‘Penny Dreadful’ Review: “What Death Can Join Together” (1×06)

I dare you to find me a show that balances its larger than life premise with genuine human emotion and perspective better than Penny Dreadful. While this episode drew back on the spooks and shocks, it provided a well brought out development of some of our key characters. Although it didn’t reach the heights of last week’s masterpiece (check out our review here), it sets up what is to be an insane, creepy, and dreadful final two episodes.

“Do you know the word ‘Vampire’?”
It happened. The show finally utilized the term “vampire” thanks to Professor Van Helsing. Doctor Frankenstein and the Professor spend most of the day together. He speaks about stakes to the heart, beheadings, and even echolocation. Van Helsing teaches Victor about life outside of his work, which is a nice calming moment in the sea of troubles that is Penny Dreadful. Of course, it all comes crumbling down when Caliban kills the Professor in the shadows and demands again that Frankenstein make his bride. What makes this storyline more intriguing is that throughout the episode Caliban becomes enamored with a young actress who isn’t afraid of him and actually embraces his disfigurement. A possible candidate for his new bride? The storyline offered for some wonderful perspective on life and death and the nature of the character of Frankenstein. It also allowed Harry Treadaway a great opportunity to show off his acting skills.

Dracula and Banshees?
The post Penny Dreadful-esque storyline in this episode was Ethan and Sir Malcolm’s venture into the plague ship without Vanessa. It is clear that Sir Malcolm no longer trusts her and because of last week’s episode there is somewhat of an understanding. However, in the end Ethan urges he include Vanessa because she is one of the few they can trust. On the plague ship the trio (Ethan, Malcolm, and Sembene) encounter a group of banshee-esque vampire women. After their struggle, they see Mina with who we are brought to assume is Dracula. She screams for her father, but they are unable to get to her. How many more close encounters until we finally get somewhere on this storyline?

Fifty Shades of Vanessa
We’ve gotten to know a lot about Vanessa in the past few episodes. Last week, we delved further into this force that has been tormenting her for years. This week that entity comes out in full force. Vanessa continues to be enamored in with Mr. Gray and the two finally make it to the sheets. Both characters have been enigma’s from the start, but what we learn this episode is that they like it rough. Vanessa scratches, hits, and cuts Dorian much to his liking. It’s terrifying because we quickly learn that Vanessa loves sex and whatever is possessing he loves sex and whenever she has sex, that entity is released. The first thing it does? It seeks out Sir Malcolm and levitates in front of him in what was one of the most terrifying displays on the show thus far. Dorian is confused, but unfazed by her sudden departure. He simply goes to his famous portrait (which we have yet to see). However, there we get a glimpse of the healing of his wounds from his and Vanessa’s tryst. The void just gets deeper this him.

What this episode means for Penny Dreadful as a series
I wasn’t sure what to make of this show when it first premiered. Was it a gothic Victorian tale of horror or a campy Hollywood response to American Horror Story? To be honest, I’m not sure yet. They are holding too many cards to their chest. I have no clue what direction this season is going in or where they’re going in the future. I found the brilliance of the series in its mystery, but I’m becoming nervous that John Logan is relying too much on this mystery for forward momentum. If these last two episodes bring enough story lines to a close, then I’ll bow down and agree that this show has legs. However, I’m not seeing any indication that this series has legs past their main mysteries. I really hope I’m wrong.