The Irregulars is set in the Victorian era.
Setting the Scene: Victorian London
The Netflix series The Irregulars transports viewers back to the heart of 19th-century London, immersing them in the atmospheric and often gritty streets of the Victorian era. The narrative centers on a group of resourceful street-teen misfits, known as the titular 'Irregulars', who find themselves recruited into solving various perplexing crimes. Their unusual mentors are none other than a disconcerting Doctor Watson and his elusive business partner, the legendary Sherlock Holmes.
The choice of Victorian London as the setting is crucial, lending a distinct character and visual appeal to the show. It capitalizes on the period's unique blend of gas-lit alleys, emerging industrialization, stark social contrasts, and burgeoning scientific thought, all of which contribute to the series' dark, mystical, and often mysterious tone.
Key Elements of the Victorian Era in the Series
The historical backdrop of the Victorian era (roughly 1837-1901) is integral to the series' narrative and aesthetic. Here’s how key aspects of this period contribute to The Irregulars:
| Aspect | Description | Relevance to The Irregulars |
|---|---|---|
| Time Period | The era spans the reign of Queen Victoria, from 1837 to 1901, a time of immense social, economic, and technological change in Britain. | Provides the precise historical context for the series, influencing everything from fashion to political undercurrents. |
| Setting: London | Victorian London was a bustling metropolis, characterized by rapid expansion, stark class divisions, widespread poverty alongside immense wealth, and the iconic fog-laden, gas-lit streets. | The city itself acts as a character, with its dark corners and crowded thoroughfares serving as the backdrop for paranormal mysteries and social struggles. |
| Social Context | A period marked by strict societal norms, significant advancements in science and industry, and a widespread interest in the supernatural, spiritualism, and the macabre, particularly towards its end. | The show leverages the era's social inequalities and fascination with the unknown, integrating elements of horror and the supernatural into its crime-solving plots. |
| Technological Advancements | The rise of railways, telegraphs, and new industrial machinery, alongside early forensic science. | While The Irregulars leans more into the supernatural, the underlying scientific curiosity of the era subtly influences the rational (or irrational) approaches to crime. |
The Victorian Context for Mystery and the Supernatural
The Victorian era is famously a golden age for detective fiction, largely due to the societal shifts and urban growth that made crime a more complex and pervasive issue. However, it was also a time when the veil between science and superstition felt thinner. The Irregulars uniquely blends these two facets, presenting a world where the rational deductions of Sherlock Holmes might not be enough to explain the sinister occurrences that plague London. This setting allows the series to explore themes of darkness, societal neglect, and the unknown, all while maintaining a quintessential British historical feel.
For more information on the historical period, you can explore details about the Victorian era.
