'Pennyworth' Episode 9 review: Lord Harwood schemes, Alfred goes on the run, and the Sykes sisters prepare to kill
This review contains spoilers for 'Pennyworth' episode 9: 'Alma Cogan'
'Sandie Shaw' saw the Raven Society led by Lord James Harwood (Jason Flemyng) inspire the people in his formation of a New and improved England. And such was his stirring speech that the Queen and the Prime Minister came to a decision—Any society looking to rule England were now eligible to contest fairly against each other in the elections. In doing so, they also managed to add in the No-Name league to the list, 'Alma Cogan' sees the two political parties campaign their way to bring down the current government. Alma Cogan has its talking points.
Alfred, the ultimate bossman
Alfred, (Jack Bannon) who was cornered by the police for shooting Captain Curzon (Charlie Woodward) and his nanny gets thrown into prison. Only for him to go all 'Al Capone' with some fancy digs, private cell and a bunch of criminals who fervently address him as "Yes sir, Mr. Pennyworth". Now, that's class, we must say.
However, his stint in prison is cut short when Detective Inspector Azeez (Ramon Tikaram) strikes a deal with him. The plan is to kill Lord Harwood and a few un-named members of the No-Name League. The reason was that the two societies decide to collude and that ticks off the Prime Minister. Should Alfie and his loyal pals, Dave Boy and Bazza (Ryan Fletcher) and (Hainsley Lloyd Bennett) fail, it's right back to prison for them. This time, for life.
Harwood and the Wayne-Kane's escape
"By the skin of their teeth" as Judi Dench's M puts aptly in 'Skyfall' when reviewing Bond's (Daniel Craig) physical tests. It is revealed later that John Ripper and Undine Thwaite (Sarah Alexander) call in Thomas Wayne (Ben Aldridge) and Martha Kane (Emma Paetz) to represent the No-Name League in the meeting with Harwood. Only for the duo who seem to be getting off on the right foot for a start to realize that sniper-man Alfie was at the other end tasked to assassinate them. At this point, both parties have no idea what's waiting for them, including Alfie, who didn't know Kane would be at the spot.
Unsurprisingly, Alfred disobeys Azeez's orders to open fire and instead saves Wayne and Kane, and Harwood, from getting killed or captured. Might we see an Alfie-Wayne-Kane team up in the season finale? It remains to be seen.
The Sykes sisters are licensed to kill
And they do so with absolute disdain. It looks like Harwood was planning to use them as his muscle all along. The final minutes of the episode sees the Queen go hunting with her friends before Bet (Paloma Faith) and Peggy (Polly Walker) take out the crew's bodyguards effortlessly. It seems like Harwood may have asked them to kidnap the Queen and force her into handing over the keys to ruling England. Guess the finale will answer that question.
Alfred again, this time an outlaw
With the mission now an epic fail. Alfie bids an emotional goodbye to his folks and decides to go on the run with Dave Boy and Bazza. However, the authorities are in hot on their trail and if Wayne and Kane manage to put two and two together about the circumstances of their narrow escape, they'll know it's Alfred and may come in as the much-needed reinforcements.
'Alma Cogan' has some great music that lends more depth to the storyline. The series has always picked songs from the '60s and it looks like the tradition continues. 'Pennyworth' has managed to catch us off guard in each episode with its twists and this one's no different. 'Marianne Faithful', the next episode, if anything will be gripping, and will answer a few questions that have been hanging since the series'inception. We haven't had a reason to feel disappointed with the show, and neither should you.
'Pennyworth' airs Sundays on EPIX at 9 pm.