The New Pope: A Divine Comedy Of TV
Hey guys, have you heard of The New Pope? It's the show that follows up on The Young Pope, and let me tell you, it's a wild ride. This series, directed by the brilliant Paolo Sorrentino, dives deep into the complexities of the Catholic Church, but it does so with a wink and a sly grin. If you're looking for a show that's visually stunning, thought-provoking, and often downright hilarious, then buckle up, because The New Pope is definitely worth your time.
The Papal Succession and the Unexpected Twist
So, where do we start with a review of The New Pope? Well, let's just say that things get off to a rather unexpected start. The first season, The Young Pope, left us with a pretty dramatic cliffhanger. And now, in The New Pope, we get to see what happens after the events of the previous season. The Church is in need of a new leader, and after some interesting – and let's face it, pretty eccentric – choices, they end up with Sir John Brannox, played by the amazing John Malkovich. Malkovich is, as always, absolutely captivating. His portrayal of the new Pope, Pius XIII, is a masterclass in understated acting. He brings a quiet intensity and a dry wit to the role that's just perfect. This makes viewers quickly intrigued and hooked.
Brannox is the antithesis of the previous Pope, Lenny Belardo (played by Jude Law in The Young Pope). While Belardo was a controversial figure with a rockstar persona, Brannox is reserved, intellectual, and deeply introspective. He's a man of refined tastes and a love for the finer things in life, which often clashes with the perceived austerity of his role. This dynamic sets the stage for a lot of the show's humor and its deeper explorations of faith, power, and the human condition. The show does a great job of contrasting the two pontiffs.
The New Pope doesn't shy away from exploring the contradictions within the Catholic Church. It tackles issues like hypocrisy, the struggle for power, and the complexities of faith in a modern world. But it does so with a lightness of touch that keeps things from feeling heavy-handed. There are moments of genuine spiritual contemplation, but they're always balanced with a healthy dose of humor and satire. I mean, let's be honest, who doesn't love a good satire? Sorrentino has a knack for finding the absurd in the everyday, and he uses that to great effect throughout the series. It's truly a delight to watch how this plays out through the series. The plot is filled with twists and turns. This will keep you guessing all the way to the end, and let's be honest, who doesn't love a good mystery?
The Visual Feast and Sorrentino's Signature Style
One of the biggest draws of The New Pope, just like The Young Pope, is the visual storytelling. Paolo Sorrentino is a master of his craft, and it shows in every frame. The cinematography is stunning. The show is filled with beautiful shots and striking imagery. From the opulent interiors of the Vatican to the sweeping landscapes, every scene is meticulously crafted. The color palettes are rich, the lighting is dramatic, and the overall aesthetic is just gorgeous. You could pause the show at any moment and frame it as a piece of art. The series is just so pretty to watch. The show also uses music brilliantly. The soundtrack is a mix of classical pieces and contemporary tracks. It perfectly complements the visuals and adds to the overall atmosphere. The music is also used in a way that helps to tell the story.
Sorrentino's directing style is very distinctive. He's known for his slow-paced storytelling, his long takes, and his penchant for surreal and dreamlike sequences. These elements are all present in The New Pope. This can be a bit polarizing for some viewers. However, it's also what makes the show so unique and captivating. It's a show that demands your attention, but it also rewards you for it. The pace is slow, but it's not boring. There's always something to see. There is always something to think about. It is truly a great show to watch.
The show is not afraid to be a bit unconventional. It breaks the mold of traditional television in ways that will surprise you. If you appreciate artistry and have patience, you'll be able to see the beauty in The New Pope. You'll find yourself drawn into its world. And even if you don't agree with everything the show says, you'll find yourself thinking about it long after the credits have rolled. This is a show that sticks with you.
Characters, Performances, and the Supporting Cast
Okay, so we've talked about the visuals and the overall vibe of The New Pope, but what about the characters? Well, guys, the performances are just top-notch. John Malkovich is, as I've mentioned before, absolutely brilliant. He embodies the role of Pius XIII with such grace, intelligence, and a hint of vulnerability. You can't help but be drawn to him. He is easily one of the best characters on television right now.
But it's not just Malkovich. The supporting cast is also fantastic. Jude Law returns as Lenny Belardo in several flashbacks and dream sequences, and he brings the same charismatic energy that made him such a standout in The Young Pope. The series features a large ensemble cast, each bringing a unique set of skills to the show. The other actors include Silvio Orlando, as the cunning Cardinal Voiello, a character who knows how to play the game of power. There are also many other supporting actors that all play their parts really well. It is truly amazing to watch the series play out. These actors round out the story and make it so amazing. Each of them is critical to the success of the series. They all play their roles to perfection.
The show has a knack for creating complex and memorable characters. They're not just good guys or bad guys. They're all flawed, and they're all struggling with their own demons. It makes for some really interesting and compelling viewing. You'll find yourself rooting for some of them and despising others. You'll find yourself questioning their actions and motivations. But you'll never be bored. The character development is a huge strength of the show. It's one of the main reasons why it's so engaging.
Themes Explored: Faith, Power, and Human Nature
The New Pope dives deep into some pretty heavy themes. It's not just a show about the Church. It's a show about faith, power, and human nature. The series asks big questions. What does it mean to have faith in the modern world? How does power corrupt? And what does it mean to be human? These are questions that will stay with you long after you've finished watching the show. This is what makes it so smart.
It also explores the idea of hypocrisy. The show pulls no punches when it comes to the imperfections of the Church. But it does so with compassion. It shows that even the most flawed individuals are capable of redemption. It also shows that the Church itself is flawed. This isn't necessarily a bad thing. It's simply human. I love how it shows the good and the bad. It doesn't sugarcoat anything.
The series also explores the theme of loneliness. Both Popes, Lenny and Brannox, are isolated figures. They're surrounded by people, but they're ultimately alone. The show explores the burdens of leadership. It looks at the price of power. It makes you think about how hard it is to be a leader. You'll find yourself feeling empathetic for both characters. It is truly amazing to see.
Final Thoughts: Should You Watch The New Pope?
So, the big question: should you watch The New Pope? The answer, in my humble opinion, is a resounding yes! If you're a fan of The Young Pope, you absolutely have to see it. It's a worthy successor that continues to explore the fascinating world Sorrentino created. If you appreciate beautiful visuals, strong performances, and thought-provoking storytelling, then The New Pope is a must-watch.
It's not a show for everyone. If you're looking for a fast-paced, action-packed drama, then this might not be your cup of tea. But if you're looking for something that's different, something that challenges you, and something that stays with you, then give The New Pope a try. You won't be disappointed. It is a show that is worth your time. The New Pope has great value. The show is something special.
I really enjoyed it. I would definitely recommend it to anyone. There are a lot of shows out there, but this one is really special.
The Series' Overall Impact
The New Pope isn't just a TV show. It's an experience. It's a work of art. It is a reminder of the power of visual storytelling. It's also a reminder of the importance of questioning the world around us. The show is not afraid to challenge conventional thinking. It forces you to think about faith, power, and human nature. This is what makes it so interesting. It will stay with you long after the credits have rolled. I'm still thinking about it.
The show is a bold and ambitious undertaking. It does not shy away from the complexities of its subject matter. It does so with style, wit, and a deep understanding of the human condition. It is a testament to the power of television. And to Sorrentino's unique vision. I recommend this show for people who enjoy this type of show.
If you have seen the show, let me know what you thought about it. I am always open to hearing what you have to say about the show. I am curious about your opinion. Tell me what you thought about the show. I would love to talk to you about it. I have nothing but good things to say about it. I think you should give it a chance, too.