The Nevers never had a chance — and still doesn’t, even with unaired episodes streaming for free

polygon.com:

2021 was a weird time to become a fan of a show with Joss Whedon’s name on it. The Nevers, a supernatural thriller series set in an alternate fantasy version of Victorian England, premiered in April 2021 under a cloud, as accusations of on-set abuse dating back to the days of Buffy the Vampire Slayer built up against Whedon, the series’ creator and producer. The Nevers struggled to find an audience amid all the negative press, and the show went on hiatus after six episodes, reportedly because of production holdups. Two years later, the promised back half of the opening season — the other six episodes in its 12-episode run — are now sporadically streaming free online, at least for those willing to jump through the considerable hoops involved in watching them. Few viewers are going to bother. And that’s a pity, because The Nevers was always better than its reputation, or the man so strongly associated with it.

The series’ launch was doomed from the start. For nearly a year before the premiere, Justice League actor Ray Fisher had been complaining circuitously about Whedon’s behavior as the stand-in director on the film, after Whedon took over from director Zack Snyder. In the wake of Fisher’s statements, other actors and creatives who had worked with Whedon came forward with their own stories of abuse and humiliation. In November 2020, Whedon stepped down from The Nevers, leaving producer Philippa Goslett in charge. But the damage was done. Fisher finally provided details about his experience with Whedon in April 2021, as the series was premiering, and the show’s launch was muted and meek in the wake of the news.

Early reaction to the show was mostly dubious to disgusted. The pilot episode is certainly a problem,