Fascinating relationship glimpses in "The Chosen"

By Lavern Nissley

Have you heard of "The Chosen" series on the life of Jesus and surrounding characters? It's one of the best depictions I've ever seen in this genre. Currently Season 1 is available via a free downloadable app that contains 8 engaging and memorable episodes, each about 50-55 minutes in length. The project is also crowdfunded with opportunities to "pay it forward."

Part of my interest and fascination is with the relationship dynamics in every episode. It's not just about the life of Jesus, but also the very real lives of people like Mary Magdalene, Nicodemus, Peter and his family, Roman soldiers and officials, Matthew and others. Both the writing and acting come across as compelling and real without deviating from the central story. Certainly a lot of drama is inserted as a novel based upon scripture and historical traditions.

Here are a few of my own relationship observations after watching the entire series of 8 episodes.

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• The reality of human emotions. I'm struck with the range and intensity of emotions portrayed such as despair, fear, desperation, shame, hopelessness, betrayal, loss and sadness. But there are also expressions of hope, confidence, joy, kindness and gratitude. In the bonus content section of the app and on The Chosen Facebook page various actors talk about their experiences of "going deep" to portray their respective characters.
• The anguish of discrimination and rejection. As a tax collector Matthew felt the hatred of fellow Jews (by the way, he is portrayed as being on the spectrum of Asperger's syndrome). Mary Magdalene was an outcast due to her mental health/demonization. The Samaritan woman at the well had a shady past that her townspeople held against her, so that she couldn't draw water in the morning like other women. The smelly fishermen at the docks were looked down upon by Roman soldiers and the religious aristocracy. The man with leprosy was almost assaulted in self-defense by Jesus' disciples until Jesus called them off.
• The pride and arrogance of those in control. Roman soldiers/officials and religious leaders alike just have this condescension that isn't attractive at all!
• The gentile strength of Jesus. Talk about casting this character well! He speaks and interacts casually, laughs, jokes, teases, comforts, assures and challenges with an incredible balance of truth and grace. His interchanges with children, with broken people and with his followers left me thinking, "Wow, that's how I'd like to relate to people!"

"The Chosen" is easy to binge watch. In fact, I'm currently watching it through a second time with Ronda, and I'm seeing things I missed the first time through.

The behind the scenes reflections (both in the app and on The Chosen Facebook page) are interesting and inspiring. The way they captured the scene of the miraculous catch of fish involved a "green burrito", using green screen technology and special effects generation.

Take a look at the trailer and then, if interested, acquire the app and/or visit the Facebook page. You won't be disappointed.