‘Pennyworth’ Season 1, Episode 4 ‘Lady Penelope’ Review: Freakshow

One can never stray away from one’s talents. This time in Pennyworth, the reality of that statement hits hard. Indeed, the nature of their work is dangerous. However, the risks are something that became mundane to them. After a successful escort contract, their new employer has a new job offer yet. The mission takes them to a sketchy-looking neighborhood, full of strange people.

On Sunday’s episode of Pennyworth, Alfred Pennyworth (Jack Bannon) and Martha Kane (Emma Paetz) seek out the new leader of The Raven Society, Frances Gaunt (Anna Chancellor). Elsewhere, Bet Sykes (Paloma Faith) decides to return to London. Meanwhile, Esmé Winikus (Emma Corrin) enlists the help of Mr. & Mrs. Pennyworth (Ian Puleston-Davies) (Dorothy Atkinson) in planning her and Alfred’s wedding.

The Life

Bet is not a woman who likes to stay in the house. Weeks after her prison escape thanks to her sister, Peggy Sykes (Polly Walker), Bet grew restless. Someone with her capabilities and her personality would naturally feel odd outside of that life. Sure, Bet tried to amuse herself with toying around with her sister, but it was perhaps too futile to her. With that said, Bet’s decision to leave and return to London is not unexpected. What she finds there will surprise her for sure, and it will undoubtedly intensify the adventure Bet wishes to have.

Lord Harwood (Jason Flemyng) does not feel much like a ‘Lord’ anymore. With his nose gone along with his right foot’s toes, Harwood is now nothing more than a pet. A homeless man named Jack Wild (Samuel Blenkin) decided to take care of Harwood the way one would do to a pet dog. At this point, it is quite hard to fathom how Harwood would get back into the Raven Society. Still, as long as one lives, anything can happen.

The Name

Alfred is a highly capable man. Thomas Wayne (Ben Aldridge) knew this and therefore expected Martha to enlist his help once more. Initially, Alfred wanted no involvement with Martha anymore, since Detective Inspector Aziz (Ramon Tikaram) mentioned her relationship to Thomas. Eventually, Alfred caved when Martha informs him of the nature of the mission. It was supposed to be a simple intelligence gathering operation on the Raven Society’s new leader. As always, things get messy along the way.

Their tour guide may be dead, but Alfred’s quick thinking helped them find tickets to their destination from the man’s wallet. The trip brought them to a weird-looking town, full of suspicious-looking people. The sequence that follows after that is a sort of action-romance exchange between Alfred and Martha, which was admittedly well-executed, although the change done to their characters is surprising. Still, the pair undeniably worked well together; Alfred uses his wits to accomplish their objectives while Martha adapts to every situation with much ease. Now, they know the Raven Society’s new leader: Frances Gaunt.

Reaching Martha’s apartment was when things got steamy. Thankfully, Alfred and Martha did not fuck, but seeing them kiss was still an odd sight. It is quite weird to see them have a relationship like that. In most mediums, it was either a brotherly relationship between Alfred and Thomas or a family obligation that brought Alfred into the life of the Waynes. This new take on their characters are indeed unique, but not necessarily accepted by many. An Alfred + Martha story would undoubtedly be an awkward story for Bruce to know.

Goodbye, Love

Much like Alfred, one would expect Esmé’s stay at the Pennyworth home to be nothing but smooth. However, Esmé proved everyone wrong as she had Mr. Pennyworth happily telling her trivial things as well as snippets of his life to her. Also, Mrs. Pennyworth’s smile mirrored that of a summer day, watching her husband lovingly accept Alfred’s soon-to-be wife. One would feel nothing but good vibes when Esmé asked the Pennyworths to help her with the wedding plans. Indeed, it was a good day to be staying over with the in-laws.

Everyone’s hearts broke when Alfred kissed Martha but felt a sense of relief when he left promptly. However, this relief came to an abrupt halt as a mysterious figure somehow found and killed Esmé as Alfred ran as fast as he can to meet his fiancé. One would have to be heartless not feel anything as Alfred knelt in anguish, crying over his lifeless girlfriend’s body.

‘Pennyworth’ Season 1, Episode 4 ‘Lady Penelope’ Final Verdict

This episode of Pennyworth featured many oddities compared to the previous ones. Notable examples of this include Harwood’s state as well as the weird town and its residents. That scenery echoed ‘Raven Society’ better than Harwood’s luxurious yet fallible palace. Also, the Alfred + Martha chemistry likely garnered mixed reactions. Taking on their relationship from that angle was never done before, so it presumably found its place here for shock value. With his girlfriend dead and a job far from done, Alfred’s rampage is not unlikely to happen.

Pennyworth continues with ‘Shirley Bassey.’