The streets of Victorian London have long provided fertile ground for stories of mystery and adventure, but few series have dared to reimagine the legendary world of Sherlock Holmes as boldly as The Irregulars. This Netflix series flipped the traditional Holmesian narrative on its head, shifting the spotlight to a group of misfit teens navigating supernatural threats. While it brought a fresh perspective to an enduring literary legacy, The Irregulars was cancelled after just one season, leaving fans and creators with a treasure trove of untapped potential.
A Unique Twist on Sherlockian Lore
Created by Tom Bidwell, The Irregulars drew inspiration from the Baker Street Irregulars, a gang of street urchins who appeared briefly in Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s original stories. But where Doyle’s tales relegated the Irregulars to the sidelines, this series placed them squarely at the heart of the action. It was a bold move, offering viewers a fresh take on a well-trodden mythos.
The series follows Bea (Thaddea Graham), a fiercely determined young woman who leads her ragtag group of friends: Jessie (Darci Shaw), her clairvoyant younger sister; Billy (Jojo Macari), a loyal brawler with a troubled past; Spike (McKell David), the witty and resourceful charmer; and Leo (Harrison Osterfield), a sheltered prince eager to escape his royal confines. Together, they tackle a series of supernatural mysteries that threaten London, all while contending with the enigmatic presence of Dr. Watson (Royce Pierreson) and a shadowy, absent Holmes.
Themes That Transcend Time
While The Irregulars was steeped in gothic atmosphere and supernatural intrigue, its themes were profoundly human. At its core, the show explored the struggles of identity, belonging, and resilience in a world that often marginalises those who don’t fit the mould. Each member of the Irregulars carried their own burdens—from Bea’s protective instincts as a surrogate parent to Jessie’s terrifying psychic visions—and their journey was as much about finding strength within themselves as it was about solving paranormal puzzles.
The show also tackled issues of class and privilege, using its Victorian setting to highlight the stark inequalities of the time. Through characters like Leo, who yearned to escape the gilded cage of royalty, and Billy, whose rough upbringing shaped his fierce loyalty, The Irregulars examined the ways in which society’s structures can trap and define us. These themes resonated powerfully in a modern context, making the series more than just a period drama with supernatural flair.
Stellar Performances and Chemistry
The success of The Irregulars hinged on its talented ensemble cast, who brought authenticity and depth to their roles. Thaddea Graham’s Bea was the beating heart of the show, a natural leader whose courage and vulnerability made her instantly relatable. Darci Shaw delivered a haunting performance as Jessie, capturing the fear and strength of a young woman grappling with immense power.
Jojo Macari’s Billy added a grounded, gritty dimension to the group dynamic, while McKell David’s Spike provided levity and charm that balanced the darker elements of the story. Harrison Osterfield’s Leo brought a poignant sense of longing and innocence, making his connection with Bea one of the series’ most compelling relationships.
Royce Pierreson’s portrayal of Dr. Watson offered a complex and morally ambiguous take on a character often depicted as the epitome of loyalty and reason. His strained relationship with the absent Sherlock Holmes added layers of intrigue, leaving viewers questioning his true motivations and loyalties.
A Dark and Atmospheric World
Visually, The Irregulars was a feast for the senses. The series excelled in creating a dark, immersive version of Victorian London, where gas-lit streets and crumbling alleyways served as the backdrop for both human drama and supernatural terror. The production design, costumes, and cinematography worked in harmony to craft a world that felt both otherworldly and achingly real.
The supernatural elements were equally well-realised, with chilling ghostly apparitions, ominous omens, and eerie dreamscapes that heightened the show’s sense of danger and mystery. These visuals were paired with a haunting score that underscored the emotional and atmospheric weight of the series.
A Bold Narrative Vision
One of The Irregulars’ most intriguing aspects was its willingness to challenge traditional notions of heroism and morality. The show presented a world where even the most celebrated figures, like Dr. Watson and Sherlock Holmes, were flawed and fallible. This subversion of expectations added depth and complexity to the narrative, encouraging viewers to reconsider familiar archetypes.
At the same time, the series delved into the interconnectedness of its characters’ struggles, revealing how their personal traumas and choices shaped the world around them. Jessie’s psychic abilities, for instance, were not just a plot device but a lens through which the show explored themes of mental health, agency, and the burden of seeing too much.
The Cancellation That Stung
When Netflix announced the cancellation of The Irregulars in May 2021, just weeks after its debut, fans were shocked and disheartened. The series had garnered a solid viewership and sparked conversations about its innovative approach to the Sherlock Holmes canon. Its cliffhanger ending—which hinted at a larger supernatural conspiracy and unresolved character arcs—made the cancellation particularly painful.
For me, the loss of The Irregulars felt like a missed opportunity. The first season had laid the groundwork for an expansive narrative, with the potential to further explore the characters’ growth, the mysteries of the supernatural world, and the complexities of Watson and Holmes’ fractured partnership. The cancellation left these threads dangling, denying fans the chance to see the story reach its full potential.
What Might Have Been
Had the series continued, it could have delved deeper into the origins and mechanics of the supernatural phenomena plaguing London. Jessie’s abilities and their connection to the larger mystery could have been explored more fully, offering insights into the nature of the paranormal forces at play. The tension between Watson and Holmes might have reached a dramatic crescendo, shedding light on their shared history and the secrets that drove them apart.
The characters themselves had so much more room to grow. Bea’s leadership and her relationship with Leo could have evolved, while Billy’s past hinted at a redemption arc waiting to unfold. Spike’s wit and ingenuity held the potential for deeper exploration, and Jessie’s journey promised to challenge her understanding of her powers and her place in the world.
Why The Irregulars Still Matters
Even in its brief run, The Irregulars left an indelible mark. It reimagined a beloved literary universe with creativity and courage, offering a fresh perspective that honoured the spirit of Doyle’s work while carving out its own identity. Its exploration of themes like belonging, resilience, and the human cost of supernatural power resonated with viewers, making it more than just another period drama.
The series’ cancellation is a bittersweet reminder of the challenges faced by ambitious storytelling in the streaming age. Yet, its legacy endures. Fans continue to celebrate its bold vision and the unforgettable characters who made it come alive. Perhaps one day, The Irregulars will find a new platform or medium to continue its story, but until then, it remains a testament to the power of reimagining the familiar.
Here’s to The Irregulars: a series that dared to dream big and left us wanting more. While its journey was cut short, its spirit lingers, haunting the imaginations of those who ventured into its shadowy, supernatural world.
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