MovieChat Forums > The Young Pope (2017) Discussion > Only one thought episode 9 a miss? (spo...

Only one thought episode 9 a miss? (spoilers obviously)

posted 8 years ago by jstang411
10 replies | jump to latest

My main problem was, even if at times interesting, the main focus was on what really seemed a one-episode drama story line like in Law & Order.

Kept thinking....."this is the 2nd-to-last episode -- why the heck are they doing this?" I'm eight hours into to trying my best to figure out what is going on, wondering where it is heading, how and what plot lines will be tied up, and what will or will not be revealed as to the general message....or even if there will actually be one.

Most of the time in the episode we are not in Rome, not following all the various characters we know, but instead spend like 2/3rds of the time on a fairly minor one we have met interacting with people we never have before. And most of all.....not much Lenny, who is the incredible and interesting center of the show's swirling universe.

[–] BluFee 8 years ago

jstang411, I felt very much like you did that we were thrust into meeting new characters and visiting different cities all of a sudden. What a stark contrast to the beauty of the Vatican and the sensual feel of all of Italy. But to evolve the series I suppose it had to be done?

I don't think all the loose ends will be tied up in this season. All the more reason for a Season 2. Is it essential ALL the loose ends be tied up? Can we not try to go back to a time when we used our imaginations a little more than we do today? I know my own is rusty so it's kind of nice to put it back into use.

My only worry is that with a Season 2 we'll see less of Lenny or Pope Pius XIII. I'm kinda hooked on him. But Sorrentino has definitely shown us other characters in the series that are worthwhile too. Not all of the actors may be in as much demand as Jude Law either. But I hope he sticks it out with us for a while.

"Absence is presence". - Pius XIII (Lenny Belardo)

[–] jstang411 8 years ago

Think two of your comments go to what might be the reason: "But to evolve the series I suppose it had to be done?" and "All the more reason for a Season 2."

You could be very right on both fronts, but could be at the time the episode was written they were setting things in place for an evolving multi-season run rather than a one-shot limited one of ten episodes.

And that 2nd season may or may not come, but if it does not that the writers knew that at the time as opposed to those crafting say People V OJ. But then again, also long before accepted that this series is a most different animal (perhaps even a miraculous goat?). So my bottom line on it is always "Who Knows?"

[–] BluFee 8 years ago

You could be very right on both fronts, but at the time the episode was written the writers were setting things in place for an evolving multi-season run rather than a one-shot limited one of ten episodes.

Really? I wasn't aware that a multi-season run had been planned. I felt there was a wait and see approach so I am very happy to hear that.

Yes. Who knows? As if this series hasn't kept us guessing enough.

"Absence is presence". - Pius XIII (Lenny Belardo)

[–] digitaldiva 8 years ago

Hi BluFee, I've read that the showrunner would like another season; however, when I contacted HBO, the publicist suggested the network did indeed have a wait and see approach. No one is sure about a season 2.

[–] BluFee 8 years ago

Thanks digitaldiva. So for now I'll savour this wonderful series. And hope for the best for a season 2.

ETA: jstang411, I can't imagine why the ratings wouldn't be good enough. But I am a neophyte at understanding or predicting ratings. Religion is one of those touchy subjects and the current political climate may have some bearing. God, I hope not.

It's a powerful series that has so much to offer. And who knows may have offered up all it has to give?

"Absence is presence". - Pius XIII (Lenny Belardo)

[–] digitaldiva 8 years ago

I'm with you, BluFee.

[–] jstang411 8 years ago

As am I, but also know that the first season cost $45 mil (even if it shows that on the screen) and the ratings have not been off the charts. So maybe a time for faith in what should happen.

[–] digitaldiva 8 years ago

Hi jstang411, the show hasn't seemed to connect with a lot of viewers. I do hope HBO brings it back, but if not, it was an amazing experience.

[–] jstang411 8 years ago

I'm still watching, but for sure a most artistic thing rather than what most folks are used to....but then a lot of the greatest painters in history only got really appreciated after they were no longer painting cause they were ahead of their time.

[–] jstang411 8 years ago

Not really....and had just actually edited with a "could be in" in there.

But even if this a most distinct beast, almost always they are hoping for huge ratings and a 2nd shot at the apple. That's just economic sense, which is what drives shows after all (even if for all I know Law said "only this time" before it started).

Or maybe it goes more to me being so American and this is like sitting down to a meal at a European spot. When I do so often after complain about the service not being there when I want it, that the place in other ways seems less than efficiently run, but man does the food end up being great so long as willing to accept that in the situation you have to take the meal on its own evolving terms.

Wouldn't like that every day, but part of the experience of the different.