Cursed: Season 1 Episode 1 “Nimue” [Series Premiere] – Recap/ Review with Spoilers
While it may not be what die-hard fantasy fans want or need, there is enough in “Cursed” to hold you over until something with a bit more oomph comes around.
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While it may not be what die-hard fantasy fans want or need, there is enough in “Cursed” to hold you over until something with a bit more oomph comes around.
| Creator | Frank Miller, Tom Wheeler |
| Director(s) | Zetna Fuentes |
| Writer(s) | Tom Wheeler |
| Aired (Netflix) | 7/17/2020 |
| Genre | Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Young Adult |
| Introduced This Episode | |
| Nimue | Katherine Langford |
| Lenore | Catherine Walker |
| Father Calden | Peter Mullan |
| King Uther | Sebastian Armesto |
| Arhur | Devon Terrell |
| Merlin | Gustaf Skarsgård |
This content contains pertinent spoilers.
Plot Overview
Nimue, cursed with powers beyond her fellow fey, is both ostracized by her kind and amongst the human world. However, while others may not see her potential, her mother, Lenore, a High Priestess, does. Hence her pushing Nimue to never mind the naysayers and continue the path she has laid out. This especially becomes true when Nimue becomes a summoner but with her rejecting the choice of The Hidden, the Gods of Nimue’s people, it might be the beginning of the end for her kind.
Why? Well, beings known as The Red Paladins, alongside their leader, Father Calden, are hunting fay people for it is assumed the drought and famine is because of their existence. Add in King Uther is indifferent to their existence, and it makes Nimue, and her power, a necessary force. That and the existence of Merlin and him getting what shall become King Arthur’s sword. A person who, Arthur that is, we meet during Nimue’s original quest to leave her home behind.
Question(s) Left Unanswered
- Will we see Nimue’s father again?
Highlights
Langford Has Enough Star Power To Keep You Watching
After “13 Reasons Why,” Langford didn’t necessarily disappear, but certainly didn’t prove or disprove whether or not her role as Hannah Baker, benefitted her because of the story or whether it was her presence that the show needed for such a tragic tale. With “Cursed,” while there is a need to adjust to seeing her in a new genre, you can see her star power adjust.
Mind you, I won’t say the role is meaty and is going to push you to believe she is going to become a go-to for the fantasy genre. However, she brings enough vulnerability, strength, and an almost tomboyish vibe that it makes you want to witness Nimue’s journey to the end.
For Those Not Heavily Into Fantasy, You Can Get Into It
While we appreciate the fantasy genre, it is probably one of the least covered on the site. With that said, the world of “Cursed” isn’t too heavy into fantasy. Yes, fairies exist, witches, wizards, and the basics, but it doesn’t venture into lore to the point you may feel overwhelmed with information. Mind you, there is a catch-22 to that since it makes it so the show is far more character drive than world driven. However, between Langford and Terrell, you at least have two that brings the world we see to life just enough.
On The Fence
If You Are Heavily Into Fantasy And Don’t Enjoy YA & Modern Re-Imagining, This Might Not Be For You
As noted above, “Cursed” is more character-driven than it is focused on lore, world-building, and things of that nature. Now, while that makes it feel accessible, it also takes away from the adventure aspect being appealing. Never mind wanting to invest in the entire show rather than a few characters, if not their actors.
I’d compare it to “Carnival Row” which had so much going on that it made you anticipate learning certain things, flashbacks, and made it so you cared about characters beyond the leads, and the world beyond how they influenced it. But, again, without such a heavy investment beyond it’s clear leads, it makes it so “Cursed” feels like it can be binged without feeling like you need to watch with devoted intent.
Overall
Continue To Watch? – Put On Watchlist
First Impression: Divisive
I won’t pretend Langford’s star power isn’t just enough to want us to continue. Never mind the potential relationships and battles her character will go through. However, as much as we enjoy her, we must admit not caring about the majority of characters in her life, and nothing to make us invested in learning about the world she lives in, it may make this show a challenge.
Hence the initial divisive impression. When it comes to the fantasy genre, usually, the world is as interesting as the characters. However, nothing about Nimue’s world is made to intrigue you. It’s sparse in magic, lore, and culture, and it leaves it almost feeling shallow at times.
