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We’ve got another of the cryptically titled Pennyworth episodes this week, ‘Cilla Black’. Black was a popular singer in the 1960s and early 70s who went on to host her own variety series in the UK, act and become a celebrated television presenter, celebrating 50 years in show business in 2013. Sadly she died after a fall at her villa in Estepona in 2015. How she figures into Pennyworth, I suppose only the producers know.
For our main characters, life has become infinitely more complicated since Esme’s death. Alfred is already regretting his actions in assassinating the head of the No Name League, especially once he realizes that John Ripper was just using him to serve his own nefarious purposes (along with the leader’s wife). Thomas Wayne, whom Alfred knows is actually CIA, was very clear in his disappointment with how the whole operation to kill Mrs. Gaunt ended, making it even more clear he knew Alfred killed Mr. Thwaite but without specifically accusing him. But in the end, the murder actually put some fear into Gaunt who agreed again to meet with Mrs. Thwaite to sincerely discuss a truce between their warring factions. Wayne was ordered to kill Gaunt if she didn’t accept the offer but … she did and she and Mrs. Thwaite agreed to make a joint statement to call off their associates and restore some semblance of peace to the land.
Not at peace, however, are Alfred and Patricia Wayne. While on his assignment for the CIA, Thomas was forced to deal with uninvited guest Patricia, whom he had to leave with Martha … who was not thrilled to play babysitter, having to concoct a story about her relationship with Thomas. Patricia is not someone who wants to be cooped up and have small talk all day so she suggests the pair attend a party.
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The party just happened to be at the home of Aleister Crowley (who figured prominently into the second season of CBS All Access’ Strange Angel), a proponent of sex magick and a person labeled as ‘the most dangerous man in the world’. Straight-laced Martha isn’t prepared for anything she sees at this party and struggles to keep tabs on Patricia, whom she finally loses track of. When things really start going sideways, Martha attempts to leave the mansion and despite running down a flight of stairs, she somehow circles back to the room on the second floor she tried to flee. She tries again and one the second attempt she’s back at the room but everyone is quiet, standing on opposite sides, forming an aidle for Martha to walk down. She approaches someone elevated above her, looks up and sees a man with a goat’s head and the next thing she knows she’s waking up in a field, naked, under an impressively gnarled tree with no idea where she is or how she got there (or where her clothes are). And there’s no sign of Patricia. Of note, one of Crowley’s party guests was Jason Ripper.
Alfred, angry at himself for being played and promising his folks that he’s going to get back to his old self (which ends with a very touching moment between Alfred and his father), pays John Ripper a visit to get the name of Esme’s killer as promised. Ripper tells him to see Baroness Ortsey. She’s not the killer but she can provide him with the information he seeks. Ortsey is, however, in a mental hospital, kept in a cell similar to the one Hannibal Lechter resided in, but much more well-appointed, more like the parlor of her home than a jail cell. Paying her a visit, Ortsey claims to be a witch, and asks Alfred to bring her a rose and the left hand of a murderer at the next full moon if he wants his answer. Alfred again feels he’s being played and storms out.
At the Velvet Rope, Alfie is back to work, Dave Boy has recovered from his gunshot, and Bazza is also still on duty, hopefully not snorting coke any more. When a patron causes a ruckus and refuses to pay, Alfred and the boys toss him out of the club but a fight ensues. Alfred’s instincts kick in once again, and the fight ends with the man’s left hand being severed from his arm. And it lands next to a rose, the full moon reflected in a puddle. Perhaps Ortsey isn’t as crazy as she appears.
Alfred goes back to the hospital and apparently sneaks past security, letting himself into Ortsey’s cell. She’s impressed by his skills and pleased he brought what she asked for. She didn’t need it for anything, she just wanted the items to prove he was serious. Offering up some tea, she asks Alfred to take her hand, but unlike Mrs. Darkness, the Baroness has tampered with the tea, putting something in it to put Alfred to sleep and give him bizarre dreams back to his military days. It’s there he sees the man he believes is Esme’s killer, the captain of the platoon who had no time for Alfred’s sentiments in burying his comrade Spanish.
Certain the captain is the man, Alfred convinces Bazza and Dave Boy to accompany him to the man’s residence to confront him. The guys really don’t believe someone like that would hold a grudge for so many years and then kill Alfred’s fiancée out of revenge, but Alfie is certain he’s got his man. Bazza makes Alfie promise there will be no bloodshed but when they arrive, there’s a note on the door which read:
‘Ha Ha, a little too late my friend. Don’t think I’m sorry or scared. I’m glad you know the truth.”
Has Alfred and his friends been led into a trap?
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And back at Bet and Peg’s, Lord Harwood has regained his memory after seeing the Prime Minister on telly, remembering him as the man who tortured Harwood. And with his memory back — but not knowing he’s not still the head of the Raven Society, nor of the truce with the No Names — Harwood is ready to return to London, hopefully with Bet and Peg in tow.
I can’t believe there are just four episodes left in the season. With each one building more and more towards what is sure to be a major confrontation involving everyone, I sincerely hope we see another season from Epix and Warner Bros.
What did you think of this episode? Sound off in the comments below!
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