S02.E07: Little Scorpion

[Tara Ariano]

Vanessa and Ethan flee to the Cut-Wife's cottage on the lonely moors where they draw closer together, until a figure from her dark past resurfaces. Meanwhile, Lyle and Frankenstein uncover disturbing information from the Verbis Diablo relics; and its learned that Lily isn't what she appears to be.

 

[BuddhaBelly]

This episode disappointed me. It was not what I expected.

[Primetimer]

Ethan and Vanessa retreat to the moors house. Do they Do It? Or does something even crazier happen?

Read the story

[raven]

Loved it. 

 

Sembene counseling Ethan was great.  Werewolves don't look in the mirror, so of course Ethan wants to know "what did you see".  We get another wolf out but have to hear a sheep screaming :( 

 

I wasn't sure last week, but I think Dorian recognizes Lily and has some kind of idea about what's going on - he mentions her cold hands and I'm sure he directed them to the waxworks to see the body being dug up to be "given to a doctor".  Truth, I was very annoyed to switch back to them from the moors, practically grinding my teeth and then whoa, Lily's own inner monster comes out!  Finally something interesting with her!

 

Mr Lyle and Victor working the puzzle was spooky fun (I've said before, I love how the show pairs the different characters) - and really, if someone would tell a secret, they would know they have the scorpion and hound of God RIGHT THERE, lol.

 

But the best was Vanessa and Ethan.  Cooking, telling stories, shooting and dancing - and he cut down the tree!  Josh and Eva work completely as great friends and then the kiss was hot too.  My gothic tale-loving heart was all in for the thunderstorm (and hey, I enjoy a good thunderstorm myself, unlike my dog) on the windswept moor.   Annnnnd then NO.  OK, Vanessa says they're too dangerous.  Let's be friends.

 

But we come back to the nasty reality and Vanessa won't let Ethan take her revenge, she will do it herself and roll out the black magic, TYVM.  Eek, my only worry was a possible rift in their friendship, don't go there.

 

I'm totally on board with Vanessa's hatred of dolls.  Never liked them as a kid either.  She's right, they watch you when you're sleeping...probably get up at night and walk around...picking up knives....*shudder*.

Edited June 15, 2015 by raven

[absolutelyido]

and really, if someone would tell a secret, they would know they have the scorpion and hound of God RIGHT THERE, lol.

I think Lyle knows that Vanessa is The Scorpion because she is clearly the focus of the devil's obsession.  And I think he has figured out that Ethan is the Hound of God. He encouraged Ethan to leave with Vanessa and when Victor said they needed to help Vanessa, Lyle said that he didn't think she was without protection. I could be wrong.

 

It seems like Ethan truly is the only thing preventing the devil from completely possessing Vanessa. Ethan said he felt that was his one purpose in life, and Lyle said the puzzle kept coming back to Lupus Dei. I think because the devil could never get past Lupus Dei to possess The Scorpion.

 

But the best was Vanessa and Ethan.  Cooking, telling stories, shooting and dancing - and he cut down the tree!  Josh and Eva work completely as great friends and then the kiss was hot too.  My gothic tale-loving heart was all in for the thunderstorm (and hey, I enjoy a good thunderstorm myself, unlike my dog) on the windswept moor.   Annnnnd then NO.  OK, Vanessa is too dangerous.  Let's be friends.

I know! I thought for sure they were finally going to get it on. I was so disappointed when she friend-zoned him!

[maxineofarc]

The one and only thing I care about is WHERE CAN I GET THAT SWEATER?

[spaceghostess]

This show! Had to process for a bit, but here goes: The episode worked for me because it took my shippy little heart and gave it a good stomp. The romance novel tropes were all there: bonding through shooting, dancing, and domesticity; the tree chopping statement, the declaration of commitment. And then there were the signposts of the actual Romantic movement: byronic hero; nature as character, extremes of emotion. What won me over was the way the romancey bait built to a strong Romantic movement switch. In the cozy, candlelit house and on the gorgeous moors, Vanessa and Ethan get to know each other . . . or do they? The shit doesn't really hit the fan until after they confront Sir Evil Asshole of House Evil Assholery on the forest path. Vanessa makes her choice, Ethan gets judgy (which I totally bought, given that he comes from judgy people and is hardest on himself), and we (and they) are left in darkness. Now, having each fallen from the pedestals on which they'd placed each other, these two crazy kids might just be able to get somewhere. My shippy soul and actual brain appreciate this approach.

 

In other news: Lily's revenge was something I maybe should have seen coming, but didn't. Loved it! And Sembene is the shit, as always. Ethan couldn't have picked a better witness.

[spaceghostess]

The one and only thing I care about is WHERE CAN I GET THAT SWEATER?

I know, right?  So much awesome sweater porn on Ethan and V.  I want 7,000 yards of hand spun wool to knit those puppies. Unfortunately, there's a surprising dearth of Penny Dreadful-inspired patterns on Ravelry. I thought people would've gotten right on that by now, dangit.

Edited June 15, 2015 by spaceghostess

[SteveAC10]

 

The episode worked for me because it took my shippy little heart and gave it a good stomp.

Which is why it was so great. We're all waiting for the dirty deed, they're alone together and then....at least one of them THINKS! That's what I love about this show. It's not afraid to say "f**k you" to expectations - even when they set them up for us.

[Bec]

Whoa, Vanessa killed the shit out of that guy. But I was clapping and cheering. Call me bloodthirsty. But even more surprising was Lily killing the shit out of that other guy. Damn! But I love it. I wonder if she remembers her old life, then?

 

I like Victor's scene with Vanessa and that he didn't try to prevent Lily from going out. I think he looked sad and remorseful? Like he's sorry that he let his ego get the best of him and got all jealous the night before.

 

When Vanessa was talking about her fear of dolls, I can't help but think she's going to loooove Madam Kali's room of dolls.

 

Is Caliban going to try to kill Dorian? That might be interesting considering Dorian is apparently immortal from what the show has shown us (I never actually read the book, so). Or maybe he's going to take it out on Victor. He might have to get in line behind Lily.

[Glade]

Another gorgeous episode!  That flashback ep at the beginning of the season was worth it to set this up!  And Ethan's clothes when they went out on their walking tours together were just amazing!  And it was almost all the better that it didn't lead to sex--I'm sure Vanessa's darker impulses will repel the hound of god, and even though she loves Ethan at the same time.  I was thinking, when she was having those dogs maul their owner to death, why not get rid of the witches at the same time--but then I guess she might need to know the identity of Mrs. Poole first.  I thought the witches might have started that fire, but it looks like they weren't attacking the house.  

 

I'm glad that Victor still remembers his conversation with Van Helsing before Caliban killed him last season.  He and Lyle were great together.  But it seems that for Lily the world is becoming smaller and smaller (and not because of Victor)-- as she regains little bits of memory, she wants to kill and destroy her old life.  That scene was totally psycho.  That old guy seemed to ask her if she had come home so I guess he recognized her, but I can't place him as a character we saw last season. 

 

In any case, she  isn't a new person; it isn't that easy to escape your past.  We'll see what happens, I don't think this situation has to end in violence and nor is anyone justified in attacking other people over Lily at this point.  Certainly Ethan wouldn't approve of that violence, and hopefully Caliban can move on himself.  I hope that is another expectation which will be disapointed, though Lily herself could become a serial killer at this point.

Edited June 15, 2015 by Glade

[Bama]

I don't think Vanessa HERSELF friend-zoned Ethan.  I think the demon inside her recognized Ethan as "The Hound of God" and thus, he and Vanessa getting together could be a danger to the demon's possession of Vanessa.

 

The way she said "We're dangerous together" didn't even sound like Vanessa's voice.  It was deeper, growlier, manlier.

 

I'm not sure I like the implication that all is needed to save Vanessa from the devil is sexing it up with Ethan.  I hope - and think - this show won't make it as simple as that.

[Bec]

That house totally caught on fire because it was struck by lightning (because they cut down that tall, tall tree that used to serve as a lightning rod). When Vanessa was saying how much she doesn't like trees I couldn't help but think "It's not the trees' fault, Vanessa".

 

In any case, just because they didn't have sex doesn't mean they're friend-zoned. It's clear she cares for him in a more-than-friends way.

 

I took the "we" in her "we're dangerous" as meaning Vanessa and the demon in her. Not her and Ethan. Nor the royal "we". Hee. But it sure is a very different interpretation if it meant her and Ethan are dangerous together. Hmm.

 

It's refreshing to have Lily going around killing johns. After the long and horrible history of prostitutes being killed, nice to have something different. I sure didn't see it coming (no pun intended).

[teddysmom]

Now we know why Dorian was kept around for Season 2.

Does one lose their soul if they avenge another's death? Especially since that death was brought about because of spells cast in the name of Satan?

It would seem Vanessa released the dogs from their awful owner, (starve a dog to make it behave?) and avenged her dear friend's murder. If I was in Vanessa's shoes, I'd risk my soul to set things right.

Love how the wardrobe lightened up when they're at the Cut Wife's house. Those sweaters and scarves Vanessa was wearing would be as adorable now as they were in 1890.

[TexasGal]

The first light blue coat Vanessa was wearing on the moors!  The incredible scarf when she was "learning" how to shoot!  And Ethan's sweaters!  Oh, the clothes porn.  I love you show.

[islandgal140]

For a moment there I thought this was going to be an all Vanessa/Ethan episode. Kinda glad it wasn't, however I was glad of the break from the Witches and Caliban. 

 

Lily? Wellity, wellity, wellity, look who just got interesting. Never thought I would type this but in an episode where we have a Vanessa and Ethan kiss, Lily's storyline development for me was the most interesting. She went all Aileen Wuornos on my ass without warning. Normally I would hate such an out of the blue character change like this but damn I think given the nature of the show & her backstory this works for me like a motherfucka! Love it! So much for a reunion with Ethan.

 

I really loved the scene between Sembene and Ethan. Danny Sapani who plays Sembene did an amazing job. I really do wish they would give him a backstory and/or a fuller picture of what his needs and wants are before he crosses over completely into that awful 'magical negro' trope. 

 

The puzzle solving over the devil's narrative continues to be one of my fave aspects of the show and I loved the pairing of Frankenstein and Mr. Lyle.

 

I think now it is more clear than ever that Mr. Lyle is team Vanessa. Him not wanting Vanessa to tell them (read him) where she and Ethan were going was a way to protect them. If he doesn't know, he can't tell the witches. 

 

Ethan looked incredibly modern this episode but I could buy that it was 19th century West American casual cowboy style. You could have scooped him up and put him in a Hollister ad and he would have look right at home. 

 

So Vanessa read from the big bad book of spells

 

I had to LOL! when Ethan wanting to learn how to dance. 2nd man on the show who wanted to be able to cut a rug. 

 

The kissing on the stormy moors scene between Ethan and Vanessa was nice but not really hot enough for me. I still don't know whether I want them as a couple are not. I could still take them or leave them as lovers but do out and out love them as friends.

[teddysmom]

The first light blue coat Vanessa was wearing on the moors!  The incredible scarf when she was "learning" how to shoot!  And Ethan's sweaters!

 

It reminded me of how the wardrobe colors changed on Breaking Bad, depending on how the character was changing. 

 

It was used to reflect a lighter mood here, (and needing warmer clothes) but ITA, the clothes porn was spot on this week. 

[Dirtybubble]

I too was geeking out over Ethan's sweater and jacket even if it seemed a bit too modern for the 1900s.

 

From the recap:

 

The only thing missing is a scene where they drop live lobsters on their kitchen floor.

GAH loved your Annie Hall reference!

 

All I want to know now is: what the hell is Vanessa always smoking? It was considered improper for a British lady of that time to smoke cigarettes at all, so if she's just puffing tobacco, that's already idiosyncratic. But is it just tobacco? What do you think?

 

I'm of the opinion that is NOT tobacco they are smoking.  You don't pass a normal cigarette around like that.  Plus with all the b/s and stress that is going on in their lives I would think the occassional doobie would be in order for them.  Not that I'm promoting drug use but if there is anyone who needs to smoke weed it's these two.

 

 

[pele2102]

Whoa, Vanessa killed the shit out of that guy. But I was clapping and cheering. Call me bloodthirsty. But even more surprising was Lily killing the shit out of that other guy. Damn! But I love it. I wonder if she remembers her old life, then?

 

I've always believed in my own dark little heart that Lily's story would be RAWR AGENCY FUCKERS so I am more than thrilled that she's killing Johns. Considering the epic amount of shit Brona had thrown at her I'm glad Lily can kick some ass.

 

And Ethan you don't get to tell the story of how you massacred an Indian village while "they planned dinner" and be all judgy over the TOTALLY justifiable murder of the asshole that burned her witch mama. Shut it Ethan.

[TiffanyNichelle]

I guess Lily is remembering her life as Brona and acted on what she probably always wanted to do to her clients.

[Raachel2008]

This show is making  it really hard for me to not ship Vanessa and Ethan. Sigh. Why do they need to be so good/hot/cute/interesting/adorable/hot/powerful together? SIGH.

Edited June 15, 2015 by Raachel2008

[DarkRaichu]

 

 

I think now it is more clear than ever that Mr. Lyle is team Vanessa. Him not wanting Vanessa to tell them (read him) where she and Ethan were going was a way to protect them. If he doesn't know, he can't tell the witches. 

 

 

 

Hmm, somehow I got the impression that Mr. Lyle knew Sir Malcolm was under the control of the witch, thus knowing what being discussed in that room.  It was funny how bewitched!Malcolm tried to keep Vanessa and Ethan in the house and everyone else unanimously ignored him.  

[yourmomiseasy]

I think I'm saving this episode to my Tivo and hoping it never crashes. There were so many great things, but the knitwear porn! OMG. I process and dye my own wool, spin yarn, and knit. I wanted to stay up all night recreating the sweaters. I just found everything about this episode stunning and I think the knitwear went a long way towards that.

[yourmomiseasy]

Hmm, somehow I got the impression that Mr. Lyle knew Sir Malcolm was under the control of the witch, thus knowing what being discussed in that room.  It was funny how bewitched!Malcolm tried to keep Vanessa and Ethan in the house and everyone else unanimously ignored him.  

 

I think we saw Ms. Poole talking to Mr. Lyle about how she had enchanted Sir Malcolm last episode, I remember her talking about a love struck fool.  It was when they were talking about if she should go to the ball and the fly eating the spider and how eternal youth costs everything.

[Dirtybubble]

Ha! I love how Ethan's clothes are getting the most love this episode. =D So other interesting tidbits: Caliban/John Carter saw Lily & Dorian together....I wonder if he is going to seek revenge on Dorian--try to hurt him in some way....maybe that will lead to clues as to what Dorian is all about.

 

No Angelique this week, boo. =(

 

 

 

I guess Lily is remembering her life as Brona and acted on what she probably always wanted to do to her clients.

Ya know I had completely forgotten that Brona was a prostitute in her previous life and yeah she looked like she completely checked out when that older gentleman was on top of her. It was probably a very similar senario when she was alive so could be acting on her impulses *shrug*. I just hope this doesn't turn into a long, drawn out story line for her as to who killed this schmuck and we have the same inspector following her around as we do with Ethan.

 

Sooo are we in agreement here that Vanessa knows Ethan is a werewolf? Sometimes this show can be so vague on need to know information! I kinda got the impression she did with that conversation they had about the demons inside each other but IDK, they've talked about that before and she didn't seem to know then but...now she does *shrug*

Edited June 15, 2015 by Dirtybubble

[rubinia]

Uh, why didn't Vanessa just use the ev0l spell book to get rid of the Nightcomers?

[yourmomiseasy]

Ha! I love how Ethan's clothes are getting the most love this episode. =D 

 

Vanessa's no slouch in the packing for the Moors department either.  Right now his sweater is my favorite, it just had great texture and looked like it was made from yummy yarn, but she had some great sweaters and scarves too, so I might switch favorites upon rewatches.

[absolutelyido]

I don't think Vanessa HERSELF friend-zoned Ethan.  I think the demon inside her recognized Ethan as "The Hound of God" and thus, he and Vanessa getting together could be a danger to the demon's possession of Vanessa.

The way she said "We're dangerous together" didn't even sound like Vanessa's voice.  It was deeper, growlier, manlier.

I watched again, and you are correct, it sounded like the demon rather than Vanessa.

 

When Mr. Lyle was talking to Victor about the puzzle, he talked about two Egyptian gods who were in love but could not be together or it would bring about the end of the world. I'm not sure if the comparison is to Vanessa and Ethan, who cannot be together or it will bring about the end of the world, or Vanessa and the devil together would bring about the end of the world??

 

Uh, why didn't Vanessa just use the ev0l spell book to get rid of the Nightcomers?

I think that is her plan. When she was talking to Victor before leaving he asked why she was going because she doesn't seem the type to run away. She said so far they had only been thrashing at the witches and she was going to get a better weapon. I have a feeling the book will be coming back to London with her.

[Ravenya003]

So much great stuff here!

 

Ethan and Vanessa out on the moors led to some great material; my favourite being that stunning shot in which she twirls in his arms while the lightening flashes outside. And I loved the comparison to the last shooting session we saw: Malcolm is a bit put-out that Evelyn is a better shot than him, whereas Ethan is totally delighted that Vanessa has a gift for it. 

 

Something that did bug me was Ethan's anger at Vanessa killing the Lord of the Manor because somehow it will make her "less innocent" or "endanger her soul". This comes up a LOT in these sorts of stories (think Gunn/Fred on "Angel" or Erik/Xavier in "X-Men") in which someone tries to convince the other that they're doing the wrong thing by killing a highly dangerous and deserving opponent who poses a threat to innocent people. Hopefully this won't cause an uproar, but I think that in some cases (when incarceration isn't an option or the justice system somehow fails) homocide IS justifiable. I certainly don't feel particularly judgemental for Vanessa taking the life of a man who has obviously raped and murdered plenty of people throughout his lifetime with no consequences whatsoever. 

 

And sure, it's easy enough for me to say that in a fictional setting, and if I was in Ethan's shoes I certainly wouldn't be encouraging Vanessa to commit witchcraft murder, but the idea that someone deliberately taking a life "taints" their soul gets on my nerves. Especially since we're dealing with a woman who has already screwed the devil on at least one occasion. Killing someone kind of feels like a step back from that!

 

Speaking of the Lord of the Manor, was anyone else surprised that he was still alive? I recall Evelyn mentioning her "late husband" in season one, though I suppose she could have been talking about someone different (she does have a long life, after all). So what's the arrangement between them? Did they divorce or did she just leave him? For all we know, Evelyn could be living under an assumed identity in London and her hubby thinks she's dead. 

 

Lily also just got very interesting, and like Vanessa, she also took the life of an unpleasant man. I can't help but feel that comparison was deliberate, and judging from next week's promo I am going to LOVE the sight of her reasserting her agency over all the manipulative men that surround her. I wonder though what drove her into that pub/the man's bed? Was it her old memories as a prostitute rising up to the surface? Where then did the violent streak come from? 

 

And as always, I love the on-going puzzle of the Verbis Diablo on the miscellaneous objects. All I ask is a little bit more clarification on what exactly the devil/the witches's gameplan is. Seriously, what exactly are the witches trying to DO? Groom Vanessa to be Lucifer's bride? If so, they're going about it in a pretty counterproductive way.

 

And Vanessa is afraid of dolls! Wow, she's gonna love Evelyn's favourite room. 

[TrininisaScorp]

So many dark, terrible things!  Another episode that was beautifully shot with exquisite costumes this week.

 

Once again, I’m struck by the sweet friendship between Victor and Vanessa.  When did this start?  I don’t recall it last season.  As Sir Malcolm behaves oddly (and bewitched), I like that Victor automatically questions his questioning of Vanessa’s state of mind.

 

As many mentioned, Victor didn’t seem like the possessive dick we saw at the end of last week.  Thank goodness.  I like the mental pairing of Lyle and Frankenstein.  They are slowly, slowly unraveling this puzzle. 

 

I couldn’t see it last week, but you guys were right:  Dorian knows about Lily/Brona.  Dorian totally knows and is fascinated.  Poor Angelique.  I really didn’t see the Lilly murdering johns thing at all!  Interesting!  Between that cool turn of events and Caliban, looks like Victors’ chickens are coming home to roost. 

 

Onto Ethan and Vanessa…oh my.  Those two are pretty awesomely messy and sexy and wonderful.  How very gothic and romantic to be on the moors in the house all by themselves. So, have we decided he’s a protector and can’t mingle with the Scorpion OR they two of them together are dangerous (like, with Dorian)?  I know killing what’s his name via magic puts Vanessa’s soul at risk, but I can’t be bothered to feel bad for the asshole. 

Edited June 16, 2015 by TrininisaScorp

[rozen]

If you're being stalked by the devil, I think it's a pretty reasonable position to demand you refrain from turning into a black magic using, bloodthirsty, murderer. That's not even taking into account the amount of self-flagellation Vanessa undergoes for horrible things mostly outside her agency. Ethan doesn't think she can bear the weight, and he's probably right. With enough self-loathing she absolutely would deliver herself to Him, as she almost has before. Ethan just wants to be your sin-eater girl, let him take of it for you :P.

 

Sir Malcom has been Vanessa's number one believer and advocate. He shot his own daughter for her, ferchrissakes! The minute he insisted it was "female hysteria" everyone's head should have snapped on a swivel, and they should have instantly known he's been compromised. Glamour and sex-based magic is like, perfectly plausible, compared to the other shit they've seen and fought on a regular basis. 

 

I don't blame Vanessa for friend-zoning Ethan. Magnetic attraction to someone has never worked out well for her, so yes I would expect her to anticipate Bad Shit happening if she got down with EC.

 

Oh, there's the twisted Dorian Grey I expect! He is having the time of his life trying to jog Brona's memory. 

[Dobian]

So what's this new gig of Bronalily's, Frankenhooker?

[yourmomiseasy]

 

Speaking of the Lord of the Manor, was anyone else surprised that he was still alive? I recall Evelyn mentioning her "late husband" in season one, though I suppose she could have been talking about someone different (she does have a long life, after all). So what's the arrangement between them? Did they divorce or did she just leave him? For all we know, Evelyn could be living under an assumed identity in London and her hubby thinks she's dead. 

 

 

I don't think they were married.  I think she was just screwing him until he did what she wanted.  She probably enchanted him in some way like she did Sir Malcolm.  

[Maum]

I don't think Vanessa knows Ethan is a werewolf. She knows he has a dark secret but I don't recall him ever telling her about it- he only mentioned blackouts and blood. I'm not sure even he knew what he was at that time- Sembene is the only actual witness to his transformation.

 

I agree with all who said the demon pushed Ethan away and not Vanessa. She only reacted and freaked out when the kiss became more intimate and 'loving'. 

 

When Mr. Lyle was talking to Victor about the puzzle, he talked about two Egyptian gods who were in love but could not be together or it would bring about the end of the world. I'm not sure if the comparison is to Vanessa and Ethan, who cannot be together or it will bring about the end of the world, or Vanessa and the devil together would bring about the end of the world??

 

 

To me it is Vanessa and the demon. At first I did think he meant Vanessa and Ethan but then he talked about the Hound of God being a threat to the demon and then the trio of Scorpion- Vanessa, Hound- Ethan and demon- Amon-Ra.

[spaceghostess]

Maybe the Hound of God reference comes from Thiess of Kaltenbrun.

Wow, you were really on to something when you posted this episodes ago! I love how the show is using this idea to intertwine Ethan and Vanessa's stories.

 

Additional thoughts on "Little Scorpion" several viewings later:

 

--  I agree with everyone who said the gang should have put two and two together re: Sir Malcolm already. He's acting like a Stepford boyfriend, and the only variable is Evelyn, so that should be a huge red flag. It seemed like they were going to run with that when, in "Glorious Horrors", Sembene flatly stated, "This isn't him." I know it's in service of timing out the story, but in a show this good at characterization, it's too awkward.

 

-- There's no way Vanessa wouldn't comment on the nasty scabs ringing Ethan's wrists. They're exposed and obvious during the tree chopping scene (kudos to the continuity of showing them in various stages of rawness and healing, btw), which leads me to believe there may be a snippet on the cutting room floor of Vanessa asking and Ethan evading the question. Also? Josh Hartnett chopping wood in that outfit with his hair blowing around is an image I never thought I needed, but now don't know how I lived without. And I've never, historically, had a thing for long hair. Or Josh Hartnett. So there you go.

 

-- LOVE the flipflop of the cliche of his manly arms embracing her as he teaches her to aim, shoot, and fire. She's a crack shot, any manly arms around her happened off camera, and we are instead treated to her reaching around his waist to grab cartridges conveniently located directly above his ass. Oh, and she says "Let me." And he does. Because V. is a boss, and Ethan likes it. I may have watched that a few (dozen) times.

 

-- I don't think Evelyn had to do much enthralling to get Shithead of the Manor to perform his wicked deeds. He was already horrible; he barely needed a push to incite murder, and the moment he encounters Vanessa again, he's threatening to burn down the house with her in it. His death was really perfect; so much better than the quick one Ethan would've given him.

 

-- Lily, Lily, Lily. Really glad to see her preternatural physical qualities finally come to the fore. When Mr. Spaceghostess was watching, he said "I wonder if she's really strong" just a few seconds before she throttled that guy. I like this turn of events and trust that the show can do something deep and interesting with it.

 

-- The preview seems to reveal that my prediction from a while back re: 

Angelique discovering Dorian's portrait and suffering the consequences

is going to come to fruition. Surely, it will be upsetting to watch ("Of course it will be; and don't call me Shirley.") but I think it needs to happen to strengthen that branch of the PD tree.

 

Only three episodes left. Any word on Season 3?

Edited June 16, 2015 by spaceghostess

[iMonrey]

 

I'm of the opinion that is NOT tobacco they are smoking.  You don't pass a normal cigarette around like that.  Plus with all the b/s and stress that is going on in their lives I would think the occassional doobie would be in order for them.  Not that I'm promoting drug use but if there is anyone who needs to smoke weed it's these two.

 

Actually, back when you had to roll your own and there were no filters, passing the cigarette back and forth was pretty common. Still is in some circles.

 

Ethan's sweater looked scratchy to me. Made me itch just looking at it.

[BuddhaBelly]

I think I've finally gathered my thoughts about this episode. I didn't love it, but that's probably because I had specific expectations and they decided to subvert them. I fully expected Ethan to confess about his werewolf to Vanessa. I mean he talked about his father, a touchy topic, with her but won't share that very essential secret. This is me being petty, but they were suppose to have sex. Dammit!!!!!

 

How have they not clued into possessed Sir Malcolm, especially Vanessa? She thinks that a man in love? They're making her deliberately obtuse instead of just doing the reveal that Mrs. Poole is the witch and we all know it.

 

Were they at the Cut-Wife house for a month? I know they showed Ethan wolfing out again but I can't believe that they got from London to the British moors in a day. It's just not possible. 

 

I loved the lighting of this episode. The stark brightness when they're dancing and smiling at each other and then the lush darkness when they're sharing secrets or skirting around each other. So very pretty. 

 

 

Something that did bug me was Ethan's anger at Vanessa killing the Lord of the Manor because somehow it will make her "less innocent" or "endanger her soul". This comes up a LOT in these sorts of stories (think Gunn/Fred on "Angel" or Erik/Xavier in "X-Men") in which someone tries to convince the other that they're doing the wrong thing by killing a highly dangerous and deserving opponent who poses a threat to innocent people. Hopefully this won't cause an uproar, but I think that in some cases (when incarceration isn't an option or the justice system somehow fails) homocide IS justifiable. I certainly don't feel particularly judgemental for Vanessa taking the life of a man who has obviously raped and murdered plenty of people throughout his lifetime with no consequences whatsoever.

 

I've seen a lot of people mad about him trying to stop her from killing that guy and then judging her for it but it made so much sense to me. Ethan is full of self-loathing about his years massacring Indians and then to top it off, he's seemingly curse as punishment (?) for this crimes. He feels his soul is irrevocably lost and he wanted to stop Vanessa for sharing that same experience. Plus, it's a mortal sin and these two seem to be the most religious out of the bunch so that's going to matter to the both of them. He was dangerous, but he wasn't a real threat to them. He committed a crime, but she also doesn't know his thinking was coerced towards that line of thinking by Madam Kali. He was in no way a good man, not even pretending to be one, but Vanessa wanted revenge...so she took it. I don't know why I came away from that scene thinking "what a waste" She chose to "turn full away from God" for that pissant?

 

Dorian just made himself interesting. Finally. 

[Sakura12]

I guess Dorian's done with Angelique and has moved on to the undead Lily who now apparently murders johns. Was that guy one of her old customers or just some random guy she decided to kill? 

 

I never had any dolls when I was little, I couldn't stand looking at them. So I agree with Vanessa, dolls are creepy, that and clowns are my two biggest fears.

 

I loved seeing Vanessa and Ethan playing house at the cut wives house. If I were Vanessa I'd be wary too, sex does bring out the devil in her. Although Ethan being her protector might result in a different outcome. I'm glad Lyle is helping Vanessa, but I think he's testing his luck with Madame Kali. A woman that makes creepy realistic voodoo dolls of people is not someone you want to betray. 

 

I was also happy she used those poor dogs to kill that guy. He withheld food from them to make them dependent on him.Serves him right for them to turn on him and use him as food. 

Edited June 16, 2015 by Sakura12

[Bort]

If I were Vanessa I'd be wary too, sex does bring out the devil in her. Although Ethan being her protector might result in a different outcome.

I think the different outcome might be Vanessa and Ethan being in love. From what we've seen of Vanessa's sexual past, they were all (both) loveless hookups.

[spaceghostess]

[Cross-posting because I dorkishly posted my original reply to the wrong episode thread.]

 

WERTHEREFFEKT, ON 02 JUN 2015 - 8:06 PM, SAID:
Maybe the Hound of God reference comes from Thiess of Kaltenbrun: 

This done, Thiess related that the wolves travelled to a place that was located "beyond the sea". This spot was a swamp near Lemburg, about half a mile away from the estate of the court's chairman. Here they entered into Hell, where they battled both the Devil and the malevolent witches who were loyal to him, beating them with long iron rods and chasing them like dogs. Thiess furthermore told the judges that the werewolves "cannot tolerate the devil", and that they were the "hounds of God".

 

 

 

Wow, you were really on to something when you posted this a while back! I love how the show is using this idea to intertwine Ethan and Vanessa's stories.

 

Additional thoughts on "Little Scorpion" several viewings later:

--  I agree with those who believe the gang should have put two and two together re: Sir Malcolm by now. He's acting like a Stepford boyfriend, and the only variable is Evelyn, so that should be a huge red flag. It seemed like they were going to run with that when, in "Glorious Horrors", Sembene insisted, "This isn't him." I know it's in service of timing out the story, but in a show this good at characterization, it's too awkward.

 

-- There's no way Vanessa wouldn't comment on the nasty scabs ringing Ethan's wrists. They're exposed and obvious during the tree chopping scene (kudos to the continuity folks' showing them in various stages of rawness and healing, btw), which leads me to believe there may be a snippet on the cutting room floor of Vanessa asking about them and Ethan evading the question. Also? Josh Hartnett chopping wood in that outfit with his hair blowing around is an image I never thought I needed, but now don't know how I lived without. And I've never had a thing for long hair. Or Josh Hartnett. So there you go.

 

-- LOVE the subversion of the cliche of his manly arms embracing her as he teaches her to shoot. She's a crack shot, any manly arms around her happened off camera, and we are instead treated to her reaching around his waist to grab cartridges conveniently located directly above his ass. Oh, and she says "Let me." And he does. Because V. is a boss, and Ethan likes it. I may have watched that a few (dozen) times.

 

-- I don't think Evelyn had to do much enthralling to get Shithead of the Manor to perform his wicked deeds. He was already horrible; he barely needed a push to incite murder, and the moment he encounters Vanessa again, he's threatening to burn down the house with her in it. His death was really perfect; so much better than the quick one Ethan would've given him.

 

-- Lily, Lily, Lily. Excited to see her preternatural physical qualities finally come to the fore. When Mr. Spaceghostess was watching, he said "I wonder if she's really strong" just a few seconds before she throttled that guy. I like this turn of events and trust that the show can do something deep and interesting with it.

 

-- The preview seems to reveal that my prediction from a while back re:

Angelique discovering the portrait and suffering the consequences

 is going to come to fruition. Surely, it will be upsetting to watch ("Of course it will be; and don't call me Shirley.") but I think it needs to happen to strengthen that branch of the PD tree.

 

Only three episodes left. Any word on Season 3?

 

Edited to answer my own question:  Whoo hoo -- PD's been picked up for another season!!

Edited June 19, 2015 by spaceghostess

[Maum]

Great news! It is my favourite show of the moment by far.

[Fredward]

This is a show that seems to like subverting at least some tropes so I'm hoping they don't do the whole 'you are no longer pure, you have muuuurdeeeerrreeedd and there will be conseeeeeequences...!' although this show has more justification than a lot of others if they go down that road. She IS connected to Lucyfur after all. But if she does go all dark I hope it's cuz she read out of the evil book the Cut-Wife specifically warned her to only do under dire duress and not some nebulous cosmic justice force.

 

Dorian seems to have lost all interest in Angelique which is dickish but expected. If Bronlilly is a black widow now and kills people she sleeps with or at least people Brona slept with and the seemingly inevitable occurs and she does the nasty with Dorian... Between her and Caliban I'm expecting his immortality to be on display soon. Not that I'm sure how that ties in with the main story but maybe it doesn't. Maybe Frankenstein/Caliban/Bronlilly and Dorian will always live these main storyline adjacent lives. Except for Frankenstein who is a double dipper. I wonder if the show is just gonna forget Angelique happened at all though? I hope not. She deserves some kind of closure.

 

I almost never really notice clothes. On shows or IRL. But Penny Dreadful has some really sumptuous clothiers I swear.

 

Not sure how I feel about Sir Malcolm's lack of majestic facial hair.

 

Vanessa and Ethan got majorly gothic out on the moor. Ethan isn't nearly dickish enough to be Heathcliffe but I think Kate Bush would approve, still. I actually thought it was plain old Vanessa who warned him off. They're both of so tragic and oh so sad and oh so dangerous and doomed and stuff. She probably denied him to add to the angst they both seem to feel is fundamental parts of their characters. Which it is ofc but usually the characters aren't supposed to be so self-aware.

 

I would give anything to be a fly on the wall when either Vanessa or Evelyn do their ranty, gibberish magical spiels. It looks pretty impressive when it's delivered to our screen but I think I'd have a lot of trouble not snickering if I was there.

[darkestboy]

It wasn't my favourite episode but there was a lot I did like it with though.

The Ethan/Vanessa scenes in the moors were brilliant, even if the latter resorting to dark magic kind of spoiled anything further for now with the former though.

I like that Sembene was sympathetic towards learning about Ethan as well but he seriously needs more of a backstory of his own though.

Victor's grip on Lily is slipping and that's good for her but bad if she's going to be going around killing people though. I did like that Dorian is slowly working out that he knows her. Caliban's jealousy I couldn't care less about.

Nice scenes with Victor and Lyle this week as well. Malcolm was a bit annoying though but that's Evelyn's fault, 7/10

[maczero]

I must not have a romantic bone in my body because the Ethan/Vanessa getaway just made me think how boring a long term relationship would be back in those days.  No distractions such as tv, telephones or the internet, just you and your significant other in the middle of nowhere.  

I know! I thought for sure they were finally going to get it on. I was so disappointed when she friend-zoned him!

I thought doing the nasty brought out Vanessa's demon.  Is that no longer a thing?  And if it is, she should share that with him.  It's better than leaving him to feel rejected without giving him a reason. Besides she's been prying him about his secret, she should be willing to share hers as well.

 

Speaking of Ethan's secret, he should be doing more to keep his beastly self away from the public.  He clearly seems to know when the transformations will happen.  Why haven't we seen (before last ep) Ethan trying to restrain himself?

 

I really loved the scene between Sembene and Ethan. Danny Sapani who plays Sembene did an amazing job. I really do wish they would give him a backstory and/or a fuller picture of what his needs and wants are before he crosses over completely into that awful 'magical negro' trope. 

He's the most explicit example of this trope that I've seen in a long time.  I don't really mind it but if they don't intend to give him a real backstory then I could see how this would be offensive.

 

Hmm, somehow I got the impression that Mr. Lyle knew Sir Malcolm was under the control of the witch, thus knowing what being discussed in that room.  It was funny how bewitched!Malcolm tried to keep Vanessa and Ethan in the house and everyone else unanimously ignored him.  

I also thought Vanessa knew that Evelyn had bewitched Malcolm.  Didn't she pretty much call Poole out on this at the ball?  The weird thing is that she seems to have forgotten all that this episode and just hoped Malcolm's genuinely happy.  

[Bort]

I must not have a romantic bone in my body because the Ethan/Vanessa getaway just made me think how boring a long term relationship would be back in those days.  No distractions such as tv, telephones or the internet, just you and your significant other in the middle of nowhere.  

That's pretty much why people had like 13 kids back then (with three surviving). Nothing to do but fuck.

[luckyroll3]

Josh Hartnett chopping wood in that outfit with his hair blowing around is an image I never thought I needed, but now don't know how I lived without. And I've never had a thing for long hair. Or Josh Hartnett. So there you go.

Yes!  This was all kinds of hot!  I rewound several times....

[raven]

 

I also thought Vanessa knew that Evelyn had bewitched Malcolm.

I don't think so, though it's not clear.  She tells only Victor where she & Ethan are going because she says she can only trust him - normally I think she would tell Malcolm.

 

Then talking with Ethan on the moors, she mentions Malcolm being in love & how she doesn't want it to change her relationship with him - kind of casual if she thought he was bewitched.  Vanessa's lack of serious concern makes me think no, though she's uneasy about it.

 

 

No distractions such as tv, telephones or the internet, just you and your significant other in the middle of nowhere.

Well, there was always plenty of work to do, no coffee shops, supermarkets, etc etc

 

 

Whoo hoo -- PD's been picked up for another season!!

Yay!

[ganesh]

Ethan and Vanessa sharing a cigarette makes me *swooooooon.* Like, get me a fainting chair, or else I might hurt myself. Once they got to the house, I nearly hurt my wrist from fanning myself. And then the fire and the rain. My smoke detector went off from all the hotness wafting off my computer screen. I thought it was going to smolder into dust. 

 

Dorian most definitely knows something is up with Lily. Look at him instead of her when she's talking. I think his thing was that he thought she was Brona playing Lily, so he stfu at the ball because he's Dorian and not an idiot. When the went out alone tonight, she was saying "Oh, the city is so bustling I've never been here, zomg wax!" And he's looking at her like, 'you seriously are going to keep playing? Wait. You're being serious. Huh." Then she goes and bangs some dude and chokes him. 

 

I was actually disappointed Vanessa went to the book. Not that she actually used it to kill that guy but because the cost of killing that pos wasn't worth it. 

 

It seems like Ethan being around Vanessa is 'destined' as he's clearly the Lupus Dei that Mr. Lyle was talking about to Victor.

 

I liked how we had all this hotness going on and they cut to Victor and all his Dainty Man Pain. Talk about the air out of the balloon. 

Edited June 18, 2015 by ganesh

[tennisgurl]

This show gets me interested in the most awesome, random things. Tarot cards, ancient language, Victorian theater, scorpion inspired jewelry, and now knitted sweaters! 

 

Renewal victory dance! 

[FurryFury]

I was really impressed with the last 2 episodes. Before that, my opinion of the season was OK, but not that awesome, but the last two were great. 

 

Also, I wasn't really feeling the Ethan/Vanessa relationship. I mean, I knew where it was heading towards, I've seen enough TV, but I didn't really care (although I did and still do love their friendship). But this episode has finally established his role - which is of a Morality Pet (tm TVTropes). And also a guardian of sorts. I kinda dig the Bodyguard Crush type of romance, so I think I'm in for the ride, even if I'm not terribly invested. Although, I wasn't surprised in the slightest in her friendzoning him. It made sense - in Vanessa's case, sex mostly certainly IS evil. Or, rather, results in her being possessed and stuff. It makes sense for her to avoid romantic relationships, at least, while she can control herself.

 

I was also impressed by Lily's sudden murderous inclinations. It made her interesting, for a change. Oh, if only Caliban could become one of her victims.

 

I don't think Dorian has any romantic or sexual interest in her (although with him, who knows...) It's more likely he's curious why she's cured of tuberculosis and amnesiac.

Edited June 21, 2015 by FurryFury