'Penny Dreadful' season 4 news, updates: Network executive explains series' blunt finale

The death of one of its main characters and the words "The End" were the only signs that pointed towards the literal end of "Penny Dreadful."

There were no prior announcements regarding the fate of the series, so fans were shocked to learn that the season 3 finale was actually the series finale, too. Fans felt it was a blunt ending to an otherwise interesting series, and now, Showtime has explained why they decided against announcing the series' end.

According to Digital Spy, Showtime programming president Gary Levine explained that Vanessa Ives' (Eva Green) death signified the end of the series, as far as series creator John Logan is concerned. Apparently, there was no way to go about the show other than let the curtains drop after Vanessa died.

"In [John Logan's] mind it was always three and out. From early on, we were trying to keep it open for possibility of more, but it became clear that trying to continue the show past the life of Vanessa Ives would be a lesser-ment," the network boss said during the Television Critics Association (TCA) press tour. "And John didn't really want to continue beyond that character."

Levine explained that informing fans that season 3 would be the show's final season will pre-empt the story of Vanessa's death. Since the series has been known for making bold moves throughout its run, they thought placing "The End" at the end of the last episode was a bold move to announce the end of the series.

Clamor for "Penny Dreadful" season 4 has reached an all-time high, and reports say there was even an online petition asking Netflix to acquire it or produce a spin-off series starring other major characters of the show. Fans felt there were many loose threads left hanging that only a fourth season or a spin-off series will tie up.

Nevertheless, in an interview with TV Line, showrunner Logan confirmed what Levine said, that the show would lose its authenticity if it continues without its main protagonist, Vanessa Ives, in the story.

"As much as I love the other characters and the other actors and running this show, the central ticking clock of it was always Vanessa Ives," he told the publication.