Nautilus Season One Review

Hello Readers,
I might be a little late to the party on this one as Nautilus premiered back in October but if you’re in the mood for a fun, adventurous escape, it’s definitely worth diving into. I don’t own the rights to the poster image (used here under Fair Use for review purposes, as per sections 29 and 30 of the Copyright Act).


This series explores the untold origins of Captain Nemo, the mysterious hero from Jules Verne’s Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea. Following the Nautilus on its first grand adventures, the show masterfully blends historical realism with Verne’s wild imagination to create an underwater world that feels both familiar and refreshingly new.
 
Right from the start, Nautilus embraces a nostalgic, old-school vibe that feels like a loving throwback to classic adventure shows like Stargate and Xena. It’s not trying to be edgy or groundbreaking—instead, it’s all about fun, light-hearted escapism. The visuals are stunning, bringing the ocean depths to life with a real sense of wonder and mystery. The special effects are cleverly done, mixing historical influences with fantastical elements in a way that makes everything feel immersive and magical.
 
One of the show’s biggest strengths is its characters. At the heart of the story is the Nautilus itself, which feels almost like a character in its own right. Captain Nemo is portrayed as a complex and fascinating hero whose evolving perspective adds emotional depth to the adventure. He’s joined by a quirky, lovable crew who bring plenty of humour and heart to the journey. Even the villains, like the menacing Admiral, are interesting and well-developed, making the stakes feel real and exciting.
 
What I think sets Nautilus apart is how it balances fun with meaningful storytelling. It cleverly weaves in plotlines inspired by Verne’s original works, like Nemo’s struggle against the imperialist East India Company and his internal battle between revenge and justice. These deeper narratives add emotional weight without taking away from the light-hearted, adventurous spirit of the show.
 
Nautilus also pays loving homage to its literary roots. Eagle-eyed fans will spot visual nods to the first-edition illustrations of Verne’s classics, such as Captain Nemo standing stoically on the deck with his spyglass or the detailed map of Lincoln Island painted on a cave wall. These subtle tributes are a delightful touch, connecting the series to its timeless inspiration.

That said, Nautilus isn’t for everyone. Its nostalgic, campy style might not click with viewers looking for gritty, modern storytelling. Sometimes it leans into the cheesy side of things, but honestly, that’s part of the fun. It knows exactly what it wants to be a light-hearted, swashbuckling adventure and it fully embraces that identity.
 
All in all, Nautilus is a delightful throwback that celebrates imagination and adventure. It doesn’t try to be edgy or overly complex. Instead, it offers fun escapism with likable characters, exciting journeys, and just the right amount of nostalgia. If you love old-school adventures or just want something fun to watch with the family, give Nautilus a try. It’s a voyage well worth taking. I can’t wait to see where the Nautilus sails next. 

L x

 
 

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