With the recent explosion of saga like TV shows (Breaking Bad, True Detective, Game of Thrones, Orange Is the New Black, Fargo etc etc) the reasonably low key channel Showtime decided to use it to their advantage, creating a Gothic psychosexual horror series. With the exception of American Horror Story this is a genre which hasn't really been explored by one of these types of shows before. One of the reasons behind this being that it's a tricky genre to pull off, sometimes they can come off as wacky almost laughably bad let downs.
Luckily the writing team behind Penny Dreadful obviously know this and decided to make this a show that didn't take itself too seriously and knew when it was being a bit silly, almost giving knowing winks to the camera. That's not to say that it is without emotional impact and doesn't deserve to be classed as a serious TV series because this is one of the most enjoyable and gleefully grim TV shows or movies I have seen in a long time.
The writing although not mind blowingly original is certainly clever and keeps the viewer hooked with twists, clever narrative techniques and interesting characters. A particular favourite sub plot of mine was the back story for Doctor Frankenstein which I really hope we get to know more about in series two. Although played well by the undeniably voluptuous Reeve Carney the character of Dorian Gray is one of the weak points of the series. His character isn't exactly throwaway but how he affected the story and his purpose in the show isn't clear to me. Maybe that is something else which will be elaborated on in series two, but I doubt it. Occasionally the episodes feel ever so slightly overcrowded, particularly the earlier ones. But I can't deny fitting six different stories into one hour would be a challenge to anyone. Well, except Vince Gilligan I guess.
Penny Dreadful is a highly entertaining show which I think has potential to last a few series at least. Some moments are a bit cheesy but you get the impression the writers know this and use it as a way of being subtly self aware. I recommend it to anyone up for a few shocks who can also sit through a bit of gore and almost disturbing imagery. Brilliantly dark and well executed by the cast, writers and everyone involved.
Luckily the writing team behind Penny Dreadful obviously know this and decided to make this a show that didn't take itself too seriously and knew when it was being a bit silly, almost giving knowing winks to the camera. That's not to say that it is without emotional impact and doesn't deserve to be classed as a serious TV series because this is one of the most enjoyable and gleefully grim TV shows or movies I have seen in a long time.
The writing although not mind blowingly original is certainly clever and keeps the viewer hooked with twists, clever narrative techniques and interesting characters. A particular favourite sub plot of mine was the back story for Doctor Frankenstein which I really hope we get to know more about in series two. Although played well by the undeniably voluptuous Reeve Carney the character of Dorian Gray is one of the weak points of the series. His character isn't exactly throwaway but how he affected the story and his purpose in the show isn't clear to me. Maybe that is something else which will be elaborated on in series two, but I doubt it. Occasionally the episodes feel ever so slightly overcrowded, particularly the earlier ones. But I can't deny fitting six different stories into one hour would be a challenge to anyone. Well, except Vince Gilligan I guess.
Penny Dreadful is a highly entertaining show which I think has potential to last a few series at least. Some moments are a bit cheesy but you get the impression the writers know this and use it as a way of being subtly self aware. I recommend it to anyone up for a few shocks who can also sit through a bit of gore and almost disturbing imagery. Brilliantly dark and well executed by the cast, writers and everyone involved.