Review: PENNYWORTH 1×03 – “MARTHA KANE”
[Editor’s Note: This review may contain spoilers]
Director: Bill Eagles
Writer: Bruno Heller
Starring: Jack Bannon, Emma Corrin, Emma Paetz, Ryan Fletcher, Hainsley Lloyd Bennett, Paloma Faith, and Jason Flemyng.
Reviewed by: Tony Farina
Summary
Pennyworth 1×03: Martha Kane arrives in London and the wheels of the future of the DC Universe are in motion. Pennyworth Security is hired to “drive” Martha Kane to pick up a man called Ian Thurso who has been arrested on the charge of being gay, but really, he is being held because he has created the first computer. It turns out that Martha works for the No Nothings, a covert American organization, but she uses her cover of being a photo journalist. The Raven Society also wants Thurso and his magic computation machine. Even though Martha promised Alfred that there would be no gun play or violence, there is both.
Meanwhile, Dave Boy and Bazza spend some “quality time” together that actually involves Dave Boy getting hammered, crapping his pants, wearing a kimono and…Well honestly, it is best if you don’t know the rest. I wouldn’t want to ruin the surprise.
Esme and Alfred have some tense moments in their relationship again. Alfred reveals why he doesn’t like his dad so much. Bet and Peg keep a “low profile.” Lord Harwood is finally “released.”
Pennyworth, Episode 3 is here.
Positives
Pennyworth has had its fair share of standout performances so far in its short life. This week, Emma Paetz’s turn at Martha Kane steals the spotlight. She is everything viewers want from the mother of Batman and the Aunt of Batwoman. She is smart, she is funny and she is unafraid. Every good line in this episode comes from her mouth.
The tension between Alfred and Esme continues to work because Jack Bannon and Emma Corrin continue to crackle. Even when they are fighting, they are perfect together. A lot of shows really force relationships and have to backpedal (think Ollie and Laurel in the first few seasons of Arrow). It could be the talent of the actors or it could just be magical casting. Either way, it works.
At one point, there is a horse drawn carriage that is loaded up with TVs. Later, there is a go-go dance version of a Black Sabbath song. Alfred is only 26 and he was in the military for 10 years and no one seems to think this is strange. This universe is totally insane and I love it.
Negatives
Once again, Dave Boy and Bazza are just taking up space. I sure hope something happens with the. Yes, they have a story. Yes, Dave Boy wears a kimono and has a gun pressed to his head. Yes, Bazza has every right to be pissed at him. Still, I don’t really care. It feels like filler. More or less of them, but this sort of stuff is not working.
Bet is only in this for a few minutes. More Bet please.
Verdict
Pennyworth is really a great show. The stylized version of the DC Universe is just right. Seriously, if you are not watching this, you are making a mistake.
