A TV Drama Review
By Dr. Carolyn Burhans
Have you ever wondered what you would experience as one of Jesus’ disciples? Can you imagine accepting his person to person invitation to “follow me.”? Take into consideration what your response might be when called to leave the life you now have and journey on foot with Jesus and his vagabond group of believers. For some, it could be the promise of a new adventure, while for others it could be the letting go of unfavorable circumstances. Perhaps others would actually discern a call to be with the long expected Savior of the world.
Dallas Jenkins is the creator, director and executive director of The Chosen, a faith based video series. Co-written by Ryan Swanson and Tyler Thompson, Season 1 begins as Jesus calls first one and then another disciple. The viewer gets the backstory of each disciple’s previous life as they make the decision to go with Jesus. Char-acters spring to life as you absorb the story of Jesus’ life through the eyes of his followers. You will see the before and after versions of Mary Magdalene and observe how Jesus interacts with children. Watch as Matthew has an internal struggle with his role as a wealthy tax collector. Then comes the wedding at Cana as Mary in-structs her son to do what he has been called to do. Refreshingly, Nicodemus is introduced and his revelations about Jesus begin to unfold. Let’s not forget the woman at the well who can-not stop telling people about Jesus after her encounter with him.
Season 2: As Jesus becomes well known throughout Samaria he begins preparations for the Sermon on the Mount. Tensions grow among some of the disciples as their travels continue and larger groups begin assembling to see Jesus. His miracles continue; a faithful follower has a fall from grace; John the Baptist makes an appearance; and a food shortage looms heavily over the group. The viewer can easily become enthralled with these real life depictions of actual events.
A variety of sources report that this series has broken down religious and denomination walls. Don’t we need more of that in our lives right now? Jonathan Roumie is the actor selected to play the role of Jesus. He brings to the screen an amazing countenance of Jesus’ kindness, humility, strength, humor and determination. Yes, you will feel the emotions that arise from conflict, healing, forgiveness and camaraderie. Should you watch it anyway? YES!
The official host of The Chosen is Amazon Prime; however a brief search on your inter-net browser will lead you to other sources for viewing, some of them free for Seasons 1 and 2. Season 3 is now available on Amazon Prime and Season 4 will debut in 2024. It’s time to grab that popcorn and start binging!