Penny Dreadful – “Ebb Tide” Review. Are People Better Than We Think?

Season 3, Episode 7

Air Date: Sunday, June 12, 2016, 10PM E/P on Showtime

Rating: ★★★★★

“People are better than we think.” – Vanessa

What an explosively unpredictable episode! “Ebb Tide” blows me away with its outrageous nuances; I’m still reeling from the events that transpired. Some of the moments I anticipated but others left me with my jaw hanging open in utter disbelief. I’m not sure where series creator and writer John Logan is taking us, but I’m on board for the treacherous journey ahead.

Such a beautiful moment when the boy falls into the arms of his father.

Before we dive into the deep end of “Ebb Tide,” I want to dip my toes into the less murky waters by discussing John (Rory Kinnear) and his dilemma. He found his wife and son but is afraid to reveal himself because of his facial disfigurement and his undead condition. I’ve waited for John to find some reprieve from his loneliness. He’s wallowed so long in his own hatred of himself and mankind because of what his creator Victor (Harry Treadaway) did to him. Now that he’s found his family, what’s next? Where this story arc goes doesn’t seem too interesting but when John seeks solace, he turns to his friend Vanessa (Eva Green).

The things Dr. Sweet says seem so full of honesty…but also terrifying. He wants to be at Vanessa’s side, to serve her?

The conversation between Vanessa and John takes a slight turn when she asks if he recalls meeting her long ago in the Banning clinic. I wasn’t sure if Vanessa would recognize the kind orderly who bestowed such tenderness on her in the jagged edges of John Clare’s face. Then again, she quips, “People are better than we think.” In her eyes, you can tell she’s thinking of her newfound love, Dr. Sweet (Christian Camargo), but she’ll soon realize he is not who he says he is.

Justine needs to mind her manners because the owner of the house is not one to suffer fools.

Dorian (Reeve Carney) and Justine (Jessica Barden) have a contentious face-to-face, to put it mildly. He’s put off by her aggressive behavior and she pushes it too far with her veiled threats. I couldn’t help but cheer for the way Dorian handles her. Finally! The shaken fear in Justine’s eyes says it all. She’s messing with the wrong “man.”

Although I love Logan’s writing, I’m still a bit miffed about Lily’s (Billie Piper) story this season. She’s become the ultimate suffragette and takes it to an extreme level. It’s not merely equality for women she seeks; she wants dominance over men – all men.

I knew this was going to happen…Dorian is done playing suffrage with Lily.

At the end of season two, when Lily first met Dorian, I thought they would rule over the lesser beings since they are both immortals. The way the story has morphed perplexes me. Lily’s rage, hatred, and suffering from her time as Brona is so potent, I’m not sure any potion can cure her. It remains unclear if if Lily’s torment will be assuaged or if she’ll become the female version of Mr. Hyde.

In last week’s “No Beast So Fierce,” Ethan (Josh Hartnett) and his father Jared Talbot (guest star Brian Cox) faced off in the chapel at the Talbot ranch. As Ethan walked away while his father continued to berate and threaten him, Sir Malcolm (Timothy Dalton) intervened and shot Jared. During “Ebb Tide,” Ethan and Sir Malcolm discuss those events on their way back to London, clarifying the reasoning behind Sir Malcolm’s so-called mercy.

Kaetenay comes to Vanessa via a vision to warn her…but it may be too late.

With Ethan, Sir Malcolm, and Kateneay (Wes Studi) on their way, my fears mirror those of Kaetenay – it may be too late to save Vanessa from Dracula (Christian Camargo). Dr. Sweet and Vanessa are closer than ever given the emotional change in their relationship, which leaves Vanessa more vulnerable than she’s ever been. During a conversation with her new acquaintance, Catriona Hartdegen (guest star Perdita Weeks), Vanessa begins piecing together the true identity of her stalker. The confrontation between Vanessa and Dr. Sweet doesn’t go the way I thought it would, making me wonder if Vanessa is truly one of the “night creatures.”

Vanessa needs Ethan now more than ever. Hurry, Ethan.

Overall

“Ebb Tide” leaves me anxious for what lies ahead. Throughout the episode, Kaetenay has several visions concerning Vanessa and Ethan. All signs point to a bleak end but perhaps once Ethan is physically in front of Vanessa, he can save her. I’m not sure if Vanessa has enough strength to fight the temptation of the darkness. Although Kaetenay tells Vanessa (through a vision) she is of “the light,” it may take more than an Apache elder to make her truly believe it. Ethan needs to hurry!

Only one episode before the season three finale! Let me know what you think of “Ebb Tide.” Do you think the behavior serum will work on Lily or will it backfire? Will Ethan be able to save Vanessa? 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:

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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.