The latest episode of MGM+‘s Robin Hood presented a major turning point. Titled The True Price of Defiance, the eighth chapter delivered intense action and heavy consequences for Robert of Locksley and his band of rebels. The episode, which released on December 14, 2025, forced the growing legend of Robin Hood to face a trap, a personal betrayal, and the death of a close ally.
The Sheriff’s Cruel Trap for Robin Hood
The episode began with a desperate situation in Nottingham. The Sheriff held Robin Hood’s uncle, Gamewell, and four other Saxon elders as hostages. His plan was a calculated move to draw the outlaw into the open. He released one prisoner with a grim message: Robin Hood must surrender within one week, or all the hostages would be hanged.
Secretly, the Sheriff was counting on Robin’s refusal. He predicted the outlaws would attempt a rescue mission, allowing him to prepare a trap inside his own castle. Gamewell offered to sacrifice his own life to spare the others, but the Sheriff refused the deal. Their tense conversation turned to the execution of Robin’s father, Hugh Locksley. The Sheriff revealed a critical secret: Hugh’s arrest was only possible because of the false testimony of a fellow Saxon forester named Alwin.
A Failed Reunion for Robin and Marian
Meanwhile, Robin traveled to London with Little John. Their mission was twofold: to secure better weapons and to deliver a message to Queen Eleanor via Marian. Disguised as a guard, Robin entered the royal palace at Westminster. He found Marian and gave her a coin, a symbol for the Queen that Robin Hood was ready to cause more trouble for the Normans in the Midlands.
Their personal conversation was far from a happy reunion. Marian was still deeply hurt by the violence of Robin’s rebellion, which led to the death of her brother, Aronne. She told Robin that her problem was not whether she loved him, but that she no longer wanted to love him because of the path he has chosen. To signify her resolve, she later threw a dried flower—a keepsake from their early romance—into the fire.
At a palace ball, Marian’s social and political position became clearer. Her friend Priscilla publicly danced with William Marshal, signaling their serious relationship. Following this, Prince John asked Marian to dance, and she accepted, enjoying the moment. This scene suggested Marian was moving forward, possibly opening a new chapter in the dangerous royal court.
The Daring Rescue and Its Heavy Price
Upon learning of his uncle’s capture, Robin immediately planned a rescue. With inside knowledge of the castle’s layout from Milange, a former servant of the Sheriff, the Merry Men found a secret Saxon-built entrance. The team, including Rosemary “Ralph” Miller and her brothers, sneaked into Nottingham Castle.
The initial phase succeeded. They freed the Saxon hostages from the dungeon. However, as they tried to escape, the Sheriff’s trap was sprung. His guards ambushed them, leading to a chaotic fight. During the battle, Henry Miller, Rosemary’s younger brother, was fatally wounded. The outlaws were forced to flee, leaving Henry’s body behind.
Robin himself was cornered by the Sheriff on the castle roof. The two enemies engaged in a fierce swordfight. The Sheriff boasted about killing Hugh Locksley and taunted Robin about dying alone. Just as the Sheriff gained the upper hand, Rosemary intervened, shooting the Sheriff in the arm with an arrow and allowing Robin to escape.
Despite the bloody retreat, the Sheriff was pleased. He revealed to his aides that he had coerced one of the freed Saxon hostages into becoming a spy. He now had “eyes and ears” within Sherwood Forest itself.
The Final Confrontation and a Dark Act
Back at the forest hideout, the group held a solemn funeral for Henry. A grieving Rosemary told Robin she finally understood his need for vengeance. She vowed to walk the same path, with the goal of killing the Sheriff.
It was then that Gamewell shared the Sheriff’s revelation with Robin: the Saxon forester Alwin was the one who betrayed his father. Consumed by rage, Robin rode out to confront Alwin in the woods.
Alwin did not deny the betrayal. He claimed he had no choice and was forced to give false testimony. Saxon elders present tried to stop Robin, arguing that killing one of their own would destroy the unity he was trying to build. Robin hesitated and began to walk away.
In a sudden, violent move, Alwin grabbed an axe and charged at Robin’s back. With no time to think, Robin turned and fired a single arrow, killing Alwin instantly. The episode ended on this dark note, leaving Robin to grapple with the weight of his action.
Understanding the Episode’s Key Moments
The Moral Line: Revenge or Self-Defense?
The killing of Alwin stands as the episode’s most debated moment. The show carefully frames it. Robin’s initial impulse was driven by grief and a desire for revenge for his father’s death. However, he showed restraint by listening to the elders and walking away. Alwin’s decision to attack transformed the situation. Robin’s final arrow was a split-second reaction to an immediate, lethal threat. The episode presents it not as a calculated execution, but as a forced act of survival, blurring the line between justice and vengeance.
The Spy in the Camp
The Sheriff’s trap had a second, more dangerous layer beyond the ambush. By planting a spy among the Saxon hostages he “allowed” to be rescued, he has infiltrated Robin’s inner circle. This creates a major threat for the final two episodes of the season. Every plan the Merry Men make could now be known to the Sheriff, turning their forest sanctuary into a vulnerable position.
Shifting Loyalties at Court
In Westminster, the political games intensified. Queen Eleanor, played by Connie Nielsen, finally took decisive action. She wrote a letter to her son, Prince Richard, warning him that his brother John was plotting to seize the throne and urging him to return to England. Nielsen, speaking about her powerful role, emphasized the timeless strength of women, stating, “Celebrate your power, for God’s sake”. This move sets the stage for a direct conflict over the crown in the season’s finale.
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Where to Watch Robin Hood
Robin Hood is streaming exclusively on MGM+. New episodes are released every Sunday. For viewers outside the U.S., the series is often available through the MGM+ add-on channel on Prime Video. Other international platforms include Super Channel in Canada and Stan in Australia.
The first season has a total of 10 episodes. With Episode 8 now aired, the release schedule for the remaining episodes is:
- Episode 9: December 21, 2025
- Episode 10 (Season Finale): December 28, 2025
Each episode has a runtime of approximately 52 minutes.
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