Netflix crime thriller series Nemesis has quickly become one of the platform’s newest breakout dramas following the release of its first season. According to The Hollywood Reporter, in a recent interview, creator Courtney A. Kemp (Power, The Good Wife) discussed the explosive finale of the series, her transition from the Power universe to Netflix, and why she intentionally avoided giving audiences a neatly resolved ending. 

Created by Kemp and her fiancé Tani Marole (Nemesis), Nemesis follows a dangerous cat-and-mouse rivalry between LAPD detective Isaiah Stiles and master criminal Coltrane Wilder. The series stars Matthew Law (The Oval, Abbott Elementary) as Stiles and Y’lan Noel (The First Purge, Lady in the Lake) as Wilder. Throughout the first season, Stiles becomes obsessed with capturing Wilder following the death of his police partner during a robbery. 

Additional cast members include Cedric Joe (Space Jam: A New Legacy, Just Beyond), Cleopatra Coleman (Black Rabbit, Dopesick), and Gabrielle Dennis (One of Them Days, The Upshaws). 

Kemp explained that Netflix originally requested a more conclusive ending for the season in case the show was not renewed for a second season. However, the creator revealed she intentionally chose not to fully resolve the conflict between Stiles and Wilder in season one, wanting the audience to remain emotionally connected in the characters moving forward.

Kemp also reflected on her previous experience with Power and how audience reactions to the death of Ghost, played by Omari Hardwick (Army of the Dead, Sorry to Bother You), influenced her approach to Nemesis. Kemp stated that she wanted both lead characters to “get their due” by the conclusion of season one while still leaving room for future stories. 

In addition to discussing the finale, Kemp opened up about the lengthy process behind launching her first Netflix series after signing a production deal with the streamer in 2021. The writer explained that personal challenges, including the loss of her brother, contributed to the delay before eventually returning to the crime drama genre she became known for through Power. 

Kemp also spoke about the decision to film the action-heavy series in Los Angeles despite budget challenges. The creator explained that keeping production in Los Angeles was personally important to her both creatively and professionally, particularly because of the city’s filmmaking community and crew members. 

While Netflix has not officially announced a second season, Kemp teased that additional consequences are likely coming for Stiles. She also hinted that Wilder may be forced to reconnect with his wife, played by Coleman, in future episodes.