The Irregulars “Chapter Ones: An Unkindness in London” is the Sherlockian adventure I never knew I wanted but I’m glad that I have it. This show tells the story of a group of street kids and what they’re willing to do to survive without losing themselves. They are sharp, kind, funny, and care for each other in a manner that shows that they see each other as family.
Bea, played by Thaddea Graham, is the lead of the group and the one who looks out for each and every single member of their family. She is fierce, loyal, and extremely protective. Doesn’t matter who you are, where you’re from, or what position you have in life. If you mess with her family then you mess with her and you don’t want that. Trust us on that and step out of the way as she fights to keep her family together.
Then there’s Jessie, played by Darci Shaw. She is Bea’s sister and the little sister of sorts for the rest of the group. But there’s something off about her. Something that haunts Jessie’s dreams and makes Bea fear that her sister is turning out just like their mother. But instead of being scared of it or what she’s becoming, Jessie embraces it and it takes her down unexpected paths that we can’t wait to see the answers for.
After that is Billy. He’s played Jojo Macari. He’s a fighter, his body covered in scars that tell the story of a hard life at such a young age. He loves his found family and we think he might be a little sweet when it comes to Bea since he calls her “Bumble.” It’s adorable and we wouldn’t mind if they turn it romantic. If they don’t, no worries. They’re still family and they have each other through thick and thin.
Spike, played by McKell David, rounds off the gang. He’s got a connection with Jessie that speaks of understanding each other in a way they only can as the younger members of the group. Or at least we assume they are by the way they are with each other. Spike is funny, smart, and quick on his feet in a way that the rest of the gang only wishes they were. And his loyalty is something hard won but worth it.
The outside of the gang, and the one who is actually royalty in disguise, is Leopold. He’s a sheltered high member of society who practically falls for Bea the moment he sees her standing up for herself. And what starts as a search for Bea to get to know her turns into Leopold using his smarts to help the gang. He disappears on the gang at the end of it all but he’s definitely going to come back, not because he pities them. No, because he feels alive with them.
All together they form a gang like no other that is bound by the spooky things that are happening in London. We have no idea what the big bad is or what’s up with Watson or Sherlock. But we’re sure that we’re here for the scares, spooks, and everything in between. We’re especially here for it if the show continues putting characters of color in positions of focus when it comes to the overall story.
It’s the refreshing take on Sherlock that I want even more with every scene that we see.
The Irregulars is available on Netflix.
