Ep 1. Stern Papa

The show Mozart in the Jungle revolves around the life of young oboist Hailey, who works with the prestigious New York Symphony as they navigate the ups and downs of professional and personal life. The show's second season begins on an energetic and much-awaited note as the team prepares to welcome a new season, led by the new conductor Rodrigo.

The season opener Stern Papa centers around the visit of a world-famous conductor - the uncompromising and strict Thomas Pembridge - to New York. Pembridge, also known as "Stern Papa" due to his old-school approach to conducting, has been summoned by the city authorities to celebrate his years of dedicated service to the world of music. Rodrigo, who is set to collaborate with Pembridge, sees him as a mentor and an inspiration. However, Hailey, lacking in experience in classical music, has different views.

The episode begins with a glimpse of Hailey's life over the summer, where she spends her time working odd jobs to make ends meet. However, as the new performance season begins, Hailey is called back to New York to rejoin the Symphony. Hailey's homecoming is not smooth, as she is tasked with difficult assignments without any proper rehearsal time, and she feels like she's struggling to understand Pembridge's "old-fashioned" approach. Things quickly escalate when Pembridge confronts Rodrigo over the Symphony's lackluster performance, condemning his modern focus on the audience's enjoyment over the "purity" of music.

Despite the disagreement, Rodrigo decides that Pembridge should lead the upcoming concert as a tribute to his legacy. However, tensions rise when the two conductors have differing opinions on how the symphony should be conducted. Rodrigo's unconventional and seemingly haphazard approach conflicts heavily with Pembridge's rigid and disciplined style, leading to clashes and bitter exchanges. Meanwhile, Hailey tries to cope with the pressure of Pembridge's strict oversight, as she makes a rookie mistake that could change the course of the performance.

As the episode progresses, the viewer sees the many layers of Pembridge: a man who has given his life to music, but seems to have lost touch with the true essence of creating and performing music. He is also dealing with a personal loss which perhaps has taken away his ability to appreciate the new generation of musicians. The contrast between Pembridge and Rodrigo's approach to music and conducting is evident, highlighting the different expectations of the younger and older generations. At the end of the episode, the viewers are left to wonder whether Hailey, with her unique perspective on music and life, can bridge the gap between these two musical icons.

In conclusion, the season 2 opener of Mozart in the Jungle - Stern Papa - is an enthralling mix of drama, music, and emotion. The episode provides a glimpse into the world of classical music, with a diverse cast of well-defined characters and a smartly nuanced narrative. The show's exploration of the generational gaps in music and life, as well as the struggle to balance tradition and modernity, make for a compelling experience. As always, the exquisite music is the real star, perfectly complementing and enhancing the story, adding beauty and depth to the already multifaceted show.