The New Pope Review: Season 1 Episode 5
Everyone wants to know, is this pope porcelain or steel? “Why not something in between? Fiberglass.”
The New Pope Season 1 Episode 5 is about Pope John Paul III (John Malkovich) trying to find his footing on this middle ground. He takes steps towards achieving this happy medium, but it seems to make him sad. In fact, the majority of the characters seem to be sad on this episode, aside from the general public who have been given hope from both Pius XIII (Jude Law) and the new pope.
John Paul III’s simple message of “No” has an allaying effect on his sheep. Even with no action to back it up, it has instilled hope in them at a time of great despair. Brannox knows it will require a follow-up eventually, and searches for what will keep the peace, not the ultimate solution.
Pius XIII simply breathing is what casts hope on his faithful followers. On The New Pope Season 1 Episode 1, Ester said, “Pius XIII is a saint, and to do good a saint only has to breathe.” Ester’s words literally manifesting episodes later is truly exquisite.
If The New Pope Season 1 Episode 4 was boisterous and provoking this one takes a much more subdued and tempered approach, and with broadened themes. Art and time are discussed at length, and connections to the various plots and subplots are abundant.
This episode begins as the last did with John Paul III meeting with one of his favorite celebrities. Sharon Stone sits where Marilyn Manson sat and has a very different kind of conversation with the pontiff—one in which he requests her, quite seriously, to not cross and uncross her legs! Ms. Stone rather graciously complies out of respect but does not hide her disapproval of some of the Vatican’s policies such as denying marriage to gay Catholics.
As with Manson, the scene is shot beautifully, and with Stone, we get the added bonus of a deep, philosophical debate that infuses the rest of the episode.
Sharon Stone: But, can’t the Bible be upgraded?
John Paul III: Alas, the Bible is not an iPhone.
Stone: Again, what a shame.
John Paul III: Not at all. Anything that can be upgraded, like an iPhone, eventually ends up in the bin, only to be replaced by a more expensive model. The Bible has endured for a very long time, and its value has changed little, if at all.
Stone: Because the Bible can’t be upgraded?
John Paul III: Exactly. I suppose it’s not even a matter of upgrading. It’s more of a matter of somehow bridging the enormous gap between the sacred and the sinful. Quite a long ladder is needed—the ladder of time.
Later, the pattern of Pius XIII’s breathing and sighs becomes a measurement of time. Those that are hopeful are buoyed by this and those that are not dread what may happen when the time comes.
On which side of this John Paul III lies is ambiguous. He seems apprehensive about Pius waking up, but it is also revealed that he was the one who voted for Belardo in the conclave. Does he see Pius’ revival as a relief from his papal burden or as a threat to it?
That conversation with Sharon Stone inspires John Paul III’s middle way solution. His advisors are split, so he finds the in-between: allowing priests to marry, gay or straight.
This may come, in part, from his own personal desires. A lot of this episode spends time on his developing and not-so-platonic relationship with Sofia (Céclie de France).
While I do enjoy the scenes between them—de France admirably holds her own against Malkovich’s brilliance—I don’t really like this plot development. It takes focus from the nitty-gritty, from the more unique paths that the series is known to take. This route is a bit pedestrian, in my opinion.
Although, The New Pope is constantly surprising me, so maybe this will go in an unexpected direction.
Only time will tell, eh?
What did you think of this episode of The New Pope? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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The New Pope airs Mondays at 9/8c on HBO.
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Erin Allen
Erin is a former script supervisor for film and television. She's an avid fan of middle aged actresses, dark dramas, and irreverent comedies. She loves to read actual books and X-Files fan fiction. Her other passions include pointing out feminist issues, shipping Mulder and Scully, and collecting pop culture mugs.