Julian D

This show is cute and made me laugh out loud several times per episode—I'll give it that. The cast is strong, and the surprise cameos are always fun to spot. I wasn’t expecting much, but decided to give it a shot, and I can see what they were going for: something in the spirit of Will & Grace or Golden Girls. Unfortunately, it doesn’t quite get there. The writing feels dated, and the characters are mostly flat and stereotypical—like we’ve rewound a couple of decades. Not all gay men fit into the same tired boxes, and leaning so heavily into those clichés makes the show feel like it’s from another era. TV has evolved, and this just hasn’t caught up. It feels more like a 90s throwback than something fresh and modern. The laugh track is especially grating—it actually makes me want to mute the sound. I get that it’s styled like a classic sitcom, but the humour often falls flat, with jokes that feel juvenile or simply done before. I was hoping for something sharper, maybe even bitchier, but the queens just aren’t giving Golden Girls sass, and Matt Bomer trying to play ‘dumb’ comes off as a bit forced. There are moments where it works, and I didn’t hate watching it—but with better writing and a more modern take on queer identity, this could’ve been much more.

Renegade Nell is a show that bursts onto the screen with a bold premise and a cast of fantastic performances. It delivers an action-packed swashbuckler that's part fairy tale and part feminist manifesto. Right from the opening scenes, it's clear that this series is here to make a statement – and it does so with flair. At its core, Renegade Nell is a celebration of female empowerment, following the adventures of a witty, humorous, and joyous woman with extraordinary fighting skills. The show effortlessly blends triumph with drama and humor, reminiscent of the best works of Joss Whedon. With each episode, viewers are treated to clever twists, unexpected turns, and low-key wry humor that keeps them engaged from start to finish. While some may dismiss it as mere entertainment, Renegade Nell offers much more than meets the eye. Its remixes of British folklore and history, coupled with a star turn from Louisa Harland of Derry Girls fame, bring a fresh life into the genre. The result is a series that is both fierce and funny, with a feminist heart beating at its core. What sets Renegade Nell apart from other shows is its unapologetic embrace of fantasy. The show cleverly navigates anachronisms of language, behavior, and casting, using its comic and magical elements to great effect. And let's not forget the music – the soundtrack is nothing short of amazing, especially during the electrifying fight scenes. To those who may critique its historical accuracy or level of "woke-ness," I offer a simple message: this is a fantasy fairy tale, not a historical drama. Any perceived inaccuracies are deliberate choices designed to enhance the storytelling experience. In the end, if you're not viewing it as the rollicking adventure it's meant to be, the problem lies not with the show, but with your expectations.

This series presents a mixed bag of emotions and reactions. While it initially draws you in with its promise of mystery and suspense, the execution leaves much to be desired. The abundance of twists and turns in the storyline, while intriguing at first, eventually feels overwhelming and convoluted. As the plot unfolds, it becomes increasingly apparent that the resolution of the story is both unsatisfying and unbelievable. What could have been a satisfying conclusion is instead marred by inconsistencies and improbable twists that strain credibility. Additionally, Keegan's portrayal of mental trauma and regret falls short of expectations. Despite the character's potential for depth and complexity, the performance comes across as unconvincing and lacking in emotional depth. Overall, while the series has its moments of excitement and intrigue, it ultimately fails to deliver on its promise. Disappointment lingers as viewers are left grappling with an unresolved and implausible storyline, coupled with performances that fail to resonate on a meaningful level.

Fun adult animation. Enjoyed it!