The Chosen has been the subject of a fair bit of criticism recently – but fans have praised its portrayal of a key character in the Gospels, one who’s often been shown as a one-dimensional villain.
Created by Dallas Jenkins, the series was spawned from an earlier pilot called ‘The Shepherd’, chronicling the night of Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem. Encouraged by its performance, Angel Studios launched a crowdfunding campaign for a multi-season series about Christ’s life and teachings – and it became the biggest-audience funded project in TV history.
Across four seasons, it’s believed to have reached 200 million unique users across the world – including many atheists. However, while its exploration of scripture and Jesus’ ministry has earned plaudits, others aren’t so convinced. For example, some expressed concerns over the omission of the transfiguration and other good stories, while it’s also been accused of violating the Second Commandment.
While debates over the show’s dramatic license will only continue in later seasons – especially as we approach the crucifixion and resurrection – one particular character has been commended by viewers.
The Chosen fans praise portrayal of Judas
Even if you’re not a Christian, you’ve probably heard (or at least have a vague idea) of Judas, the disciple who betrayed Jesus. In the series, he’s played by Luke Dimyan.
On The Chosen subreddit, u/bluelagoon789 wrote: “I honestly love how they’re portraying Judas in the show. To me in most Christian media, Judas sticks out from the other apostles like a sore thumb. His betrayal is obvious not only because most of us know it’s going to happen, but because he’s always portrayed as a conniving, bad guy. You don’t really see anything else from him. I feel like whenever Jesus says ‘one of you will betray me,’ I’m always like ‘Oh no! who could it possibly be!’
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“However, Judas in The Chosen is literally another one of the apostles. It’s honestly so sad seeing how much he loves Jesus and the others knowing what’s to come. I know Season 4 is slowly starting to build towards his betrayal, but I feel like it’ll still be shocking in some way, especially to the other apostles. The whole situation will just hit way harder.”
Others agree, with one writing that it’s “nice that Judas is not being portrayed as a mustache-twirling villain where it’s blatantly obvious he is the one who betrayed. Scripture makes it clear even after Jesus says one of you will betray me no one assumed it was Judas instead they asked if it would be them.”
“I completely agree and think that the direction they took with the writing and casting decisions was one of the best things they have done for this show (which is saying a lot!),” another wrote.
“It’s really compelling and heartbreaking and also brings home the point that Jesus died for and because all of us – even those who love Him and want to live for Him,” they added.
The final episodes of The Chosen Season 4 are in cinemas now – here’s how to watch them and how long it’ll be in theaters.
