We recall and discuss what we saw in the sixth episode of the series 'Penny Dreadful: City of Angels'.

The best episode of 'Penny Dreadful: City of Angels' so far did without any wow plot twists. On the contrary, the story stalled, but only to put the characters before a choice whose outcome is far from obvious. So, what did we see in the new episode of the show?

Previous recaps:

Episode 1

Episode 2

Episode 3

Episode 4

Episode 5

Warning: spoilers for episode 6 of 'Penny Dreadful: City of Angels' follow

God or Love

What the original 'Penny Dreadful' series was always good at was great dialogues that revealed characters, voiced interesting thoughts, and sometimes even advanced the story. As if remembering this, John Logan and his team in this episode set aside clumsy dances, baseless sex, and creepy moments, focusing on a few coherent and interesting dialogues.

In one such conversation, Sister Molly discusses with her mother the choice between love (at least, it was about strong feelings) for Detective Vega and God. The mother argues that the one above obligates certain behavior and commitments not only to him but also to the parishioners who find comfort and solace in Sister Molly herself.

The good of others or one's own happiness? This is truly a difficult choice with no single right answer. Which side of the scale will tip for Molly personally is still unclear, but for now, she continues to sing with an angelic voice that comforts the souls of believers.

Fear or Determination

Dr. Craft finally decided to talk to his wife about their relationship. Well, 'talk' as in simply inform her of the inevitable separation. The wife, condemning the 'German harlot' in every way, screams that she will not allow her to become the mother of her sons, while simultaneously begging Craft to save the family and promising to change. The plaintive and negative speeches have no proper effect, and the suddenly smitten doctor promises to send his wife to a sanatorium where she will be treated for alcohol addiction and hysteria.

This dialogue raises the choice between fear of the unknown, fear of losing ground under one's feet, and determination, which is sometimes simply necessary to continue living and stop tormenting oneself and loved ones. A difficult question indeed, but unlike Molly, Craft makes his choice.

Dreams or Actions

Townsend in episode 6 of 'Penny Dreadful' communicates with his newfound protégé and, coincidentally, follower of Hitler. The young man tells the official about what brought him to the Gestapo, how the book 'Mein Kampf' influenced him, and why he returned to America. He appears as a man of action.

Townsend himself reflects on his love for Los Angeles. According to him, it is a city that gives the opportunity to dream. How he dreamed of dancing like Fred Astaire (remember the awkward dance from the previous episode, that's where it 'comes from,' it turns out). In this case, Townsend, in contrast to his interlocutor, chooses not action but a dream. Such an opinion also has a right to exist.

Blood Family or Kindred Spirits

The theme of choice runs through this episode in literally every aspect. For example, Maria, the mother of the Vega family, finds Mateo in a place unknown to anyone (there was definitely some devilry involved) and tells him that Rico, Rio, and the other pachucos are not his family, and that it's never too late to return to his relatives. The young man himself, having finally embarked on the path of struggle, prefers his fighting and sexual comrades to his blood relatives.

Rat or Legend

Undoubtedly, the central place in the entire episode was occupied by the interrogation of Mateo's captured friend named Diego. Throughout the time allotted for the conversation with the Mexican, Tiago Vega tries to find a way out of the situation to avoid exposing his brother and minimize the consequences.

The prisoner offers him an option where they simulate a fight, and Diego himself snatches Tiago's gun, which would give him at least a minimal chance to escape.

Tormented by a moral dilemma, Tiago decides to agree at one point, but first removes the bullets from the revolver's cylinder. A conversation between other police officers he accidentally overhears makes him change his mind about the bullets.

When it seemed that a bloody massacre at the police station was inevitable, the seasoned wolf Lewis steps in. Tiago's partner finds out that the killer is Mateo, realizes that his comrade blames himself for everything, and finds a brilliant way out of the situation. Brilliant from the point of view of the resolution for all involved, but paradoxically contradicting justice.

Lewis vividly describes to Diego the possible consequences if he rats out Tiago's brother, becoming a rat. He reminds the guy that rats don't live long in prison because criminals respect such people even less than cops. On the other hand, Lewis offers Diego to become a legend by taking responsibility not only for the murder of Officer Riley but also for the Hazzlett family. The detective paints a vivid picture of how it will be easier for him in the 'zone' if he appears there as a cop killer and a rich family murderer, as well as the savior of his neighborhood from police raids. The guy chooses the second option, and Lewis kills two birds with one stone, closing two crimes for his superiors and the city at once. And the truly guilty ones remain free at that moment...

Teaser for Episode 7: