Ep 1. First Episode

The Young Pope is a drama series that follows the life of the first American Pope in history, Lenny Belardo, also known as Pope Pius XIII. The first episode of season 1, titled "First Episode," sets the stage for the rest of the series.

Lenny Belardo, played by Jude Law, is introduced as a young, charismatic, and enigmatic man who has just been elected as the new Pope. He is the youngest Pope in history, and his election has raised eyebrows among the Vatican officials who expected a more traditional Pope.

From the very beginning, it is clear that Lenny is not your typical Pope. In the opening scene, he wakes up in his lavish Vatican quarters and crawls out of his bed while still wearing his papal robes. He stands at the balcony overlooking the city of Rome, surrounded by his cardinals, and delivers a speech that sets the tone for his papacy.

In his speech, Lenny talks about the need for a strong and powerful Church that is unafraid to challenge the modern world. He declares that the Church must be fearless and unapologetic in its mission to spread the word of God and that he is the man to lead this charge.

Following his speech, Lenny takes a walk through the Vatican's lavish halls, and we see glimpses of his childhood memories. There are flashbacks to his childhood, and we see that Lenny's parents abandoned him as a child. As a result, Lenny grew up in an orphanage and developed a deep-seated mistrust of authority figures.

We also see glimpses of Lenny's complicated relationship with Cardinal Spencer, his mentor, and the man who helped him become Pope. Cardinal Spencer is played by James Cromwell, and he sees Lenny as a young man who is in over his head, but also a man with great potential.

Throughout the first episode of The Young Pope, we get a sense that Lenny's papacy is going to be a challenging one. He takes no prisoners, and he is not afraid to challenge the Vatican's entrenched interests. He also has a sharp wit and a sense of humor, which he uses to disarm his opponents and win over his supporters.

As the episode progresses, we meet several other characters, including Sister Mary, played by Diane Keaton. Sister Mary is Lenny's confidante and advisor, who takes him under her wing. She is also a reminder of his humble beginnings and helps him stay grounded amid the trappings of the papacy.

We also meet Cardinal Voiello, played by Silvio Orlando, who is the Vatican's Secretary of State. Cardinal Voiello is a crafty and cunning man who is determined to keep the Vatican's powerful interests intact. He sees Lenny as a threat to the status quo, and he sets out to undermine him at every turn.

One of the most striking things about The Young Pope is its visual style. The cinematography and production design are lush and striking, with many scenes shot in gorgeous locations throughout Rome. The music is also a standout, with a haunting score that adds to the show's sense of intrigue and mystery.

Overall, the first episode of The Young Pope sets the stage for what promises to be a thought-provoking and engaging drama series. It introduces us to a fascinating cast of characters, including the enigmatic Lenny Belardo, and sets up a complex web of relationships and power struggles that will play out over the rest of the season.