This article contains Penny Dreadful spoilers from the first season.

Showtimes tragically lostPenny Dreadfulis gone but not forgotten.

Not bad for a book originally thought of as a first-rate trashy Victorian novel.

Tolkien and his decidedly all-male fellowship quest to save the world from evil inThe Lord of the Rings.

Even Coppola sidelined most of them in favorof other distractions.

A Texan by birth, there is more than a hint of romanticism to this roguish hero.

And like Ethan Chandler onPenny Dreadful, this isnt his first rodeo with the unnatural forces of darkness.

Quinceys thick use of American slang is as visible in every line of dialogue as Josh Hartnetts smiling darling.

Quniceys worldliness makes his doting on Lucy and later Mina all the sweeter.

But before Quincey died, he demonstrated his invaluable quality as the trigger man of the group.

With all this self-congratulation, it can be easy to overlook the cowboy romance with which Quincey is depicted.

Which brings us to Frankenstein.

Like the TV character, Jack is the first to facilitate the Undead diagnosis.

OnPenny Dreadful, Frankenstein procures the services of his mentor, English hematologist Professor Van Helsing.

Arthur Holmwood is the third and final suitor that sought Lucys hand in marriage.

For this comparison, it is crucial to underline Holmwoods previous relationship with Quincey Morris.

These are men who are entitled to the planet.

This is depicted as a virtue inDracula, but its the most damnable of sins inPenny Dreadful.

And the comparisons continue.

Shortly before Lucy dies, Arthurs father also passes away, providing him the opportunity to become Lord Godalming.

It is that title and wealth that opens up many doors for the vampire hunters.

Not long for this world, Im afraid.

Even the consistently unflappable Abraham Van Helsing is thunderstruck by Minas goodness and purity.

There are darknesses in life, and there are lights.

You are one of the lights, Van Helsing remarks upon their first meeting.

In short, she is much closer to Lucy Westenra than her namesake.

At least Frankenstein should know all about that.

Except, that was obviously the John Logan design all along.

Likewise, Vanessa unwisely couples with Dorian Gray.

Even the cold and aloof Victor Frankenstein is taken with her warmth.

You want a daughter?

She is the light in the darkness that all the men are drawn to.

Some to keep it; some to strike it out with malevolence.

But like Stokers Mina, it is irresistible to avoid.

Also, perhaps a season of continental chasing to Transylvania may one day be in order?

Agree with this list?

Have your own theories aboutDraculas far-reaching influence on this show?

Let us know in the comment section below!

Read all of ourPenny Dreadfulcoverageright here.

***This article was first published on June 30, 2014.