Spoiler (?) I know it seems a bit odd, I consider this episode a bit to fill up as it is not completely related to the main story (hope it had a bit more of involvement as I missed some of the main characters appearing and the introduction seemed a bit forced) but I loved it for that reason. I found this episode interesting, thrilling and explanatory of the relationship between Vanessa and the "night-witch". Also, lots of interesting threads became involved (power of women, involvement of religion...) I really liked Vanessa's dark side and her completely different character in getting work done. I also liked Joan, she is such a lovable character with a huge heart. I will see Vanessa's journey with different eyes after this episode.
9 Reviews
On so many levels...
helencatherinetaylor9 November 2018
Even if you're not into the gothic noir theme of this series you can't overlook the powerhouse acting and sublime feminist undertones of this episode.
Brilliantly executed and wonderfully acted, tv really doesn't get much better than this.
Proves that you don't need over the top cliff hangers to make good TV
JonSnowsMother4 July 2015
Warning: Spoilers
After the two entertaining but still rather slow opening episodes to its second season John Logan has managed to surpass himself and has treated us to the finest episode of Penny Dreadful yet. This feat is even more impressive taking into account that The Nightcomers is built entirely around Vanessa Ives and excludes many of the other popular characters among them Sir Malcolm Murray, Victor Frankenstein, Dorian Grey and Sambene, while Ethan Chandler is limited to only the first scene. Single plot episodes are risky if it is not executed well it will lose viewers, but on this occasion the execution is spot on, the missing characters aren't missed as we are too transfixed by the complexity's surrounding Vanessa, it is not only her past which is explored but also the possibilities and dangers the future has in store for her unpredictable powers.
The Nightcomers opens the following morning from last weeks ending, Vanessa enters her bedroom to find Ethan examining the blood painted scorpion on her floor. After asking about its meaning Vanessa proceeds in telling Ethan and us the origin of the scorpion, thus starting the story arc. Vanessa's story follows on from the previous flashback episode from season one, Closer Than Sisters, as Vanessa seeks out answers over her vision of Mina, she looks to understand who she is by seeking out "The Cut-Wife of Ballentree Moor", the "first witch" she ever met. Played by American Theatre Hall of Fame Inductee Patti LuPone and she is outstanding giving us one of the best guest television performances you will see all year. The Cut-Wife is superbly written, a truly tragic individual she was banished from her coven after refusing to pledge her allegiance to the Devil. The Cut-Wife now lives in a secluded bit of English countryside land earning a living as a cunning woman (witch) for the locals, her main source of income is conducting abortions to local girls, hence her nickname Cut-Wife. In a later scene Vanessa and the Cut-Wife are out gathering food and remedies in the woods when a local farmer passes by spitting at the Cut-Wife, she remarks "they send their girls to me, but yet they despise me". Though the supernatural elements are present in The Nightcomers, it also reflects on real life events, as the Cut-Wife isn't subjected by the locals for her abilities, she is hated for being different, a victim of scare mongering and misogyny. Just like the real life women who fell victim to the witch trials in England and other parts of Europe.
Through the Cut-Wife's exposition we also learn much more about the past of the seasons antagonist the frightening but yet alluring Evelyn Poole/Madame Kali. We learn that the two witches were both "sisters" in the same coven before Evelyn decided to worship the Devil. We also get to witness the first encounter between Vanessa and Evelyn, though it does raise a plot hole over the encounter between the two in the second episode of season one. This is the first episode where we see the extent of Evelyn's power, establishing her as a worthy season antagonist, something which the first season lacked. Not only do we see more of Evelyn's power as a witch but we also see her slyness and intelligence. Unable to enter the Cut-Wife's grounds, due to a spell preventing anybody not mortal to cross the surrounding enchanted stones Evelyn resorts to sexually manipulating the local magister into doing her dirty work, serving as a possible foreshadowing for her upcoming plans with Malcolm Murray.
It may only be early days but after the slow pace of the first two episodes it looked as if the minor problems of the first season were going to continue, these problems consisting of a difficult to engage main story, which was filled by uneventful sub-plots. But it appears that Penny Dreadful has learnt from its flaws. The Nightcomers is likely to be the backbone of the new season, an arc with enough development to keep up throughout the entirety of the season to make this show fulfil the high expectations it arrived with.
The Nightcomers opens the following morning from last weeks ending, Vanessa enters her bedroom to find Ethan examining the blood painted scorpion on her floor. After asking about its meaning Vanessa proceeds in telling Ethan and us the origin of the scorpion, thus starting the story arc. Vanessa's story follows on from the previous flashback episode from season one, Closer Than Sisters, as Vanessa seeks out answers over her vision of Mina, she looks to understand who she is by seeking out "The Cut-Wife of Ballentree Moor", the "first witch" she ever met. Played by American Theatre Hall of Fame Inductee Patti LuPone and she is outstanding giving us one of the best guest television performances you will see all year. The Cut-Wife is superbly written, a truly tragic individual she was banished from her coven after refusing to pledge her allegiance to the Devil. The Cut-Wife now lives in a secluded bit of English countryside land earning a living as a cunning woman (witch) for the locals, her main source of income is conducting abortions to local girls, hence her nickname Cut-Wife. In a later scene Vanessa and the Cut-Wife are out gathering food and remedies in the woods when a local farmer passes by spitting at the Cut-Wife, she remarks "they send their girls to me, but yet they despise me". Though the supernatural elements are present in The Nightcomers, it also reflects on real life events, as the Cut-Wife isn't subjected by the locals for her abilities, she is hated for being different, a victim of scare mongering and misogyny. Just like the real life women who fell victim to the witch trials in England and other parts of Europe.
Through the Cut-Wife's exposition we also learn much more about the past of the seasons antagonist the frightening but yet alluring Evelyn Poole/Madame Kali. We learn that the two witches were both "sisters" in the same coven before Evelyn decided to worship the Devil. We also get to witness the first encounter between Vanessa and Evelyn, though it does raise a plot hole over the encounter between the two in the second episode of season one. This is the first episode where we see the extent of Evelyn's power, establishing her as a worthy season antagonist, something which the first season lacked. Not only do we see more of Evelyn's power as a witch but we also see her slyness and intelligence. Unable to enter the Cut-Wife's grounds, due to a spell preventing anybody not mortal to cross the surrounding enchanted stones Evelyn resorts to sexually manipulating the local magister into doing her dirty work, serving as a possible foreshadowing for her upcoming plans with Malcolm Murray.
It may only be early days but after the slow pace of the first two episodes it looked as if the minor problems of the first season were going to continue, these problems consisting of a difficult to engage main story, which was filled by uneventful sub-plots. But it appears that Penny Dreadful has learnt from its flaws. The Nightcomers is likely to be the backbone of the new season, an arc with enough development to keep up throughout the entirety of the season to make this show fulfil the high expectations it arrived with.
The Adept and The Devotee
blanchjoe1 February 2019
While this story is tangential the main arc, it is perhaps the best written and emotionally the deepest of all the episodes of all three seasons. Throughout this episode the most interesting content is the dynamic between the main characters, often incorporating aspects of the classic student / teacher, or perhaps more accurately, the Adept / Devotee relationship. Such relationships are not designed to "fulfill", can be painful, and hard work, but the results are heart rendering deep.
Absolutely mesmerizing
cameliabusk2 March 2021
Looks Horrifyingly beautiful
jetkot5 November 2017
I am a writer and I look for inspiration in various forms of art. This episode looked like poetry in motion. The house of the witch has an awesome eerie feel to it. EVA green looks fantastic and enacts beautifully. The Scene stealer here is Helen McCrory and her act as Madam Kali. She looks menacing and the scenes have been captured like an art exhibition of witches in display.. This is a fantastic horror series that enhances your imagination about witches and dark magic
Wow! Superb on all fronts
christophmsmith27 November 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I don't often write reviews on here but this is one hell of an episode of television. I'm on my third watch of the series since release. This episode gets me every time. Underrated perhaps, the production values writing, acting are perfect.
One of the most enjoyable episodes of TV I have watched, of any series. This is one of those rare episodes of quality tv where all the stars align and the results speak for themselves.
This episode is a flashback and we don't see much of the usual cast but you hardly notice because it is so engrossing.
LuPone, Green and McRory are all outstanding.
A great episode and the best of the series for me.
One of the most enjoyable episodes of TV I have watched, of any series. This is one of those rare episodes of quality tv where all the stars align and the results speak for themselves.
This episode is a flashback and we don't see much of the usual cast but you hardly notice because it is so engrossing.
LuPone, Green and McRory are all outstanding.
A great episode and the best of the series for me.
The story of Joan Clayton
gedikreverdi8 December 2021
Warning: Spoilers
The story of how daycomers became nightcomers by selling their souls to their Master the Devil. But one of their sisters Joan left the covent and they branded her with a pentagram on her back. Vanessa visited her to learn who she is. She helped until she was burned by the locals because his nightcomer sister manipulated the landlord. Vanessa has a very vicious enemy this season.
Worst episode so far
africe1 August 2021
I've enjoyed much of the series but this was the most useless episode yet. If the series continues like this they have lost a viewer. I will watch one more but if its anything like this one I'm removing the series from my list.
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