More than a decade after its debut, Penny Dreadful still stands as one of the finest examples of gothic television. The series skillfully subverts familiar archetypes within the genre, focusing on a group of misfits battling supernatural forces, among whom is a notable reinterpretation of Dracula, known in the show as Dr. Sweet.
The show offers an intriguing take on the “crew of the light” from Bram Stoker’s classic epistolary novel Dracula. It also introduces a lesser-known vampire hunter hero—Quincey Morris—a serious and pragmatic Texan wielding a large Bowie knife. The character of Ethan Chandler, portrayed as a wild West performer who does not consider himself wise, reflects this archetype and gradually reveals a more complex persona. This layered development contributed to the revival of actor Josh Hartnett’s career.
Ethan Chandler, inspired by the American character in Dracula, draws influence not only from werewolf lore—as seen in films like The Wolfman and An American Werewolf in London—but also from Quincey Morris, whose role in Stoker’s novel is often overlooked. Quincey, armed with his Bowie knife, is the one who ultimately pierces Dracula’s heart, though he remains a relatively flat character without the depth of diary entries or personal reflections that other figures possess.
Ethan and Quincey share a core similarity as romantic and experienced Texans who have confronted the supernatural. Mina Harker recognizes Quincey’s Southern charm used to win over Lucy, a trait echoed in Ethan’s charming and polite demeanor. Beneath their rugged exteriors, both characters exhibit heroic qualities and a protective devotion to the important women in their lives. Quincey’s self-sacrifice for Lucy and Mina parallels Ethan’s unwavering commitment to Vanessa Ives.
Quincey Morris is a truly underrated hero in Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Despite the vast number of films—over 200—that feature Count Dracula, adaptations of the “crew of the light” vary widely in quality. Stoker’s epistolary style offers rich material, yet Quincey remains largely a two-dimensional figure, which is unfortunate given his symbolic representation of hope amid 19th-century anxieties. While Penny Dreadful diverges from Stoker’s original, it admirably incorporates this underutilized element through Ethan Chandler.
Ethan’s character brings to life this neglected role with depth and nuance. Although Jonathan Harker beheads Dracula, it is Quincey Morris who makes the final fatal strike, sacrificing himself heroically to combat evil. His Texan seriousness sharply contrasts with the hesitation of other characters. In one memorable scene during a “Light Club” meeting, he even shoots a bat sighted through a window, fearing it might be Dracula himself. Mina and Jonathan’s admiration for Quincey is such that they name their child after him. Penny Dreadful’s portrayal of Ethan as a reimagined Quincey is a welcome and brilliant choice.
Initially, Ethan Chandler’s introduction echoes a familiar Western stereotype often associated with Quincey Morris, including a Wild West-themed performance. Penny Dreadful might have risked reducing Quincey to a caricature, but Ethan quickly defies these expectations. While Quincey’s bravery and loyalty are clear, his inner life remains superficial in the novel. Ethan, however, is imbued with rich complexity, including an exploration of his bisexuality, which challenges traditional masculine norms embodied by Quincey.
This character development is critical to Ethan’s central role in Penny Dreadful’s controversial finale. Unlike the straightforward courageous ally Quincey represents, Ethan becomes a figure grappling with vulnerability, kindness, and a nuanced understanding of his own identity. Though Quincey also had a gentle side—expressed in his willingness to accept Lucy’s affection for another—few adaptations acknowledge this. Penny Dreadful’s success in doing so is a testament to its depth and creativity.
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