The Chosen: Season 1 (2019)

The story begins with a prologue set in the first century, where a Roman soldier named Quintus is seen overseeing a tax collection. He is frustrated with the Jewish people and their reluctance to pay taxes. The scene shifts to a woman named Mary Magdalene, who is tormented and possessed by demons. She is seen in a dark alley, desperate and lost, as she is confronted by a group of men who attempt to take advantage of her. In her moment of despair, she is saved by a man named Jesus, who calls her by name and casts out her demons, restoring her to her true self. This moment marks a significant turning point in her life.

The narrative then introduces Simon Peter and his brother Andrew, who are struggling fishermen. They are in dire financial straits and are desperate to catch fish to pay off their debts. Simon is portrayed as a man burdened by the weight of his responsibilities, feeling the pressure to provide for his family. The brothers are seen fishing all night but catch nothing. In a moment of frustration, Simon decides to take a risk and goes out to fish again, despite the odds being against him.

Meanwhile, Matthew, a tax collector, is shown in his office, isolated and shunned by society. He is meticulous and detail-oriented, but his profession makes him an outcast among the Jewish people. He is approached by Quintus, who pressures him to collect more taxes. Matthew is conflicted but ultimately complies, showcasing his internal struggle between his duty and his desire for acceptance.

Back to Simon, he is on the shore after a long night of fishing when Jesus approaches him. Jesus tells Simon to cast his net one more time. Skeptical but desperate, Simon obeys and is astonished when he catches an overwhelming number of fish. This miracle leads Simon to realize the power of Jesus, and he is left in awe. Jesus then calls Simon to follow him, promising to make him a "fisher of men." Simon, moved by the experience, decides to leave everything behind and follow Jesus.

The story then shifts back to Mary Magdalene, who is trying to rebuild her life. She is seen in a tavern, struggling with her past and the temptation to return to her old ways. However, she is drawn back to Jesus, who offers her compassion and acceptance. This encounter is pivotal for Mary, as she begins to understand her worth and purpose.

As the narrative progresses, we see the growing group of followers around Jesus. He meets with various individuals, including Nicodemus, a Pharisee who is intrigued by Jesus' teachings but is also conflicted due to his position in society. Nicodemus is portrayed as a man of intellect and faith, grappling with the implications of Jesus' message.

The story continues to unfold with the introduction of other key characters, including Thomas and Philip, who are drawn to Jesus' teachings. Each character brings their own struggles and backgrounds, creating a rich tapestry of stories that intertwine with Jesus' mission.

In a significant scene, Jesus performs a miracle at a wedding in Cana, turning water into wine. This act not only showcases his divine power but also serves as a moment of celebration and joy, contrasting with the earlier struggles of the characters. The miracle draws more followers to Jesus, further solidifying his role as a leader and teacher.

As the season progresses, tensions rise between Jesus and the religious authorities. Nicodemus finds himself increasingly torn between his loyalty to the Pharisees and his growing belief in Jesus. The conflict escalates as the authorities begin to take notice of Jesus' growing influence and the potential threat he poses to their power.

The season culminates in a series of events that test the faith and resolve of the characters. Simon faces personal challenges as he grapples with his past and the implications of following Jesus. Mary continues to find healing and purpose, while Matthew struggles with his identity as a tax collector and his desire to be part of Jesus' mission.

In the final scenes, the group of disciples is solidified, and they begin to understand the magnitude of their journey ahead. Jesus prepares them for the challenges they will face, emphasizing the importance of faith and community. The season ends on a note of hope and anticipation, setting the stage for the next chapter in their lives as they follow Jesus and spread his message.

At the end of Season 1 of "The Chosen," several key characters experience significant moments that set the stage for their journeys ahead. Mary Magdalene, who has been transformed by her encounter with Jesus, is now a devoted follower. Simon Peter and Andrew are left grappling with their decisions after meeting Jesus, while Matthew, the tax collector, is faced with a life-altering choice. The season concludes with Jesus calling his first disciples, emphasizing the beginning of his ministry.

As the final episode unfolds, the tension builds around the characters' lives and their encounters with Jesus.

The scene opens with Mary Magdalene, who has been tormented by her past and the demons that have plagued her. In a quiet, dimly lit room, she sits alone, her face a mixture of fear and hope. The air is thick with her emotional turmoil as she recalls the moments of her life that led her to this point. Suddenly, she hears a familiar voice--it's Jesus. His presence is calming, and as he speaks to her, the darkness that once consumed her begins to lift. The moment is profound; she is no longer the woman defined by her suffering but is reborn in faith and love.

Next, we shift to Simon Peter and Andrew, who are fishing on the Sea of Galilee. The sun is setting, casting a golden hue over the water. They are weary and frustrated after a long night of unsuccessful fishing. Their faces show the strain of their daily struggles, and their conversations reveal their doubts about their future. Just as they are about to give up, Jesus appears on the shore, calling out to them. His voice carries authority and warmth. He instructs them to cast their nets one more time. Reluctantly, they comply, and to their astonishment, they catch an overwhelming number of fish. This miraculous event ignites a spark of faith in Simon Peter, who is left in awe of Jesus' power.

Meanwhile, Matthew, the tax collector, is portrayed in a starkly different light. He is isolated, sitting at his booth, counting coins, and observing the world around him with a keen but detached eye. His life is one of loneliness, marked by his role as an outcast among his own people. As he witnesses the miraculous catch of fish, he feels a stirring within him, a longing for something more than the life he has chosen. Jesus approaches him, and in a moment that feels both shocking and inevitable, he calls Matthew to follow him. The weight of this decision hangs heavily in the air, as Matthew grapples with the implications of leaving his old life behind.

The episode culminates in a powerful scene where Jesus gathers his first disciples--Simon Peter, Andrew, James, John, and Matthew. They stand together, a diverse group of men, each with their own struggles and backgrounds, now united by their faith in Jesus. The atmosphere is charged with anticipation and uncertainty as they take their first steps into a new life. The camera captures their expressions--fear, hope, and determination--as they leave their old lives behind to follow the man who has changed everything for them.

As the season closes, the fate of each character is set in motion. Mary Magdalene is transformed and ready to embrace her new identity as a follower of Jesus. Simon Peter and Andrew are filled with a sense of purpose, ready to leave their fishing lives behind. Matthew, once an outsider, is now invited into a community that will challenge and change him. The season ends on a note of hope and new beginnings, emphasizing the transformative power of faith and the call to follow Jesus.

In "The Chosen," Season 1, there is no post-credit scene. The season concludes with the final episode, "I Have Called You by Name," which wraps up the story arcs of several key characters, including Mary Magdalene, Simon Peter, and Matthew. The focus is on their transformative encounters with Jesus and the beginning of their journeys as His followers. The emotional weight of the season's conclusion lies in the characters' newfound hope and purpose, setting the stage for future developments in their lives and the ministry of Jesus. The absence of a post-credit scene allows viewers to reflect on the profound changes the characters have undergone throughout the season.

In Season 1 of The Chosen, Mary Magdalene, known as Lilith at the beginning, is portrayed as a tormented woman possessed by demons. She is shown living a life of despair, struggling with her identity and the pain of her past. After being rejected by society and losing her sense of self, she encounters Jesus, who calls her by her true name, Mary. This pivotal moment marks the beginning of her transformation as she finds healing and acceptance through His love.

Simon Peter is introduced as a fisherman struggling with debt and the pressures of providing for his family. His desperation leads him to make morally questionable decisions, including stealing from the Romans. Throughout Season 1, Simon grapples with his ambitions and the weight of his responsibilities. His character arc culminates in a moment of profound realization when he meets Jesus, who sees his potential and calls him to a greater purpose, igniting a conflict between his current life and the path ahead.

Nicodemus is depicted as a Pharisee who is deeply respected within the Jewish community. Throughout Season 1, he is portrayed as a man of intellect and faith, yet he begins to question the rigid interpretations of the law. His interactions with Mary Magdalene and his investigation into the miracles of Jesus reveal his internal struggle between tradition and the emerging truth of Jesus' teachings. Nicodemus' character serves as a bridge between the established religious order and the new movement that Jesus represents.

Matthew, a tax collector, is portrayed as socially isolated and meticulous, often seen writing and documenting details of his life. Unlike the other disciples, who are more socially integrated, Matthew is shunned by society due to his profession. His character is marked by a keen intellect and a sense of observation that sets him apart. His eventual calling by Jesus is a significant moment, as it challenges societal norms and highlights the theme of redemption, showing that even those marginalized can find a place in Jesus' mission.

The miracle of the fish occurs when Jesus instructs Simon Peter to cast his net after a long night of unsuccessful fishing. Despite his skepticism, Simon obeys and catches an overwhelming number of fish. This miracle serves as a turning point for Simon, illustrating Jesus' divine authority and foreshadowing Simon's future role as a disciple. The event is emotionally charged, as it not only provides a miraculous provision but also symbolizes the call to faith and the transformative power of following Jesus.

"The Chosen," season 1, produced in 2019, is generally considered family-friendly, but it does contain some scenes and themes that may be sensitive for children or those who are particularly sensitive. Here are some potentially objectionable or upsetting aspects:

1. Depictions of Illness and Suffering: Several characters experience physical and emotional suffering, including mental illness and societal rejection, which may be distressing for some viewers.

2. Social Stigma and Isolation: The show portrays characters who are marginalized or ostracized due to their circumstances, which can evoke feelings of sadness or discomfort.

3. Violence and Conflict: There are moments of conflict and tension, including confrontations that may involve shouting or aggressive behavior, though they are not graphic.

4. Religious Themes: The show explores deep religious themes and questions of faith, which may be challenging for younger viewers to fully grasp or may provoke strong emotional reactions.

5. Emotional Turmoil: Characters experience significant emotional struggles, including despair, loneliness, and conflict, which may resonate deeply and evoke empathy but could also be heavy for sensitive viewers.

Overall, while "The Chosen" aims to convey messages of hope and redemption, parents may want to preview episodes to determine their appropriateness for their children.