The Chosen: Season 3

Based on: the Biblical gospels of Jesus

Created & Directed by: Dallas Jenkins

Written by: Dallas Jenkins, Ryan Swanson and Tyler Thompson

Starring: 

Shahar Isaac (Simon), Jonathan Roumie (Jesus), Elizabeth Tabish (Mary Magdalene), Paras Patel (Matthew), Noah James (Andrew), Lara Silva (Eden), Shaan Sharma (Shmuel), Nick Shakoour (Zebedee), George H. Xanthis (John), Abe Bueno-Jallad (Big James), Brandon Potter (Quintus), Kirk B. R. Woller (Gaius), Giavani Cairo (Thaddeus), Jordan Walker Ross (Little James), Joey Vahedi (Thomas), Yasmine Al-Bustami (Ramah), Vanessa Benavente (Mary)

The Chosen season 3 trailer:

I'm so happy that The Chosen's season 1 wasn't just lightning in a bottle, an isolated success. 

The series hasn't declined in either season 2 or 3, though season 2 did feel like more of a bridge. Unlike the previous seasons, this third one has focused more on much-needed character development and backgrounds, fleshing out our cast even more than season 1 did. 

I suspect most people are aware at this point, but as a brief refresher, The Chosen adapts the New Testament gospels, following Jesus' disciples as they witness the miracles and teachings their rabbi performs. 

In a "debrief" after their adventure, Jesus addresses the disciples' many concerns 

Season 3's continued success comes from a natural progression the series seems to be making. Season 1 was about the profound affect Jesus had on his disciples individually, season 2 was about the gospel spreading to surrounding communities, and season 3 was about the affect of that spread on his disciples, individually. And I think it was perfect that they spend a whole season on this because it really showed that these disciples aren't perfect or divine themselves--they're normal people with fears, worries, and short-sightedness. Simon, one of the central characters, spends almost the entire season in a silent conflict with his wife, which is only resolved in the season finale. 

One thing I personally appreciate about the series that has drawn controversy from others is its willingness to think between the lines. It doesn't create its own theology, but it draws on the characters we know, the histories and background we know as fact, to extrapolate on what probably happened. This creates a much richer and fuller story and allows the series to go places that it might not otherwise. And this approach has resulted in a truly enjoyable, historically-accurate and theologically-accurate retelling that draws you in. 

The feeding of the 5,000 was one of the many miracles The Chosen depicted this season

Jesus heals the chronically-bleeding woman: I loved that the season gave this miracle two episodes to fully elaborate on the issues this woman would've faced in this culture 

(BTS shot) Simon's walking on water to meet Jesus was beautifully written to address the former's personal character arc

Well, this is going to end up a much shorter blog entry than usual, simply because I don't want to start inserting filler, and I already touched on many of the things I love about this series in my review of season 1. No need to beat a dead horse! 

I'm very excited for the coming seasons--it's supposed to cover seven total. I'm very curious where Dallas Jenkins will take this. Through the cross, to be sure. And hopefully the ascension. But possibly even Acts? We'll have to see!