Robin Hood's gang of outlaws unknowingly take in a mysterious stranger who's been sent by the Sheriff to kill Robin.

Tonight's action-packed Robin Hood gets off to a fast-paced start with breathtaking fight scenes and scintillating swordplay.

The outlaws are defending Clun villagers from pillage and assault by the Sheriff's men and their adversaries are winning.

The arrival of a courageous ex-Crusader named Carter (Joseph Kennedy) brings relief to the merry men of Sherwood Forest.

The mysterious Carter is wounded while aiding Robin (Jonas Armstrong) in an impressive demonstration of skill against the Sheriff's (Keith Allen) knights.

However, the outlaws remain unaware that Carter has made a deal with the Sheriff of Nottingham, promising to bring him the Great Pact of Nottingham and Robin's dead body in return for five hundred pounds!

Meanwhile, Marian (Lucy Griffiths) is finding it difficult adjusting to life in the forest and refuses to tow the line. After dangerously disobeying Robin's commands in battle she is repeatedly left at home.

Marian's headstrong nature is causing a rift between her and Robin, and Sir Guy of Gisborne (Richard Armitage) refuses to accept she isn't returning to the castle.

As Marian and Robin bicker, and Much (Sam Troughton) struggles to make himself heard, the group fails to notice that there may be more to Carter's return to England than even the Sheriff of Nottingham is aware of!

Sunday, 23 March 2008 at 07:30PM on ABC