‘Pennyworth’ Season 1, Episode 2 ‘The Landlord’s Daughter’ Review: Job

Pennyworth has most of what he needs in life. After coming home from military service, he lands a job at a club where he met a man he later saves. Also, a beautiful woman finds her way to him. After keeping these newfound relationships intact, he now ventures into the security business. Sadly, it has not exactly been going good.

On Sunday’s episode of Pennyworth, Alfred Pennyworth (Jack Bannon) makes a contract that could jumpstart the security management business but has equal risks with it. Meanwhile, Lord Harwood (Jason Flemyng) and Bet Sykes (Paloma Faith) spend time in captivity. As this happens, Esmé Winikus (Emma Corrin) receives a troubling letter.

Two Birds, One Stone

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The business was not going well for Pennyworth Security Management. Aiming for legitimacy, Alfred declines Thomas Wayne’s (Ben Aldridge) job offer. However, it was not only Alfred’s livelihood affected by being contractless. Both Wallace ‘Dave Boy’ MacDougal (Ryan Fletcher) and Deon ‘Bazza’ Bashford are jobless as well. When an opportunity to earn money comes, Dave Boy urges Alfred to take it, eventually accepting the deal. A local bar owner named Sid Onslow (Simon Paisley Day) had trouble with a devious customer, Jason Ripper (Freddy Carter). Jason frequently bothered Sid’s daughter, Sandra Onslow (Harriet Slater). Since he was related to prominent criminal John Ripper (Danny Webb), he was untouchable.

The entire ordeal reveals the cunning and clever of Alfred’s persona in the show. He does save the local bar from the trouble that Jason caused. Also, he strikes a deal with the devil himself as he offers his services to John. Putting Jason in his place and bypassing Ripper’s security system sealed the deal. The man was powerful, and despite his criminal reputation, being in his payroll undoubtedly boosted the security agency’s profit. However, a clash between John and Alfred does not seem unlikely, as they have opposing moral convictions.

Jail Time

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Things did not go well for Lord Harwood ever since his defeat. The Prime Minister (Richard Clothier) had him tortured extensively, probably for his amusement. Bet, on the other hand, had plans to break free. Unlike Harwood, Bet possessed skills any seasoned operative could have. While Harwood hung in a torture chamber, electrocuted as often as the captors wanted, Bet manipulated the warden into sending out her letters. Sure, it involved having sex with a lonely, bored, gullible man, but it did work. That situation is a whole lot better than having some chump zap you all day.

Harwood continues to go further down the drain. The Raven Society lost its footing at the hands of three former S.A.S soldiers, grinding its reputation to the dust. Harwood, on the other hand, lost every sense of power he once yielded. It is quite odd to note that no one seems to be looking for him and that The Raven Society faded away that easily. Perhaps that is the problem with having an individually led organization. The idiot did love to relish his short-lived reign.

Loverboy

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Alfred’s personality makes him an unpredictable romantic partner. One moment he could be one of the finest gentlemen around, then a few minutes later, he would be a typical bloke. Alfred’s charm was unquestionable, and he knows this, so he uses it to his advantage. Initially, he fools around with Esmé to make her as honest as possible. Then just like that– the man proposed. At that point, it seemed like nothing could go between the young couple. Sure, the nature of Alfred’s job is not exactly safe, but their relationship did start on unconventional terms, hence its current state.

Its is nice to see that the show does not use typical prequel elements to keep viewers invested. In this case, Thomas does not appear as a central character. Also, Alfred freely lives as he pleases, making decisions that do not imply any relation to his known future. The show’s setting dramatically builds up his character as Batman’s Batman, as one may often refer to one of DC’s well-loved characters.

Uncontainable

Of course, Bet’s character did not go to waste on a death broadcast on live television. Her role is too crucial to the show’s flow. While the public watched as the unnamed female prisoner charged with treason died, Bet escapes. The other letter that Bet sent went to her sister, Peggy Sykes (Polly Walker), a woman just as dangerous as she is, if not worse. Peggy comes in undercover and saves Bet from the gallows, having someone else die in Bet’s place.

Bet’s fixation with Esmé is eerily unsettling, and the fact that she is now free makes things worse. Now, Bet can do as she wishes since The Raven Society does not seem to exist anymore, nor did it care to break her out. Also, Peggy proves to be a powerful Ally as she slips through government forces with great ease. It is best for Alfred to be rid of her if he wishes to live a peaceful life with Esmé.

‘Pennyworth’ Season 1, Episode 2 ‘The Landlord’s Daughter’ Final Verdict

Pennyworth stirs its direction further away from the Batman-tied origin to a fresh take on the character. Unique circumstances occur that add up to Alfred’s intriguing persona. Also, the hints to his future remain subtle, further enhancing the focus on him. The new characters that surround Alfred provide both comic relief as well as plot armor to him, but they do deserve better use of their roles. After all, Pennyworth Security Management is not solely Alfred’s.

Pennyworth continues Sunday, August 11th on Epix.