Pennyworth
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Pennyworth
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Pennyworth is an action series based on the early life of Batman character Alfred Pennyworth. There's lots of violence that includes physical assaults, shootings, scenes of torture, and bloody wounds. There's also some cursing, smoking, and excessive drinking. Drug use is occasionally visible. Sexual content includes occasional nudity (bare breasts), and there are themes relating to infidelity and sexual sadism.
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What's the Story?
PENNYWORTH is the origin story of Alfred Pennyworth, a former British Special Air Forces soldier who eventually becomes Batman's butler. Jack Bannon plays a young Pennyworth, who after serving in the Malayan Emergency is working as a bouncer in a high-end London club while trying form his own security company with the help of war buddies Wallace "Dave Boy" MacDougal (Ryan Fletcher) and Deon "Bazza" Bashford (Ainsley Lloyd Bennett). After an unexpected encounter with young American accountant Thomas Wayne (Ben Aldridge), he becomes a target of the Raven Society, a fascist group led by Lord James Harwood (Jason Flemyng) that's trying to take over the British government. Soon Pennyworth finds himself and his loved ones caught up in the life that he'd resisted.
Is It Any Good?
The fun and lively series offers viewers an entertaining backstory that features colorful characters, romance, and lots of action as Pennyworth stops villains trying to take over the British Empire. Jack Bannon's genteel but self-controlled and steely portrayal of the young Pennyworth is likable, but complicated, especially when negotiating his relationship with his parents (played by Dorothy Atkinson and Ian Puleston-Davies), and with love interests like Esme Winikus (Emma Corrin). Meanwhile, malefactors like Bet Sykes (Paloma Faith) add some bizarre humor. Pennyworth stands on its own, and doesn't require viewers to like, or even know, Bruce Wayne's story to appreciate it. Nonetheless, older Batman fans may take a special interest in it.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the ethics that guide Alfred Pennyworth's actions. How does he negotiate the need to help people and protect the country with his dislike for violence and killing? Are there lines that he won't cross?
How well does Pennyworth explain the connection between Alfred's activities and relationships as a young man and his future relationship with Bruce Wayne? Does it raise more questions than answers?
TV Details
- Premiere date: July 28, 2019
- Cast: Jack Bannon, Ben Aldridge, Paloma Faith, Emma Corrin
- Network: HBO Max
- Genre: Action
- Topics: Superheroes, Friendship
- Character Strengths: Courage, Humility, Perseverance, Self-control, Teamwork
- TV rating: TV-MA
- Last updated: December 24, 2022
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For kids who love superheroes and action
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