TV Show review
Review basis: 3 seasons, 30 episodes · through November 24, 2022
July 28, 2019 · 54 min · TV-MA · Canceled
Woke Score
Lower is better
Review
Pennyworth follows young Alfred Pennyworth, a tough former British soldier who starts a security company in 1960s London. He works for Thomas and Martha Wayne before they have Bruce. The story involves fights against a fascist group trying to seize power and a later civil war in an alternate Britain. A tough lesbian villain named Bet Sykes stands out among the characters. The show stays focused on crime, violence, and loyalty rather than social messages.
Breakdown
These are the editorial factors and ratings behind our score for Pennyworth: The Origin of Batman's Butler.
Woke representation / casting
Some supporting actors of color and a confirmed lesbian character Bet Sykes appear in prominent roles, but the cast and story stay true to the 1960s London setting without heavy identity emphasis.
Woke political dialogue
Political talk centers on a fascist uprising and resistance in an alternate history without modern activist speeches or lectures.
Identity-driven story themes
The story follows Alfred's security work, loyalty, and fights against a fascist group in a civil war setting. Identity politics do not drive the narrative.
Western institutional / cultural critique
The show shows government collapse and a fascist takeover as plot elements. This serves the alternate history thriller rather than current-day critiques of Western institutions or norms.
Woke character or canon changes
Not relevant. Alfred, Thomas Wayne, and Martha Kane keep their traditional backgrounds with no identity-driven changes to source material.
Anti-woke backlash and complaints
No notable complaints or backlash accused the show of pushing woke, DEI, or identity politics messaging.
Creator track record context
Creators Bruno Heller and Danny Cannon have long careers in crime dramas and Gotham. No activist or representation-first pattern appears in their records.
Production
