Louisa Harland is absolutely brilliant in Renegade Nell, a smart comedy with clever twists, high energy, and just the right amount of supernatural flair.
Renegade Nell Review
Searching for a new historical TV show that combines intrigue, gorgeous costuming, practical sets, and even throws in some supernatural flair for good measure? Look no further than Renegade Nell. It's a little Robin Hood mixed with Sleepy Hollow topped with a bad*ss female lead with perfect comedic timing. It plays well with both adults and children, unlike its historical counterpart Bridgerton.
While not super intense, the action scenes are dynamic and they along with the supernatural aspects are thrilling enough to satisfy viewers of all ages. Louisa Harland, who made a name for herself as the clueless yet hilarious Orla McCool in Derry Girls, shows that she is more than able to handle being the lead. Her chemistry with the rest of the cast is consistently firing on all cylinders, making this show a total blast from start to action-packed ending.
What is Renegade Nell About?
In the 18th century, a recently widowed Nell Jackson (Louisa Harland) has just returned home to the village of Tottenham much to the surprise and joy of her family and friends. After all, they thought she had died in battle like her husband. But she is alive and well, thanks in part to her unlikely companion, a little fairy named Billy Blind (Nick Mohammed). Billy zooms into her ear or mouth at the crucial moments granting her superhuman abilities. Why? Neither of them know for sure but Billy believes it is because Nell is destined for something, whatever that happens to be.
Soon after returning home, she sets out to seek justice for her family which leads her to being accused of murder instead by the arrogant children of the magistrate– Thomas (Jake Dunn) and Sofia Blancheford (Alice Kremelberg). Nell is forced to go on the run with her sisters Roxy (Bo Bragason) and George (Florence Keen) in an attempt to find justice elsewhere. They are joined by fellow highwayman Charles Deveraux (Frank Dillane), and Blancheford's former servant Rasselas (Enyi Okoronkwo). It won't be easy to clear her name, because on top of running from the law, there are supernatural elements at play, thanks to the devious Earl of Poynton (Adrian Lester).
A tale as old as time…no not that one. This isn't about love but the age old struggle between the haves and the have-nots. Renegade Nell revolves around this conflict, as have many stories of highway men have before. But it is a universal story, one that most of us can relate to. I especially appreciated creator Sally Wainwright (Gentleman Jack and Happy Valley) having Nell and Billy discuss how to bring about real and lasting change. It doesn't get solved in the context of the show but the discourse was nice to hear and provides some things to think about for our own time period.
Like any good highwayman outing, Nell causes some good, old-fashioned chaos, which means big laughs and crazy action-packed sequences. Add to that her quick wit and newfound magical abilities and it's good times all around. Every episode sees Nell using her power to dodge bullets like the Matrix or smack them aside with her bare hands like some sort of anime protagonist. Villains are tossed around like paper all while Harland and Co make quips about the situation. The magical aspects of the characters are never really explained nor do they need to be. I think it is refreshing that this series never feels the need to add boring exposition to spell everything out for the audience.
Highwayman adventures, supernatural villains, superpowers, a newspaper scandal… yes that is quite a lot to throw into a 6 episode series. For the most part it all works. There are a few bumps in the road as Wainwright wrangles them all together and not all of them end up being as impactful as others, however the performances are what elevate Nell beyond its lively visuals.
Harland kills it as the snarky, charismatic lead showing off her expert level comedic chops and impeccable timing. She chews the scenery and makes the most out of every moment. Whether she is fighting baddies in pants or infiltrating upper society in a ballgown, Harland doesn't miss. In fact she doesn't even need to speak, as her expressions often say more than her mouth. I found myself laughing so hard I had to pause and rewind so as not to miss anything. She also has strong chemistry with everyone in the cast. Although there is much to be said about the action of the show, it also has a tender heart which is shown when Nell interacts with her younger sisters.
Then there is her reluctant friend, Dillane's cocky, pathetic, yet charming Devereux. When those two get together there will be tears because you will be laughing that hard. Without spoiling anything there is a scene in a “police station” that almost had me dying from laughter. Everywhere Nell goes and everyone she meets soon becomes enamored with her for better or for worse, but watching Harland breeze around it's easy to see why it happens.
VERDICT
Renegade Nell is a total blast. It takes the highwayman trope and flips it on its head thanks to clever twists, smart comedy, and the brilliant performance of Louisa Harland and the rest of the cast. Nell fights for what is right while questioning what justice means and how one can achieve it when the odds are stacked against them. It's an action-packed, heartfelt ride for audiences of all ages that gives us a new hero to cheer for. In fact, I hope we see more of Nell and her band of misfits because they are too funny and ingenious not to be seen again.
Renegade Nell is now streaming on Disney+.
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