If you would like to find out more about ‘The Chosen’ series, there’s an interesting article here. It’s actually an interview with Dallas Jenkins, the producer. Here’s one of the questions he was asked, along with his answer:

How would you contrast The Chosen with other dramatizations of the ministry of Christ?

Jenkins: A lot of Jesus projects are done like a docudrama. They take you from Bible verse to Bible verse, miracle to miracle, story to story — and they’re not intended to get deep into the people with whom Jesus surrounded himself.

Our show really digs in to its characters, making it as human and real as possible. Simon Peter was married, so let’s explore what married life was like back then. We know Simon’s personality from the text. How does it translate when he is at home with his wife?

One day on set, we were shooting a scene where they argue as a married couple. I remember saying to some people around me: “I’ve watched all the Bible shows, and I’ve never seen a married couple fight. Actually, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a married couple kiss in a Bible show. Or even a married couple at all in those shows!”

We’re taking the time to get deep into these stories. That’s the beauty of doing a multi-season show, as opposed to a 90-minute movie or a small miniseries. Then when the redemption or victory comes, you’ve had time to feel the desperation and need for it.

Note that the producer’s purpose was to “get deep into the people with whom Jesus surrounded himself”. It appears that this series will accomplish that purpose, and in all fairness, Episode 1 did just that. Having said that, the text of the Bible doesn’t go deep into the lives of the people who knew and surrounded Jesus. Therefore, much of the series has to come from ‘outside’ sources, from what we know of the history and culture of the day, as well as from the imaginations of the writers. I think that was done well also.

At the end of the day, the production value seems to be excellent, as is the ‘entertainment’ value. It would be interesting to find out how well it actually treats the redemption story.

At any rate, please don’t let me dissuade you from paying $30.00 to be able to view the entire series. If you want to discuss it, I’d be happy to host that discussion here at The Battle Cry, no matter what you think about it.