Penny Dreadful: City of Angels: A Curse Under Hollywood’s Lights

In the world of Penny Dreadful: City of Angels (2020), 1938 Los Angeles emerges as a vivid canvas of social and political tension, where history, folklore, and supernatural forces intertwine. As a spiritual successor to the original Penny Dreadful, this series plunges viewers into a dark crime saga steeped in Mexican-American culture and the dangerous undercurrents of the pre-World War II era. With a stellar cast including Daniel Zovatto, Nathan Lane, and Natalie Dormer, City of Angels is a haunting journey that explores the human heart and the fractures of society.

A Tale of Crime and the Supernatural

Penny Dreadful: City of Angels opens with a chilling quadruple murder by the Los Angeles River, where the victims are mutilated, adorned in Day of the Dead style, and accompanied by a blood-scrawled message: “Te llevas nuestro corazon tomamos el tuyo” (“You take our heart, we take yours”). Detective Tiago Vega (Daniel Zovatto), the LAPD’s first Mexican-American detective, and his seasoned partner Lewis Michener (Nathan Lane) are tasked with unraveling the case. But this is no ordinary murder—it draws them into an epic tale reflecting the complex history of Los Angeles: from the construction of the city’s first freeways, which displaced Mexican-American communities, to the rich traditions of Mexican folklore, the sinister espionage of the Third Reich, and the rise of radio evangelism.

At the heart of the story is a supernatural clash between Santa Muerte, a revered deity who guides souls to the afterlife, and Magda (Natalie Dormer), a shape-shifting demon who believes in humanity’s inherent evil. Magda, with her ability to assume multiple personas, manipulates figures from politicians to ordinary citizens, sowing chaos across the city. Meanwhile, Tiago and his family—mother Maria (Adriana Barraza), sister Josefina (Jessica Garza), and brother Mateo (Johnathan Nieves)—grapple with forces that threaten to tear them apart, from racism to dark conspiracies.

Historical and Cultural Context

Set in 1938 Los Angeles, the series captures a city in flux during the Great Depression, as freeway construction reshaped neighborhoods and racial tensions simmered. Created by John Logan, City of Angels portrays these divides through Tiago, who is torn between his Mexican heritage and his role as a cop. He faces prejudice from colleagues, like Officer Jimmy Reilly, and skepticism from his family, particularly his brother Raul, who leads protests against the destruction of their neighborhood.

Mexican-American folklore is the soul of the series, with figures like Santa Muerte and La Llorona depicted with reverence. Actress Adriana Barraza, who plays Maria Vega, emphasized the team’s careful research to portray Santa Muerte as a sacred figure of the 1930s, distinct from its modern association with drug cartels. The series also reflects the historical presence of Nazi sympathizers in Los Angeles, with Lewis investigating a plot to develop a rocket that could destabilize the world, echoing fears of impending war.

The rise of radio evangelism, inspired by figures like Aimee Semple McPherson, is embodied by Sister Molly Finnister (Kerry Bishé), a charismatic but enigmatic preacher tied to the murder case. These elements blend to create a Los Angeles that is both historical and surreal, where humans and demons vie for the city’s soul.

Cinematic Artistry and Performances

Directed by Paco Cabezas (episodes 1 and 2, among others), Penny Dreadful: City of Angels boasts a gothic visual style, with poetic shots of 1938 Los Angeles, from the fictional Chicano neighborhood of Belvedere Heights to the dusty streets of Melody Ranch. The production design and costumes, from Zoot Suits worn by pachucos to Nazi gatherings in Pershing Square, draw on real historical events in Malibu, immersing viewers in the era.

The performances are a highlight. Daniel Zovatto brings complexity to Tiago Vega, a man torn by his identity and haunted by childhood trauma, such as witnessing his father’s death in a fire alongside Santa Muerte. Nathan Lane, as Lewis Michener, adds depth to a Jewish veteran detective fighting Nazi conspiracies while carrying personal grief from the loss of his wife and family in Germany. Natalie Dormer shines as Magda, embodying multiple personas—from a German mother to a political aide—with haunting presence. Adriana Barraza, Jessica Garza, and Johnathan Nieves bring warmth and tragedy to the Vega family, while Kerry Bishé and Rory Kinnear (as a German-American Bund doctor) enrich the narrative.

Reception and Legacy

Premiering on Showtime on April 26, 2020, Penny Dreadful: City of Angels received mixed reviews, earning a 74% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes (based on 35 reviews, average 6.7/10) and a 60/100 on Metacritic. Critics praised the performances, particularly Natalie Dormer’s versatile role (nominated for Best Actress at the 2021 Critics’ Choice Super Awards), and the ambitious blend of history and folklore. However, some felt it lacked the gothic intensity of the original Penny Dreadful and was weighed down by too many characters and subplots, drawing comparisons to American Gods or Chinatown but falling short of their sharpness.

Audiences were divided: some appreciated the exploration of Mexican-American culture and historical context, calling it “well-crafted” and “entertaining,” while fans of the original series were disappointed by the shift in tone. The show was canceled after one season on August 21, 2020, leaving unresolved plotlines and frustrating some viewers.

Cultural and Social Impact

Penny Dreadful: City of Angels stands out for its focus on Mexican-American and Chicano perspectives, with Daniel Zovatto and Adriana Barraza highlighting John Logan’s efforts to avoid stereotypical portrayals. The series addresses issues like racism, the displacement of minority communities through freeway construction, and the rise of political extremism, with unsettling parallels to modern divisions. Logan described freeway construction as “social engineering” that created “quarantine zones” for Mexican-Americans, African Americans, and Jews, a theme that resonates today.

The series also sheds light on the historical presence of Nazi sympathizers in Los Angeles, inspired by real events like gatherings in Malibu and Hitler’s view of LA as a potential U.S. base. The integration of Mexican-American folklore, like Santa Muerte, serves as both a supernatural and cultural bridge, highlighting the community’s faith and pain.

Where to Watch and Resources

• Streaming/Purchase: Penny Dreadful: City of Angels is available for purchase on platforms like Amazon or Paramount+ in the U.S. (check JustWatch for regional availability). In the UK, it aired on Sky Atlantic starting July 1, 2020.

• DVD: The DVD includes special features like “Introduction to Penny Dreadful: City of Angels,” “The Many Faces of Magda,” and “The Dance of Penny Dreadful: City of Angels.”

• Language: English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing (SDH) are available.

Conclusion

Penny Dreadful: City of Angels (2020) is a bold but incomplete addition to the Penny Dreadful franchise, transporting viewers to 1938 Los Angeles with a story blending Mexican-American folklore, Third Reich espionage, and radio evangelism. Led by Detectives Tiago Vega (Daniel Zovatto) and Lewis Michener (Nathan Lane), the series unravels a gruesome murder amid racial tensions and supernatural forces. Though canceled after one season, it leaves a mark with its powerful performances and insightful look at Los Angeles’ history. If you’re eager to dive into a world where demons and humans collide, find City of Angels on Paramount+ or Sky Atlantic. 🌃🔮

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