Approaching exorcism is no joke on Showtime's Penny Dreadful. 

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The exorcism of Vanessa Ives (Eva Green) took a full episode to explore during the program's first season and and was possibly one of the show's most brutal storylines.

On Monday Showtime released a behind-the-scenes look at how these scenes proved devastating not just for Vanessa, but for those trying to save her (featured below). "They physically can't leave her," explained creator John Logan. "They have to stay in the room and try to deal with this monstrous thing she's facing." 

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Of course nothing her friends decided went as planned. The restrained Vanessa ultimately broke loose, bit the priest and threatened herself as well as others.

At one point Ethan Chandler (Josh Hartnett) had the opportunity to shoot her. Vanessa herself might have argued that it would have been for the best and even though her soul was enduring incredible pain, Ethan couldn't do it. Fiercely loyal, he tried to reason with her. "I'm not gonna leave you," he warned after lowering the gun.

Then something unexpected happened. In what remains one of the show's most mysterious moments, Ethan exorcised the possessed Vanessa. How did he do it? Was he possessed by something greater or is he harboring secret capabilities?

The bond between Vanessa and Ethan will be explored as the series moves forward, hopefully expanding upon the nature of their connection.

Penny Dreadful will return on Showtime for a second season on April 26 at 10 p.m. ET/PT.

Tags: Penny Dreadful showtime television