The episode begins with Robin having a nightmare about attacking a man with a tattoo oh his arm. The outlaws then humiliate Guy of Gisborne and his guests at a feast to celebrate King Richard's birthday by stealing their valuables, including an engagement ring he intended for Marian.
Gisborne attempts to stop them and Robin pins him to a wall with a dagger, ripping open his sleeve and revealing a tattoo identical to the assassin's, complete with scar. The Sheriff arrives and the outlaws escape, but inadvertently leave Djaq behind, where she is captured by the Sheriff.
Despite Marian's pleas otherwise, Gisborne goes in pursuit of Robin and the stolen ring. Despite his vow not to kill, Robin knocks Gisborne down and prepares to cut his throat, but the other outlaws arrive and stop him. He then tries to convince them that Gisborne is a traitor and should be executed, but the outlaws point out there's been no fair trial such as what Robin has always claimed to champion.
At the castle, Djaq manages to escape her cell by using some kind of acid to weaken the bars but is quickly recaptured. The Sheriff hires her as his new alchemist and locks her in his former alchemist's laboratory. Robin begins beating the bound Gisborne but is pulled off and knocked unconscious by Little John. Leaving both Robin and Gisborne tied up and guarded by Much, the remaining outlaws sneak into the castle to try to rescue Djaq. She has used her alchemical skills to escape the laboratory but is unable to escape with them and is once again recaptured.
Gisborne responds to Robin's threats by mocking Robin about his 'shortage of friends' and points out that Robin is actually essentially a violent man. Robin unties him and the two men have a fistfight, with Gisborne taunting Robin about winning Marian and living in Robin's old house. At this, Robin knocks Gisborne unconscious but then falls back himself.
Much returns with Marian and the rest of the outlaws. They get Robin back under control with Marian's help and try in vain to persuade him to exchange Gisborne for Djaq. Despite Robin's objections, the outlaws decide to go through with the exchange. The outlaws arrive with a bound Gisborne and are soon joined by Robin, who has apparently either guessed or managed to persuade Much to tell him the location.
As the prisoners are exchanged, Robin says he didn't agree to this but has since had a change of heart. He then shouts that he will get justice on Gisborne when Richard returns and that all he will need to do is show him Gisborne's tattoo. The Sheriff burns off the tattoo with the confiscated acid.
Tropes
- Achilles in His Tent: Robin, who captures Guy and then refuses to help the other outlaws rescue Djaq despite their pleas for help, as he's too preoccupied with trying to beat the truth from Gisborne about his attempt on the King's life.
- Bottle Episode: This episode features no characters outside the regular cast and two recurring characters and utilizes only the existing sets.
