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<i>Penny Dreadful</i> – “Above the Vaulted Sky” Review. Afraid of the Dark.

Season 2, Episode 5

Air Date: Sunday, May 31, 2015, 10PM E/P on Showtime

Rating: ★★★★★

 

“Whatever you have done, whoever you have made yourself, I’m here to accept you; we’re together for a reason. – Vanessa

 

Pardon me while I take a very cold shower. The arousing ending to “Above the Vaulted Sky” almost makes you forget what happens at the beginning of the episode…almost. There be wicked deeds and “tenacious” activities going on in merry old London. As our adventurers, Sir Malcolm (Timothy Dalton), Vanessa (Eva Green), Ethan (Josh Hartnett), Sembene (Danny Sapani), Dr. Victor Frankenstein (Harry Treadaway), and Ferdinand Lyle (Simon Russell Beale) shore up Sir Malcolm’s residence to reinforce it against a future attack by the witches, using any and all means necessary, the vivaciously deceptive Evelyn Poole (Helen McCrory) toys with her dolls.

I cannot say enough good things about series creator and writer John Logan who continues to delight me with his surprising plot twists. As we know from “Verbis Diablo,” Evelyn created a voodoo doll of sorts that looks eerily similar to Vanessa. In last week’s episode, “Evil Spirits in Heavenly Places,” Evelyn’s daughter Hecate (Sarah Greene) took a lock of Vanessa’s hair to add to the doll Evelyn’s created. The twist in “Above the Vaulted Sky” is there’s another doll, a turn of events I didn’t expect. Evelyn’s been skillfully plotting to get Sir Malcolm under her spell, and by all accounts, she’s doing a brilliant job. The only thing standing in her way is Sir Malcolm’s estranged wife, Gladys (Noni Stapleton). The torture Evelyn metes out made me cringe. You’ll think twice before complaining about a headache after watching this. Again, McCrory delivers an amazing performance. Her careful and calculated mannerisms lend themselves perfectly to Evelyn’s insatiable need to be in control. While she allows Hecate to participate in one aspect of the ritual, Evelyn trusts no one, not even her own flesh and blood. A nod to Stapleton who gives a marvelous performance as Gladys battles against the pain. In the scene when I saw the look of realization in Gladys’ eyes, it overwhelmed me with empathy.

The adventures fortify the house to steel it against for dark forces trying to gain entry…again.

Back at Sir Malcolm’s mansion, the adventurers use every method of protection available to ensure the witches don’t infiltrate the house again. I’d like to know why they don’t put salt on the door step and window sills. Salt has been used since ancient times to ward off spirits and I’m sure it’s plentiful in Victorian London. Even with all their talismans and sage burning, can they truly prevent evil from seeping into their domain again? Remember, Ferdinand is a pawn in this sinister game of chess Evelyn is playing.

Since the beginning of the season, Inspector Rusk (Douglas Hodge) has doggedly pursued leads in the Mariner Inn’s massacre. In “Above the Vaulted Sky,” he continues tracking down all the residents who stayed at the inn, including Ethan. Their icy conversation is not without its revelations. We learn a lot about Rusk and something new about Ethan—if that’s his real name. I’m curious to see where the investigation leads Rusk and whether he’ll discover Ethan’s deadly secret. Mr. Roper (Stephen Lord), the sole survivor of the massacre, is also pursuing Ethan, in a more stealth manner. Perhaps a full moon is on the rise.

Victor introduces his “second cousin” Lily to Vanessa over tea. Vanessa sees how take Victor is with Lily even though he won’t admit it to himself.

In all the darkness, there is light within “Above the Vaulted Sky.” From a dance lesson in the soup kitchens to an act of chivalry, director Damon Thomas, along with film editor Aaron Marshall, skillfully blends buoyant scenes, weaving them surreptitiously to alleviate the ominous tone. Logan, the actors, and the entire production team is to be commended on their stellar work on Penny Dreadful.

Although John’s conversations with Vanessa flow effortlessly, he continues to struggle with his words when speaking with his would-be mate, Lily (Billie Piper). Meanwhile, Lily and Victor become even closer. The juxtaposition of these two burgeoning relationships is a great example of being yourself around someone. Relationships, even friendships, if you must pretend or put up false airs, perhaps you’re not meant to be around that person. It’s one thing to be utterly smitten and have a temporary loss of words, but if you cannot be who you truly are with someone, then you shouldn’t be with them.

Sometimes, words cannot convey what is being said through a look.

As I mentioned, the arousing ending to “Above the Vaulted Sky” nearly made me forget all the dark deeds that transpire in the episode. The scene where Angelique (Jonny Beauchamp) is confronted by someone from her past makes me love Dorian (Reeve Carney) a little more. His chivalry and unfettered kindness blew me away. He loves no matter the other person’s gender and looks past anatomy to see the person for who they are. I wonder what Dorian will do if and when he sees Vanessa again. I’m sure Angelique will be quite unnerved. I don’t think Dorian has forgotten Vanessa; Angelique is a lovely distraction but perhaps there’s more to this relationship than meets the eye. Only time will tell.

The thunder and lightning from the storm has a stimulating effect on everyone’s libido. Everyone seems to forget themselves in the heat of the moment, but there is one scene that absolutely captivated me. As I held my breath, my pulse pounds as I watched the look between Vanessa and Ethan; talk about steamy…You don’t need a nude scene to get you randy. Although, I’m completely fine if Hartnett wants to shed his clothes again.

Overall

“Above the Vaulted Sky” plays with your emotions. You will be afraid, inquisitive, defensive, joyful, and finally, after the arduous toll on your psyche, you’ll finally find release. The naked bodies begin gyrating, coiling around each other; the thrill of an illicit affair tantalizes you to the point of no return; and, when a look takes your breath away, the credits begin to roll.

While “Above the Vaulted Sky” moves only a portion of the main plot lines a tad further, this episode is well worth the time spent watching it…and pausing it a few times to catch your breath.

 

Are you hot under the collar? Let me know what you thought of “Above the Vaulted Sky.” Leave me a comment below or tweet me @judybopp. Looking forward to hearing from you.

 

Tune in to Penny Dreadful, Sundays at 10PM E/P, only on Showtime.

For more on the show, go to the official site http://www.sho.com/sho/penny-dreadful/home.

Visit the Production Blog http://blog.penny-dreadful.com/.

 

Penny Dreadful Social Media Links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PennyDreadfulOnShowtime.

Twitter: @SHO_Penny, as well as these cast members: @reevecarney and @billiepiper.

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Tumblr: http://pennydreadful.tumblr.com/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/shonetworks/penny-dreadful-modern-victorian-style/

 

Photos ©2015 Showtime Networks, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of CBS Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

 

 

Judy Manning

Dream chaser extraordinaire! Judy tends to be a tad sarcastic and kind of goofy! She is an avid admirer of all things supernatural, paranormal, celestial and mystical. She loves to read, write, and watches way too much TV. She enjoys many genres of film and music (and let's be honest, most music from the 80s). She also has a wicked sweet tooth. Cupcakes beware.

Judy Manning

Dream chaser extraordinaire! Judy tends to be a tad sarcastic and kind of goofy! She is an avid admirer of all things supernatural, paranormal, celestial and mystical. She loves to read, write, and watches way too much TV. She enjoys many genres of film and music (and let's be honest, most music from the 80s). She also has a wicked sweet tooth. Cupcakes beware.