Penny Dreadful (2014 - 16)

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  • 4EverBonded4EverBonded the Ballrooms of Mars
    Posts: 12,459
    I will try somehow ... but you know, I am far away and access is ... er, tricky. ;)
    Hope others post here and let us know if they liked it. I don't like horror in general, but this looks intriguing.
  • Creasy47Creasy47 In Cuba with Natalya.Moderator
    Posts: 40,372
    I will try somehow ... but you know, I am far away and access is ... er, tricky. ;)
    Hope others post here and let us know if they liked it. I don't like horror in general, but this looks intriguing.

    That, and it has such a big lineup of Bond actors that it would be a shame to miss out on!
  • Posts: 19,339
    It looks interesting...starts next week here in the UK so we will soon find out.
    It has 8 episodes so not overlong either. (You listening '24',Grimm etc ?)
  • 007InVT007InVT Classified
    Posts: 893
    Another CR connection. Eva Green and Mads Mikkelsen in The Salvation

    http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2720680/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_3
  • Posts: 251
    Having seen the first two episodes, I can honestly say that the Bond connections are not only limited to the cast, but actual content as well, to an extent. In the first episode, Green's character, Vanessa Ives, has a scene where she sits across from Josh Hartnett's character and sizes him up in a very similar manner to the way Vesper sizes up Bond in the "I'm the money" scene in Casino Royale. Even some of the phrasing seemed similar, but I'd have to rewatch the scene. Additionally, later on in the episode, when it is revealed that Vanessa is a fortune teller/psychic of some sort, she arranges the cards on the table and urges Hartnett's character to pick one. I immediately knew where this was going, and was not surprised when Hartnett picked up "The Lovers" card, which seemed to be a reference to Live and Let Die. Obviously we can't be totally sure that these are intentional Bond references, but I'd bet money that they are. With so many Bond people involved, it seems unlikely that no one saw these similarities. They were a pleasant surprise.
  • SandySandy Somewhere in Europe
    Posts: 4,012
    007InVT wrote:
    Another CR connection. Eva Green and Mads Mikkelsen in The Salvation

    http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2720680/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_3

    I was going to post this, I saw the trailer this week in Denmark and was very impressed.
  • zebrafishzebrafish <°)))< in Octopussy's garden in the shade
    Posts: 4,311
    JennyFlex wrote:
    Having seen the first two episodes, I can honestly say that the Bond connections are not only limited to the cast, but actual content as well, to an extent. In the first episode, Green's character, Vanessa Ives, has a scene where she sits across from Josh Hartnett's character and sizes him up in a very similar manner to the way Vesper sizes up Bond in the "I'm the money" scene in Casino Royale. Even some of the phrasing seemed similar, but I'd have to rewatch the scene. Additionally, later on in the episode, when it is revealed that Vanessa is a fortune teller/psychic of some sort, she arranges the cards on the table and urges Hartnett's character to pick one. I immediately knew where this was going, and was not surprised when Hartnett picked up "The Lovers" card, which seemed to be a reference to Live and Let Die. Obviously we can't be totally sure that these are intentional Bond references, but I'd bet money that they are. With so many Bond people involved, it seems unlikely that no one saw these similarities. They were a pleasant surprise.

    I completely agree, the Green/Hartnett scene is a replay of Casino Royale, especially since Eva Green plays it exactly as in CR and does not take her eyes off Hartnett throughout her sharp analysis.

    And regarding the "Lovers" card: I have the impression that elements out of LALD are currently being elevated to cult-status by Mendes and his team. First the Komodo dragon/alligator parallel in SF, now the Tarot set with the Lovers card. Not that I would mind, I always enjoyed LALD on every re-watching.
  • Posts: 251
    zebrafish wrote:
    I completely agree, the Green/Hartnett scene is a replay of Casino Royale, especially since Eva Green plays it exactly as in CR and does not take her eyes off Hartnett throughout her sharp analysis.

    And regarding the "Lovers" card: I have the impression that elements out of LALD are currently being elevated to cult-status by Mendes and his team. First the Komodo dragon/alligator parallel in SF, now the Tarot set with the Lovers card. Not that I would mind, I always enjoyed LALD on every re-watching.

    Glad I'm not the only one who saw it.

  • 4EverBonded4EverBonded the Ballrooms of Mars
    Posts: 12,459
    I have only seen the first one as yet, but I did enjoy it. :) Love Dalton and Green in this. Oh yes, that scene was an obvious nod to CR and well done. I thought Hartnett was good, too. Looking forward to the rest of this.
  • Posts: 533
    Anna Chancellor, who was in "Fleming", appeared in one episode of this series.
  • Posts: 5,745
    Is it just me or has this show fallen off the face of the Earth?

    I barely managed the first episode, and while that is my opinion, I've stopped seeing all discussion of it on Twitter, on this site, on film/TV sites, and I don't believe I've even seen it advertised recently anywhere online or on TV.

    I hate for it to be true, but I don't see the show carrying on past a second season.
  • Creasy47Creasy47 In Cuba with Natalya.Moderator
    Posts: 40,372
    JWESTBROOK wrote:
    Is it just me or has this show fallen off the face of the Earth?

    I barely managed the first episode, and while that is my opinion, I've stopped seeing all discussion of it on Twitter, on this site, on film/TV sites, and I don't believe I've even seen it advertised recently anywhere online or on TV.

    I hate for it to be true, but I don't see the show carrying on past a second season.

    I still haven't gotten around to watching it, too many TV shows I want/need to tackle.

    I would flaunt its 8.6/10 rating on IMDB, but:

    A.) It's IMDB.
    B.) Less than 10,000 people have voted.

    However, it must be doing pretty well if it got renewed for an even bigger season two.
  • SandySandy Somewhere in Europe
    Posts: 4,012
    I've watched the first 3 episodes and loved it! I think it's brilliant, not sure what you mean about nobody talking about it since I haven't searched but perhaps people are not talking because it's so gruesome (I don't know, just an idea).
  • 4EverBonded4EverBonded the Ballrooms of Mars
    edited June 2014 Posts: 12,459
    I watched the first two episodes and was hanging in there. The atmosphere, look, and actors are great! But the third episode was not only unenjoyable for me, but it was far too sad, cruel, and ultimately disappointing. Yes, disappointing. I know others love it and it has become popular. This is not my favorite genre, just being honest. But I was hoping for more. So this is just my opinion, after all.

    The series became two things for me that I find quite negative: too gory
    (especially animal cruelty, I cannot stand that)
    and unexciting writing. What I mean is that I lost faith in the writing. It is just going in any direction now to be different.

    I readily admit I am not a fan of gory horror. I was hoping for this to be eerie, mysterious, some blood and gore, exciting, suspenseful, intriguing, with a great story ... but that is not what it is turning into.

    I feel this series had great potential to be a favorite of mine. I still love the dark, brooding Victorian atmosphere of it. I still want to know how they end it and will probably check back on it periodically. But it really feels like they don't know what to do with it, are lost, and rather than being fascinating, it is just a hodge podge of things thrown on the screen.

    It is a hit, I am certain. The second series is already assured. I am happy for the actors. I love that Eva Green is in a hit show, as well as this show showcasing the wonderful Timothy Dalton. Nice to see Josh Hartnett in something again. But my interest in the story, the development of what is happening to the characters and where they are going ... all that has been washed away.

    I expect there will be a third season, too, but I hope they can get more on track in some way. I would like to come back and enjoy this series. I haven't given up completely, but I have been let down at this point.
  • edited June 2014 Posts: 11,189
    I saw the first episode today too actually.

    It was fairly clear the writers expected a fair few Bond fans to tune in - as well as fans of Victorian Pulp literature.

    I liked the old fashioned, somewhat theatrical style (thunderclaps on queue, intense speeches from Mr D). Really gave the show a bit of atmosphere.

    Dalton was very good with his dramatic performance but Eva felt a bit too much like Vesper to me.

    Has promise though. Got another 2 before I am up-to-date with it.
  • 4EverBonded4EverBonded the Ballrooms of Mars
    Posts: 12,459
    Eva is not so much Vesper in the next ones. :)
    I do like the actress. And she has some strong scenes, to put it mildly.
    If anyone is interested, I suggest they watch at least the first 3 episodes, and I guess probably the 4th. I don't expect others to have the same experience I had.
  • Samuel001Samuel001 Moderator
    Posts: 13,350
    Great to see Logan deep in the process of writing the next ten episodes. Great series. More Bond stars please!
  • SandySandy Somewhere in Europe
    Posts: 4,012
    @4EverBonded, did you get to finish watching the 3rd episode?
  • 4EverBonded4EverBonded the Ballrooms of Mars
    edited June 2014 Posts: 12,459
    @Sandy, I watched all of the 3rd episode several days ago, when I first mentioned it to you. Just not my cup of tea, darn near all of that one.
    I looked thru the 4th episode but freely fast forwarded. It is on a totally other track than episode #3, which you may know. But again, I felt it was just okay - and at least not
    the animal cruelty or huge sadness or weird happenings that I think were meant just to surprise.
    I like Eva a lot so I will try to come back and watch bits of this. Have you seen #4?
  • SandySandy Somewhere in Europe
    Posts: 4,012
    I actually liked the 3rd episode! I'll watch the 4th tomorrow, probably.
  • 4EverBonded4EverBonded the Ballrooms of Mars
    edited June 2014 Posts: 12,459
    I cannot enjoy that kind of gore; it frankly bothers me. I wanted a more suspenseful, building story. For me (and I think I am in the minority on this forum, as this is not my favorite genre anyway) the writing is too meandering and now almost predictable in that anything can happen ... but not in a way that intrigues me. Just feels like nearly just whatever the writer can think of as different, or gross, is thrown up on the screen.

    But the Victorian and gothic atmosphere is good and I like the actors so much, I will try to watch it in bits now and then. Glad you are enjoying it. :)
  • 4EverBonded4EverBonded the Ballrooms of Mars
    edited June 2014 Posts: 12,459
    Just a correction: It was really the fourth episode, called "Demimonde", that turned me off completely. Not the 3rd. The fourth one had the ultra gore,
    animal cruelty, and "surprises" that I disliked
    Not my cup of tea at all. But I will randomly watch bits and pieces of it to get thru the season. But I am not following it wholeheartedly or without the fast forward available, no.
  • 4EverBonded4EverBonded the Ballrooms of Mars
    edited June 2014 Posts: 12,459
    Anyone else still watching?
    I am watching, with my fast forward handy.
    I must say that episode 6 was back to decent storytelling and a far more enjoyable episode for me. I caught #7 this week; the title of it says it all. So it was ... okay. I want to say that
    it seems a rather neat trick for the writer in that suddenly Vanessa knows where Mina is ... which is what this whole series has been about, getting her back ... simply because she (Vanessa) is possessed and comes by the info that way, just rather given to her. Easiest solution I can think of. Logan is really up and down in the writing department with this series, in my opinion.

    I'd like to read others' opinions, too, if you have the time to post some.
  • ggl007ggl007 www.archivo007.com Spain, España
    edited June 2014 Posts: 2,535
    Great 1x07! Best episode so far. Pure terror. Eva Green deserves every prize she will be getting...

    About your spoiler
    we still don´t know how or what Vanessa knows...
  • 4EverBonded4EverBonded the Ballrooms of Mars
    Posts: 12,459
    I do think Eva deserves honors; I agree, @gg1007. She is doing an amazingly good job, in every way, including her voice.
  • Posts: 11,189
    just seen Eva go all Linda Blair in The Exorcist. Interesting.
  • QBranchQBranch Always have an escape plan. Mine is watching James Bond films.
    Posts: 13,879
    Just watched the first 6 episodes. It does drag a little here and there, but overall I'm enjoying it quite a lot. I particularly like
    Frankenstein's relationship with Kinnear's Caliban.
  • edited July 2014 Posts: 4,813
    I watched the first 4 episodes today. I'm hooked!!

    Why in the world isn't Dalton a bigger star?? He's just too damn awesome. And he punched more people in the first episode than in both of his Bond movies!
  • edited July 2014 Posts: 4,400
    It's with a rather heavy heart that I say that this show was a massive disappointment. I had really high hopes for the show considering the success of SF but sadly 'Penny Dreadful' is very dull and wastes it's 8 hours. Despite the very compelling conceit behind the show of mixing together a number of characters from classic literature, Logan failed to deliver.

    The biggest problem is that the show is far too cluttered. There are at least 5 or 6 main characters and a number of supporting roles and the show struggles to give them all interesting material. It also means that the main characters of the show; Ethan, Sir Malcolm and Vanessa are massively underserved. Despite being the central characters of 'Penny Dreadful' there is very little to them beyond the initial veil of secrecy that prevails over their characters. Once that mystery is revealed (ignoring the fact that it's extremely predictable) there is nothing interesting to be said about these characters.

    The other major problem with the show is John Logan's writing. Despite being a very literate show you can't help but feel Logan speaking down to his audience and often the dialogue is tremendously pretentious and overwrought. I'm glad that Logan won't be flying solo on Bond 24 as his dialogue here is often cringeworthy and insufferable.

    The show is redeemed mostly through some great performances. In particular Eva Green is standout as Vanessa Ives and by far delivers the most compelling performance of the series. Timothy Dalton is great (it's worth watching 'Penny Dreadful' just to hear Dalton's silky tones), but despite being the main focus of the show his character is sadly under-developed. However, the best performance on the show comes from Rory Kinnear as Frankenstein's Monster. Kinnear is brilliant and brings menace and vulnerability to the role, his part is probably the most developed of the series and Kinnear brings such nuance and heartbreak to the monster. Having seen what an immense talent he is on the show and given his rising star status in the UK I really hope Mendes figures out a way to use him more in Bond 24.

    752-d2cafcc9a2d83041e707feeb1698b979.jpg

    The cinematography, art direction and costume design are also top-notch but none of it can really save 'Penny Dreadful' for me. My hope for series 2 is that Logan can tame down his eccentricities and really place his focus on those three lead characters and develop them into interesting characters. Examples like 'True Detective' and 'Breaking Bad' have shown how great long-form narrative television can be when done well, I don't think 'Penny Dreadful' deserves to be listed amongst those shows (yet, at least).
  • 4EverBonded4EverBonded the Ballrooms of Mars
    Posts: 12,459
    Yes, the acting was great. The writing was a letdown.
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