8 Episodes
Short on time? Here's the essentials:
In 1891 London, the mysterious Vanessa Ives and the determined Sir Malcolm Murray, an explorer searching for his abducted daughter Mina, recruit American sharpshooter Ethan Chandler to combat a dark supernatural threat. Meanwhile, Dr. Victor Frankenstein, a brilliant scientist, successfully reanimates a corpse, creating his first Creature, Caliban.
The central conflict involves finding Mina, held by a powerful vampire entity, and Vanessa's escalating demonic possession. Caliban demands a companion from Victor, threatening his loved ones. Vanessa's past reveals her deep connection to Mina and the origins of her possession. Her demonic affliction intensifies, making her a target for the Devil, though Ethan's exorcism provides temporary relief.
The season culminates in a confrontation where Sir Malcolm finds Mina but kills her when she is revealed to be fully turned. Victor euthanizes Brona, planning to reanimate her as a bride for Caliban. Ethan is revealed to be a werewolf, and Vanessa seeks help from a priest.
Season 1 of Penny Dreadful covers episodes 1-8. Here's everything that happened:
Season 1, Episode 1: Night Work - In 1891 London, Vanessa Ives and Sir Malcolm Murray recruit Ethan Chandler to combat a dark threat. They venture into an opium den and confront vampires, seeking Malcolm's missing daughter, Mina. Meanwhile, Dr. Victor Frankenstein successfully reanimates a corpse in his secret lab. The episode concludes with Frankenstein introducing himself to his newly created monster.
Season 1, Episode 2: Séance - The episode introduces Dorian Gray and Brona Croft. Vanessa and Sir Malcolm attend a séance where Vanessa becomes possessed, revealing secrets and hinting at a dark fate. Meanwhile, Victor names his creation Proteus, who is then brutally murdered by Frankenstein's first creation. The episode concludes with the shocking arrival of Frankenstein's firstborn.
Season 1, Episode 3: Resurrection - The episode reveals Victor Frankenstein's past and the return of his first Creature, who demands a companion. The team hunts for Mina at the London Zoo, finding Fenton, a vampire's thrall. Vanessa is used as bait, and Sir Malcolm admits the creature seeks her. Victor is threatened to create a mate for Caliban or face the death of everyone he loves.
Season 1, Episode 4: Demimonde - Vanessa's fascination with Dorian intensifies as she visits his estate. Victor collaborates with Van Helsing to analyze Fenton's blood. Fenton escapes and is killed during a confrontation with Sir Malcolm. Ethan and Dorian share a passionate kiss, leading to a sexual encounter. The episode concludes with Ethan and Dorian removing each other's shirts.
Season 1, Episode 5: Closer than Sisters - The episode reveals Vanessa's past through a letter to Mina, detailing their close childhood and the events that led to their estrangement. Vanessa's affair with Mina's fiancé and witnessing her mother's affair with Sir Malcolm trigger her descent into madness and demonic possession. Vanessa's mother dies after witnessing Vanessa's possession. Mina, now controlled by "The Master," appears, begging Vanessa for help. The episode concludes with Vanessa seeking out Sir Malcolm, forming a pact to find Mina.
Season 1, Episode 6: What Death Can Join Together - Vanessa's vision leads Sir Malcolm, Ethan, and Sembene to a quarantined ship, where they battle vampires but fail to rescue Mina. Meanwhile, Victor learns more about vampires from Van Helsing, but Caliban brutally murders Van Helsing. Vanessa's night with Dorian unlocks a dark change within her, culminating in a terrifying demonic possession.
Season 1, Episode 7: Possession - Vanessa's possession intensifies, revealing secrets and straining relationships. She taunts Malcolm with his past and forces Victor into uncomfortable examinations. Ethan attempts an exorcism, but the Devil appears, seeking Vanessa as the Mother of Evil. Ultimately, Ethan's efforts provide temporary relief, and Vanessa declares she knows Mina's location, setting the stage for the finale.
Season 1, Episode 8: Grand Guignol - Vanessa believes Mina is at the Grand Guignol. Victor euthanizes Brona, planning to reanimate her as a bride for Caliban. Ethan is revealed to be a werewolf after being cornered. The group confronts the vampires; Sir Malcolm finds Mina, but ultimately kills her when he sees she's been turned. The episode concludes with Vanessa seeking help from a priest.
