Robin Hood Episode 8: Release Date, Cast Changes, And Major Story Shifts

The new MGM+ series Robin Hood returns for a pivotal eighth episode this week. Titled “The True Price of Defiance,” the episode promises to raise the stakes for every character. As the season builds toward its finale, new enemies arrive and old alliances are tested.

The show presents a fresh version of the classic legend, focusing on the partnership between Rob Locksley and Marian. Their fight against Norman oppression takes dangerous new turns in the upcoming installment.

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When And Where To Watch Episode 8

The eighth episode of Robin Hood will be available to stream on Sunday, December 14, 2025. New episodes go live on the MGM+ streaming service. For viewers in the United States, the episode typically becomes available at 9:00 PM Eastern Time.

Viewers worldwide can also watch the series through Prime Video Channels, where MGM+ is available as an add-on subscription. The episode is expected to run for approximately 60 minutes, consistent with previous episodes.

What Happened Leading To Episode 8

The story follows Rob Locksley (Jack Patten), a Saxon forester’s son whose family was destroyed by Norman lords. He becomes the outlaw Robin Hood, leading a growing band of rebels from Sherwood Forest. His ally and love is Marian (Lauren McQueen), a Norman noblewoman who spies on the royal court from within for Queen Eleanor.

The most recent episode saw major developments. Rob made a secret agreement with Queen Eleanor (Connie Nielsen) to attack Baron Warick. In retaliation, the Sheriff of Nottingham (Sean Bean) jailed Rob’s uncle and other Saxon elders. Rob’s successful prison break was actually a trap set by the Sheriff, resulting in the death of one of the outlaws.

Meanwhile, in Westminster, Marian’s mission grew more dangerous. Queen Eleanor secretly asked her to spy on Prince John, with whom Marian is forming a close bond. By the end of the last episode, the Prince discovered Marian was a spy, forcing her to flee. She escaped with critical news: King Henry has sent Guy of Gisborne to England with orders to kill Robin Hood.

What To Expect In “The True Price Of Defiance”

Episode 8, “The True Price of Defiance,” directly follows these events. The official description sets the stage for a multi-front conflict.

As Guy of Gisborne embarks to kill Rob, the Sheriff plots against him to draw the King to England; Rob prepares to attack; Marian infiltrates her father’s home for intel; the outlaws lead missions crucial to victory; all must succeed, or all die.

This means three major storylines will collide. First, the legendary villain Guy of Gisborne enters the story for the first time in this series, with a clear mission to end Rob’s life. Second, the Sheriff is not just defending Nottingham but actively scheming to force the King’s involvement, a risky political move. Third, Marian must return to the home of her father, the Earl of Huntingdon (Steven Waddington), who was responsible for the death of Rob’s father. Her goal is to gather information vital to the outlaws’ survival.

The title suggests the episode will explore the severe consequences of rebellion. Rob and his band, which includes Little John (Marcus Fraser), Will Gamewell (Henry Rowley), Ralph Miller (Erica Ford), and Friar Tuck (Angus Castle-Doughty), will undertake missions where failure is not an option.

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The Main Cast And New Faces

The series features a mix of rising stars and well-known actors. Jack Patten and Lauren McQueen play the central roles of Rob and Marian. Sean Bean brings a complex edge to the Sheriff of Nottingham, portraying him not just as a tyrant but as a father and a man trying to keep a fragile peace.

Connie Nielsen plays the powerful and calculating Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine. The character of Priscilla of Nottingham, the Sheriff’s daughter played by Lydia Peckham, has also become a key part of the story.

Episode 8 marks the introduction of the iconic character Guy of Gisborne. While the specific actor for this version has not been announced in search results, the character’s arrival is a major event in the legend.

How This Robin Hood Series Is Different

The creators of this series aimed for a more realistic and character-driven story. Co-director Jonathan English explained the goal was to make the legend feel fresh and human.

“We wanted it to be original. We wanted it to feel fresh, and I think the original, fresh take that we were really aiming for was to make it feel human, relatable, a little bit more grounded, a little bit more historically accurate than most of the Robin Hoods that we’ve seen”.

Showrunner John Glenn added that they worked to create a Sheriff of Nottingham that audiences haven’t seen before, focusing on his motives beyond a simple desire to catch an outlaw.

The series is set in 1186, two decades after the Norman Conquest, grounding the conflict in real historical tensions between Saxons and Normans. The deep focus on the partnership between Rob and Marian, who work from opposite sides of the conflict, is a central and modern element of the plot.

Looking Ahead To The Season Finale

With the arrival of Guy of Gisborne, the story is accelerating toward the season’s end. Following Episode 8, only two episodes remain in the first season.

• Episode 9, titled “I Choose You,” is scheduled for December 21, 2025.
• Episode 10, the season finale titled “One Enemy Falls, Another Rises,” will air on December 28, 2025.

The stage is set for a major confrontation. With a royal assassin on his trail, a Sheriff engineering a larger war, and Marian in increased danger, Rob Locksley’s fight for justice faces its greatest test yet in “The True Price of Defiance.”

Also Read: Rick and Morty Leaving Netflix: Global Streaming Guide for 2025

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