Robin Hood, Series 1 (2006)

[Robin Hood and his men prepare to rescue Allan-A-Dale's brother, Tom and his men from a hanging as the Sheriff addresses the crowd]

Sheriff of Nottingham:
All those eager faces. You're all expecting Robin Hood to turn up, aren't you? Hmm? Do a few tricks with his bow and arrow?

[He chuckles]

Sheriff of Nottingham:
Well, this is no time for schoolboy tricks. This is justice. We have laws. Robin Hood has no respect for the law. Robin Hood flouts the law. He would have us all be criminals, murdering and stealing. And yet still, you wait there, expecting him to come and save one of his own. Yes, of course you do, which is why... I have brought the hanging forward by one hour. Look up there!

[Guards reveal hanging bodies on the battlements. Allan is horrified.]

Sheriff of Nottingham:
You're too late, Robin Hood! [Allan tries to run to the Sheriff, but Djaq stops him] Your men are already dead! Oh, I wish you could have seen the look on their faces just before they realised that you weren't coming to rescue them. Oh, it was very moving. First there was disappointment, tinged with confusion, soon to be replaced by anger, and then tears, just before they realised that it was the final, fatal drop - it was very moving, it was very touching.

[He claps]

Sheriff of Nottingham:
Yes, I wish you could have seen that, Hood! Well, thank you very much.

[To crowd]

Sheriff of Nottingham:
Oh, will one of you tell Robin Hood, if you do see him? Thank you. Eager, smiling faces. Good.

[He whistles]

Sheriff of Nottingham:
All in a day's work. Ha-ha. Sheriff coming through!