‘Pennyworth’ Season 1, Episode 9 ‘Alma Coogan’ Review: Open Fire

The world around Pennyworth never ceases to come up with surprises. As the politics in England continue to complicate by the minute, our hero asserts his dominance– in prison. Meanwhile, his trusty companions plan to break him out of jail. Elsewhere, the No-Name League and the Raven Society celebrate the chance of legal recognition. As the advent of election arrives, the opposing parties attempt to achieve a common goal.

On Sunday’s episode of Pennyworth, Alfred Pennyworth (Jack Bannon) makes a deal with Detective Inspector Aziz (Ramon Tikaram) to get out of prison. Meanwhile, the Prime Minister (Richard Clothier) announces an open for all election of a new Prime Minister. With that, the Raven Society and the No-Name League grab the chance. Unexpectedly, the No-Name League sends Thomas Wayne (Ben Aldridge) and Martha Kane (Emma Paetz) to parlay with Lord James Harwood (Jason Flemyng).

Electoral Pact

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Upon losing the support of most Parliament Members, the Prime Minister decides to open the election to previously illegal parties such as the No-Name League and the Raven Society. Such a declaration gained differing reactions but ultimately is accepted by both parties. Initially, each side began campaigning. However, Harwood eventually realizes that Undine Thwaite (Sarah Alexander) poses a threat to his election as she plays the widow card. Unexpectedly, both sides agree on having an electoral pact, reuniting against the Prime Minister. As a result, the government offers Alfred freedom in exchange for framing the No-Name League for the death of Harwood. However, things turn sour as conflict on loyalties arises. Eventually, both parties escape the attempted assassination, equally surprised but vengeful.

Thomas and Martha’s relationship is the highlight of this sub-plot. Here, they begin to be comfortable with the idea of working together despite Thomas’ attempts to shut her down. While they seem to start a budding romance, Alfred’s loyalty towards them solidifies. Regardless of the price he has to pay for his freedom, Alfred knew that his principles are of higher value compared to his job. It is likely easy for him to take such a course of action given how he dislikes killing. Alfred is not particularly fond of the government, either, so fuck them.

Iron and Blood

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No electoral pact could stop the Raven Society’s agenda. After all, these people have more cards in their hand that they could play. With the Duke and Duchess of Windermere in their custody, the Ravens have insurance in case The Queen (Jessica Ellerby) refuses their demands. The pact could have kept them from taking extreme measures, but thanks to Alfred’s intervention, all systems head for bloodshed. Frances Gaunt’s (Anna Chancellor) jaw likely drops once she finds out what Harwood has for the Sykes Sisters, Peggy (Polly Walker) and Bet (Paloma Faith). The Queen could do nothing but surrender to them, guaranteeing Military Support for Harwood.

The Queen’s sudden kidnapping puts the Ravens inexplicably ahead of the No-Names. A bold action such as that backs the government away on a corner. Also, the scene proves how dangerous the Sykes Sisters are, should one be on their opposing side. A Fascist Regime could be England’s future unless Alfred and the League somehow work together to save the Queen from the Ravens’ clutches once more.

The Price of Freedom

The prisoners are no threat to Alfred. Instead, Alfred is the threat to the prisoners, hence his quick rise up their ranks. It is too bad that we do not see him devise a plan to get out of jail by himself. Either way, Aziz’s contract became his get-out-of-jail card. After all, having to assassinate someone is better than spending seven years of jail time. Alfred’s friends, Wallace ‘Dave Boy’ MacDougal (Ryan Fletcher) and Deon ‘Bazza’ Bashford (Hainsley Lloyd Bennett) are quick to jump the gun, loyal as ever to their friend. After celebrating Alfred’s freedom, the trio leaves behind Mr. and Mrs. Pennyworth (Ian Puleston-Davies) (Dorothy Atkinson) and Sandra Onslow (Harriet Slater).

Alfred left just as quickly as he arrived from prison. The mess of the government and the opposing parties put the lives of his family at risk. He perhaps left with the impression that his father deserved a peaceful last few years before succumbing to lung cancer.  Also, Alfred and his friends eventually have to choose sides. Being former SAS Soldiers does not absolve them from the responsibility of choosing who to serve. At the very least, the trio may end up serving under the crown once more, rescuing the Queen and putting an end to England’s political turmoil.

‘Pennyworth’ Season 1, Episode 9 ‘Alma Coogan’ Final Verdict

This chapter of Pennyworth finally clears the lines of loyalty among the characters. Past deaths and issues do not intrude with the main plot anymore. Now, it all boils down to a final show of force between the Crown, the No-Names, and the Ravens. Each of these critical players has strengths and weaknesses, equally taking a different approach to civil war. The No-Names try to advocate for diplomacy and dialogue, while the Ravens sate the people’s hunger for some action. The Crown, on the other hand, had its ass handed to it with the Queen’s capture, so the Prime Minister expectedly could use lethal force to settle the dispute.

Pennyworth continues Sunday, September 29th with ‘Marianne Faithful’ on Epix.