'Pennyworth' Season 1 episode 5 review: Alfie gets his mojo back as we learn about Thomas Wayne's CIA connection
This review contains spoilers
'Pennyworth' episode 5 titled 'Shirley Bassey' starts off on a gloomy note as Esme's (Emma Corin) death takes centerstage for the first few minutes. The episode sees old enemies escape by the skin of their teeth, while new ones emerge. Thomas Wayne's (Ben Aldridge) past is revealed one piece at a time, and this time, it's about his time working for the CIA.
Esme is considered to be a victim of a robbery gone wrong, except Bet Sykes (Paloma Faith) isn't buying any of that crap. She recounts how she saw the assailants—a man and a woman—enter the apartment to kill her. She and Polly attend her funeral, as does Martha Kane (Emma Paetz) and Wayne.
Thomas' new mission comes from the No-Name League. He is assigned to set up the murder of the Raven Society's leader, Frances Gaunt (Anna Chancellor), especially after the conflict between the two societies' has waded its way into the local populace. To do this, Thomas needs Martha, who in turn needs Alfred (Jack Bannon), who is still broken over his girl's death. Such is the impact of the death that he sees visions of his dead mate, Spanish.
He also resolves to "not do violence anymore" and explains the same to Martha when she approaches with the task. It's also heartening to see Martha pitch this whole thing while feeling guilty. She considers Alfie a friend and that relationship may play a crucial role in the episodes to come.
Of all people, it takes John Ripper (Danny Webb) to bring Alfred back to normal. Except, there is a catch. The duo train together and it looks like a throwback to 'Rocky 3' where we see Apollo and Rocky run together. He later gives him a task, and in return, will reveal the name of Esme's killer. Meanwhile, Thomas enlists Dave Boy for the job that Alfred refused.
Eventually, the action happens in one place. A meeting between the No-Name and Raven turns to gory bloodshed with Dave seriously injured and the head of the No- Name league dead. This also means Gaunt was second-time lucky. Elsewhere, Bet stumbles upon Lard Harwood, her boss, sans the noes and toes, and brings him in. He's now called 'Ginger' lovingly. We have no idea what she plans to do with him or Alfred over the course of the series.
Halfway through the season, it is evident that Ripper's appearance isn't a one-off. He's in with the No-Name widow promising a political takeover.
'Pennyworth' continues to excel with its gripping drama and sporadic action. Also, there is that unpredictability factor that has ensured weekly tune-ins continuing strong.
At the point, it remains to be seen if it manages to continue in the same vein. 'Shirley Bassey' is an episode of reveals and its apt that these plot points are slowly tied up as the finale looms at a distance.
Our suggestion is to stick to watching 'Pennyworth' when it airs Sundays at 9 p.m. on EPIX.