This is the opener to the fifth series of “The Chosen” and it follows the life and times of Jesus Christ as he assembles his apostles and gradually attracts the attention of the downtrodden people who are desperate for the for the hope he brings in the face of institutional repression from their own dogmatic Pharisees, their tyrannical king and their Roman occupiers. This cinematic section of the New Testament shows us just how Jesus (Jonathan Roumie) carried out his miracles - the loaves and fishes; healing the sick; Lazarus etc., whilst the ever suspicious authorities began to question his motives as his popularity rises and their own vulnerability increases. In many ways this production reminded me a little of “Masada” (1981) as a good deal of effort has gone into ensuring this production looks authentic. The story remains faithful to the source text, though at times the language has been a little too overly simplified for a 21st century audience, and though it does sail quite close to the wind at times, it manages to just about steer clear of any zealousness as it depicts a story of a man who may, or may not, have been the son of God and who certainly received no special treatment from his dad as he travelled the world genuinely trying to spread a message more harmonious than anyone else whilst fighting off the temptations of Satan. For me, though, it’s the acting that really let this down. To be fair, at least the enthusiastic auteur Dallas Jenkins has spared us some mid-Atlantic accents, but that’s about all that can be said for this mediocre assembly of talent that somehow manages to stultify some of the most entertaining stories ever written. I always found most memorable mnemonics of biblical teachings, whether you be religious or not, were in the way the parables reminded us of their underlying message in a relatable, human, fashion. This adaptation rather errs on the side of everything that is good - well, God had an hand in that. Everything that is not so good, however, well that’s all down to our lack of faith. An imponderable rock and an hard place scenario that this slightly unchallenging drama does little to enlighten us on, or challenge. Perhaps that wasn’t it’s purpose? In which case adherents may well find this a gently adoring tale, but I had hoped for something just a little more focused on the politics, attitudes and doctrines of the day that this man hoped to set about dismantling, and I don’t think I got enough of that. Of course, there has to be an inevitability to the story which we can anticipate but this could have used the screen time to blaze a new trail rather than just offer us a television movie for the faithful.
