#pennyworth tv series

[thebibliosphere]

One of the funnier aspects of playing with the Pennyworth canon is being able to play into Alfred having fourth-wall-breaking powers.

He's not psychic. But his relationship with reality is a little bit to the left of everyone else's on account of the War Trauma, Witches Spiking His Tea With Hallucinogens That One Time, and a heaping dose of Main Character Energy.

He's just a little bit too aware of things. A little bit too ahead of the plot. Everyone else around him is staggering about, fumbling their way through the dark, and Alfred's already pulling out his gun, anticipating the next shot. Except for when the plot needs him in the dark. Then he's just as surprised as everyone else, if not more so, because he didn't see it coming, and Alfred always sees it coming.

Not to mention all the times he hallucinates a dead person conveniently telling him how to resolve this week's plot while quietly worrying he might have gone A Little Bit Mad.

It makes for an entertaining character study when you drop him into a more traditional Batman world, and he's suddenly second-fiddle to the somehow even more insane shit Bruce is dealing with on a daily basis.

Bruce: I don't know what I'd do without you. It's like you anticipate everything. How did you know I'd need an antidote for fatal laughing gas?

Alfred with the ghost of Martha Wayne standing over his shoulder, absolutely sweating bullets and not about to admit to anything lest he end up enjoying a mandatory 72 hour grippy sock vacation in Arkham: Oh, well, y'know, what's a butler for...

[ramon-tikaram-love]

Ramon Tikaram as Victor Aziz in Pennyworth season 3

some more gifs i had lying around

[thebibliosphere]

So this is purely based on things that are heavily inferred by the Pennyworth show (and somewhat by the Pennyworth comics) but Alfred did not have a very good childhood.

tw: war, public executions, alcoholism, murder, suicide, domestic abuse, fascism, PTSD

Alfred was born in the shadow of WW2 (which lasted well into the 1950s in this universe) and basically grew up in an alternate version of the East End of London where public executions were so commonplace and violent that people walked past televised executions in the street like they were nothing.

As soon as he was old enough, he went straight into the military (whether he was drafted or voluntarily signed up is unclear). Eventually, he winds up a member of the SAS, with his final tour being in Borneo as part of the Indonesia–Malaysia confrontation (1963-1966). Alfred has many regrets about the war, and we frequently see him having PTSD flashbacks.

At one point during a hallucination (which he's seemingly very prone to), he hallucinates his mum asking him where he's been, and he says, "They sent us to the jungle, mum. It was hell."

Doing the math (which is sketchy in the show), he was 19 at the time.

We later learn that a lot of Alfred's former SAS comrades have died recently, most of them by suicide. Those who haven't died have severe alcohol issues, including his friend Daveboy, who is essentially a high-functioning alcoholic. Alfred also drinks a lot, especially after his fiancee is killed by his former commanding officer as revenge for Alfred making fun of him. We later find out his former CO is a serial killer, and the police know about it, but because he's the son of a rich Lord with connections to Parliament, nothing is ever done about it. Alfred executes him and ends up going to jail for it but is released when the government decides they could use him as an assassin.

(Who is he supposed to kill? Thomas and Martha. He refuses to pull the trigger and ends up on the run.)

In the comics, it's implied that before Alfred went to war, his dad would take him on butler jobs as a second pair of hands, which is when Alfred sees his "first death" during a "'''hunting accident'''" when some rich lord gets sniped in front of him. It's supposedly his first exposure to death, but considering London is a fucking dystopian nightmare in this reality, that seems unlikely.

The comics also paint his father as stern but practical, teaching Alfred a multitude of skills that would later come in handy as a spy.

The show doesn't really support this. Instead, Alfred's father is shown as a brusque, imposing man with "traditional values" and a fondness for drink. It's unclear if he served in WW2 or if he was spared active service due to being the manservant of a lord, but Alfred's refusal to follow in his footsteps into household service is a major point of contention between them.

Personally, I get the vibe that his father feels guilty over not serving his country, and he takes it out on Alfred, who did serve his country and came home highly decorated (and traumatized). It would certainly make his father becoming a militant fascist in later seasons make more sense, as his father often says things like, "I'm doing it to serve my country."

It's also heavily implied that his father was an abusive drunk during Alfred's childhood, with both Alfred and his mother often trying to tell his father he's had enough to drink and his father responding he hasn't. At one point, Alfred puts himself between his father and mother, almost like he's daring his father to hit him now that he's fully grown. The show only does this once and never really touches on it again, but it's a moment that stood out to me the first time I watched it.

Despite this, his mother is shown to love his father and stands by him, even when he starts to get more and more involved in fascist rallies (which they keep secret from Alfred because they know he wouldn't approve). When Alfred is forced to kill his father to save the Queen, his mother says she understands why but is still devastated. Alfred struggles with having killed his father, even though he knows he had no other choice.

There's a bunch more stuff, but basically: grew up in a Mad Max-esque version of London being continually bombed during WW2. Went into the military potentially to escape his abusive, alcoholic father. Witnessed The Horrors. Got sent home after getting blown up, ends up living at home with his parents again -- loses his fiancee to a serial killer. Goes to jail. Comits patricide. And that's just mostly season 1. Shit just keeps getting wilder from there.

Bruce was off planet when everyone was turned into teenagers. They had some access to their memories, but their emotional states seemed to match their ages. It would be fine though, right?

[insert frantic bat out of hell dash to earth]

Bruce didn’t know what he was expecting, but it wasn’t this bullshit.

- Damian was teaching Jason how to paint

- Duke was sparring all out with Tim

- Cass had talked Steph and Babs into playing knife tag

- Alfred was unaccounted for, along with several guns, a concerning amount of money, and all data on the last known whereabouts of Deathstroke, Tarantula, Ra’s, and Joker

- Dick was stapled to the vaulted ceiling (clothes, not skin), cursing out everyone else

- The word “Snitch,” was also written on Dick’s forehead

[lotusxpop]

I keep forgetting that technically the sandman is part of the dcu and it's just so funny to me like could you imagine Morpheus having to go to Gotham and running into batman? He would be so confused why a human would do such a thing willingly or he would be like "eh humanity has become so... peculiar lately I should perhaps ask Hob about it"

And Batman would just stand there in all his Stoic glory assessing this.... otherworldly being hoping he won't have to fight it.

(I feel like Alfred would offer morpheus tea and morpheus would politely say yes because lucienne have taught him manners)

[bubblesxo]

de-aged bruce: yeah, that's definitely a deep bit of legal trouble you've gotten into. why don't you have harvey dent on the case?

batfam: harvey... dent?

bruce: yeah, he's one of the few good lawyers in this city. i trust him with basically all of my personal stuff.

batfam, to one another: should we tell him?

bruce: tell me what?

--

alfred, a room away: dear me, was that an explosion?

[the-wanderer]

I love the relationship between Alfred Pennyworth and Bruce Wayne; especially in the Gotham TV Show and just melt whenever Alfred calls Bruce 'my boy' and Bruce calls Alfred his family

[sporadicsweetswitch]

There should be a tv series made where it is a prequel to the princess diaries movies. It should be about a young Joe slowly becoming the head of Genovian security and meeting Queen Clarice, and we get to see both of them grow into the inspirations they are.

[all-i-do-is-live-in-daydreams]

started watching Gotham and ed and bruce are def autistic. you're wrong if you say otherwise

[tarrenterror25]

"Not all men."

You're right, Alfred Pennyworth would never.

[summersnow82]

Gotham rewatch: Harvey appreciation.

“WHAT’S AUSPICIOUS?”

Paying for Dix’s care.

Backing Jim…even if it is morally gray.

Stepping up as acting Captain.

This scene right here. ⬇️

“Get the woman a coffee.”

“Fight the virus, not my car!”

ALWAYS backing Jim Gordon. Especially the train scene.

Admitting Lucius is smarter than him.

His mad respect for Alfred.

Honestly, I never liked Bullock in other incarnations, but in Gotham he is just a delight. Talk about character growth.

[obsessedwiththebatman]

McFarlane Toys DC Multiverse Batman Forever Batmobile Vehicle and Alfred Pennyworth 7-Inch Scale Action Figure

From the 1995 Batman Forever movie comes the iconic Batmobile!

The vehicle comes with a 7-inch scale action figure of Batman's trusty butler, Alfred Pennyworth! A display base for the fully articulated Alfred and collectible art card is also included.

The Batmobile measures approximately 31-inches long and can fit a figuure in the cockpit.

Plus, the Batmobile features lights and sound! The vehicle requires 3x AAA batteries, which are not included. Batman figure is sold separately.

Order https://ee.toys/L8EL4B

[thebibliosphere]

I haven't gotten far, but I love that the Pennyworth comics (based on the show) start with Alfred literally dangling someone off the top of the Eiffel Tower by their toes for information.

Starting off as we mean to go on, I see.

[ramon-tikaram-love]

from Pennyworth s1 e8

[anastasiareadsnwrites]

Can I request a Peggy Sykes x female reader? I just watched Pennyworth and she has my whole heart even though she and bet are sorta 💫💫🫨🫠

Mad World Part I (Margaret "Peggy" Sykes x Fem! Reader)

Author's note: Thank you so much for requesting. It means the "world" to me 😉. I will certainly make a Pennyworth masterlist in due time.

Summary: In the middle of your class game, you just caught a glimpse of a green suit in the mix of the disarray of people. You lock eyes with the most gorgeous person you've ever seen. Of course, a formal introduction will have to take place.

Warning(s): flirty! Reader, smoking, brief fighting, gun(s), your a hoot, womanizer?, slight delusions, you may be crazy?, good siblings, more to be added

The MAIN masterlist

You sat there playing a chess game in the park with another person. Someone you earnestly don't even know. They just approached you and asked if you wanted to play. A little girl. Well you honestly couldn't turn her down cause her eyes shone with brightness, something in this world that you want to see again.

Being a Lady in this society was quite overwhelming. Your husband died long ago. You grew tired of his constant nagging about traveling and such other things that he would go on and on about. You had no children and that was one of the topics that he would constantly bring up. Saying how infertile you were and how you would die in a canal somewhere. Honestly, the nerve of some men. But it didn't last long until he dropped dead at the dinner table into his food. You sipped away at your drink and sighed. Freedom at it's best.

"Your move." The little girl spoke as you stared at the board in front of the both of you.

"Yes, my apologies." You smiled at the beaming little redhead.

It made you wonder where her mother was. Or her parent. Surely, enough they won't be far. Today is gloomy as always. Mobs on the street protesting about Lord Harwood and Salt and other people. In some conversations, you caught the names of the Sykes sister's, Alfred, and even the Martha Kane.

You moved your queen one square to the right checkmating her king. No other possibilities of getting out of checkmate, the little girl sighed and knocked over her king.

"I yield." she said making you smile.

"You know, your actually pretty good at chess. What is your name by the way?"

"Samantha. But everyone calls me Sammy and yours?"

"Y/n L/n" You smiled as you extended your arm. You chuckled at how wide her eyes got as she realized who you were. "You mean you live in that big house by yourself?" Her hands were very small compared to yours.

"Well, yes it does get quite lonely." You slumped your shoulders as you thought about the house and how everything had just lost it's lost. You parent's were actually quite good people. Investing in such things that'll bring happiness to little one's and you vowed to do the same.

"Say, why don't you come and visit sometime? Maybe I can teach you a thing or two about chess?" You smiled showing your pearly whites.

"Let me go get my mom." Sammy giggled and ran off without putting away her chess pieces and boards, she was going to be back anyways. The slight breeze ran through your short hair. Trees in this side of the small park were bristling and some old leaves were falling down onto the concrete.

Noticing a few people get into a brawl in one of the streets that had nothing but shops. Among st all the people the piercing blue's caught your attention. She looked so regal and demanding.

Her hair was black and her ponytail flowed down her right shoulder. She noticed you were staring and she raised a brow and smirked. Your heart swooned at the idea of her beside you, living in the big manor. Your lonely heart ached at the idea as well.

"Mama! Hurry!" Sammy's voice pulled you from the small staring contest that you were having with the unknown woman. Surely, you would ask Mr. Pennyworth about the woman. He seemed to well acquainted with everyone here in London.

"Alright, Alright. We don't want to fall now do we." The mother smiled as she seen her little one run toward you.

You smiled as you met the mothers gaze as her eyes widened as how Sammy's eyes did when she first realized who you were.

"Ms. Y/l/n, My apologies for my daughter disturbing your schedule." She nodded in curtsy.

"It's perfectly alright, she's no bother." Chuckling you ruffled the young-lings hair as she pouted. Sammy continuously put away her chess pieces.

"I was telling Sammy, here, that the two of you can come over to my house or whatever you want to call it anytime. Just make sure to call first." You smiled and gave her a piece of paper, or more of a card.

A card that had your house number on it. The maids or your butler were sure enough to answer the phone. Her blush didn't go unnoticed as you took her hand into yours. Sammy's mom was very pretty, her brown eyes mixing with her white skin and her red hair.

"Thank you so much, Ms. Y/I/n. "

"No need for formalities, call me Y/n" You chuckled and she blushed even more.

"Oh? Kathy." She smiled.

"Well I must be on my way, Kathy...Sammy." You smiled at the pair as you nodded your head and walked into the opposite direction. You gave another glance to where you seen the black haired lady but to be met with nothing. You glance into another direction as you caught a glimpse of a green suit similar to the one that Lady was wearing and a redhead right behind her as she got into a car. The redhead on the other hand gave you a sneer and got in right after her.

How unusual, she looked familiar, surely you had seen her some where but most redheads were all the same. Sneering at people and thinking that they were in high society. So, you put it off.

You walked along the street, to your car. With a sigh you stood there pulling out a cigarette and match box. Now you were actually going to ask Alfred about these people that he so called worked with in some certain formalities. You took a big drag of the cigarette and blew the smoke, sighing as you did so.

"Ma'am, we retained the man." Your butler walked up behind you giving you a bow and walking toward the car door, opening the car door for you to get in.

You took another drag of the cigarette, you threw the remain of it onto the sidewalk and stepped on it as you blew out the smoke from your lungs. You got into the vehicle and sighed. You tried to cut down on smoking but certainly this mad world wouldn't let you. You had a side business other than the reputation that your parents had set before you and you were very pleased with what you achieved.

***

"Ah, Mr. Pennyworth, I was expecting your arrival." You smiled at him.

"Yes, Ms. Y/l/n. I was aware that you had retained Mr. Richard." You rolled your eyes at the mention of the man that was tied somewhere down stairs or possibly in one of the rooms upstairs.

"The little moments count Alfred. I believe Esme should've taught you that." You sighed as you remembered the skinny woman. The trust issues that she developed over time after having a terrible encounter. You believed she fell for a woman. Sadly, you loved her but apparently not enough to save her from being killed.

"Don't you ever miss her?" You asked the man that stood by on of the settee's. Knowing his answer and who killed him, you couldn't help but feel the anger that arose during your question.

"Don't answer that, we both know how she died." Your tone bit him visibly.

"Apologies Ma'am, but someone has called the estate for Mr. Pennyworth. A Bet Sykes." Your butler said as her entered the room unnoticed by the both of you.

"She has sent a message stating tomorrow at 2 PM, sir." Your butler bowed and left the room once again. You raised a brow at the man in front of you and chuckled. "Already? Calling the brothel?" You laughed at the face he made at you.

"Certainly not, I mean, you must've heard about her and the sister?" You tilted your head as he spoke, you wondered about the two.

"No, I don't recall. Heard the name a couple of times but doesn't ring a bell." You smiled.

Surely, you must've meet the sometime, but the names don't ring a bell at all. Interesting. Now, maybe this was the best time to ask about the woman wearing the green suit and her blue eyes that seemed to stare back at you in the back of your mind. Her smirk replaying in your mind.

"But there is someone whom I seen and she was most intriguing to me, green suit, lovely long black hair, and blue eyes. " You quirked a brow at him as he thought about names.

I haven't seen the Sykes's sisters in a while, but with the way you describe her, it sounds like Margaret Sykes." He sighed.

"Well, before we waste anymore time, Dani should have your money." You yawned. Surely you would deal with the man tomorrow. Yes, it would only be wise to do so.

Alfred nodded and walked out when you waved your hand, dismissing him from the room. A nap sounded pretty enticing right now, and that was what you we're going to do.

***

"Hello, Love," someone said as you sat there reading on the settee. You turned your head to the woman beside you. Her hair was down from it's usual up do. You loved it when your wife let down her hair around the house.

Her blue eyes stared at you as you smiled and continued to read the newspaper.

You could spend the whole day with her and not get tired of it. That's how much you loved your wife. Your husband could never compare to the genuine love you have for the woman you sat beside you on the settee.

It was rather upsetting that she was leaving today as well. To visit her sister and spend the night there to rekindle or work out whatever they were going through.

"Bet said she's coming over here." She muttered as you looked her way. She raised a brow at you as you dropped the paper in your lap. The paper crinkled and made a ripping noise as you moved into her personal space.

Her eyes were memorizing. You gently took her hand into yours and placed kissed onto it keeping your gaze on the woman as she blushed. Her lips parted slightly as her breathing quickened.

You could pleasure the woman right here, right now. But with your guests coming in a few minutes, wouldn't allow that.

"Margar-"

You jumped up from your bed hearing a knock at your door. You groaned as your head it the pillow again and yelled "Come in!"

The door opened to reveal one of the maids. "My lady, you have a guest waiting for you."

"Name?"

"A woman named Bet Sykes, Ma'am." The maid looked visibly shaken at the name causing you to wonder what this woman may impose onto you. The name did sound rather familiar, far too familiar from the words the Pennyworth guy had said and from your dream.

Sighing you got up from the bed and reached toward the chair that was facing upside down from your last outburst.

You tied the robe on your body and fixed your face. The maid waited for you, to follow along your orders just in case it was someone important that you had to have a quick chat with. She would usually bring tea if it was.

"Alice, bring some tea. I believe our guest is thirsty." You gave her a gentle smile.

You entered the room to a red head woman similar to the one you saw out in the park.

"Oh, you're the chit, we seen at the park." You said more to herself than to you.

"Excuse me?" You tilted your head in confusion.

"Apologies, My name is Bet Sykes. Ms. Y/l/n" She gave a nod.

"Yes, I believe you gave me a sneer. But what do I owe the pleasure for you to be visiting this time in the morning." You yawned, covering your mouth in the process.

"Yes, about that. I need something that you have. Or someone." You lifted your head and sighed. The man.

"Well I'm afraid I need him first." You sighed as you shook your head. You hair falling softly to frame your face. Of course, Lord Richard was going to have a few people after him. Not only were you to deal with this but you might as well deal with him after this as well. It wouldn't be no bother if you were to deal with it now. After all, everyone here is getting paid to keep their mouths shut about what happens on the estate.

"Me sister needs this man alive."

"Well, if your sister needs him alive I suggest she comes today." You retorted noticing the slight irritation that laced her voice as she spoke to you.

"Fine, she's waiting outside anyways." She muttered as she started walking past you.

This was definitely going to be fun. People who interrupted your business wasn't on a daily basis but this here, was going to be interesting. You sat on the settee as Alice, the maid, brought in some tea and pouring it as well. The redhead had walked out not long ago to retrieve her sister.

Was her sister the one with the blue eyes? If so, then you were definitely going to have fun. You had a thing for blue eye'd women. Like the one in the park. You were more likely not interested in relationships but more into just bedding the woman.

You sipped slowly on the tea as you heard knocking on the door, that was rather quick if you say so.

It wasn't until you heard a gun clicking behind your head. You groaned and placed your tea back onto the saucer.

"I believe you were suppose to get your sister. Not put a gun to me head." You sighed as your head someone 'tsk' behind you. "You know a simple gun isn't going to scare me." You soothed out your robe once more before standing and your turned to see who was holding the gun.

Blue eyes.

"Ah, I see and you are?" You rested your hands on your waist and licked your lips.

"Peg." Was a simple answer and you wouldn't prod any further.

"Margaret? Correct. I prefer that name better. Seems more formal. Yes?" You chuckled noticing that she squinted her eyes at you and lowered the gun.

"Where is your sister? Bet?" You asked as you gestured for her to sit down.

"She had something to take care off." You quirked a brow and sighed. If she was planning on head down to the basement in hopes on finding the man, she was on a dead end.

"Well, I believe we can have a small chat before we head to get your sister in the basement." You smiled as Margaret made her way over to the other settee.

Her lips were cherry red, appealing feature, that made you want to press your own against hers to see if it actually tasted like cherries.

"I must say, Ms. Sykes. You do look rather gorgeous this morning." You signaled the maid that entered shaking to pour the tea. Her shakiness went unnoticed as you gazed at the other woman.

Peg gave you a smile and sighed.

"I would rather have you call me Peg." She said slightly irritated that you didn't want to call her Peg, her nickname.

"Fine, Peg it is." Slightly you slumped your shoulders.

You both sat there in silence as you sipped and slurped your tea. The silence was welcome but you couldn't help but wonder what this woman does for a living.

"If I must, Peg. What do you do in your free time?"

"She likes to flog old people with candles." Someone said as they entered with your butler. It made you choke on your tea as you reached for a napkin, dabbing your chin to clean yourself up.

"You bloody cheek." Peg glared at her sister as she grinned.

"How nice of you to join us." You coughed out.

"Yes," Bet smiled and sat beside her sister.

"My lady, I found her in the basement, she was merely stating that she was lost." Your butler said as he glared at the redhead.

"No bother. I suspected she was going to be there." You had the maid pour Bet some tea and you gave them all a big grin.

"Now, let's discuss a few rules. Since you both are staying here."

"Oh no, we're leaving."

Guns clicked behind the women as you smiled even wider. "I think a few days won't hurt." Bet grabbed the tea cup and began to sip on the concoction inside the cup.

Peg muttered something under breath toward the other woman as she turned and said "Am not"

You chuckled and smiled it reminded you of your brother. How you both used to fight and call each other names. Sadly he was killed, and you swore that you would kill everyone that was involved.

You slightly raised your hand to dismiss the butler and the maid as they both carried the guns out.

"Now my rules ar-"

After sometime you discussed the rules you all took a tour of your house. Assigning them their rooms as you did so. "My room is just down the hall, take a left and it's the third door to the right." You clasped your hands together as you ended the tour.

Both women nodded and looked at one another.

"Now excuse me, I need to get properly dressed and tend to a few things." You said as you walked off toward your bedroom, your butler following shortly behind. There was one door that you didn't give them a tour of.

You would rather leave it that way.

"Daniel, see to it that they don't leave this estate. Or that they don't go into me brother's room." You said as you flicked your wrist to dismiss him.

He gave a short and brief bow saying "Yes Ma'am" and he was gone before you could turn around.

Surely, this was the start of a small game your brother liked.

Maybe a game of cards would soothe your growing headache. Maybe even a cigarette.

But you swore to cut back. Fuck it, who's counting anyways. You entered the dimly lit room and walked toward your vanity. You brushed out your hair, placing the brush on the counter in front of the mirror.

In the reflection you could see someone standing there. Short hair of curls and a suit. "Brother what I am to do." You sighed lighting up a cigarette and putting it to your lips.

"You said you were to stop smoking. You promised." Your brother walked up behind you.

"Yeah, well it runs in the family." You coughed.

"You need to let me go, find love." He placed some cards onto the table to the left of you and you turned around in the chair. No one to be found inside the room beside you in the darkness of it all.

"I will find love after I find who took you from me."

This was certainly a mad world and you were another victim to it's hands.

[queer-rose]

Pennyworth has been cancelled

RIP Pennyworth. Such a fucking phenomenal show that surprised me so much when I watched it. We've been left on such a rough finale and my day has truthfully be ruined due to this news. I loved that show.

Despite all of this, you should still check it out. The name is dumb and the advertising sucked but the show is genuinely so fun, so good, I've watched it through multiple times and enjoyed every watch.

[bubblesxo]

the way gotham!alfred speaks is so unique compared to the way alfred speaks in the comics (not that the way he speaks isn't unique, but that it is unique as an alfred in comparison). most batfam fandom members are at least somewhat based on the comics, so this new view on a younger alfred who calls bruce "son" and "mate" basically interchangeably is just. crazy to me.

and in regards to my gotham!bruce meets the batfam au, (a de-aged) bruce would totally call alfred out for talking so formally. cue the batfam going "but he always talks like that??" and bruce raising an eyebrow and examining alfred again to see if it's really him (fear toxin flashbacks fr)