Before 'The Penguin', There Was Another Superb DC Series That You Probably Missed

Among the many DC Universe projects, there's one hidden gem that has been unfairly overlooked – Pennyworth is a series that chronicles the early life of Batman's future butler, Alfred.

Bold, stylish, and unique, Pennyworth offers a take on the Batman mythos that you definitely haven't seen in Gotham or Joker.

What Is 'Pennyworth' About?

The series is set in an alternate 1960s Britain. The protagonist, Alfred Pennyworth, is a former Special Forces soldier attempting to establish a peaceful life by opening a private security agency in London.

His path unexpectedly crosses with Thomas Wayne's, a young surgeon and Bruce's future father. Together, they find themselves at the center of a conspiracy amid political struggles between shadowy elite groups.

'Pennyworth' Is a Show Steeped in the Spirit of England

From the very first frames, accompanied by the sounds of Paint It Black, the show establishes a distinctive atmosphere.

This isn't the England we know – it's a stylized, "Gothamized" version. Airships float across the sky, cages containing criminals hang in the streets, and executions are televised.

Pennyworth combines the aesthetics of early Bond spy thrillers, the energy of Peaky Blinders, and the wit of Guy Ritchie movies to create a spectacle that is intensely British and completely unique.

'Pennyworth' Features Many Charismatic Villains

The antagonists are more than just bad guys – they are vibrant, memorable characters that fit perfectly into the series' style.

For example, there's Bet Sykes, a mercenary reminiscent of Harley Quinn with a heavy Manchester accent. Then there's crime lord John Ripper, whose appearance evokes Jack the Ripper.

Notable among them is Lord James Harwood, leader of a secret society. He combines elegance and genuine menace, complete with his iconic iron beak, which conceals his missing nose.

'Pennyworth' Lets Us See More of Bruce Wayne's Parents

Unlike other adaptations, Pennyworth makes Thomas and Martha into fully-fledged characters instead of just victims in an alley.

Here, Thomas Wayne is a cunning and determined rogue, not just a noble philanthropist, and Martha is an intelligent and principled idealist.

Their doomed romance is vividly and convincingly portrayed, adding a new layer of tragic depth to the entire Batman story.

What Did Critics & Viewers Think of 'Pennyworth'?

• Pennyworth has 66% from critics and 89% from viewers on Rotten Tomatoes.

• On IMDb, the series has a score of 7.8/10.

Where to Watch 'Pennyworth'?

Pennyworth is available to stream on HBO Max and Hulu.