THE CONTROVERSIAL GMA Network series ‘Alyas Robin Hood,’ starring Dingdong Dantes, begins airing this Monday, September 19, on Telebabad right after ‘Encantadia.’

The series stirred controversy after a local blog posted a fan-made poster inspired by the US show ‘Arrow,’ drawing mixed reactions from Filipino viewers and netizens. Attention only intensified when ‘Arrow’ star Stephen Amell posted the show’s trailer on his Facebook account, with netizens reacting that it looked like a rip-off of ‘Arrow.’ The network’s creative team, however, maintained that the show draws its inspiration from Robin Hood, the same legend ‘Arrow’ itself was based on.

‘Alyas Robin Hood’ is a major deal for the network’s supporters, marking Dantes’ comeback to primetime. Joining him as lead actresses are Andrea Torres and Miss World 2013 Megan Young.

“The series dramatically showcases an inspiring truth that in each one of us is a hero, able to be of service for the welfare of other people,” says GMA in a press statement.

A combination of action, drama, adventure, and comedy, ‘Alyas Robin Hood’ follows the life of Pepe de Jesus (Dingdong), a man who finds redemption in serving his community. Once a prodigal son turned bar passer turned urban poor advocate, Pepe was framed for his own father’s murder and thrown behind bars. Believed to have perished in a violent prison break, he survives and sets out to find his father’s real killer, all while clearing his name under an assumed identity: Alyas Robin Hood. With the help of a few trusted allies, Pepe, as Alyas Robin Hood, works to stop crimes before they happen, helping the oppressed as he slowly uncovers the truth about who his real enemies are.

“Maganda ‘yung feeling na nagiging part ka ng pag-solve ng isang problem sa lugar ninyo, tumutulong ka sa community. Pero ang mas mahalaga, siyempre, ay ‘yung paghahanap sa katotohanan. I think, isa ‘yun sa main na gustong ma-achieve ng character sa kuwento—malaman kung saan nagmula, sino ang may kagagawan ng lahat. Medyo komplikado,” Dantes said.

The actor also praised his co-stars, saying, “Ang gagaling ng mga kasama ko dito. Mula sa international best actors and actresses, talagang mga mahal ko sa industriya ang makakasama ko dito. Understatement ang excited. Sobrang inspired ako ngayon.”

Synopsis (GMA Network): At the start of Pepe’s journey, he meets the love of his life, Sarri Acosta (Megan), a pediatrician who shares his commitment to helping the less fortunate. Because of the murder allegation against him, though, Pepe is shunned from Sarri’s life.

Along the way, he also crosses paths with Venus (Andrea), who tries to help him in his quest for justice and truth. In turn, Pepe intuitively changes her outlook on stealing and selfishness.

Also joining the series are seasoned actress Cherie Gil as Maggie Balbuena, Dean’s mother, a powerful PR practitioner who dreams of lording over the city by backing her son’s political ambitions; award-winning actor Sid Lucero as Dean Balbuena, a corrupt politician responsible for the death of Pepe’s father and Pepe’s rival for Sarri’s affections; and 2016 Cannes Film Festival Best Actress Ms. Jaclyn Jose as Judy de Jesus, Pepe’s understanding mother.

The show also features the special participation of multi-awarded actor Christopher De Leon as Jose de Jesus, Pepe’s father, who from early on tried to teach his sons to avoid conflict.

Rounding out the cast in equally vital roles are Paolo Contis as Daniel Acosta, Sarri’s older brother and an honest, incorruptible police officer; Gary Estrada as Caloy, Pepe’s older brother; Dennis Padilla as Wilson Chan, a casino businessman and Maggie’s partner in her son’s political dream; John Feir as Armando Estanislao, a businessman whose dealings look shady but are actually legitimate and generous; Tanya Gomez as Adelita Mayuga, a corrupt barangay captain and one of Wilson’s pawns in the city; Gio Alvarez as Jerico Sumilang, Pepe’s best friend; Lindsay de Vera as Lizzy de Jesus, Pepe’s niece and daughter of Caloy and Judy; Dave Bornea as Julian Balbuena, Maggie’s second child and Dean’s half-brother; and Caprice Cayetano as Jessica Sumilang, Jerico’s daughter. Completing the powerhouse cast are Rey “PJ” Abellana as Leandro, Venus’ father, and Ces Quesada as Cha, the morally challenged vice mayor of the city.

‘Alyas Robin Hood’ is helmed by director Dominic Zapata, who is enthusiastic about the mark the series will leave on Philippine TV. “For this show, we always push the story deeper. Kaya naman the team promises that we will create something that you will all be proud of. Something that will make a mark,” he shared.

‘Alyas Robin Hood’ airs Monday to Friday.