Nemesis Review: Courtney A. Kemp’s Netflix Crime Drama Blurs Moral Lines

Expectations are high for Courtney A. Kemp’s latest Netflix series, Nemesis, and not just because it’s a new show. Over a decade ago, Kemp and Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson launched Starz’s urban crime Power franchise, which continues to thrive with spinoffs like Power Book II: Ghost and Power Book IV: Force. While those series have concluded, the upcoming prequel Power: Origins remains highly anticipated. Now, Kemp shifts focus to Nemesis, her first project under a solo Netflix deal.

Wisely, Kemp and co-creator Tani Marole avoid trying to replicate Power. Instead, they channel its energy into a new narrative. Unlike the brotherly dynamics of Ghost and Tommy in Power, Nemesis introduces a morally complex duo: LAPD detective Isaiah Stiles and professional thief Coltrane Wilder.

Meet the Stars of Nemesis

Isaiah Stiles (Matthew Law), a detective obsessed with exposing Coltrane (Y’lan Noel) as the high-level thief and killer he truly is, is no saint himself. His father, Amos “Nightmare” Irvin (Moe Irvin), is a street legend who haunts Isaiah’s attempts to stay on the right side of the law. Isaiah’s personal life is equally messy—he’s separated from his wife, Candace (Gabrielle Dennis), and their teenage son, Noah (Cedric Joe), as his obsession with the case strains their relationships. Adding to the tension, Candace’s ex, District Attorney Malik (Jeff Pierre), lurks in the background.

Coltrane Wilder, played by Y’lan Noel, is a thief and killer with a devoted wife, Ebony (Cleopatra Coleman), who wants to leave their criminal past behind. However, Ebony’s sister, Charlie (Sophina Brown), complicates their plans and may hold the real power in their world.

Moral Ambiguity Drives Nemesis

The series thrives on moral ambiguity. Isaiah clashes with his police chief, Jimmy (Michael Potts), who treats him like a son, while his partner, Yvette, remains a wildcard. Meanwhile, Coltrane’s crew operates with ruthless efficiency, and his wife’s struggle to escape their life adds emotional depth. The show’s tension lies in Isaiah’s relentless pursuit of justice—or is it vengeance?—and the personal toll it takes on him and those around him.

With Nemesis, Kemp delivers a crime drama that challenges viewers to root for the bad guys, all while questioning the heroism of its protagonist. The result is a gripping, morally complex series that stands apart from her previous work.