'Pennyworth' Season 2: Episode 1 drops massive Arkham Asylum easter egg, proving it existed back in the '60s
Spoilers for 'Pennyworth' Season 2 Episode 1 'The Heavy Crown'
'Pennyworth' dropped a massive easter egg in 'The Heavy Crown' by name-dropping Arkham Asylum in a conversation between Thomas Wayne (Ben Aldridge) and the CIA. The season opener sees London ravaged by the neo-fascist Raven Union headed by Lord James Harwood (James Flemyng) as they look to get London under their control. Wayne is seen explaining the misdeeds of Harwood at the CIA Headquarters in Washington DC and how the final takeover would make Arkham Asylum look like a country brook.
That he mentions the famed Asylum makes it clear that the place did exist in the 1950 and the '60s— the time period where the events of 'Pennyworth' are set. This makes it all the more interesting as comic storylines say the place was first introduced in Batman #258 (1974). Back then, it was simply known as the Arkham Hospital and was supposedly a place upstate. However, as time progressed, the location changed as well with Len Wein, writer of Batman #326 said it was deep in the suburbs of Gotham, according to Fandom.
Arkham Asylum has been the subject of many storylines that served as a hold for many of Batman's lunatic enemies. The confinement facility had sporadic appearances and name-drops in the comics where the supervillains were incarcerated. This isn't the first time the facility has been referred to in live-action shows. The place was shown in the Arrowverse shows as well. The second of the three-part crossover 'Elseworlds' showed the dungeons. Arkham Asylum is featured in 'Batwoman' as well, one of the latest entrants in the live-action DCEU series, and 'Titans'.
It is still unclear if we'll know more about Arkham Asylum in 'Pennyworth'. The series has meticulously constructed a backstory around Batman's supporting, but key characters and has managed to connect some elements of the past that have shaped Batman's future. Arkham is just one of those factors.
What are your thoughts on a possible introduction to Arkham Asylum over the course of the series?
'Pennyworth' airs Sundays at 9 pm ET on EPIX.