In the vast landscape of streaming, some shows slip through the cracks, and HBO's The Nevers is a prime example. This Victorian-era sci-fi drama, which aired its 12 episodes across two parts, was unceremoniously canceled, leaving fans hanging on a cliffhanger that will never be resolved. But for those willing to take a chance, it's a steampunk masterpiece that deserves a second look.
A Victorian London Transformed by Strange Powers
Set in 1896, The Nevers imagines a London where a mysterious ship releases glowing particles over the city, and three years later, hundreds of people—mostly women and the poor—develop extraordinary abilities called "turns." These powers range from turning objects to glass to a voice only other Touched can hear. The establishment reacts with fear and hostility, leading to mobs, pamphlets, and legislation aimed at controlling these "undesirables."
At the heart of the story are Amalia True (Laura Donnelly), a widow with uncontrollable precognitive flashes, and Penance Adair (Ann Skelly), an Irish inventor whose gadgets run on faith and copper wire. Together, they run an orphanage for the Touched, funded by the enigmatic Lavinia Bidlow (Olivia Williams). The cast is a who's who of British talent, including Nick Frost, Tom Riley, and James Norton, who plays the hedonistic Hugo Swann.
Behind-the-Scenes Turmoil and a Mid-Season Shift
The show's production was as turbulent as its plot. Creator Joss Whedon exited after the pilot, following allegations of misconduct from actors like Ray Fisher and Charisma Carpenter. Philippa Goslett took over as showrunner, steering the series through its final six episodes. Despite the chaos, the second half of the season holds up remarkably well, with the steampunk aesthetic feeling integral rather than decorative. Penance's inventions are delightfully janky, and the fight scenes are scrappy and inventive.
The friendship between Amalia and Penance is the emotional core of the series—two women who love each other deeply but clash on almost everything. Donnelly makes Amalia's constant fury compelling, while Skelly keeps Penance's optimism from becoming grating.
A Premature End to a Bold Story
The sci-fi plotting occasionally stumbles, with some characters waiting in the wings for episodes before getting their due. But the show's ambition is undeniable. The Part 1 finale reveals that Amalia is actually a soldier from a devastated future, sent back by an alien species to prevent an extinction event—a twist that's either brilliant or baffling, depending on your taste. The final episode sets up a second season that will never come, leaving viewers with a sense of what might have been.
Despite its flaws, The Nevers is a strange, sincere exploration of who gets to be considered human and who gets locked away for challenging the status quo. It's uneven and incomplete, but it's also one of the most interesting things HBO has produced in recent memory. If you're a fan of forgotten sci-fi gems, this is a must-watch. And if you're looking for more shows that were canceled too soon, check out these Netflix shows that deserve a second chance.
So, before it disappears from streaming platforms again, give The Nevers a chance. It's a steampunk adventure that, despite its premature end, leaves a lasting impression.
