I'm taking a bit of a guess at this, but I'm going to stick with the best guess right now and review these six episodes as season 1A, assuming that the next six will be season 1B. I really enjoyed the show thus far, though it's now controversial creative force hangs over if like an uncomfortable spectre.
In Victorian London, a series of women, from all walks of life, have developed exceptional abilities. Viewed as a threat from the hierarchy and distrusted by the masses, the women are hunted, abused and experimented on. Amalia True (Laura Donnelly) runs an orphanage/Sanctuary for all the "touched" as those with the development has come to be know as. Her group tries to save as many touched as the can, but their case is made harder by Maladie (Amy Manson) a psychotic killer who is recruiting dangerous touched to her cause.
The thing I really liked about "The Nevers" is (I hope not intrinsically) linked to some of the aspects about it that made me feel awkward. I really liked the dialogue and writing, like much of Whedon's previous work it's smart and witty and a bit knowing, but not overly so. I really liked the main characters, even if one or two are actors covering relatively similar ground that they have before. The shows visual effects are generally well done and some, such as a fight that takes place with a character who can stand on water extremely so. I liked the plot, even when the sixth episode whips away much of what you've come to understand as being the case.
It'll be interesting to see what the back six are like, without Whedon's direct involvement. I suspect that it will be determined by whether his long-term associates, Melissa Iqbal and Jane Espenson choose to remain with it. I hope so, as I'd really like to see where the series is going.