A Spy Thriller in Mod Clothing
If you go into this expecting a procedural about a guy folding laundry and making tea, you’re going to be very confused by the first explosion. Pennyworth is a weird, wonderful swing at an origin story that feels less like a comic book and more like a high-octane British espionage flick. It’s set in a version of 1960s London that is equal parts stylish and filthy, where the politics are as sharp as the suits.
The show hinges on the idea that the world’s most famous butler didn't start out as a domestic. He’s a former SAS soldier trying to start a security firm, and the result is a narrative that prioritizes tension and tradecraft over superpowers. It’s a smart move. By stripping away the capes, the show allows itself to be a genuinely gritty noir. Critics gave it a 72% on Rotten Tomatoes, but the audience score is a massive 89%, which tells you everything you need to know: this is a crowd-pleaser for people who like their action with a side of cynicism.
The "Pre-Batman" Problem
We’ve seen a lot of "before they were famous" stories, and they often feel like they’re just treading water until the main event arrives. Pennyworth avoids this by leaning into a "what-if" alt-history vibe. Seeing Thomas and Martha Wayne before they were the tragic figures in an alleyway is fascinating, mostly because they aren't the saints the legend suggests. They’re caught up in the same messy, violent world as Alfred.
If your teen already burned through our parent’s guide to Gotham, this is the logical, albeit much more British, next step. While both shows share some DNA, Pennyworth is more grounded in its brutality. It doesn't rely on the "villain of the week" trope. Instead, it builds a slow-burn conspiracy that feels much more adult.
Why the 15+ Rating Matters
This isn't a show you put on for a kid who just finished a cartoon. The 15+ rating from Common Sense Media is earned. We’re talking about a world where torture, cold-blooded executions, and heavy political manipulation are the norm. It’s a show about the cost of violence, and it doesn't look away when things get ugly.
The pacing can be a bit of a hurdle for some. With a Metacritic score of 60, it’s clear that some critics found the political subplots a bit dense. If you’re looking for a quick dopamine hit of action, you might find the mid-season stretches a bit leaden. But if you appreciate a show that takes its time to build an atmosphere—one that smells like gin and gunpowder—it’s a top-tier choice for a weekend binge once the younger kids are asleep.
The Verdict for Your Living Room
Think of this as a gateway drug to more serious spy dramas. It’s got enough "DC" flavor to keep a fan interested, but enough originality to stand on its own two feet. It’s a show that respects the audience's intelligence and doesn't feel the need to wink at the camera every time a character mentions a "bat." It’s moody, it’s violent, and it’s arguably the most interesting thing to happen to the Batman mythos in years.
