The Rose and Thorn

**The Rose and Thorn** is the sixth episode of the second season of *Pennyworth* and the sixteenth episode of the series overall. It aired on Epix on March 14, 2021.

## Synopsis

*While Alfred is enlisted to help extract Lucius Fox from Raven headquarters, Prime Minister Aziz sets in motion a plan that pits Aleister Crowley against John Ripper.*

## Plot

Alfred finally has the amount of money required for him to travel to America, and he takes it directly to Thomas Wayne who, thanks to the CIA's help, will get him, his mother and Dave Boy on a plane to Gotham. Thomas is surprised that Alfred was able to get such a large amount of money on short notice, which is why he had a well-paying job all lined up for him. Only, Alfred isn't interested.

The job, however, is of pressing concern because Lucius Fox, a CIA agent acting undercover inside the Raven Union headquarters, has asked to be extracted as soon as possible. Which on paper, is a job perfect for Alfred and his particular set of skills. Although Alfred doesn't want the job, he ends up taking it anyway.

The English League's new Prime Minister Inspector Aziz calls Thomas Wayne, and the two exchange favors: Aziz wants Wayne to deliver a message to Aleister Crowley and, in return, Thomas asks the League to hire Alfred to extract Lucius Fox. Therefore, Aziz and the Queen of England herself visit Alfred at his nightclub, threatening to make his affair with Melanie Troy public. In order to protect her, Alfred reluctantly agrees to take the job.

Alfred, Dave Boy and Martha Kane set up the extraction at a small diner where the Union takes Fox for a meal. While Alfred hopes to avoid bloodshed, he and his team have no choice but to open fire. Thankfully, they are successful, and Lucius Fox is safely taken back to the CIA headquarters. There, he tells Thomas Wayne all about Project Stormcloud, which happens to be the Raven Union's chemical weapon. Fox took part in the weapon's testing, and he is determined to prevent it from ever being used.

As for Prime Minister Aziz, he decides that it's time for him to eliminate his opponent inside the English League, John Ripper. Aziz plays an intricate game using Thomas Wayne and an anonymous letter to start a war between Ripper and Aleister Crowley. The battle between the two ends with Ripper dosed with some sort of fear toxin, just as he meets with the Queen. Ripper is deemed unfit to remain on the English League's council, and Aziz stands victorious over his rival.

Meanwhile at the Raven Union headquarters, Colonel John Salt makes a powerplay in order to take control of the entire organization. While Lord Harwood has been in charge of the Union, he's been growing increasingly erratic. Thus, Salt uses Frances Gaunt's recent betrayal as an opportunity to rise in the Union's ranks. Salt manages to successfully manipulate Harwood into giving him a promotion, and he doesn't stop there. When a young soldier proves loyal to Gaunt, he further influences Harwood to make certain that he lashes out. When the soldier expresses his support of Gaunt, Harwood completely loses it and brutally beats him to death with his cane in front of his officers.

His military forces take him into custody, leaving the recently promoted Colonel Salt as the next in line to take control of the Raven Union.

Although Thomas and Martha's relationship has hit a rough patch, Martha learns that she is pregnant.

## Cast

* Ben Aldridge as Thomas Wayne
* Emma Paetz as Martha Kane
* Hainsley Lloyd Bennett as Bazza
* Ryan Fletcher as Dave Boy
* Dorothy Atkinson as Mary Pennyworth
* Ramon Tikaram as Inspector Victor Aziz
* Edward Hogg as Colonel John Salt
* Harriet Slater as Sandra Onslow
* Jason Flemyng as Lord James Harwood

Special Guest Star* James Purefoy as Captain Gulliver Troy

* Danny Webb as John Ripper
* Jonjo O'Neill as Aleister Crowley
* Salóme R. Gunnarsdóttir as Patricia Wayne
* Jessica de Gouw as Melanie Troy
* Simon Manyonda as Lucius Fox

Co-Starring* Jessica Ellerby as The Queen
* Sally Tatum as Miss Dixon
* Tristram Wymark as General Nelson Thursday
* Angus Imrie as Lieutenant Greaves
* Delroy Brown as Walsh
* Ella Augustin as Waitress
* Celia Manuel as Mother

## Trivia

* This episode marks the last appearance of John Ripper. He isn't seen since.
* This is the first episode not to feature Bet Sykes.