"Merlin" actor Tom Ellis first took up the mantle of the iconic thief in Season 2 of "Once Upon a Time." As many fans anticipated, Tom Ellis' Robin was smart, charming, and handsome — everything that a good Robin Hood should be.
While Ellis' stint in Season 2 was brief, it made a powerful impact. In the episode "Lacey," Robin Hood decides to go up against on-again-off-again antagonist Rumplestiltskin (aka Mr. Gold) in hopes of stealing a powerful magic wand. Whenever anyone faces off against Rumplestiltskin, they're playing a risky game, but Robin doesn't care about the consequences. After being captured, set free by Belle, and then pursued as he makes off with the wand, Robin is finally forced to reveal that he needs the mystical relic to help Marian, his sick and pregnant partner.
This introduction to Robin Hood hit all the marks. The episode showcased him as a risk-taking thief who usually steals with good intentions and highlighted that he was as much a lover as he was a fighter. It even included Robin's canonical love interest, Marian (via History). With such a moving performance under his belt, many fans hoped to see Tom Ellis reprise his role as Robin Hood. In Season 3, the character did make his triumphant return, but sadly, Ellis had been replaced.
