Disney is taking viewers on new adventures with a new series coming to Disney+ later this week – Renegade Nell. Following the story of Nell Jackson, a young widow of a sea captain who returns to her home in the English countryside. Unwilling to settle back into domesticity, Nell uses an unlikely source of power to help her not only fight the bad guys but help protect her sisters along the way. What starts as an unknown power source turns into one of her greatest friends and allies throughout her battles.
Nell, played by Louisa Harland, is an unlikely hero – at least in that time frame. The eighteenth century wasn’t kind to women and even her character wearing pants instead of layers of dresses with corsets is frowned upon. Nell quickly gets framed for several crimes and makes friendships with other outlaws along the way. But with the help of a little from magical sources, Nell finds ways to help protect her sisters all while being hunted by the law.
While Nell may not be the idea most people have an outlaw, especially in that period, there are many examples of women doing similar things throughout time. And that may be what makes the show so entertaining. She’s not only fighting for her family and for what’s right, but she’s fighting back against society and what they expect of her. She’s exhibiting girl power and strength all while doing what she can. She can hold her own against the threats she faces and when she finds what is important to her – there’s no stopping her in her pursuit of what she wants.
The show seems to scratch that itch that viewers are looking for with historical shows as well as fantasy at the same time. Sure, some parts are a bit far-fetched but with fairies and dark magic involved, that can be expected. And even with the fighting and a few deaths along the way, there isn’t any swearing, nudity or sexual portions of the show so it could be a show that parents and older children watch together.
While the world dabbles in magic, fantasy and everything in between there is a bit of history throughout it as well. Set in the time of Queen Anne and before the Jacobite Rising, real characters depict the British Queen and the people around her. While the 18th century wasn’t easy for most people unless they were in the aristocracy, Nell’s adventures and burning desire for justice may change just that for more people.
The episodes are addictive and it’s easy to binge-watch Renegade Nell. It’s got everything you’re looking for, from sword fights, magic, historical storytelling, and an unlikely hero at the helm of it all. We just hope that there are several more seasons of the series to come. All episodes of season one of Renegade Nell will be available to stream on Disney+ on March 29th.
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About Renegade Nell
Nell Jackson, a quick-witted and courageous young woman finds herself framed for murder and unexpectedly becomes the most notorious outlaw in 18th-century England. But when a magical spirit called Billy Blind appears, Nell realizes her destiny is bigger than she ever imagined.
“Renegade Nell” will stream Spring 2024, exclusively on Disney+.