Showtime's Penny Dreadful is halfway through its first season. Previews indicate that the upcoming fifth episode will focus on the background of the clairvoyant Vanessa Ives (Eva Green), which just goes to show that each of the program's complex characters seem to be getting their due attention. However, if this is the case, then who is Sembene?

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The mysterious right-hand man to Sir Malcolm (Timothy Dalton) is played by Danny Sapani (Trance, The Oxford Murders). While Sapani is listed during the opening credits as one of the regular cast members, he is the only one who's background has yet to be expanded upon.

"Sembene embodies the fear of the unknown," explained Sapani in an interview for Sky Atlantic." The dark continent... He has the ability to look in someone's eyes and read them... he may not know what everybody's secret is, but he's certain that everybody does have a secret."

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Dalton has claimed that there is "a history of respect" between Sembene and Sir Malcolm, and through clips featured throughout the interviews, it is likely that their relationship is more complicated than it may seem.

With only four episodes left before the end of the season, there is still time for the audience to learn more about Sembene.

However, will the show runners be willing to part with his mystique in exchange for fleshing out the character?

The fifth episode of Penny Dreadful, which has just been picked up for a second season, will air on Showtime Sunday, June 8, 2014 at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

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Penny Dreadful, Showtime