Joan's Take on The Chosen

We had a surprise Christmas present from Dallas and The Chosen this year! If you didn't catch it in the theatres, you can now find it on the Chosen app. While I didn't do a live commentary, here are some of my thoughts and opinions about the newest episode. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit joanmwatson.substack.com

As we wrap up season 2, we take a look at how they chose to portray the Sermon on the Mount (at least the lead up to it…). While it wasn't my favorite episode, I love seeing the choices Dallas makes and hearing how different scenes affect different viewers. We'll also chat about Judas, and I get on a soapbox. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit joanmwatson.substack.com

I was anticipating this to be a short discussion, since the episode didn't include a lot of Scripture to delve into, but the YouTube chat box got lively! (which I love.) There was a lot of character development in this episode, including a good examination of conscience: which Apostle would I be when following Jesus gets a little dicey? This episode also features the return of one of my favorite characters, Quintus. And lot of doors are open for future episodes: What will become of Atticus? Gaius? WHO IS YUSSIF!? Enjoy. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit joanmwatson.substack.com

We delve into what I think is one of the most beautiful and Catholic scenes in Season 2, we look at what was happening in Nob in the opening, and I break open some Old Testament Scripture to give us a better understanding of what Jesus was saying about his Apostles. Oh, and a book recommendation, too. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit joanmwatson.substack.com

In today's discussion, we talk about the mystery of the Incarnation (what exactly did Jesus know and what did He not know? Do we know?), the controversial depiction of Mary Magdalene (which I loved), and unexpectedly laughing out loud at John the Baptist. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit joanmwatson.substack.com

There were lots of new characters in this episode - so we'll take some time to go briefly over the plot, and then get into some Old Testament prophecies, a Jewish feast, and some biblical archaeology. I had some quibbles with this episode, but they were mostly minor. We all need to remember that this isn't our project - maybe we would do things differently, but we should also respect the research and decisions of Dallas and the writers, too. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit joanmwatson.substack.com

This episode caused some Catholic controversy - and I'm here to talk about it! What some people found offensive or even blasphemous, I found touching and human. So here's my take. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit joanmwatson.substack.com

This episode of The Chosen is a powerful one. We get two new Apostles, one of which comes via a prayer that is heart-wrenching and relatable. This episode also contains my least favorite line of the entire series. I love this show, but it doesn't mean it's perfect. There are plenty of quibbles I have with it, and we talk about some in this episode. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit joanmwatson.substack.com

We are back to look at Season 2 - The Chosen is now officially the first multi-season show on the life of Christ. This is a packed episode - and possibly my favorite episode of the second season. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit joanmwatson.substack.com

John 4 is one of my favorite chapters of the New Testament. I've given several talks about the scene between Jesus and the Samaritan woman, and she gets her own chapter in my bible study Encountering Christ. In this discussion, we'll look more closely at some things such as the history of the Samaritan people and the significance of Photina's five husbands so that we can better understand this very intentional encounter and the importance of Jesus' revelation. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit joanmwatson.substack.com

While the scene with Nicodemus was probably what most everyone was waiting for (how can we follow Nicodemus through the previous six episodes and not imagine what John 3 is going to be like?), it's the final scene of this episode that gives me goosebumps every time. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit joanmwatson.substack.com

A key to this episode is to not view it simply as an observer. There is a lot to meditate on regarding our own relationship with Jesus in this episode. Scenes and even particular lines can be used for a personal examen. We'll talk about some of those in this discussion. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit joanmwatson.substack.com

This is probably my favorite episode. The Blessed Mother, wine, and plenty of good foreshadowing. What more do you need? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit joanmwatson.substack.com

How can you not enjoy an episode with so many great quotes? From creepy John to his wife's favorite ear, Simon is full of good lines in this one. But it's not just full of laughs - we also witness one of the most real, authentic prayers from the lips of a desperate man. We've all had those moments, haven't we? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit joanmwatson.substack.com

Even though this is the shortest episode of Season One, I think it sets the stage for two vital themes that The Chosen presents really well. Tune in to find out what those are. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit joanmwatson.substack.com

Our discussion of Season 1, Episode 2 of The Chosen. We'll talk about the importance of the Sabbath, look a little closer at who the Pharisees were, and try to rid ourselves of some preconceived notions so that we can better understand what Jesus was doing and saying. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit joanmwatson.substack.com

The Chosen is the first multi-season show about the life of Christ and his followers. I, like so many others, was reluctant to watch it. Christian media has disappointed me before, and I assumed it would be pretty cheesy. Did I need another visual interpretation of the Gospels?It turns out, I did. The Chosen might not be for everyone, but I really enjoyed the first season. What's more important: it affected my prayer life. Yes, that's right. A television show helped me pray better. When I heard mixed things from some Catholics, I thought it might be helpful to host a series of livestreams on YouTube to discuss my thoughts about the episodes and answer questions. This is that series. Enjoy - and stay tuned for my thoughts on Season Two. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit joanmwatson.substack.com

The Chosen is the first multi-season show about the life of Christ and his followers. I, like so many others, was reluctant to watch it. Christian media has disappointed me before, and I assumed it would be pretty cheesy. Did I need another visual interpretation of the Gospels?It turns out, I did. The Chosen might not be for everyone, but I really enjoyed the first season. What's more important: it affected my prayer life. Yes, that's right. A television show helped me pray better. When I heard mixed things from some Catholics, I thought it might be helpful to host a series of livestreams on YouTube to discuss my thoughts about the episodes and answer questions. This is that series. Enjoy - and stay tuned for my thoughts on Season Two. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit joanmwatson.substack.com