MGM+ has taken viewers all the way back to the 12th century and provided them with a near-perfect adaptation of one of the greatest legends to ever “live.”

One part entertaining historical adventure, one part genuinely swoon-worthy love story, and one part political drama, MGM+’s Robin Hood is an unexpected delight, a show that’s so much better than it probably has any right to be, and a welcome reminder that there’s still plenty of life in some of our oldest tales, when someone takes the time to tell them well.

The sobriety of “Robin Hood” does not render it less than entertaining, just slow to engage its wooden wheels in the muddy ruts of a well-known medieval tale. .... Ms. McQueen is splendid, Mr. Bean elevates the entire production. .... But Erica Ford, as a cross-dressing game poacher and archer-in-disguise named Ralph, provides the kind of character and performance that delivers new blood and enlivens an old story.

Across 10 hours of action, shifting allegiances and reimagined legend, Robin Hood delivers the familiar beats with fresh grit and emotional resonance. Will it be the definitive version? Perhaps not. But it carries a surprising weight, heart and ambition.

Look, by any objective measure Robin Hood is terrible. Subjectively? I couldn’t be having more fun and I suspect it will be the same for anyone who goes into it with the right attitude.

By attempting to expand the series beyond its quaint beginnings to transform it into the next great medieval-set show, “Robin Hood,” quickly stretches itself so thin that by the end of this first season’s 10 episodes, it becomes hard to justify its existence.