Poppy Z. Brite once said, "Caitlin R. Kiernan writes like a Gothic cathedral on flames." I think that sentiment can easily be applied to Evan Green performance week in and week out on this show. She's a fucking powerhouse. I honestly don't think I've seen another actor deliver this level of intensity to a television series. It's one thing to do it for a scene or two, but she's done it for two hour long episodes. "Closer Than Sisters" and "Possession" made for riveting television, and their success totally hinged on her unhinged performance.
Timothy Dalton continues to do great work. His scene with Hartnett when discussing Africa would have been a highlight on any other show. He brings just the right amount of menace and vulnerability to the character. He's successfully painted Malcolm Murray with enough shades of gray I could believe he wanted Vanessa possessed or that the whole thing was simply an unfortunate circumstance he was willing to take advantage of.
Doctor Frankenstein has really been coming into his own. This episode helped really fill in his character, and give him some real depth. Making him a morphine addict was an interesting choice, but ultimately works, I think. His outburst at the Priest was also well done. Plus his scene with Hartnett was a welcome relief from the intensity of the rest of the episode.
Speaking of Hartnett, he's doing the best work in his career. Unfortunately for him, he's on a show with Eva fucking Green and Timothy Dalton. Anything he does simply pales in comparison. That said, he really stepped it up for the final scenes. His religious background is interesting, especially if he ends up being a werewolf.
Because this show is so wiling to devote hours to character development, there's a ton of plot to address in the finale. Pretty much every major plot needs wrapped up; Dracula, the Ripper murders, Frankenstein and Caliban. Next week has all the making of a real action packed finale. I'm pretty confident Logan can send this into next season on a high note.
Edit 3: io9's updated their handy little chart.
Stay fab and safe, my wonderful egyptologist.
This thing is starting to resemble a piece of modern art.
