This review is spoiler-free, but from here on out the reviews will contain spoilers that will be clearly marked.
Before viewing Showtime’s new series, Penny Dreadful, the only question I had was, do we really need another supernatural thriller? The motifs have been played out from the basic cable channels up to paid cable and all across film. The subject matter is indeed tried and true, yet seemingly predictable. The show appears to relate heavily to the very similar, The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen. But, after viewing the shows pilot, Night Work, the answer is a resounding yes. Be prepared to learn more about the origins of some of the most iconic characters in literature.
Once again, Victorian London is being ravaged by unspeakable murders. As they go unsolved, fear begins to permeate the city, hinting that a very infamous serial killer may be back. But, the duo of explorer Sir Malcolm Murray (Timothy Dalton) and mysteriously beautiful Vanessa Ives (Eva Green), know there’s a more supernatural aspect to these unsolved murders.
The duo of a former Bond and Bond Girl is quite intriguing in itself, the two actors play off each other so well. Dalton has a peculiar aura to himself and his deep voice only enhances the mystery. As for Green, she portrays such a captivating, stunningly strange character that every time she speaks, it demands your attention.
The trip through London this season is surely full of mystery and terror, and the duo is looking to create a team of supernatural hunters, per se. In Night Work, Dalton and Green search out the help of two very interesting characters. One being a well-known doctor, having a few skeletons in his closet, the other being a traveling sharpshooter with dead-eye aim.
Ethan Chandler (Josh Hartnett) portrays a more arrogant character compared to the rest of the cast. He is a traveling sharpshooter that indulgences in his various… exploits.
Night Work is a great entrance into the new series and did a terrific job of introducing the characters and their relationships, while also leaving parts of them shrouded in mystery. The pacing of the episode was a bit slow at the beginning but gradually picked up as it came to its conclusion. The only part that was head-scratching was when Harnett’s character kind of just sauntered around when deciding if he should join the group. It wasn’t a big aspect, but it was a bit strange.
With Penny Dreadful, you already know the setup and what the characters will, more than likely, become. But, similar to other series’ retellings, Bate’s Motel and Hannibal in particular, it’s about the journey with these characters. If the pilot is anything to go by, it will be quite a journey indeed.
+ Characters
+ Costume design and set
+ Mesmerizing acting, especially Eva Green
+ The starting of origin stories for some iconic characters
– Weird Hartnett scene
You can catch new episodes of Penny Dreadful Sundays at 10 PM ET/PT. Currently, the pilot episode is free on their Youtube Channel Here.
