Ep 9. The Blessed Dark

In the season 3 finale of Penny Dreadful, titled "The Blessed Dark," all the storylines that have been building up come to a head. Vanessa finally faces her ultimate challenge in the form of Dracula, and we get to see her full power as a battle between good and evil takes place. Meanwhile, the fate of all the other characters we've come to know and love are also revealed.

The episode begins with Vanessa reuniting with Ethan and Sir Malcolm, who have arrived just in time to help fight against Dracula and his minions. Meanwhile, Lily, Dorian, and Justine are leading an army of prostitutes in a revolution, with Dorian finally coming to terms with his own immortal existence. The characters we've followed all season are all in different parts of the city, but the hour is early, and they're all headed towards the same destination.

As the battle rages on, we see Vanessa at her most powerful, engaging in a spiritual fight against Dracula. Much of the episode is focused on this confrontation, with both characters giving it their all. Despite how brilliantly Vanessa fights, it's clear that Dracula has a great hold over her. She's desperate to break free, and we see her struggle with the weight of what's at stake.

Meanwhile, Sir Malcolm is dealing with his own demons, having realized that ultimately, he put the people he loved most in grave danger. Ethan, too, is dealing with the consequences of his past actions, something that comes full circle in what is perhaps one of the more emotional moments of the series.

As the final minutes of the episode approach, the show reveals why it's called "The Blessed Dark." It's a phrase Vanessa has used before, referring to the peace of death. In a stunning conclusion that somehow manages to be both beautiful and heartbreaking, there's a sense of closure but also a hint that there might still be more to the story.

Ultimately, "The Blessed Dark" serves as a fitting finale to what has been one of the most unique and well-crafted shows of the past decade. It's a show that's always been dark, even when it's been beautiful, and this is an hour that's beautifully haunting. The final moments of the season will leave fans gasping and reaching for tissues. Penny Dreadful is an unforgettable series, and this last episode is no exception.