The Nevers

That the many characters and interwoven stories didn’t become confusing was a triumph, and the moments where touched “turns” were displayed were subtle enough not to distract from the main narrative. Skilful, too, were the understated social messages that still ring as true today as they did in the Victorian era – women with unchecked power are a threat to the status quo and abnormality is to be feared.

Fetchingly original Victorian dark fantasy. [26 Apr - 9 May 2021, p.7]

True’s penchant for fisticuffs, reminiscent of the leads of every past Whedon show, ensures action aplenty as “The Nevers” develops characters alongside an engrossing, deepening mythology.

It’s a historical drama awash in lush costuming and production design. It’s a sci-fi epic unraveling the mysteries of the universe. It’s a screwball comedy and Harlequin romance starring quick-witted heroines, surly detectives and devastatingly handsome heirs. Even when it errs towards the silly, it’s fun and twisty enough to be an engaging page-turner of a show that should grow its own fanbase without much trouble.

Even when the multiple plot strands curl this way and that, and if it’s a bit difficult to keep track of all the players without a scorecard, “The Nevers” is a dazzling visual feast with gorgeous sets and first-rate CGI, sly humor, ambitious and sometimes deeply moving set pieces and wonderful performances from the ensemble cast.