Penny Dreadful: City of Angels

Penny Dreadful: City of Angels is a gripping American television series that premiered on Showtime in 2020. As a stand-alone sequel to the original Penny Dreadful series, it is deeply rooted in the same eerie realm of supernatural horror and suspense, but this time, the story unfolds in 1938 Los Angeles—a world brimming with Mexican-American folklore and social tension. Contrary to the gothic backdrop of Victorian London in the original show, City of Angels takes a striking departure, delving into the vibrant yet crisis-stricken milieu of pre-World War II Los Angeles. Set amidst a sophisticated mix of Mexican-American traditions and burgeoning city development, the plot is intricately interlaced with a multifaceted societal landscape comprising racial and political unrest and the city's smoky jazz clubs and opulent movie sets. The storyline focuses on a grisly murder which sets off a chain of events, peeling back the city's glitzy façade, to reveal a concealed world of mysticism, demonic entities, and age-old rivalries. Haunting in their symbolism, these supernatural elements are deeply woven into the socio-political fabric of the era, effectively blurring the lines between myth and reality, good and evil, and mirroring the real-world issues that permeate the storyline. The narrative adopts a dual track, leading the audience from the disturbed streets into the vibrant Chicano folklore, from the detectives' murder investigation into the heart of political power plays and sinister supernatural realms. This nocturnal landscape of Los Angeles, fraught with vice, fear, and sin, beautifully mirrors the overarching theme of the series—people's struggle with their inner demons as well as external evils. The protagonist detective Tiago Vega, played by Daniel Zovatto, and his partner Lewis Michener, played by Nathan Lane, offer nuanced performances as they navigate the dizzying maze of crime, racial prejudice, and political maneuverings in the rapidly growing city to unravel the murder mystery. The series also brings on screen the mythical figure, Santa Muerte, the Angel of Holy Death, and her demonic spiritual sister, Magda—both performed by Lorenza Izzo—who personify the supernatural aspect of the story. Penny Dreadful: City of Angels places its characters into an intricate tapestry of sunlit Los Angeles streets and shadowy corners teeming with supernatural terror. The series deftly interweaves various plots, each of which encapsulates a unique facet of the era—be it the construction of the first freeway, the rise of evangelical radio preaching, or the growth of the Third Reich's influence over the city. In true Penny Dreadful fashion, the show pushes the boundaries of horror and suspense, walking a fine line between the sunlit reality of the 1930s Los Angeles and the shadowy supernatural underworld. It offers a chilling viewing experience, probing into the themes of human nature, discrimination, and the profound impact of socio-political change. The aesthetic of the show perfectly captures this duality, with an atmospheric, monochrome backdrop that serves to enhance the gloominess of the supernatural realm, contrasted against the brightly lit city landscapes, steeped in colors and brimming with life. John Logan, the show's creator, uses this striking visual element to engage in a narrative style that is deeply symbolic and intensely rich. The series is not just another crime drama or horror show. It achieves an amalgamation of both, with each episode masterfully constructed to keep the suspense alive while giving the audience food for thought. The writing flawlessly manages to echo the larger societal issues of racial politics and societal unrest through the lens of gruesome murder and eerie experiences. Despite being set in the past, Penny Dreadful: City of Angels doesn't feel disconnected from the present era. It brings a refreshing perspective to classic horror themes, resonating with contemporary audiences by tying historical narratives to modern-day societal issues. This series is more than just a spiritual successor to the original Penny Dreadful; it boldly carves its own identity in the realm of supernatural horror, leaving its audience thoughtfully terrified and eagerly awaiting more. In all, Penny Dreadful: City of Angels is a dark, intricate, and chilling tapestry of crime, supernatural activity, and socio-political tension. It uses the city's cultural landscape as a backdrop to explore humanity's eternal struggle against evil, making it an engrossing show that will leave viewers hooked from the first episode.

Penny Dreadful: City of Angels is a series categorized as a currently airing. Spanning 1 seasons with a total of 10 episodes, the show debuted on 2020. The series has earned a moderate reviews from both critics and viewers. The IMDb score stands at 6.1.