In 'Pennyworth' episode 2 Alfred continues to refuse Thomas Wayne as Paloma Faith's charming villainess Bet Sykes steals the show
This article contains spoilers for 'Pennyworth' Episode 2: 'The Landlord's Daughter'
The second episode of 'Pennyworth' is as just as impressive as the pilot. It seamlessly weaves two narratives - one standalone case and a bit of Alfred's (Jack Bannon) past to maintain the dark, gritty tone from the first episode.
It starts with a man being chased by shadowy figures in the dead of the night. Chasing him are men who work for a sinister-looking chap (Danny Webb) who calls himself 'The Ripper'. Meanwhile, we see a relentless Thomas Wayne (Ben Aldridge) seek Alfred's services again, only to be turned away.
The episode also sees Alfred still troubled by his military past. It's hard to figure out what Alfred's thoughts are as he also turns down the sincere request of a barman who seeks his help in the protection of his daughter, Sandra (Harriet Slater), who's being harassed by a young man, Jason Ripper (Freddy Carter). Meanwhile, Esma (Emma Corin) resumes her acting career and finds support from Alfred. Bet Sykes (Paloma Faith), who is shown to be imprisoned, seduces the prison guard and blackmails him into sending letters for her. One of the letters is addressed to her sister, Penny Sykes (Polly Walker), to help break her out.
Jason shows up at the pub again and this time, Alfred takes him on and a melee ensues that spills onto the streets. Jason is easily overpowered by Alfred and vows to make him pay. However, good ol' Alfie quietens the threat by holding him captive and sees his father, John Ripper, at his base of operations. Dave Boy (Ryan Fletcher) and Bazza (Hainsley Lloyd Bennett), Alfred's friends, interrogate Jason in the meantime, threatening to rip his limbs off if he doesn't cooperate. The move works as he readies himself to spill the beans and rat out all the information he has on John.
John, who witnessed this exchange, banishes his son from London. He also strikes a deal with Alfred and in return, Sandra's safety is assured. In the other part of town, Sykes' execution day arrives and Alfred and his family witness the execution on TV. But it turns out the executed was not Sykes as Penny facilitates her escape.
Alfred's cool demeanor is one of the highlights in the episode. The plot too is tight and crisper than the season opener and Faith steals the show as the charming, yet dangerous villainess. The yet-to-be-explained story surrounding the Raven Society and the Government will probably be the main plot of season 1 which this episode doesn't yet establish.
'Pennyworth' has all the necessary ingredients of a perfect prequel, whether it manages to chug along in the same vein is something we'll see over the season.
'Pennyworth' airs Sundays 9 p.m. on EPIX.