The Young Pope is a Pope to Watch

The Young Pope is HBO’s latest mini-series. Jude Law stars as Lenny Belardo, the youngest pope in history, and it begins with Lenny’s first days at the Vatican. He was, it turns out, voted in because the Cardinals thought they could easily sway him to do what they wanted. Not so. The Pope is rigid in what he wants, and he is, at times, cruel. He is also lonely and starved for love–forever a little orphan boy. Although The Young Pope is a little over halfway through the season right now, it’s not too late to catch up. Here’s why you should:

Diane Keaton as a nun! Diane Keaton plays his special assistant–and the nun that raised him. As Sister Mary, she is great as a mother figure. She is great at playing someone who feels conflicted. She is just all-around great.

The political intrigue at the Vatican. If you thought general politics was interesting, then you’ll find The Young Pope‘s Vatican politics even more so. The bevy of Cardinals, circling the Pope and each other with their own set of secrets is fascinating. And a shout-out to James Cromwell as Cardinal Spencer, Lenny’s mentor and the man that was passed up by for Pope. His despair and bitterness about losing that post are terrific.

The all-white sweatsuits that the young pope wears in leisure time. Each time I see him in one of those outfits, I can’t help but giggle a lot. You will too.

Cardinal Voiello. Voiello (Silvio Orlando) is so sneaky and smart. On the one hand, he takes what he wants. A scene in which he semi-blackmails someone in his own home is very well-done. He snuffs out the candles one by one so that you can’t help but feel like the woman is trapped by a snake. On the other hand, his devotion to the church (however misguided it may be at times) is admirable. In fact, you may find yourself rooting for him.

Jude Law. Obviously, this show wouldn’t be anything without Jude Law as Lenny Belardo. He maddening in his conservative viewpoints on sexual orientation, in worship, and God’s actions. He will shock you. He will frustrate you. He will surprise you. He disdains pretty much everyone. Law plays his cunning, his calculation, and his flat out coldness extremely well. He also shows us Lenny’s deep-down side. He is, ultimately, a sad little boy, craving love from the parents who abandoned him. Law can play both aspects so well that you’ll be so engrossed in The Young Pope that you’ll catch up in no time.

Photo Credits: Gianni Fiorito/HBO