THE YOUNG POPE -- REVIEW + DIGITAL HD GIVEAWAY

While I am a big fan of science fiction and fantasy adventures sometimes it is nice to mix things up a bit and watch a show with some serious dramatic chops to it.  So with Westworld and Game of Thrones on hiatus, I've decided to spend some time watching the first season of HBO's ten episode The Young Pope TV series now that it is available on Digital HD.  It is a show filled with political and psychological intrigue as a variety of players jockey for power within the Vatican wrestling for the authority to steer the direction of the 1 billion member congregation of the Catholic Church as well as the resources and responsibilities that come with that leadership.  The Young Pope is directed and edited by Paolo Sorrentino (co-writer and director of The Great Beauty which won an Academy Award for "Best Foreign Language Film" in 2014) who creates an art filmesque backdrop for this show that is full of visually stunning settings and splendid character portrayals.  The imagery of The Young Pope combined with the acting performances of two-time Academy Award nominee Jude Law and Academy Award winner Diane Keaton make this dramatic series in my opinion very much worth seeing.

In this fictional story,  a clandestine group of Cardinals arrange to get the Archbishop of New York City, Lenny Belardo (played by Jude Law), elected as the youngest and first-ever American Pope, with the aim of manipulating him as their pawn.  But as Belardo takes on the role of Pope as Pius XIII it appears that he may be the one doing the manipulating.  One of Belardo's first actions as Pope Pius XIII is to secretly command the priests who handles the Confessions of the Cardinals and other noteworthy Vatican staff to report back to him the details of each of these people's sins.  Has Belardo actually been scheming for years to rise through the Church's hierarchy?

To the surprise of the Cardinals who elected him, instead of taking a refreshing, youthful approach to directing the policies of the Church, Pius XIII announces ultra conservative, hardline initiatives that rock the Vatican status quo.  He also forsakes the guidance of the Vatican's long-time Secretary of State, Cardinal Voiello, and brings in the nun who raised him at a Catholic orphanage, Sister Mary (played by Diane Keaton), as his chief confidante and counsel.  Of course Vatican insiders begin a plot to take the Pope down trying to find dirt on him or catch him in a scandalous act to force his ouster.  As Law's character consolidates his power and executes his duties with an ironfisted authority, the story becomes a mystery about whether the young Pope is a man of conviction or one full of contradictions.

Does Pius XIII have a spiritual philosophy for leading the Church? Is a psychological disorder impacting him causing his behavior to be askew? Or is Lenny Belardo just someone who craves authority over other people to compensate for the lack of power he had when abandoned by his parents as a child?  Trying to understand this complicated character's intentions provides an intricate plot for viewers to unravel as the show progresses.

Season One of The Young Pope is now available on Digital HD.  It will be available on Blu-ray and DVD beginning June 6, 2017.  In addition to all ten episodes the Blu-ray, Digital Download, and DVD of The Young Pope -- Season One will also contain three special features including an exclusive new "The Making of The Young Pope" segment.  The Blu-ray and DVD will also include a free Digital Download.

THE YOUNG POPE -- DIGITAL HD GIVEAWAY

A Geek Daddy has a Digital HD code for The Young Pope -- Season One to giveaway.  Just complete the required entries below for a chance to win it!  Must be a U.S. resident over the age of 18 to be eligible to participate in this giveaway.

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A Geek Daddy has not been financially compensated for this endorsement or hosting the giveaway but was provided the same items being provided as a prize for personal use.  A Geek Daddy is hosting the promotion as a benefit to our readers. Must be a US resident over the age of 18 to participate.  Winner will be randomly selected from all eligible entries. Must provide a valid email address to receive the prize which consist of a download code for "The Young Pope -- Season One." A Geek Daddy will email the code to the randomly selected winner. By participating in this free promotion you waive any liability of any kind against the publisher of this blog or HBO regarding this contest or the prize.