In this regard, ePIX grants a new track for the renown gent (starting July 28th), with Jack "Ripper Street" Bannon tackling the role in a ten-episode sojourn, produced by Danny Cannon and Bruno Heller, entitled (aptly enough) "Pennyworth".
The series' backdrop is swingin' '60s London. Bannon's Alfred is spry and suave in the Bondian way: a former Special Air Service member and confidant of Ben Aldridge's Thomas Wayne. For the record, Emma Paetz's Martha Kane (yep, Bruce's predestined mom) will be waiting in the wings.
Even with the Wayne connection at play, "Pennyworth" acts as a huge homage to such colorful, '60s spy classics as "The Saint"; "The Man from U.N.C.L.E."; "It Takes a Thief"; "The C.A.T."; "The Avengers"; "I Spy"; "Secret Agent"; and "The Prisoner". ("Pennyworth" could also fill the period-piece gap left by the dropped-too-soon "Agent Carter".)
If it does justice to its historical frame, the series could (and damn well should) prove a much needed breath of fresh air. In this respect, ol' Alfred might even engage in some politically incorrect shenanigans or in the very least some outlandish, espionage trickery. (Perhaps he might be the one to get tricked, if a Patrick McGoohan angle is employed.)
The ultimate slant will be determined by his interaction with the additional costars/supporting characters: Ryan Fletcher's Dave Boy (an army chum, who fancies the sauce); Hainsley Lloyd Bennett's Deon "Bazza" Bashford (a seasoned playboy); Emma Corrin's Esme (the fetching love interest); Paloma Faith's Bet Sykes (a fierce henchwoman); and fantastic-film veteran Jason Flemyng's Lord Harwood (Sykes' employer and the exploit's prime villain...or is he?). Say, maybe Harwood and Sykes are variants of the ol' Batman adversaries, Lord Ffogg and Penelope Peasoup...
I'm anxious to see how all this glides, though its graze-the-surface, Dark Knight linkage should seal its success. (Look how "Krypton" drew those Kal-El devotees to SyFy.) "Pennyworth" might even become the smash successor to Fox's "Gotham". Now wouldn't that be a terrific, bat-tastic turn?
The initial episode was a trifle different than I anticipated: a burgeoning Bond for sure (with a quirky, John Steed/"Avengers" zeal), but its quiet richness (the sophisticated build-up that it presented) was pleasing in a whole other way. I imagine that as the series progresses, it will become more in tune with its pre-Batman intent, but as it stands, I'm still satisfied.
ReplyDeleteDidn't expect a surprise death by Episode 5. I figured that had to be a catch, but nope.
ReplyDelete"Pennyworth" was sure a wild, violent ride and well worth the ticket. In fact, it exceeded my expectations, which were already quite high.
ReplyDeleteHarwood is a smashing character: indeed, a kind of warped Lord Fogg. Jack Bannon is as smashing in his stealthy, non-nonsense way. The entire cast is tip-top to every degree. I couldn't be more pleased.
I do hope that Season 2 manifests. It would be bloody shame if this one fell off the map.