Pennyworth DC TV Series Review: A Relatable James Bond in a Humorous World

A good show very much worth a watch, Pennyworth offers a fresh take on the world of DC Comics. Think of working class James Bond in a surrealist England. It's a show with a very British vibe that pays homage to famous figures and events in a humorous albeit inaccurate way, from the Queen to Alister Crowley to daily Medieval Brutality in the Tower of London, despite it seemingly being set around the 1960s.

Characters and Humor

But it's a lot of fun with good and likeable characters, both lead and supporting. Alfred himself is a very strong lead character and comes across as a likeable badass. He has a very calm and dry humour, which we know he'll need for his later career. The show mixes traditional British humour with a more serious spy thriller atmosphere, creating a unique blend that keeps viewers engaged.

Thomas Wayne and Martha

Thomas Wayne and Martha are recurring characters in the show but, so far, the references to Batman's lore are fairly minimal. It's more like a Bond-esq Guy Ritchie comedy thriller than a "superhero" type of thing. If that doesn't sound like your cup of tea, it might be best to give it a miss. The essence of Pennyworth is somewhere between those two genres.

Grounded and Comforting

Personally, I really enjoyed it. It has a surprisingly grounded tone despite the weirdness and it's sort of a comforting show in that you get to know and like the characters and the setting almost like a soap opera. It's not incredible or anything like that, but definetly a show I'd recommend to someone who likes Batman lore but isn't necessarily a "super hero action" only type of fan. I think someone who just enjoys "lad films" and spy thrillers but one that doesn't take itself too seriously and doesn't care for super hero stuff at all would also probably like this show.

Conclusion

In summary, Pennyworth is a unique show that blends humor, spy thriller elements, and relatable characters. It's worth a watch if you're a fan of the DC universe, British humour, or simply enjoy a good spy thriller. While it may not be for everyone, it offers a refreshing take on the familiar tropes of the genre.