Josh Hartnett is enjoying a well-deserved career resurgence. From his standout role in Oppenheimer to a chilling appearance in a particularly unsettling Black Mirror episode, he's back in the spotlight. His latest project, Below, is climbing the Netflix charts with its moody, small-town mystery vibe—perfect for spooky season. But while Below offers a quick and satisfying watch, those wanting to see Hartnett's full range should revisit one of his most overlooked performances: Ethan Chandler in Penny Dreadful.
A Gothic Masterpiece That Flew Under the Radar
Premiering in 2014 on Showtime, Penny Dreadful was an ambitious, atmospheric horror series that ran for three seasons before concluding on its own terms—with a finale that shocked everyone. Despite its quality, it never got the widespread acclaim it deserved during its run. Over time, it's gained a cult following, but it's still underrated. With shows like Below and Widow's Bay making creepy maritime horror popular again, it's the perfect moment to rediscover this gem.
The show boasts an incredible cast: Eva Green delivers a powerhouse performance as a tormented clairvoyant, and Billie Piper offers a fierce take on a version of the Bride of Frankenstein. Amid such standout roles, Hartnett's Ethan—an American sharpshooter with a mysterious past—might seem understated. But his performance is the quiet heart of the series.
Ethan Chandler: More Than a Cowboy
Introduced as a charming, mysterious gunslinger who teams up with Vanessa Ives (Green) and Sir Malcolm Murray (Timothy Dalton) to hunt a creature and find a missing girl, Ethan initially seems like a cliché. But his story evolves into something far darker and more complex—a reimagining of the Wolf Man that weaves in Native American history and Jack the Ripper lore. (The American Werewolf in London jokes write themselves.)
Beneath his swaggering exterior lies a man tormented by a curse and drowning in guilt. As he puts it, “There are such sins at my back it would kill me to turn around.” Unlike other monsters in this world, Ethan has little control over his violent nature—and he feels deep remorse for the harm he's caused. That makes him a compelling tortured antihero.
A Romantic Core
Hartnett's charisma shines in the romantic subplots. His tragic relationship with the doomed Brona (Piper) is genuinely moving, but it's his star-crossed connection with Vanessa that drives the series. Their bond, born from shared isolation and inner darkness, is both rich and heartbreaking. Whether they're flirting or begging each other for death, their chemistry is undeniable. They accept each other's worst parts, which makes them easy to root for—even when you know a happy ending isn't in the cards.
Penny Dreadful is dark and disturbing, but it's also deeply romantic and emotionally resonant. It's the kind of moody, layered storytelling we need more of on TV. If you're looking for a binge that's both thrilling and moving, this is it. And for more underrated gems, check out our list of HBO thrillers that never miss or Netflix originals you must stream.
