Episode 70: Splitting Arrows- A Mel Brooks Double Feature from 1975 & 1993

In this three-part episode of Into the Greenwood, hosts Thaddeus Pavky, Richard Hopkins-Lutz, and Theo Papke explore Mel Brooks' dual Robin Hood parodies: the obscure 1975 TV series *When Things Were Rotten* and the 1993 film *Robin Hood: Men in Tights*. The discussion begins with a nostalgic celebration of Brooks’ comedic legacy, highlighting how both works, despite their dated elements, remain vibrant and rewatchable. The hosts praise *When Things Were Rotten* for its vaudeville-inspired slapstick, strong character work—especially Dick Gautier’s energetic Robin Hood and Misty Rowe’s intelligent Maid Marian—and its consistent satirical commitment to the 'robbing the rich, giving to the poor' ethos, earning it high marks for thematic integrity. In contrast, *Men in Tights* is lauded for its polished execution, clever visual gags, and affectionate homage to Errol Flynn’s 1938 *Robin Hood*, though it scores lower for relying too heavily on parodying *Prince of Thieves* and lacking substantial robbing scenes. Both works are acknowledged for their cringe-worthy cultural insensitivities—such as gay panic jokes and offensive visual gags—but the hosts argue these are mitigated by the films’ satirical tone and overall goodwill. The episode culminates in a fun ranking of Robin Hood portrayals, with Dick Gautier placing just below Richard Todd in the top tier, while Cary Elwes is seen as charming but not a true champion of the people. The hosts reflect on the enduring legacy of these parodies as deconstructions that honor the myth while embracing absurdity, and they enthusiastically invite listeners to explore the broader Robin Hood canon. The episode closes with a heartfelt thank-you, encouraging support through Patreon, Buy Me a Coffee, and TeePublic, with 10% of proceeds going to charity, and teasing a future Robin Hood LCG as a playful possibility.