Reprisal – A Stylish Tale of Revenge That Ended Too Soon

In 2019, Hulu released Reprisal, a neo-noir revenge thriller created by Josh Corbin that brought a unique blend of crime drama, family conflict, and pulpy aesthetics to television. With its striking visuals, violent undertones, and morally complex characters, the series seemed poised to stand out. Unfortunately, despite its ambition and a strong cast, Reprisal only lasted one season before being canceled in 2020.

The Story

At the heart of Reprisal is Katherine Harlow (Abigail Spencer), a woman left for dead by her own brother, Burt (Rory Cochrane), and his ruthless gang of outlaws known as the Banished Brawlers. Years later, under the new identity of Doris Quinn, Katherine resurfaces to exact her revenge.

Her quest isn’t just about survival — it’s about systematically dismantling the gang, reclaiming her power, and confronting the family betrayal that shaped her life. The show dives deep into gang rivalries, shifting loyalties, and personal vendettas, all wrapped in a dark, stylistic world filled with neon lights and vintage Americana vibes.

The Cast

Abigail Spencer as Katherine/Doris, the relentless lead seeking vengeance.
Rory Cochrane as Burt, Katherine’s brother and leader of the Brawlers.
Rodrigo Santoro as Joel Kelly, a rival gang leader who becomes entangled in Katherine’s plans.
Mena Massoud (best known as Disney’s live-action Aladdin) as Ethan, a young man trying to find his place in the violent underworld.
Madison Davenport as Meredith, Burt’s daughter, adding a generational layer to the Brawlers’ world.

The performances, particularly Spencer’s, were often praised for giving depth to a story of violence and redemption.

What Made It Unique

Reprisal carved out a distinct identity by blending crime drama with pulp stylization. Unlike many grounded revenge stories, the series leaned into exaggerated style — think colorful visuals, noir-inspired dialogue, and a heightened world where everything felt a bit larger-than-life.

Thematically, it explored:

Family and betrayal – Katherine’s personal vendetta against her brother gave the revenge story emotional weight.
Cycles of violence – The show examined how violence perpetuates itself across generations.
Female empowerment – Katherine’s transformation into Doris was a powerful take on reclaiming agency.

Why It Was Canceled

Despite its originality, Reprisal struggled to find a large audience. Reviews were mixed, with some praising its ambition and atmosphere, while others criticized its pacing and convoluted storytelling. Hulu ultimately canceled the series after one season in June 2020, leaving Katherine’s bloody path of revenge unfinished.

Conclusion

Reprisal may not have lasted long, but it remains a stylish hidden gem for fans of revenge thrillers and neo-noir storytelling. With Abigail Spencer delivering a fierce lead performance and the show’s bold approach to atmosphere and visuals, it offered something different in the crowded TV landscape. While it never got the chance to fully unfold its story, those who discovered Reprisal often found themselves drawn into its dangerous, violent world.