TV

Bishop's life

In HBO's The Young Pope, created and mostly written by Italian film director Paolo Sorrentino, British actor Jude Law plays Pope Pius XIII, born Lenny Belardo, formerly the archbishop of New York. As the name suggests, the 10-episode series is expected to bring viewers a breath of groovy fresh air. In the show, the pope is profound and arbitrary; alternately charming and rude, frightening and approachable. With elements real and surreal, the production feels appealingly foreign and particularly Italian. There are scenes such as nuns playing volleyball or a kangaroo running wild in the garden. As pure picture-making, it is never less than lovely.