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Renegade Nell

18 replies

Arconialiving · 31/03/2024 17:21

Anyone else watched this? I'm only watching as I loved Orlagh in Derry Girls, so wanted to support the actress! I'm watching it now & although it's not my usual thing, I'm really enjoying it! Definitely recommend for some light, action-filled Easter viewing!

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MissTrip82 · 01/04/2024 08:43

I’m enjoying it too!

1plus1equalswindow · 01/04/2024 20:23

Is there a load of trans stuff in it, or is she allowed to be a girl?

MatterNot · 01/04/2024 20:25

Only watched 2 episodes.. no weird trans stuff going on so far.

1plus1equalswindow · 01/04/2024 20:34

MatterNot · 01/04/2024 20:25

Only watched 2 episodes.. no weird trans stuff going on so far.

Hmm then I might give it a go. It does look like what I dearly wished for in a tv show in my 80s childhood, with a kick ass female, an actual girl

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Arconialiving · 01/04/2024 20:42

She's definitely a girl - one character even mistakes her for a man & her sister clearly says she's a girl & calls her her sister, so it's safe (thankfully!) @1plus1equalswindow

She's a total bad ass!

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AndAllOurYesterdays · 01/04/2024 20:45

What sort of age would you say this is suitable for? Wondering if my 8 year old would like it

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Arconialiving · 01/04/2024 21:10

I'd say yes! It's all swashbuckling with a bit of magic thrown in, although some of it could be quite scary. My boys would have been fine at 8, but it really does depend on how sensitive they are. (Sorry, not helpful!)

Watch the first episode yourself and see what you think as they're all much of a muchness!

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IwantToRetire · 01/04/2024 22:17

I wasn't going to watch this when they started promoting it because I thought it was a children's programme.

But then I saw it recommended in a paper, but didn't read the review itself as I didn't want what they thought to influence my reaction!

At first I thought it quite derivative and wasn't at all taken with the other worldy plot line.

But have to admit I was quite intrigued by the end of episode one but wasn't sure I would continue as it was all a bit silly.

But then I saw it was written by Sally Wainwright. And thought no way could I snub the writer of Happy Valley and Gentelman Jack. Blush

So I let myself enjoy episode 2 and couldn't help thinking it was a bit like when Andrew Davies got the power to write Sanditon instead of doing very exact tv versions of Jane Austin etc..

This was a bit like SW being inspired by Ann Lister breaking all the rules and going all out for something that is nearly a send up but doesn't let it just be about getting laughs.

And quite an impressive cast as well. Adrian Lester who I usually find quite boring (sorry) seems to be having a great time!

Does anyone recognise the actress who is playing Queen Anne?

I like the snippets of history thrown in.

I think a bit like a panto children might watch it and enjoy it in a way that is different to say an adult would.

But unlike panto there is no inuendo, and as yet (have not watched it all) no overt sex. Yes there is violence but is more in the style of ninja(?) films.

I would have thought, depending on the child, the bit they might find difficult or upsetting is the idea of spirits coming to life. Some are nice kind spirits - but some definitely are not! And filming is very convincing.

As to trans. Not in any way. Much closer to historical fact, that quite a number of women to find a way to be financially independent etc., would dress as a man.

Quite glad now I accepted Disney's offer of 3 months @ £1.99pm.

IwantToRetire · 01/04/2024 22:25

Just came back to say whilst trying to find the name of the actress who plays Queen Anne I saw a review saying the series is rated as PG-13 for the violence.

MarkWithaC · 02/04/2024 14:27

Only seen the first two. I'm not sure about the device of Nell's protective fairy/sprite; I might prefer to just see a woman with genuine real-world martial arts/self-defence skills kicking men's arses.

I am trying to decide whether writing this has been Sally W's long-term burning desire, or if Disney came to her and said 'We'll throw loads of money at you to write us something, but it has to be along these lines...'

IwantToRetire · 02/04/2024 17:13

Yes there is violence but is more in the style of ninja(?) films.

I got my film styles mixed up. Violence is more like Touch of Zen, slow motion. That is why I thought children would see it as more cartoonish than some of the violence in police procedural series where most often some woman is brutalised in long drawn out scenes.

And yes it is sort of a shame in a role model type way, that Nell had to have supernatural powers to beat men in a fight. Maybe she could have been athletic and acrobatic and danced and lept her way out of danger. But realistically most women will not have the same strength as men.

IwantToRetire · 04/04/2024 19:00

I've finished this now and once I saw it as panto I quite enjoyed it and would say they are hoping for a second episode.

I am sure there are many historical events that Nell can some how become part of and get into all sorts of scrapes and win through!

Maybe Nell is off to the New World or could go to Scotland to fight the Jacobites ....

Its funny that throughout the series the bacground music was very much in the style of Gentleman Jack and then the closing scene was pure country.

And I would probably watch for some light relief!

SoupDragon · 08/04/2024 18:43

I'm on episode 3 and I can't believe how shit the special effects are when they are on horseback or a moving carriage. Truly awful!

other than that, I'm enjoying it.

PlasticOno · 08/04/2024 18:55

Every time I see an ad, I expect Nell to say ‘I like melting things! or ‘What’s a pair of knickers between cousins, Erin!’ in a Derry accent.

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Arconialiving · 08/04/2024 22:55

I know, her accent is fantastic @PlasticOno - not a hint of a Derry girl there at all!

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evtheria · 09/04/2024 17:35

Just watched first episode with DS, who is 9. I don't think it's the violence that would make me hesitate to recommend it to anyone with kids this age/younger, but more the themes or mood of the show.

Thomas is actually a properly evil character, and the darkness of him and his schemings is quite adult, which jars a bit with the jolly Dick Turpinesque music and Nell's adventurous, devil-may-care personality. It may simply go over many kids' heads, however!

Tintackedsea · 14/04/2024 21:06

We're really enjoying it (episode 3). We've had to reassure our 8 yo a couple of times but not much. She's pretty hardy. Sensitive kids would maybe not enjoy the fight scenes.

IwantToRetire · 15/04/2024 01:33

AS said by evtheria I would think the depiction of evil and its threat is far more concerning, than the cartoonish fighting.

But maybe when it was given the advisory rating for violence they included the spirits etc..

Although each child will be different, which is why the rating is discrectionary I suppose!

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