First and foremost, the Extended Cut is a boon for the film's supporting characters. The religious zealots of Opus Dei, Bishop Aringarosa (Alfred Molina) and the albino monk Silas (Paul Bettany), are given considerably more screen time. The additions explore their backstories and motivations in greater depth, making them more tragic and human figures rather than one-dimensional villains. For example, a scene on an airplane between Aringarosa and his aide, Michaël, is extended to offer crucial exposition about Opus Dei's power and clandestine operations, including a moment where the organization is described as "God's Mafia".