I realize the Bible is known for brevity. In other words, most of the events that you read in the Bible are concise, to the point, and don't always give complete details or back-stories. So I'm fine with a show that adds some embellishment to a story as long as those embellishments or scenarios are reasonable and plausible, and as long as they don't contradict scripture.
When it comes to The Chosen TV series, I must admit, I am pleasantly surprised! I have seen the first two seasons, and let me tell you what's good about it.
First, the production quality is very good. The scenes are very realistic and well done. The editing is first class. These things take The Chosen to a professional level and the show does not feel like a low-budget movie.
Secondly, the casting. The person who plays Jesus, Jonathan Roumie, is perfect. He portrays Jesus as someone who is compassionate, loving, friendly, has a sense of humor, is bold but humble, yet still teaches and leads with authority. If I lived in Jesus' day, this would be the Jesus I would have loved to meet and be with.
There are many examples of how well Jesus is portrayed, but here's one instance that sticks with me. When Jesus performs a miracle causing a man who was crippled from birth to get up and walk, as they exchange looks, Jesus smiles back at the man and his eyes water because He is so happy for him. This just enhances the character of Jesus, something we would miss by reading that Bible story alone. That's because when we just read text, the emotional response and facial expressions are not captured.
Also, the casting of the other characters is excellent as well. For one thing, Nicodemus, played by Erick Avari, steals the show in a couple of episodes. Peter, played by Shahar Isaac, is also outstanding. His personality is just what I would imagine the real-life Peter's to be. And Matthew, the tax collector, played by Paras Patel, is shown as one who is autistic! Now the Bible doesn't expound at all on Matthew's personality, but think about it -- one who is good with numbers as a tax collector, who wrote one the Gospels in detail, why not? It's certainly possible, and the idea that he could have been autistic does not contradict scripture.
Overall, the portrayals of the disciples as a group makes you realize how they must have interacted in real life. They dealt with all the emotions, relationship challenges, and concerns that we do. The character development in this series is excellent.
Thirdly, the producers of the The Chosen series have a very good vision on where they want the series to go. They plan seven seasons, and after watching the first two, I am looking forward to the next several. It's interesting and creative how they are funding the series, and presenting it through social media. You can tell a lot of thought and planning has gone into this project.
In conclusion, watch The Chosen! It will give you some insight and perspective on Bible stories. However, it doesn't replace actually reading the Bible. The producers of The Chosen agree. At the beginning of Episode 1, Season 1, there appears on the screen this statement:
"The Chosen is based on the true stories of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Some locations and timelines have been combined or condensed. Back stories and some characters or dialogue has been added. However, all biblical and historical context and any artistic imagination are designed to support the truth and intention of the Scriptures. Viewers are encouraged to read the Gospels."
One more thing -- I can't help but read the Bible now without visualizing the characters from The Chosen! That's how effective it is.
So watch The Chosen. But don't make it a substitute for reading the Bible. Hopefully, watching The Chosen will motivate you to read all four Gospels. And that's what's good about The Chosen.
