This weekend, we return to the Penny Dreadful universe on Stan with Penny Dreadful: City of Angels.
Penny Dreadful: City of Angels opens with a fiery confrontation between Magda (Natalie Dormer, Picnic at Hanging Rock) and her sister Santa Muerte (Lorenza Izzo Casual), a battle which sets the tone for the series.
We are then taken to Los Angles, 1939, where Tiago Vega (Daniel Zovatto, Fear The Walking Dead) is celebrating becoming Los Angeles Police Department’s first Mexican-American detective with his family – tough as nails mum Maria (Adriana Barraza, The Stain) and siblings Mateo (Jonathan Nieves Better Call Saul) and Josephina (Jessica Garza The Purge).
Early the next day, Tiago is called into work with his partner, Lewis Michener (Nathan Lane American Crime Story), when a dead body is discovered. It’s clear that things aren’t peaceful in this neighbourhood.
Meanwhile, Tiago’s eldest brother Raul (Adam Rodriguez CSI Miami ), who is an advocate for his people, opposes planned changes to the city, which would see his neighbourhood destroyed. On top of that, other stories begin to develop, which will unfold throughout the series.
The cast is a great bunch, and hopefully, with time, Tiago’s siblings get expanded upon. Dormer and Lane are delightful, while Zovatto is a perfect choice to lead this new story.
This is just a touch of what to expect from the new Penny Dreadful, created by John Logan, which is just as gripping as its predecessor as it tackles a battle between different races, with a huge focus on Latinx culture and traditions, which feels very relevant in 2020.
With a strong opening hour, Penny Dreadful: City of Angels is set to be one of the years best new offerings.
4 Stars
Penny Dreadful: City of Angels starts Sunday, April 26, on Stan.
