Penny Dreadful

[Merry Prankster]

Penny Dreadful is Showtime's latest entry in the Gothic horror genre.  It takes place in late Victorian-era London.  The following description is from IGN:

Penny Dreadful, starring Josh Hartnett (Black Hawk Down), Timothy Dalton (Licence to Kill) and Eva Green (Casino Royale), features some of literature’s most famous characters – including Dr. Frankenstein, Dorian Gray and iconic figures from the novel Dracula, all brilliantly reimagined in a whole new light – all having become embroiled in Victorian London.

It Premieres on Sho on May 11 but in a promotiional effort the company has made the initial episode available on several websites for free viewing.  The youtube link is below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_GMZBirzYAY

[ponytail]

Have you watched it yet MP? Is it full of blood and gore? It looked intriguing to me, too, but if it is too scary, I can't watch!

[Merry Prankster]

Have you watched it yet MP? Is it full of blood and gore? It looked intriguing to me, too, but if it is too scary, I can't watch!

I have watched it and it's not that gory-----one relatively mild 5 minute sequence in which the protagonists encounter a few vamps.  I'd give it a 4 on the gore scale (1-10).  I believe it's more of a suspense, character-driven story with occasional gore.  Overall, I found the Premier Episode interesting but it didn't grab me.  Then again, initial episodes have to spend a lot of time on exposition, establishing characters, setting, story.  The final scene is a grabber.  Because I already subscribe to Sho I found Penny Dreadful interesting enough to keep watching.  If you don't already subscribe to Sho it might not be worth it.

[ponytail]

I will have to give it a try then. We do subscribe to Showtime, guess I just haven't noticed it yet.

[ponytail]

MP! Are you still watching this? I am....almost didn't after that first episode down in the cellar with all the mayhem and the blood, and, and, and....whew!
The story is my kind of weird story, though, and I LOVE all of the lead actors. But I have to watch it during the day....gulp...and squint my eyes a little...

[Merry Prankster]

Although almost no one on this site (Ponytail excepted) has evinced interest in Penny Dreadful, the Prankster will take one last try at persuasion.  Note:  PD is available to Showtime subscribers only.

While Season one spent a lot of time on exposition, introducing characters and establishing relationships, Season 2 has started off with somewhat of a bang.

Haunted, tortured Vanessa, who battles a demon for possession of her soul, has been targeted by a Coven of Witches whose leader has promised to deliver Vanessa to Lucifer.  Sir Malcolm, Ethan and Sembene have sworn to protect her.  As a first step the group is attempting to understand the Verbas Diablo.

Dr. Frankenstein has created a female companion for his first-born.  Complications are certain to ensue because of whom she is.

Ethan might be in trouble because a new, more competent inspector is investigating the mayhem caused at a local tavern.  Someone survived!

Dorian Gray continues to pursue all manner of sensual delights.


Tonight at 10PM is episode three.  It's a good place to start because it addresses the back story of Vanessa's relationship with the Coven.

What does PD have to recommend it:  Superb cast, excellent writing, a compelling story line and fantastic costuming and sets representing London and its denizens circa 1890.  It is dark.  Unlike OUAT, there are no happy endings.  Not recommended for the squeamish or faint of heart.  If your spine doesn't tingle at least once per episode get thee to an MRI machine.

This description doesn't tell you much of what you need to know.  Good!  Go watch an episode and find out.  You can catch up on this Season and Season one on Showtime Anytime.  Season 2 Episode One is available on youtube.