Penny Dreadful – “Little Scorpion” Review. Long Talk on a Dark Night.

Season 2, Episode 7

Air Date: Sunday, June 14, 2015, 10PM E/P on Showtime

Rating: ★★★★★

“Welcome to the night, Vanessa.” – Ethan

A much needed getaway leads to a long moment of domesticity for Vanessa (Eva Green) and Ethan (Josh Hartnett). But they are not the typical couple nor is their time together quiet for long. Meanwhile, back in London, Ferdinand Lyle (Simon Russell Beale) continues translating the relics with Dr. Victor Frankenstein’s (Harry Treadaway) assistance. Their discovery is quite unnerving and explains much about the unique connection between Vanessa and Ethan. And then there’s our lovely Lily (Billie Piper), who shows us a whole new side to her burgeoning personality.

The majority of “Little Scorpion” takes place in the moors where Vanessa first met her mentor, the Cut Wife (Patti LuPone). As Vanessa desperately seeks to flee the “monsters” that are eagerly trying to capture her, she finds unexpected solace in a place that holds foul memories. Ethan also discovers a few things about himself and Vanessa – some good, some not. But, the bond between these two still holds strong, though temporarily shaken.

Ethan enthusiastically recounts a tale about the first time he rode a horse, amusing Vanessa immensely.

Hartnett gives a grand performance in “Little Scorpion.” His portrayal of Ethan as a witty, charismatic gentleman, then wise and grizzled, blends seamlessly throughout his scenes. As he and Vanessa navigate their way to a temporary getaway, their relationship strengthens in some ways, but is tested in others. I appreciate episodic writer John Logan showing a whole new side of both Ethan and Vanessa – relaxed and actually laughing. Ethan tells stories of his youth while Vanessa listens intently, giggling and smiling. But he also says something very perplexing, “All those things that mark you when you’re young, that make you what you are, you never escape them.” This scene helps the audience become more invested in these characters’ lives and their potential together. While I’ve been anxious for these two to consummate their obvious infatuation with one another, I’m happy with what transpires. Although, I’d love to sit Vanessa down and give her a good talking to about accepting love. She is herself with Ethan, and he the same with her. Each carries their own secrets but the other is aware and content with the fact they will never know some of the hidden things in each other’s lives. I hope what happens doesn’t mar their relationship too deeply, but I fear it has changed them both irrevocably.

What a getaway without a few dance lessons?

What’s a getaway without a few dance lessons?

With the light, there is some darkness in “Little Scorpion.” After watching “The Nightcomers,” I wondered whether Vanessa ever took possession of the “cursed” and “forbidden” book of spells the Cut Wife showed her. Well, now I know. I’m not sure I fully understand why Vanessa does what she does but perhaps if her soul is gone, it can’t be taken by the demon hunting her. In any case, Vanessa makes her choice and must now face the consequences. Ethan seems none too pleased by her stunt either.

Looking at the diverse relationships within Penny Dreadful, the saddest lay with Dorian (Reeve Carney); he constantly seeks the new and adventurous, the taboo and outrageous, yet he cannot be satisfied. Is his insatiable need to be surprised a side effect of his unusual immortality? We know the story of Dorian Gray and his portrait. Perhaps Dorian’s constant search for the strange and alluring helps him survive through the years. How old is he anyway? Not even the lovely Angelique (Jonny Beauchamp) knows the answer to that question. I wonder how she feels about Dorian’s new “friend” Lily. It seems as though Dorian quite enjoys his evening out. The familiarity he feels when he’s around Lily intrigues him.

Lily is blissfully unaware of her former life but things have a way of resurfacing – old habits die hard. And Dorian continues to skate on the razor’s edge of life.

Could Lily be having residual inclinations to her former life as a prostitute? Remember, before Lily became Lily, she was Brona, a red haired siren who used her feminine wiles to woo men for money. Lily’s detour after her time with Dorian caught me off guard but what she does shocked me even more. I’m not sure where Logan is taking this story line with Lily’s resurrection, but I’m intrigued. I wonder if the man she is with is a former client who wronged her.

Overall

“Little Scorpion” expands the story lines for Vanessa and Ethan, as well as complicating Lily’s character further still. I’m anxious to see if Vanessa will catch on to the tricks Evelyn (Helen McCory) plays on Sir Malcolm (Timothy Dalton). Evelyn’s influence reverberates in so much of what Sir Malcolm says, especially when Vanessa tells him she must leave London. I am most grateful for the wisdom Ferdinand bestows upon her. But even in the moors danger lurks. Will Vanessa ever be safe, even with the protection of her personal “Lupus Dei?”

Let me know what you think of “Little Scorpion.” 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.

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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.