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<i>Penny Dreadful</i> – “Glorious Horrors” Review. Sealed With a Kiss.

Season 2, Episode 6

Air Date: Sunday, June 7, 2015, 10PM E/P on Showtime

Rating: ★★★★★

 

“Mr. Clare, why does your hand not feel alive?” – Lavinia Putney

 

The romantic interludes from last week’s steamy “Above the Vaulted Sky” linger slightly as “Glorious Horrors” opens. From breakfast in bed to a bit of vanity, our beloved characters venture out for a seemingly “splendid” day only to have it marred with bad news and ill wishes. Meanwhile, danger is afoot in London and our friend John Clare (Rory Kinnear) finds himself in a bit of a predicament with his new employer.

Sembene knows Sir Malcolm better than most and he knows the reaction Sir Malcolm exhibits after learning of Gladys’ death is unnatural.

Sembene (Danny Sapani), one of the most unknown characters, plays a vital role among our adventurers. He has become a trusted confidant and ally to Sir Malcolm (Timothy Dalton) over the years and this trust extends itself in “Glorious Horrors” to both Vanessa (Eva Green) and Ethan (Josh Hartnett). I am not surprised when Ethan asks Sembene for a most unusual favor, one that will ultimately test their bonds of friendship going forward. Sapani’s portrayal of Sembene as a fiercely private individual is fascinating. Sembene isn’t as vocal as the others, but what he says is not only important, it’s quite impactful. When Sembene speaks, everyone’s ears perk up, tuning in as clearly as they can to listen to every syllable he utters. I’m reminded of a commercial from the 80s about E.F. Hutton that demonstrated company’s slogan, “When E.F. Hutton talks, people listen.” Sembene is the proverbial E.F. Hutton of Victorian London. I’m anxious for episodic writer Logan to expand on Sembene’s background. I’d love to know how he and Sir Malcolm met in Africa and the circumstances that brought Sembene to join Sir Malcolm in London.

An intriguing scene during the first few minutes of “Glorious Horrors” involves Vanessa, Ethan, and Sembene delivering some distressing news about Sir Malcolm’s wife Gladys (Noni Stapleton). As we saw in last week’s “Above the Vaulted Sky,” Gladys met a tragic end at the hands of Evelyn Poole (Helen McCrory) via a voodoo doll of sorts. The doll is unlike any voodoo doll I’ve ever seen. The puppet like entity resembles its counterpart with near uncanny likeness. When Vanessa takes Sir Malcolm’s hands to fully engage him, she informs him of Gladys’ death; in doing so, Vanessa realizes something isn’t quite right with him—something Sembene notices as well. While Ethan gives Sir Malcolm the benefit of the doubt, Sembene knows things aren’t right; other factors are in play. Evelyn’s careful planning to woo Sir Malcolm seems to be working flawlessly but she underestimates Sembene’s connection to Sir Malcolm.

John Clare needs to learn patience if he’s ever going to find happiness.

I’ve come to appreciate John Clare’s struggle with his life. He’s torn between life and death every single day as he is both alive but immortal. He shies away from human contact but desperately seeks the warmth of a touch. As he continues to work for Mr. Putney’s (David Haig) wax museum, John becomes more acquainted with the work Mr. Putney’s daughter Lavinia (Tamsin Topolski) does with the wax figures. Though blind, Lavinia sees things others cannot. She senses things on a different level and knows that while John’s hands may be as cold as death, he’s a kind man, though that doesn’t dismiss her fears. Kinnear does a magnificent job of portraying John Clare. John has been wronged by Victor on many levels and wishes to punish his creator for the pain and suffering, yet with all the books he reads, they don’t give John a clear sense of what patience can bring. John seeks to be accepted by a world that doesn’t understand what he is. If he isn’t careful, he’ll make himself more of an outcast when he is inches away from becoming more civilized.

Dorian’s expressing his disapproval about the formality of Vanessa’s greeting proves he still has feelings for her.

The main focal point of “Glorious Horrors” lies in a grand event, a ball thrown by Dorian (Reeve Carney) in honor of his new lover Angelique (Jonny Beauchamp). I’ve anticipated the moment when Dorian would see Vanessa again as they had a most powerful connection and heated romance in season one. We all know their passionate affair thrust Vanessa back into a dark place, leading to her being possessed once again. If you thought Angelique was a distraction for Dorian as I did, perhaps we are wrong; however, I still believe Dorian holds a candle for Vanessa, even if the wick is low.

As Dorian calls on Vanessa to invite her to the ball, Dr. Victor Frankenstein (Harry Treadaway) is present. There are several key moments during this conversation—the formality of addressing Dorian as Mr. Gray and Vanessa revealing to Victor about a new friend, John Clare. Again, Logan does a terrific job of intertwining the stories of each of our characters into a brilliant web of intrigue. More evidence of the intricacies present themselves at the ball when Victor and his lovely cousin Lily (Billy Piper), makes their appearance. If you recall, Dorian and Lily (formerly Brona) met under vastly different circumstances. Memories or senses of familiarity begin to surface, confusing Lily even more. And jealousy doesn’t suit Victor at all. I expect it from Angelique, as she has her own insecurities. Victor’s treatment of Lily appalls me.

Ferdinand knows Hecate is up to no good and Vanessa is the one who will suffer the consequences.

Before the night is through, our dear friend Ferdinand Lyle (Simon Russell Beale) tries to rescue Vanessa before Evelyn’s wicked daughter Hecate (Sarah Greene) does any harm. Hecate has her own nefarious plans her mother may not be privy to. Too bad Ethan couldn’t be Vanessa’s escort this evening, but then again, he’s got his own battles to contend with. I believe that full moon has finally surfaced.

Overall

“Glorious Horrors” encapsulates many things, including opening the doors to the horrors of Putney’s wax museum. Inspector Rusk (Douglas Hodge) continues his investigation into the Mariner’s Inn massacre, focusing on Ethan’s alleged involvement. Rusk is like a dog with a bone, relentless in his efforts until he reaches the juicy marrow within. Mr. Roper (Stephen Lord) pays an unwelcome visit to Ethan as well. Roper comes bearing threats, something Ethan doesn’t take lightly, especially when Roper mentions Vanessa. Will Ethan be able to protect Vanessa from both the witches and Roper? What will this latest attack on Vanessa reap for the witches? Did the blood rain that only Vanessa could see and feel have a lasting effect on her?

 

Let me know what you thought of “Glorious Horrors.” 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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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.