As the school year comes to a close and summer begins, so does freedom. Freedom to catch up TV especially and be able to watch returning shows like "Game of Thrones" in peace. But there's one returning show called "Penny Dreadful" on Showtime, now on its third season, that people should watch. It's such a gem of a show that many people should know about. So here are four reasons why you should be watching "Penny Dreadful."
1. The Victorian Setting
The show is simply gorgeous and the Victorian atmosphere is done so well. Especially in the little details such as the medical tools, everyday objects, and the clothing. Also, the setting just fits the horror element of the show. There's something about Victorian London that just suits the supernatural and of course many of the famous literary characters that are born from this time. Moreover, when the show ventures outside of Victorian London and into other territories, they still do a great job at vitalizing those areas.
2. The Characters
Penny Dreadful has a wonderful array of characters, some original and others stemming from classic literature such as Dorian Gray, Victor Frankenstein, and Van Helsing, just to name a few. It's amazing to witness these familiar literary characters within the show's atmosphere and see what they do with them as well as their origin stories. Additionally, the show integrates the characters well into the story and with the original characters. The interactions are truly great as well. You get excited wondering what other literary character is going to make their debut and how. And how they will incorporate references from the literature and weave it into the story and the character.
3. Eva Green
Eva Green is dynamic as the protagonist Vanessa Ives. She plays this character with such depth and intensity. Eva Green deserves to win all the awards for her portrayal; she really brings the alluring, tormented and endearing Vanessa Ives to life. There's a certain scene (hint: séance scene) in season one where you will be wondering how Eva Green hasn't won all the awards already. She makes Vanessa Ives come across as wonderfully complex with her strengths and weakness. As audience members, you really become invested in Vanessa, her struggles, and essentially all the other characters really. All in all, all the actors are completely brilliant in their respective roles. They really bring their characters to life in a meaningful way but there's something about Eva Green that really honestly stands out the most.
4. The Supernatural
The supernatural element is very fun and interwoven really well into the story. If you're into the supernatural this is definitely the show for you, there are werewolves, vampires, demons, witches, immortals, just to name a few (and of course more to come).
Don't let this underrated show pass you by. It's essentially like watching a Victorian gothic novel or a penny dreadful (which the show is rightly titled by). Penny Dreadful returned for its third season on Sunday, May 1, and is showing every Sunday 10 p.m. ET/PT on Showtime. But of course, watch it from the beginning.
