'Renegade Nell' Episode 1 Takeaway: Ghosts of past haunt Nell Jackson as she confronts dad Sam Trotter
Contains spoilers for 'Renegade Nell' Episode 1
TOTTENHAM, ENGLAND: Disney+'s latest historical adventure series 'Renegade Nell' transports fans to 1705 England.
The eight-episode series, written by Sally Wainwright, follows the story of a young lady named Nell Jackson (Louisa Harland), who becomes a highwaywoman after being wrongly accused of murder.
In the first episode of the series titled 'Don't Call Me Nelly', viewers are introduced to Nell.
Nell returns to her hometown of Tottenham following the death of her husband to be with her family, but tensions between her and her father, Sam Totter (Craig Parkinson), remain high due to unresolved issues from their past.
The pilot episode delves into whether he would accept his long-gone daughter back into the family or not.
'Renegade Nell' Episode 1: Sam Totter refuses to shelter Nell Jackson
In the opening scene, Nell appears as a soldier, displaying her strength as she fights off a group of highwaymen. Upon arriving in her hometown of Tottenham, she is met with hostile stares from the townsfolk who believe her to be dead.
Entering her family's bar, Nell is greeted by more disapproving looks, including from her father, Sam, who seems displeased by her return. She shares the news of her husband's death in the Battle of Blenheim, making her a widow.
Sam is initially shocked but refuses to offer her shelter, reminding her of her past abandonment of the family.
Sam Trotter asks Nell Jackson to dress up like a lady
Despite her father's frigid demeanor, Nell receives a warm welcome from her sister, Roxy Trotter (Bo Bragason).
Later, Nell discovers that her father has only provided a shoddy headstone for her grave, prompting her to confront Sam. However, instead of addressing her concerns, he insists she spend the night in the donkey shed, adamant not to be hurt again.
Accepting his terms, Nell leaves with her other sister, George Trotter (Florence Keen), giving Sam a pointed look. In a surprising change of heart, Sam agrees to let Nell stay on the condition that she adopts a more traditional role and appearance.
However, George shares a touching revelation with Nell, suggesting that their father's refusal to buy a proper gravestone may have been his way of denying her death.
Feeling touched by her sister's words, Nell goes to her father with a fresh understanding. They make amends, sharing a heartfelt hug and putting their past conflicts behind them.
Sam's acknowledgment that Nell reminds him of her mother brings a touching moment of connection between them.
'Renegade Nell' is now streaming on Disney+.