Ep 7. Maria and the Beast

Maria and the Beast is the seventh episode of the first season of Penny Dreadful: City of Angels, an American horror drama television series that premiered on Showtime on April 26, 2020. The show is a spin-off of the original Penny Dreadful, created by John Logan.

The series is set in Los Angeles during the 1930s and follows a detective named Tiago Vega (played by Daniel Zovatto) as he uncovers a dark supernatural plot involving beings from Mexican folklore, Nazis, and the political turmoil of the times. The show explores themes of race, politics, religion, and the struggle for power in a city on the brink of destruction.

In Maria and the Beast, a new character, Maria Vega (played by Adriana Barraza), is introduced. Maria is Tiago's mother and a devoutly religious woman who has struggled to survive in a city dominated by white supremacists and corrupt politicians. She is a healer and spiritual guide to her community, and her faith is tested when her grandson, Mateo (played by Johnathan Nieves), is accused of murder.

As Tiago investigates the crime, he discovers a sinister connection to the Nazis and a supernatural entity known as the Beast. Mateo, who has been struggling with his identity and sexuality, becomes embroiled in the plot and his actions have dire consequences for his family and the city at large. Maria must confront her own doubts and demons as she fights to save her grandson and her community from the forces of evil.

The episode is filled with suspenseful moments, eerie supernatural occurrences, and hauntingly beautiful cinematography. The acting is top-notch, particularly Adriana Barraza's portrayal of a woman torn between her faith and her love for her family. The themes of the episode- including racial injustice, homophobia, and political corruption- are explored in a nuanced and thought-provoking way.

Overall, Maria and the Beast is a compelling addition to the series, and it sets the stage for the rest of the season. It showcases the show's ability to tackle difficult subjects while also providing thrilling and terrifying moments of horror and fantasy. It is highly recommended for fans of the horror genre or anyone interested in exploring the dark side of human nature.