The Frankenstein Chronicles

The Frankenstein Chronicles: A Penny Dreadful Review

            A miniseries set in 1827 is too early to be termed Steampunk, being as that year is pre-Victorian, despite the presence of a large electrical generator and much mad science. Let us instead call it ‘Clockpunk’ or ‘Regencypunk’ or perhaps ‘Shelleypunk.’ Perhaps we should simply call it ‘Awesome.’

            Sean Bean, an actor known for playing such roles as Boromir and Ned Stark, stars in The Frankenstein Chronicles as Inspector John Marlott. A body is recovered from the Thames, or perhaps I should say several body parts stitched together to form one girl, a la Frankenstein. Inspector Marlott is tasked to investigate by the Home Secretary Sir Robert Peel, who wants to keep the sordid affair quiet, fearing that it might interfere with legislation he is trying to pass through Parliament. In the course of his search for the culprit, John Marlott uncovers several missing children who have likely been murdered, a kidnapper, grave robbers, surgeons, an author, and nobility. His investigations are complicated by the fact that he saw the dead body move. Was it his advancing syphilis or something much more sinister?

            I really enjoyed The Frankenstein Chronicles. The mystery kept me guessing until the very end, and the revelation of the true culprit is even more horrifying than I thought possible. This is a thrilling drama to track down and view. I found it on NowTV, but I’m sure it will be available on other viewing sites such as Hulu.

            My most favorite part of the series was the inclusion of Frankenstein author Mary Shelley. She is involved somehow in the mad science, and it is quite poignant. I found her opinions of her famous work fascinating.

            I give The Frankenstein Chronicles five gears out of five. I loved how it kept me guessing as to what events were science and what were madness. I highly recommend it.

Your Correspondent From The Moving Picture Show,

Penny J. Merriweather