The second episode of Penny Dreadful takes the momentum started by the opening instalment and runs with it, taking the series in new directions.
Following the Bond link that I've covered elsewhere, there's another 007-related actor in this episode but I won't give anything away. What I can say is that Séance introduces Billy Piper's character, Brona Croft, as well as Reeve Carney's Dorian Gray. Both actors are excellent in their respective parts and add another layer to the already enjoyable proceedings.
Alex Price plays a sympathetic Creature who Frankenstein introduces to civilisation. His delight at experiencing the world again is a joy to watch.
The highlight of this episode, however, is the séance itself and, in particular, the exquisite Eva Green's performance. Just as Sigourney Weaver is delightful when possessed by Zul, so is Eva Green when inhabited by God-knows-what. Listening to Ms. Green spout the most powerful of four letter words on a few occasions whilst moving like one of the Evil Dead's Deadites is a strangely erotic experience. But perhaps that's just me.
The music this week really struck me as fantastic. It doesn't smother the action and dialogue in the manner that, say, Murray Gold's soundtracks do. No, Abel Korzeniowski's music is perfectly matched to the action on screen and is subtle but provocative.
An excellent piece of television.
Following the Bond link that I've covered elsewhere, there's another 007-related actor in this episode but I won't give anything away. What I can say is that Séance introduces Billy Piper's character, Brona Croft, as well as Reeve Carney's Dorian Gray. Both actors are excellent in their respective parts and add another layer to the already enjoyable proceedings.
Alex Price plays a sympathetic Creature who Frankenstein introduces to civilisation. His delight at experiencing the world again is a joy to watch.
The highlight of this episode, however, is the séance itself and, in particular, the exquisite Eva Green's performance. Just as Sigourney Weaver is delightful when possessed by Zul, so is Eva Green when inhabited by God-knows-what. Listening to Ms. Green spout the most powerful of four letter words on a few occasions whilst moving like one of the Evil Dead's Deadites is a strangely erotic experience. But perhaps that's just me.
The music this week really struck me as fantastic. It doesn't smother the action and dialogue in the manner that, say, Murray Gold's soundtracks do. No, Abel Korzeniowski's music is perfectly matched to the action on screen and is subtle but provocative.
An excellent piece of television.