene (could have been in episode 1, the archery competition) where people were standing around by a field. In the field was a sign that read... "The W.C.Fields." Knowing Mel Brooks humor, very predictable...but also stupidly funny. --Anonymous

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