9 Episodes
Short on time? Here's the essentials:
In "Penny Dreadful" Season 3, Vanessa Ives, a woman plagued by supernatural forces, seeks help from Dr. Seward. Meanwhile, Ethan Chandler, a man with a dark secret, is on the run, and Sir Malcolm Murray, a seasoned explorer, searches for him. The season's core conflict revolves around Dracula, who is revealed to be Dr. Sweet, a charming doctor Vanessa has met. He seeks to claim Vanessa and plunge the world into darkness.
Dracula's influence grows as he manipulates those around Vanessa, including Renfield. A major turning point occurs when Dracula bites Vanessa, marking her as his. In a desperate attempt to save her and the world, Ethan, Sir Malcolm, and Kaetenay confront Dracula. The season culminates in a tragic choice: Ethan, at Vanessa's own request, shoots and kills her to prevent Dracula from fully claiming her soul and to end the encroaching darkness.
Season 3 of Penny Dreadful covers episodes 1-9. Here's everything that happened:
Season 3, Episode 1: The Day Tennyson Died - Vanessa is in deep despair, prompting Lyle to recommend Dr. Seward. Ethan, now a prisoner, is freed by men working for his father. Sir Malcolm is saved in Zanzibar by Kaetenay. Victor seeks Jekyll's help with Lily. Renfield is taken by Dracula, who orders him to spy on Vanessa.
Season 3, Episode 2: Predators Far and Near - Lily and Dorian rescue Justine from a torture house, promising revenge. Ethan, with Hecate's help, transforms and massacres his escorts. Vanessa sees Dr. Sweet, unaware he is Dracula. The episode concludes with the reveal of Dr. Sweet as Dracula.
Season 3, Episode 3: Good and Evil Braided Be - Ethan and Hecate are tracked by Sir Malcolm and Kaetenay as they journey through the desert. The Creature seeks out his estranged family in London. Lily and Dorian induct Justine into their fold with a blood-soaked ritual. Vanessa confronts a familiar of Dracula, learning she's met his master before. The episode concludes with Vanessa under hypnosis, revealing John Clare as the "master".
Season 3, Episode 4: A Blade of Grass - Through hypnosis with Dr. Seward, Vanessa revisits her time in an asylum, encountering a kind orderly. The orderly is revealed to be John Clare before he became Frankenstein's creature. Lucifer appears, attempting to seduce Vanessa, followed by Dracula, who reveals himself as Lucifer's brother. Vanessa realizes Dracula is the demon pursuing her and remembers his name.
Season 3, Episode 5: This World Is Our Hell - Ethan and Hecate struggle to survive in the desert while discussing their dark pasts. Kaetenay reveals Ethan's history to Malcolm. Victor succeeds in sustaining Hyde's formula on Balfour. Ethan's father confronts him, demanding repentance, but Ethan embraces his sins, setting the stage for a deadly showdown and Ethan's descent further into darkness.
Season 3, Episode 6: No Beast So Fierce - Vanessa succumbs to Dracula's charm, sleeping with him. Ethan faces his father, but Malcolm fatally shoots Jared Talbot. Hecate is killed by Rusk while defending Ethan. Lily rebuffs Victor's cure attempt, and Dorian clashes with Justine.
Season 3, Episode 7: Ebb Tide - Kaetenay envisions doom, prompting Malcolm and Ethan's return to London. Vanessa learns Dr. Sweet is Dracula with Catriona's help. Lily rallies her female army, disturbing Dorian, who then helps Victor and Jekyll kidnap Lily. Vanessa confronts Dracula, but succumbs and lets him bite her.
Season 3, Episode 8: Perpetual Night - Ethan, Sir Malcolm, and Kaetenay return to a London consumed by a plague-ridden fog. Dr. Seward discovers Renfield's allegiance to Dracula. Dorian dismisses Lily's army and kills Justine. Lily reveals a tragic past to Victor, who then releases her. The episode concludes with Ethan encountering Dracula, setting the stage for the final confrontation.
Season 3, Episode 9: The Blessed Dark - Ethan learns Kaetenay's secret as the group confronts Dracula to save Vanessa. Lily leaves Dorian, seeking independence. Ethan, at Vanessa's request, shoots and kills her to end the darkness. The episode concludes with Vanessa's funeral and the surviving characters contemplating their futures.
