Why Is 'Penny Dreadful: City of Angels' So Poorly Received?

Despite the anticipation and hype surrounding Penny Dreadful: City of Angels, the first season of this spin-off left many original fans disappointed. This article will delve into the reasons behind the show's poor reception and examine the key issues that detracted from its potential.

Pacing Issues and Narrative Drift

Penny Dreadful: City of Angels suffers from significant pacing issues, which might seem odd considering the promising premise. The series drags on with a slow, almost deliberate pace that fails to engage its audience. Unlike other well-received shows like Blade Runner 2049, this series introduces information and pieces of the plot in a way that feels drawn out and unnecessary. Even action scenes feel forced and out of place, making the viewing experience more frustrating than thrilling or suspenseful.

The Disconnect from Original Series

One of the most significant criticisms of Penny Dreadful: City of Angels is its lack of connection to the original series. Fans were eager to see how beloved characters like Vanessa Ives, Sir Malcolm, and Sir Ethan would fare several decades later. However, the first season disappoints by offering a minimal link to the original series. Only one actor returned to the show, and even then, the character was an entirely different entity. The absence of key characters and the lack of meaningful name drops create a disjointed narrative that fails to bridge the gap between the two series.

Misuse of Supernatural Elements

The show's approach to supernatural elements is another major point of contention. When the Book of the Dead characters first appear, they do not have the same impact as their original counterparts in the series. Santa Muerte, the embodiment of death, is a critical figure but barely registers as a noticeable presence. Her character's motivations and backstory are vague and underutilized, leading to a lack of engagement from the audience. In contrast, saints and spiritual entities like Magda (Magda Magdull) are overused and underdeveloped, making them feel more like catalysts for plot progression rather than compelling characters in their own right.

Historical Accuracy and Sensitivity

Another challenge facing Penny Dreadful: City of Angels is its handling of historical and cultural elements. The series aims to explore the hardships faced by marginalized communities in 1920s Los Angeles. However, critics argue that the portrayal of these communities is flawed and lacks authenticity. Character portrayals and cultural references are criticized for being insensitive and historically inaccurate, which can detract from the show's overall message and impact. This inaccuracy comes across as a missed opportunity to shed light on real issues faced by marginalized people.

Overcomplicating a Simple Concept

The sheer number of plotlines in Penny Dreadful: City of Angels can be overwhelming and often detracts from the narrative's cohesiveness. The show attempts to tackle numerous story threads simultaneously, each of which is poorly developed. The main character, a detective trying to solve a homicide, is just one of many unresolvable storylines. This lack of focus and depth leads to a fragmented and unsatisfying viewing experience.

Characters in the show are often flat and two-dimensional, making it difficult to form an emotional connection. The writing often fails to provide a clear motivation or backstory for these characters, leading to a lack of engagement and interest from the audience. When the show periodically picks up the pace, it often does so at the cost of maintaining a coherent narrative, leading to confusion and disinterest.

Conclusion

While Penny Dreadful: City of Angels had the potential to be a captivating and engaging series, it ultimately fell short due to pacing issues, a weak connection to its predecessor, and a poorly executed use of its supernatural and historical elements. The show's struggles to maintain a cohesive narrative and engage its audience resulted in a season that was both divisive and disappointing to fans of the original series. In the end, the lack of clear direction and a strong sense of character development led to the show’s cancellation and a mixed reception from its audience.

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