The New Pope Review: Season 1 Episode 9
The New Pope Season 1 Episode 9 brings the limited series to a close with an empowering message of unity and hope and even a new pope.
Instead of a papal face-off between Pius XIII (Jude Law) and John Paul III (John Malkovich), they come together to fight against terrorism. They have differing ideas on how to defuse the hostage situation at a school in Ventotene—Pius XIII’s is radical, playing on his theory of fanaticism and John Paul III’s is passive, focusing on prayer.
They don’t argue, they debate both sides. Pius XIII wins out because he seems to have an all-knowing power, telling John Paul III he was with him that night he visited his brother’s grave, saying that God doesn’t like him on The New Pope Season 1 Episode 2. Pius XIII has performed the occasional miracle so going with him appears to be a good move.
That makes it all the more shocking when he turns out to be wrong.
When I spoke about my hope that Esther (Ludivine Sagnier) and The Red-Hooded Enigma (Kika Georgiou) would join forces in my review of The New Pope Season 1 Episode 6, I did not mean for evil. Red Hoodie has been instigating the terrorist attacks in an effort to reveal the truth about Pius XIII—she wants him dead or alive. “Because for me, it’s like the body of Christ.”
These attacks are not the work of infidels, but rather an extremist within their own religion under the roof of their own church. This is a sobering outcome for Pius XIII who believes that “fanaticism is love”—that had been his credo on The Young Pope, and one he had acted on in many ways.
Fanaticism in any religion, in any form, is dangerous. Pius XIII learns this lesson tragically too late.
Esther is a casualty in this as well. On The Young Pope, she was lost until she found Pius XIII and then she worshipped him. When he fell into a coma, she was lost again.
Unfortunately, prone to fanaticism now, she found another dangerous path.
This is a sad ending for her, in stark contrast to all of the happy ones we see on this finale. Someone must be the example of the show’s final message, and that is Esther’s cross to bear.
The evils of fanaticism is just one of the messages that they drive home on this episode. Both The Young Pope and The New Pope have powerful, affecting speeches sprinkled amongst the absurdity and artistic brilliance. The finale does not disappoint in this department, giving us three beautiful, compelling addresses.
Two are given by Pius XIII, one while he is still firm in his misplaced ideology and the other a humble and heartfelt appeal. Law is able to imbue Pius XIII’s earnest passion in each of them. And while they have entirely different vibes, both speeches are utterly engaging.
The other, given by John Paul III, is the most profound—one that we should take to heart. Turning his fragility into power has been the strongest throughline of the season. It is a lesson in self-worth and self-love, and Malkovich’s delivery gives this message the deference and intensity it deserves.
There are many happy endings as the episode winds down, but none is more satisfying than Voiello’s. The season began with him trying his darndest to be voted in as pope, and after plenty of trials and tribulations, he finally holds that esteemed position.
On The New Pope Season 1 Episode 1, Voiello (Silvio Orlando) argued that mediocrity is what’s needed at the head of the church. Now that we’ve seen two extremes in action in Pius XIII and John Paul III, Voiello’s “middle way” might be the best way to lead—and he is certainly more than qualified for the job.
The finale sums up the season nicely, but some things still remain a mystery (like why there is an homage to Kubrick’s The Shining), however, it is still very fitting as mystery is a part of the ultimate message. This is elegantly imparted by Pius XIII in his final speech.
Pius XIII: You know what is so beautiful about questions? It’s that we don’t have the answers. In the end, only God has the answers. They’re his secret—God’s secret, which only he knows. That is the mystery in which we believe and that is the mystery which guides our conscience.
What did you think of the final 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.
4 comments
The New Pope and The Two Popes have left an indelible mark on my soul, perhaps like an Ash Wednesday blessing that cannot be erased.
The Speeches made by Law and Malkovich in the final episode were stunning and art at its finest. The entire series was seductive, beautiful, intelligent and amazing.
Both the writers and the actors deserve the most devout and grateful praise for this unique and remarkable art they have created.
Very well put! I agree. I believe Paolo Sorrentino has mentioned doing a third series to make it a trilogy. I would definitely like to see more!
I’m from Brasil and seems like this piece of art its not too much appreciated in here. But this final goes to the path of beauty and abstract art. I think Jude law and John Malkovich has delivery an outstanding performance, even with Jude appears in 7th ep. But i think too, this idea, the middle way, fits. The speeches give me some tears, although the “love speech” from last season is unbeatable. This series put me in profund reflexion and i enjoy that. The beauty of unknown. Silvio Orlando delivers a great performance too, and i think he’s the main character and your end is sublime. He’s improve and seems more like sensitive. Brannox and Sofia give us a sweet and simple touch of Love, i like it. Bauer’s show us how the governments worry about the Vatican steps, closely. I don’t think there’s “room” for a new (and final) season, but i’ll certainly enjoy. I would just miss Lenny, cause his arc seems closed. Thank’s sorrentino and thank you Erin for excellent reviews.
Yes! These are great takes, and I agree with you on Brannox and Sofia’s romance and Bauer’s position although I didn’t touch on that in the last review. It is such an artful show and I still think about it often and will for some time, I believe. Thank you for reading and for this thoughtful comment.
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