Recalling and discussing what we saw in the seventh episode of the series "Penny Dreadful: City of Angels."

After a flashy episode that suddenly showed that the series "Penny Dreadful: City of Angels" has some potential, another 40 minutes of bland and inconsistent storytelling followed. The writers are going in circles, as if not even trying to step outside their own concept. But let's take it step by step.

Previous recaps:

Episode 1

Episode 2

Episode 3

Episode 4

Episode 5

Episode 6

Warning: spoilers for Episode 7 of "Penny Dreadful: City of Angels" below

Not the Same Thing

After the "triumph" of convicting Diego for crimes he didn't commit, there was a brief lull. Tiago took this moment to sleep with Sister Molly again. Their scene had exactly two vague and illogical moments:

• Tiago once again says that Mexicans and Chicanos are not the same thing. The characters repeat this phrase like a mantra, but no one has yet bothered to explain it. Except perhaps that one (Chicanos) is slightly more prone to criminal activity. But not explaining anything to the viewer is the true credo of the writers of "Penny Dreadful: City of Angels";
• Tiago ignores the obvious facts. The object of his affection is a suspect in the Hazlett murders. Who better than him to know that the real killer (killers?) is still at large. Molly herself doesn't forget to remind him that she was close to the deceased, but matters of the heart are clearly more important to Tiago than detective work. At the same time, it's still unclear whether Magda is somehow involved in the evangelist's activities, or if the blonde has enough brains of her own to wrap the detective around her finger.

Return the Favor

Lewis, who despite his views on justice, previously helped Tiago and saved his brother from prison. This time he demands a reciprocal favor from his partner—help in his fight against the Germans. He first trails the young genius being courted by the Führer's minions. The boy is torn between two fires. He likes the prospects of being successful and in demand with the fascists, but at the same time, he fears what might await his homeland.

In the evening, Tiago and Lewis surveil the "architect" Goss, whom the Jewish cop considers the head of the local German organization branch. To their surprise, the meeting is attended by official Townsend and Molly's mother. From this gathering, it can be concluded that in the future, fascists, radio evangelists, and government representatives may join forces to rule the entire city.

Who Is Tormenting the Vega Family?

In Episode 7 of "Penny Dreadful: City of Angels," the lion's share of screen time was given to Maria, the mother of the shortsighted Tiago, Raul, and Mateo.

First, she witnesses Magda, in the guise of Elsa, moving in permanently with Dr. Kraft and continuing to seduce the gullible German-American.

Then she argues with her daughter over differing religious views (recall that Josefina found refuge with Sister Molly). After that, she summons Santa Muerte to confront her about her inaction regarding her relative Magda's activities.

Of course, the last scene looks the most intriguing. But it turned out so vague, unexplanatory, and simply stupid that you wonder why it was even included.

So, Maria accuses Magda of destroying her family and complains that Santa Muerte is doing nothing. Natalie Dormer's character shifts the blame to her sister, claiming she is responsible for everything and is the root of all evil. Santa Muerte sheds a tear and leaves. Yes, without saying anything. What is the relationship between the sisters, what connection does Santa Muerte have to the Vega family—these and many other questions will remain unanswered. I dare to assume that we will never see a rational explanation.

After her sister leaves, Magda asks Maria about her nickname "coyote." She mocks, saying it means "old dog." And guess what answer the demon hears? "I am a dog, and that is my strength." Not only does this sound absolutely ridiculous and absurd, but it also suggests that the show's writers are completely unfamiliar with the folklore they are toying with. A quick Google search would reveal that the coyote is not just an "old dog" for Mexican culture and their ancestors.

The women's interesting conversation failed, shed no light on the story, told us nothing new about the supernatural side of the narrative, and in the end, Maria simply banished Magda. Such a "dog."

What is Maria's strength? What are the abilities of Santa Muerte and Magda, besides transformations? What direction will their war take? We'll find out in the following episodes. Or not.

Teaser for Episode 8: