Pennyworth Review: Alma Cogan (Season 1 Episode 9)

Alfred finds himself at a crossroads on Pennyworth Season 1 Episode 9, “Alma Cogan,” as those higher on the food chain look to put his skills to work.

One thing is for certain about the episode: it moves fast. It takes no time for Alfred to go from imprisoned to out on a job to on the run, making for a quick succession of story that works to the episode’s advantage.

The assassination plot comes as a little flimsy, tying too much to Alfred, who has proven time and again to have a mind of his own during missions. It proves as a positive, as Thomas and Martha are interesting characters and it allows them to live to see another episode, but Aziz tied too much faith to a man he shouldn’t trust, thus making the whole situation a little far-fetched, reasoning-wise.

A lot of the good work on the episode comes through adding a little more to the relationships in Alfred’s life. His growing closeness to his mother and father upon returning home is a heartwarming scatter of scenes, showing that despite the family’s hardened start early on during the season, their resolve and dedication to making things work brings them closer than ever.

Even Alfred’s father, despite his Raven Society ties, has opened up and become a staunch supporter of his son. The cancer revelation comes after some episodes of coughing, and helps make Alfred’s mother’s worries of losing both the people in her life she cares most about a heartbreaking notion.

Sandra becoming more present, as well, helps show a side of Alfred that has been lacking since Esme’s death. The sense of community, especially upon Alfred’s return with the partying at the pub, along with Sandra’s kindness, helps soften Alfred and allow Jack Bannon to play with more than just a gun.

Pennyworth continues to have a bit of wry humor during the quieter moments. Alfred being able to make himself the big man on campus at the Newgate prison is a fun little visual gag, his rise to the upper level sleeping quarters never really spoken of but used as a sign of his standing across multiple scenes.

The closeness between Thomas and Martha is also a nice little way to add some humor and life to the show, as they make a unique duo of optimistic and cynicism, bouncing off each other to become stronger together and show that both of their viewpoints have their place in this world.

The politics side of the episode are still a little clumsy, mostly because of its intricacies being placed on the sidelines. We don’t get to know the duke outside of him coming into Lord Harwood’s home and being called the “pretender,” spoken of quietly. We hear about the list of people who can be turned to solidify power between the Raven Society and the No-Name League, but nothing beyond that.

It would eat up too much time, getting into these things, sure, but it comes off as a little barebones due to each piece being largely given lip service and nothing more. They are major points of the story, and could have used some more importance than a line or two.

Thankfully, Pennyworth Season 1 Episode 9, “Alma Cogan,” finds success with everything surrounding the politics. The ideals and loyalties of certain characters make for a clash ahead, especially with the Queen now captured and Lord Harwood on the warpath after the botched assassination. Alfred’s sabbatical will likely be short-lived, now that all hell is about to break loose.

Hopefully the season finale can continue delivering on the show’s successful character beats, as it is there that Pennyworth finds its best moments.

 

What did you think of this episode of Pennyworth? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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Pennyworth airs Sundays at 9/8c on EPIX.

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