The Chosen has been remarkably popular, and in the last few years gained mainstream notice from news outlets and critics. It’s all because the show’s creator, Dallas Jenkins, hit upon a formula that showed Jesus and his apostles as human characters in a twisty drama rather than holier-than-thou historical figures. There’s more of a rock and dance-beat soundtrack, and everyone talks like people from the 21st century, but not in a way that’s distracting. The fifth season of the series, which has been playing in theaters for a few months, makes its debut on streaming via Prime Video.
Opening Shot: At a U-shaped table, Jesus of Nazareth (Jonathan Roumie) talks to his apostles about how his impending death should end up being a joyous occasion, even though it seems initially to be a solemn one.
The Gist: “The hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figures of speech. I will speak to you plainly about the Father,” Jesus tells his apostles at a Passover seder that will later become known as The Last Supper. Of course, the apostles are praiseworthy of the rabbi and prophet they’ve followed all the way to Jerusalem, but Jesus tells them to spread his philosophy far and wide as they live their lives in his absence.
Four days earlier, many in the walled city of Jerusalem are eagerly awaiting Jesus’ arrival. But there are those who are wary, including Caiaphas (Richard Fancy), the High Priest of the city, and his rabbis.
In fact, as Jesus rides a donkey into the city, followed by his apostles and followers like Mary Magdalene (Elizabeth Tabish) and Tamar (Elizabeth Tabish), three rabbis intercept them and warn them that if Jesus enters the city on a donkey, the followers outside the gates chanting “Hosanna” are going to interpret that as a prophecy that Jesus has declared himself king, which will bring the wrath of the city’s Roman rulers, led by Pontius Pilate (Andrew James Allen). Jesus ignores the warnings, claiming he has no designs on an earthly title and crown.
As Jesus speaks to the faithful in the city, John (George H. Xanthis) tells Mary that Jesus is speaking less in parables and more like he feels death is close. Other apostles, like Simon Z (Alaa Safi), think that there will be factions coming after them, and Rome won’t be the only threat.
As Passover approaches, Jesus also seems to lament what Jerusalem has become under Roman rule, more of a market than a city of worship. But when he comes upon a wedding and sees the joy everyone exudes, he is inspired.
What Shows Will It Remind You Of? The Chosen reminded us of the History Channel series The Bible, but it has also spawned other Biblical-themed dramas like House Of David.
Our Take: The formula that made The Chosen such a success still exists as the show enters its fifth season and moves towards the crucifixion, but something feels a little lost this time around.
Namely, the apostles are now more of a chorus than individual characters. As Jesus traveled through Israel and gathered followers, we got to know the apostles individually, and saw what motivated all of them to leave their lives and literally follow Jesus as he espoused his prophecy. Sure, we see folks like Simon the Zealot and others be wary of the Romans and others. Apostles like Simon Peter (Shahar Isaac), Andrew (Noah James) and Matthew (Paras Patel) seem to be shoved to the side a little bit.
This may be just a natural product of how this story progresses. Yes, the apostles are an important part, especially Judas Iscariot (Luke Dimyan). But the apostles are now working together to spread Jesus’ message in Jerusalem, as well as protect their prophet from those who may want to see him dead. But at this point in the story, we think that Jenkins and his writers feel that the apostles’ established characters will come through in how they react to Jesus’ reception in Jerusalem, both the good and the bad.
The fifth season basically examines the week that leads up to the crucifixion, and Jenkins and company aren’t shy in positioning the idea that the Romans had help when it came to persecuting and killing Christ. In a way it’s as ambitious as, say, the last season of How I Met Your Mother, which took place in the days leading up to Barney and Robin’s wedding. Jenkins and company are taking a chance that the limited time frame of this fifth season won’t provide enough story momentum, but we bet that this is going to be jam-packed week, given the betrayal and other machinations that sent Jesus to the cross soon after his triumphant arrival.
Sex and Skin: None.
Parting Shot: One of the apostles — Matthew, maybe? — observes Jesus making a whip or some other kind of rope-like device in the middle of the night.
Sleeper Star: Elizabeth Tabish has always portrayed Mary Magdalene as a world-weary loyalist, and she does a good job portraying that balance.
Most Pilot-y Line: When Jesus happens upon the wedding, he celebrates with the gathered crowd and seems to enjoy being anonymous for a moment, until someone recognizes him and everyone starts giving him hosannas. We wish him enjoying his momentary anonymity would have lasted longer.
Our Call: STREAM IT. As The Chosen chugs towards its inevitable conclusion, it will build the drama leading to the crucifixion. We just hope that the characters that have been established to this point get a chance to shine in this stage of the story.
Joel Keller (@joelkeller) writes about food, entertainment, parenting and tech, but he doesn’t kid himself: he’s a TV junkie. His writing has appeared in the New York Times, Slate, Salon, RollingStone.com, VanityFair.com, Fast Company and elsewhere.
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