NEO BATAKATHI
My family and I have just finished watching Season 4 of The Chosen, and we all concurred it can as well be titled, “The Season of Departure.” Cracks are starting to show. Judas, once a follower brimming with conviction, wrestles with growing doubt. Rome, grows increasingly jittery as there is suddenly a new king. The esteemed Sanhedrin council can’t maintain its composure. Lazarus’ miraculous resurrection, right in the eyes of his elitist friends, just threw fuel on the fire.
The gloves are off. The air hisses with tension as the Chief Priest, eyes narrowed, arrives at a chilling revelation. “One man must save the nation,” he mutters, his voice hardening, “save it from the ongoing Roman condescension! There can only be one path forward – one man must die.” With this gloomy pronouncement hanging heavy in the air, Season 4 comes to an end, leaving us desperate for more and deeply unsettled by the brewing storm.
Fans of the series will agree that they are captivated by its profound exploration of faith and humanity. But what truly sets The Chosen apart from other religious programming? You will discover that meticulous research, relatable characters, and a community-driven approach to marketing and distribution have turned The Chosen into a global phenomenon, uniting viewers in their shared journey of faith.
A World Built on Research:
From its inception, The Chosen has demonstrated a commitment to historical and cultural accuracy. The screenplays delve deep into the world Jesus inhabited, painting a vivid picture of his time. This attention to detail extends beyond mere setting; it informs the characters’ motivations and struggles. By presenting the disciples as real individuals grappling with fear, doubt, and ambition, the show creates a connection that resonates across time and cultures. My personal favourites are Matthew and his Roman mentor, Gaius. Careful individuals, leading in the civilisation of Rome, interrogating every turn of events but swept by the divinity of The Nazarian Rabbi.
Storytelling not just scripting.
The Chosen stands out as a show that understands the power of storytelling to resonate with audiences on a personal level. Through its careful character development and exploration of relatable struggles, it creates an emotional connection that goes beyond mere entertainment. By tapping into Audience Perception Theory, The Chosen demonstrates its ability to engage viewers in a meaningful and transformative way, leaving a lasting impression and sparking conversations that extend beyond the screen.
If you refer to Stuart Hall’s Active Audience theory, viewers actively engage with the content they consume, interpreting and making meaning based on their perspectives and experiences. The show’s ability to portray characters like Matthew and Gaius with such depth and nuance speaks to another level of scriptwriting. Each episode meticulously builds character arcs, allowing viewers to connect with the disciples, Jesus, and the people they encounter on a deeper level. Whether it’s Peter’s internal conflict about leadership or Mary Magdalene’s path to forgiveness, the show explores the complexities of human nature within a historical context. These relatable struggles create an emotional investment in the characters’ journeys, making their triumphs and hardships even more impactful.
Contemporary Screen Theory is primarily concerned with how filmed images construct social and symbolic meaning. What better way to transmit Jesus as a social construct than to tap into the social mirrors of minority politics, resource squabbles and religion. That is film. That’s film from the time of the Lumiere Brothers until the era of the Warner Brothers. When viewers are emotionally invested in a story, they are more likely to connect with the characters and become fully immersed in the narrative. The Chosen achieves this by presenting characters with depth and nuance, allowing viewers to see themselves reflected in their struggles and triumphs.
Global Community Through Marketing and Distribution:
The Chosen stands as a testament to the power of a globalised audience. Funded primarily through crowdfunding, the show has bypassed traditional distribution channels, fostering a direct connection with its core Christian viewers. This approach allows for deeper engagement and a sense of ownership. Furthermore, the show’s global reach, offering subtitles and dubs in numerous languages, fosters a sense of community among Christians worldwide. The Chosen is no longer just a show; it’s a conversation starter, uniting viewers in a shared exploration of faith and humanity.
Season four
In my view, Season 4 is The Chosen’s Season of Departure. It is not just another season of television; it’s a culmination of years of research, exceptional scriptwriting, and an audience-driven approach to screening. This combination has resulted in a phenomenon that transcends borders and denominations, uniting Christian viewers in their shared journey.
Did “The Season of Departure” resonate with you? How did the show connect you to the characters and their stories? Share your thoughts.
Watch: https://watch.thechosen.tv/
