From the start of this series, Nell Jackson has been standing on business but getting along by the edge of her seat in Renegade Nell. And I think that “Devil’s Dung” was the first time since her father had died that someone actually listened to her. Her family by blood and her found family, they listen to her. But they’re in the situation with her. This episode was a moment where someone outside of the situation listened to Nell and gave her some good advice about what to do to clear her name and secure her family’s safety. Sure she did kidnap the doctor, Henry Tuplow. But I think that by the end of 1×04, they became friends and he understood her plight and offered the little help that he could besides what he did for George.
But Nell, isn’t the only one in 1×04 whose story revolved around listening. Roxy, like George, has been desperate to help as much as she can after George got shot. So she did up Nell’s hair so she looked like a proper lady and sat with her little sister while her older one went to find a doctor. At that moment you could tell that she felt out of sorts and like there was nothing she could do. Then comes her listening to her instincts and an invisible force around her. And before you know it, she had found a book and been delivered the ingredients needed to help George heal. This is a clear sign that there is more magic that we cannot see or even fathom in the world of Renegade Nell. And I truly hope that they continue exploring what Roxy is experiencing, not just because it would help Nell in her adventure, but because Roxy is on her own journey.
Even Sofia is on a journey of her own in “Devil’s Dung.” I still don’t like her, her brother, or the Earl of Poynton. But there is always something so exhilarating about a woman coming into her own and taking calculated moves on a chess board built by men. From the official trailer, we got to see Sofia doing some crazy magic. So whatever she dabbled in this episode, it’s just the beginning. And I have no doubt that the Earl of Poynton is going to underestimate Sofia in the future. A woman like her fights tooth and nail for what she has. And if she was okay with accusing an innocent woman of killing her father to protect her brother, what do you think she’s going to do to the Earl of Poynton? She’s going to strip him of all his knowledge and try to find a place for herself in this world without him. Without anyone.
Someone who has already found themselves, and was introduced in Renegade Nell 1×04 was Lady Eularia. She is the epitome of a woman who knows who she is and has everything. And her confidence in entering that room where Charles Devereaux was in and his reaction, speaks volumes. She is in the position of power and influence and Devereaux isn’t. But because Devereaux is a con man he tries to swindle her affections. It’s probably worked on multiple women before. But Eularia seems to be very aware of Devereaux’s garbage. But like I said, she knows who she is and what she wants. And she for some reason wants Devereaux to the point where she’s willing to visit him in a prison and give him a pretty room. Love is complicated, right? Even for the women who have it all together.
All of this rambling about the various women on Renegade Nell is not to say that the men aren’t getting moments to shine. Rasselas, is ride or die. He’s been trying to find his place for such a long time, that he knows a good thing when he sees it. He’s not sticking around just for Roxy. He cares for George and Nell as well. He’s family. Devereaux, not so much. He’s proven to be a self-serving fool. And the Earl of Poynton seems to have slight affection for Sofia, but ends up being just like any other man during this century aka looking out for himself and using someone else to get there. The only one that I would love to know more about is Billy. Because he’s family but I want to know a little more about what kind of fairy he is.
Overall, I think we need shows like Renegade Nell. Because the show understands that you can balance out multiple experiences that move the story forward without bugging everything down. And the more that I watch, the more I feel like this show is an example of what other showrunners can be doing with their own series. Because I need a season two. I know Hollywood rarely gives them out. But I haven’t been this invested in a show in such a long time. And I know that I sound like a broken record but there is something so charming and hopeful about this show. Yes, Nell did end up being accused of another murder by the end of 1×04. But from everything that I’ve learned of the series, its characters, and the journey they’re on, they’re going to be okay. I feel it in my bones.
Renegade Nell season 1 is available now on Disney+.
Before you go, please check out my reviews for 1×01, 1×02, and 1×03.
