The New Pope Ep 1: What You Missed!

Hey everyone! Ready to dive back into the opulent and often bizarre world of HBO's The New Pope? If you just finished episode 1 and are scratching your head, or you're prepping to watch and want a sneak peek, you've come to the right place. We're breaking down all the key moments, hidden meanings, and juicy plot points from the season premiere. Get ready for power struggles, mysterious miracles, and Jude Law looking, well, like Jude Law.

The Lingering Questions from The Young Pope

Before we jump into episode 1 of The New Pope, let's rewind a bit. The Young Pope left us with some pretty big questions, namely: Is Pope Pius XIII, a.k.a. Lenny Belardo (Jude Law), alive? He collapsed at the end of the first season, seemingly from some sort of divine intervention or maybe just exhaustion (being Pope is hard, guys!). The New Pope doesn't immediately answer this, which is part of what makes the premiere so intriguing. Instead, it uses Lenny's ambiguous fate as a backdrop to introduce a new, equally complex character. It's all about the suspense, right? We are left wondering about the implications of his absence, and how the Vatican is dealing with such an unprecedented event. The series masterfully crafts a sense of uncertainty, leaving viewers constantly guessing about Lenny's true condition and potential return. This underlying mystery becomes the engine that drives much of the early narrative, creating a captivating viewing experience. The initial scenes depicting the power vacuum and the subsequent search for a suitable successor are particularly compelling, highlighting the intricate political machinations within the Church.

Enter John Malkovich: The New Pope is Here

The episode heavily features the introduction of Sir John Brannox, played by the legendary John Malkovich. Brannox is a British intellectual with a complicated past and a clear aversion to the spotlight. He's essentially the anti-Lenny. Where Lenny was young, charismatic, and loved to break the rules, Brannox is older, more reserved, and deeply entrenched in tradition. The dynamic that the series sets up between these two potential Popes is fascinating. Brannox's reluctance to embrace the papacy adds another layer of complexity to his character. He seems to be wrestling with his own demons and doubts, making him a more relatable and human figure despite his elevated position. The New Pope doesn't just throw him into the role; it explores his internal struggles and the reasons behind his hesitations. This approach allows the audience to connect with Brannox on a deeper level, understanding his motivations and the sacrifices he might have to make.

A Reluctant Holy Father

Initially, Brannox refuses the papacy, stating he is not worthy and prefers to remain in his secluded estate, tending to his ailing parents. However, after much convincing (and perhaps a bit of manipulation) from Cardinal Voiello (Silvio Orlando), he reluctantly agrees. He takes the name John Paul III. His motivations are shrouded in mystery, and it's unclear whether he genuinely wants the job or is being driven by some other force. The series excels in portraying the subtle power plays and the delicate dance of persuasion that lead to Brannox's eventual acceptance. It's a masterclass in character development, revealing the complexities of the Vatican's inner workings and the immense pressure that comes with such a weighty responsibility. The viewer is left to ponder whether Brannox's decision is driven by genuine faith, a sense of duty, or perhaps a hidden agenda. This ambiguity keeps us hooked, eager to unravel the true intentions of the new Pope.

The Vatican's Internal Turmoil

While the search for a new Pope is underway, the Vatican is dealing with its own internal crises. A scandal involving sexual abuse allegations is threatening to erupt, and Cardinal Voiello is desperately trying to contain the damage. This subplot adds a layer of realism and reflects the real-world challenges facing the Catholic Church. The series doesn't shy away from tackling these difficult issues head-on, presenting a nuanced and often unflattering portrayal of the institution. The power struggles among the cardinals, the cover-ups, and the attempts to maintain order in the face of adversity are all depicted with a keen eye for detail. This unflinching approach adds depth and credibility to the narrative, making The New Pope a thought-provoking and engaging drama.

Voiello's Master Plan

Voiello, as always, is playing multiple angles. He's trying to manage the scandal, find a suitable Pope, and maintain his own power within the Vatican. He is the ultimate political operator, always one step ahead. His character is a fascinating study in ambition, pragmatism, and unwavering loyalty to the Church. Voiello's actions are often morally ambiguous, but he believes he is acting in the best interests of the institution. His relentless pursuit of his goals and his ability to manipulate events behind the scenes make him one of the most compelling characters in the series. The viewer is constantly kept guessing about his true motives, adding to the overall intrigue of the show.

The Mysterious Nuns and Miracles

Of course, it wouldn't be a Paolo Sorrentino production without a healthy dose of the surreal. A group of nuns, seemingly devoted to Lenny, are convinced of his imminent return and are performing what they believe are miracles. Are these miracles real, or are they simply the product of fervent faith? The New Pope leaves us to decide. These scenes are visually stunning and add a layer of mystique to the narrative. The nuns' unwavering belief in Lenny's divinity stands in stark contrast to the political machinations within the Vatican, creating a sense of tension and uncertainty. The series explores the power of faith and the potential for both good and evil that can arise from it.

Faith vs. Reality

The show constantly blurs the line between faith and reality, leaving the viewer to question what is truly happening. The miracles performed by the nuns could be interpreted as divine intervention or simply as coincidences. This ambiguity is a key element of Sorrentino's storytelling, inviting the audience to engage with the themes of faith, doubt, and the search for meaning. The juxtaposition of the nuns' unwavering belief and the Vatican's pragmatic approach to dealing with crises creates a compelling dynamic that drives the narrative forward.

Lenny's Coma: Is He Really Gone?

Throughout the episode, we get glimpses of Lenny in a coma, seemingly unresponsive. However, there are hints that he may still be aware of what's happening around him. Is he truly incapacitated, or is he simply waiting for the right moment to return? This is the central question that hangs over the entire season. The series masterfully uses these brief glimpses to keep Lenny's presence alive, even in his physical absence. The question of his fate becomes a driving force for the other characters, influencing their decisions and actions. The viewer is left to speculate about the true nature of his condition and the potential impact of his return on the Vatican and the world.

The Power of Belief

The nuns' unwavering belief in Lenny's return, combined with the hints of his continued awareness, raises questions about the power of faith and the potential for miracles. Is their belief enough to bring him back from the brink of death? Or is his fate ultimately determined by something else? The series explores these themes in a nuanced and thought-provoking way, leaving the audience to draw their own conclusions. The question of Lenny's fate serves as a catalyst for exploring the broader themes of faith, doubt, and the enduring power of the human spirit.

Final Thoughts: Episode 1 Sets the Stage

Episode 1 of The New Pope is a masterclass in setting the stage. It introduces compelling new characters, revisits familiar faces, and raises a whole host of questions that will keep you hooked for the rest of the season. The power struggles, the mysteries surrounding Lenny's condition, and the exploration of faith and doubt all combine to create a captivating and thought-provoking drama. So, buckle up, guys! It's going to be a wild ride.

Key Takeaways From Episode 1:

• The episode reintroduces the audience to the aftermath of Pope Pius XIII's (Lenny Belardo) collapse from The Young Pope, leaving his fate ambiguous.
• John Malkovich is introduced as Sir John Brannox, a British intellectual who is reluctant to become the new Pope, eventually taking the name John Paul III.
• The Vatican is facing internal turmoil, including a sexual abuse scandal that Cardinal Voiello is trying to manage.
• A group of nuns devoted to Lenny believe in his imminent return and perform what they believe are miracles.
• Viewers get glimpses of Lenny in a coma, leaving his true condition and potential return uncertain.

Don't miss the next episode! We'll be here to break it down for you. Let us know your theories in the comments below!