Pennyworth (2019)

Watchseries; This TV series is a prequel to the Batman series, looking at Bruce Wayne's father (Thomas) and his first encounter with the man who would become the Wayne Butler (Alfred). The first episode is set in 1960s London in an alternate reality that is only slightly askew. Acting, story, and photography are all top notch. I only gave this a 9 because it's the first episode. If it stays this good I'll give it a 10.

This TV series is a prequel to the Batman series, looking at Bruce Wayne's father (Thomas) and his first encounter with the man who would become the Wayne Butler (Alfred). The first episode is set in 1960s London in an alternate reality that is only slightly askew. Acting, story, and photography are all top notch. I only gave this a 9 because it's the first episode. If it stays this good I'll give it a 10.

Pennyworth watchseries. (Initial Impression) This looks promising. This is the backstory of Albert, the Wayne's butler, which it seems is all action and adventure (with a touch of romance). By and large, the actors are unknown to me but they do a marvellous job. Alfred and Esme have great chemistry. Poloma Faith is a menacing henchwoman. Great writing. Great performances. A very different feel to the other DC Universe series which may have to do with the British cast, period setting and locations. All together, a great start. Upon watching this pilot, I give the series an 8 (great) out of 10. I'm looking forward to the rest of this first season which is being released episodically. {Comic Book Backstory}

(End of First Season Impression) I really looked forward to each episode. It is very dark, violent and not shy with sexual content (which I could have done without) but it was well made, well performed and although the writing was over the top, flying away from the credible, the characters were well drawn and full. I raised my rating to 8.5 (really great) out of 10. Here's hoping for a second season. {Comic Book Backstory}

This is an entertaining, but not great look at the life of Batman's faithful Butler, Alfred. The setting is a dystopian England, a bit far fetched but silly enough to hold ones attention. The problem is that the writers seemed undecided about the time period in which to set the story! That in itself was weird in that all time periods from the 1940s to the 1970s were represented, but not as part of a comprehensive timeline. So one had people in 1940s garb in the 1970s and vice versa. That made no sense and proved distracting. There seemed to be excessive use of Nazi symbolism in that the group of "Baddies" were dressed suspiciously like SS Officers. Some of the scenes dragged as if to make sure they were filling a number of episodes and the appropriate time slot.

There is to be a Season 3. Hopefully, the writing will be better , and we might be spared the fake American accents used by some of the actors!

Pennyworth the bloke is very much like Michael Caine. It's wizard for fans of Michael Caine. Much of the discussion about this show is whether it is like Gotham. For me, yes, this could definitely inhabit that same universe. It's not as urban inner city dark as Gotham, but not far off. If you're looking for more of that dark, look at Daredevil or some of the Luke Cage universe. Gotham also had a succession of villains. I've yet to see a similar show, though I haven't seen them all. In any case, enough nitpicking. Pennyworth has done for Britain what Gotham did for America. Movie quality TV. Actually, I'm beginning to wonder if TV hasn't actually superseded TV for quality of drama. And part of that has got to be all the comic book universes coming to screen.

Pennyworth is another low currency series from the Marvel universe. This time its the butler Alfred's turn to put on the franchise treadmill.

Its tedious stuff that seems to follow the Michael Caine interpretation of Alfred as a working class lad with big aspirations. The fact poor old Alfred ends up as a weird rich guy in a bat outfit's butler, would seem to suggest those ambitions fell short of the mark.

The series itself tries very hard, too hard in fact, to capture the vibe of sixties London. The whole tone and atmosphere is as overcooked as last Sundays corned beef. Alfred's characterization fairs little better. Its not helped either by a dash of social climbing elitism. His girlfriend who would have been called a "posh bird" back in the day, seems wholly out of place.

The action such is it is, is alright but its really the same old goodies and baddies formula in an ill-fitting, sixties suit.

In short, this is an awkward series that simply did not resonate with me. It tries too hard and feels wholly forced, with cumbersome cliches of English actors and series, of the era. My advice take a look at the real deal instead. The Avengers and Diana Rigg's "Miss Emma Peel" wont disappoint!

5/10 from me.

The origin story of Alfred Pennyworth, a former soldier living in London and how he came to work for Thomas Wayne, Batman's father.

Pennyworth, is way better than it should be. It's will filmed, the locations, backdrop effects and cinematography are first rate. Set in an alternative 1960s London as Alfie-like Alfred, tries his luck with the women and sets up a new protection business. The pilot is fast paced and similar to the recent Joker movie it's interesting enough to stand alone even if it didn't have any DC connections (which it does).

Echoing a slew of 60 TV shows, The Man from UNCLE, The Saint to name a few, mixed with Michael Caine's back catalogue there's plenty of fun to be had.

The action, fights, shootouts and flashbacks to WWII are well executed. It's surprisingly hard hitting with lots of f-bombs, violence and drama.

A surprisingly great piece of period entertainment.