The Chosen (Season 1)

⭐ 9.5/10

Christian media that is actually good!? Why am I only hearing about this now!  Just kidding family has recommended this show for many years now and I resisted.  How could another retelling of Jesus' story make a compelling show that I want to watch multiple seasons of?  Well, they did it.  This show is in my mind the definitive retelling.  Not like I have seen that many others, but I was astounded at the quality here.

It does everything you would want in a good adaptation. It fleshes out major characters in interesting ways, paints a believable context for the setting at the time, and gives you insights you don't get just from reading.  I love how distinct it makes characters, in such a way that perfectly aligns with what I already knew about them but enhances Bible reading since now there is a face to put to the name and emotions that align with what can be emotionless text. Simon in particular is great (also so dreamy), and they made some distinct choices with Matthew that I think pay off and work well with the character.

That's the other thing - this show makes choices!  It sets up well known stories and lines in ways that are probably not 100% accurate to what actually happened, but who knows what actually happened!  The artistic liberties they take are fantastic and serve to emphasize the points of the Bible.  The expansion of Nicodemus is the prime example, and his character is a perfect avatar for the viewer.  I feel like there are lots of modern and even progressive lessons in this show, with him at the center.

But the actually center is obviously Jesus and he is amazing.  I can't imagine how difficult a role it is, or at least how much pressure he would feel, but he is perfect.  Has a kind and loving face, quick to laugh, kind, just everything you want in the perfect Jesus. There is a little bottle episode with just him hanging out with children that could be the creepiest thing ever and it is so wholesome and wonderful.  I felt tears in my eyes every episode when he recites something I have heard a million times but recontextualizes it in some way I will now always associate with it. It really is quite a feat.

I watched this week to week and then discussed with a group, and it felt like everyone feels the same way in their love for this show. I also love having a weekly viewing experience, getting to revisit already beloved characters every week.  Knowing what is coming makes the experience even more valuable in this instance I think, and when that cross goes up it will be more moving than any Easter service I have ever attended.

Apparently this show is going to be 7 seasons, and there are already spinoff shows in the works, and normally that's a red flag, but I am on board. I was reading about the creator, and how he used to shy away from making Christian content because the quality was never good, and then decided to change that narrative, and I think that's really cool. I'm one season in and even if it ended here I could say mission accomplished to him.