‘Pennyworth’ Season 1, Episode 7 ‘Julie Christie’ Review: Bewilder

Pennyworth has so many unanswered questions. He manages to gain information about his fiancé’s killer but arrives too late. Meanwhile, a vengeful woman and a worried brother storm the house of a strange occultist. Also, the peace between the No-Name League and the Raven Society may come to an abrupt end. A key player finally returns, aiming to bring retribution to his enemies and take the Raven Society to its rightful place.

On Sunday’s episode of Pennyworth, Alfred Pennyworth (Jack Bannon) tracks Esmé Winikus’ (Emma Corrin) killer, Captain Curzon (Charlie Woodward). Meanwhile, Martha Kane (Emma Paetz) returns to her apartment three days after Aleister Crowley’s (Jonjo O’Neill) party. Upon Martha’s arrival, an exasperated Thomas Wayne (Ben Aldridge) searches for Patricia Wayne (Salóme Gunnarsdótti). Lord Harwood (Jason Flemyng) finally checks on the Raven Society as he discusses its future with Frances Gaunt (Anna Chancellor).

The Beast Inside

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Thomas is the living embodiment of a modern-day businessman. He makes decisions based on logic, experience, and refuses to believe in the supernatural. When faced with the choice of selling his soul in exchange for Patricia, he merely laughs. To Thomas, all things related to spirituality are complete utter bullshit. All of which changes as soon as Aleister and Jason Ripper (Freddy Carter) take him to encounter the devil.

As soon as Thomas sees Patricia in the bizarre film, he loses his grip. Thomas almost kills Jason as he strangled him with the filmstrip. One may say that it was anger that brought Thomas over the edge, seeing Patricia appear. Disturbing images flashed when Thomas strangles Jason, suggesting that he is indeed under the devil’s influence. Similar images also haunt Martha’s dreams while Patricia admits that there is darkness in Aleister’s residence. Towards the end, Thomas wished not to speak of what happened in Aleister’s basement. Yes, Thomas did get Patricia back, but he loses a part of himself in return.

Cat and Mouse

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Curzon’s house seemed like a dead end up until the house cleaner shows up. Despite Curzon’s name not listed in official records, the aged lady maintains that he dons his uniform before leaving. With that, Alfred decides to visit the Regimental Club in the hopes of having officers help him finding Curzon. Thankfully, Alfred did not go empty-handed as General Malcolm (Peter Guinness) agreed to give him Curzon’s whereabouts.

It is strange to note that Curzon stayed in a mere almshouse. Although this could be a trick, hiding in plain sight, a retired Captain should have the means to travel out of town to evade someone. Still, Curzon is a lunatic, upset over a joke that Alfred made years ago. One can assume that it is part of the game he is playing. Also, it is not quite the right time to kill him off yet. Perhaps in the next episodes, Alfred would find himself working with Bet Sykes (Paloma Faith) who found her way to the place before Alfred did. However, one can tell that Curzon is not Alfred’s real enemy, merely a pawn in the game.

Comeback

Lord Harwood’s visit to Frances’ home signifies the Raven Society’s change of plans. Soon, Harwood would reveal himself to the public. For now, however, he chooses to lie low. The peace brokered between the No-Name League could serve as a time to strategize and to prepare for a final assault. After all, their enemies are no longer limited to the No-Name League and the Queen alone. Frances, however, did seem quite skeptical as she listens to Harwood’s plans. Nonetheless, she gathers the grand council to let them know of a plan to make a revelation.

Seeing Mr. Pennyworth (Ian Puleston-Davies) in the crowd of Frances’ speech was unexpected. At some point in the episode, he helps Alfred polish Esmé’s engagement ring. With that said, Mr. Pennyworth seemed to be the least likely to have much involvement in the main plot. In the previous chapters, he expresses his disdainful opinion about both factions. His membership to the Raven Society opens dreadful possibilities. Surely, he must know about Alfred’s involvement in Harwood’s arrest. Assuming that he has something to do with Esmé’s death makes sense. After all, Esmé’s killers needed someone who knew about her whereabouts to find her.

‘Pennyworth’ Season 1, Episode 7 ‘Julie Christie’ Final Verdict

Pennyworth further develops the occult sub-plot, hinting at its possible influences in the Waynes’ future. Batman has much involvement with mystical, magical beings and the show seems to be hinting at taking this to a hereditary level. Alfred and Bet’s possible team-up is something viewers likely anticipate, given their attachment to Esmé. If such an event happens, it could result in a conflict of loyalties: Alfred to his father and Bet to the Raven Society.

Pennyworth continues Sunday, September 15th with ‘Sandie Shaw’ at 9/8c on Epix.