The Chosen, Season 4: Lectio Divina or Fan Fiction?
Sep 23, 2024
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Br. Joshua Vargas, a seminarian in the Philadelphia Oratory known for his artistic contributions, joins the discussion on the latest season of The Chosen. The conversation dives into the season's pivotal moments, from John the Baptist's execution to Lazarus' resurrection. They critique the show's shift towards fictional subplots that might distract from biblical truths. Jonathan Roumie's portrayal of Jesus shines, but concerns about character development and narrative integrity arise, alongside reflections on emotional depth and historical accuracy.
Season Four of The Chosen marks a significant artistic evolution, diverging from previous seasons while embracing darker themes leading to Holy Week.
Jonathan Roumie's portrayal of Jesus continues to be a standout element, delivering authenticity and emotional depth that resonates with audiences.
The introduction of fictional character Rayma complicates narrative dynamics, revealing potential weaknesses in character development and emotional stakes.
The show's reliance on subplots is critiqued for overshadowing deeper character connections among the disciples, diluting the emotional impact.
Looking ahead, there is cautious optimism for Season Five to rectify pacing issues and return to character-driven storytelling with a focus on gospel themes.
Deep dives
Overview of The Chosen Season Four
The podcast discusses Season Four of The Chosen, highlighting its notable independence from Angel Studios, which had been involved in earlier seasons. The hosts reflect on the subsequent evolution of Christian filmmaking, including a shift in focus and themes that emerge in this latest season. This season introduces new characters and presents significant plot points surrounding Jesus and his disciples as they approach events leading up to Holy Week. The guests share insights about the changes in character dynamics and the narrative structure that has developed throughout the series.
Character Developments and Guest Introductions
The episode features discussions with guests Brother Joshua Vargas and Nathan Douglas, both filmmakers with differing degrees of exposure to The Chosen. Brother Joshua shares his background as a seminarian and his work on visual arts and murals while also discussing the significance of his role in the podcast. Nathan reflects on how he watched all four seasons in a short time, emphasizing his appreciation for the performances, particularly Jonathan Rumi's portrayal of Jesus. Their introductions set the stage for a deeper exploration of the show's character development and thematic elements.
Nathan Douglas's Perspective on The Chosen
Nathan shares his fresh perspective, noting that while he initially delayed watching the series, he was impressed by its quality and depth upon viewing. He particularly admires Jonathan Rumi’s performance as Jesus, commending the authenticity and emotional weight he brings to the role. Nathan compares Rumi’s portrayal to those of iconic characters in television, remarking on the way in which Rumi's acting stands out by showcasing a lived-in authenticity instead of contrived performances. He appreciates the show’s ability to evoke a profound spiritual experience and connection with the character of Christ.
Narrative Shifts and Thematic Changes in Season Four
Season Four is characterized by its shift from previous seasons, with the narrative becoming more focused and urgent as it approaches Holy Week. A noticeable strain arises as the pacing shifts from character-driven stories into a rush towards specific events, significantly affecting the manner in which character trials and subplots are presented. This season introduces darker themes of anguish and disappointment, especially with Jesus grappling with his disciples’ inability to understand his mission. Nathan highlights how the structured plot has resulted in a less playful tone compared to earlier seasons, thus raising questions about character development.
The Role of Rayma and Its Impact on Thomas
The introduction of Rayma, a fictional character, serves as a central subplot to Thomas' emotional journey during the season. Her death becomes a pivotal moment; however, the manner in which she is written out underscores the problematic reliance on contrived circumstances that feel forced and underdeveloped. Critics point out that the deep emotional turmoil within Thomas suffers due to a lack of nuance concerning Rayma's character and their relationship. The prevailing narrative becomes frustratingly simplistic, detracting from the potential complexity of Thomas’ character arc in a way that feels unearned.
Expectations for Future Seasons
Looking ahead at Season Five, there is cautious optimism among the podcast hosts regarding its potential to redeem the narrative structure established in Season Four. The impending crucifixion is seen as a momentous event that may require a more focused approach to storytelling, which could rectify pacing issues experienced in the current season. There is hope that the series will lean on the established strength of previous emotional connections as it navigates through powerful gospel narratives. Moreover, there is a desire for character-driven storytelling to return, enhancing the faith journey of disciples in alignment with the spiritual themes at the heart of the Gospels.
Character Connections and Missed Opportunities
The podcast critiques the show’s tendency to dilute character connections by overly focusing on subplots rather than fully exploring the relationships between the disciples. With a large cast, there are ample opportunities to delve into the unique dynamics that could enhance storytelling. The missed potential not only undercuts the emotional stakes for character interactions but also detracts from the overall narrative richness. The hosts express frustration at how individual relationships fail to develop meaningfully over the seasons due to the repetitive structure of subplots.
The Significance of Pharisaical Characters
The podcast highlights the Pharisaical characters this season, particularly emphasizing the narrative arc of a character named Shmuel. His transformation, inner conflict, and ultimate rejection of Jesus illustrate the broader tension between faith and adherence to tradition. The hosts appreciate how the subplots surrounding the Pharisees add significant layers and tensions to the story. Unlike the more frequently mundanely drawn interpersonal conflicts of the apostles, these characters bring a fresh examination of the complexities of finding belief amidst established religious systems.
Philippine Adaptations and Modern Depictions
Throughout the discussion, the hosts reflect on how the show has modernized biblical characters drawing parallels to contemporary cultural contexts. There is internal conflict expressed regarding the creative liberties taken with stories, particularly concerning the portrayal of Jesus and his closest followers, and the perceived impact on true biblical fidelity. While the hosts express a desire for greater adherence to scripture’s nuances, they recognize the temptation for artists to adapt narratives for modern audiences. They consider the challenge of portraying ancient realities while appealing to contemporary viewers’ sensibilities.
Final Thoughts on Artistic Choices
The podcast rounds off with discussions about the artistic choices that shape the series, particularly the balance between dramatization and emotional authenticity. Critics note that certain creative decisions detract from the overall portrayal of significant events, particularly when they stray from the source material. This results in an overall less effective emotional resonance than what the scripture intended. The conversation emphasizes the necessity for film and television adaptations to maintain the integrity of original narratives while creatively expanding upon them through carefully considered choices.
The Chosen has now passed the halfway point of its seven seasons. Four seasons in, it is possible to take a big-picture look at the show’s trajectory.
Season four takes us from the execution of John the Baptist to the raising of Lazarus, ending on the verge of Holy Week with the apostles preparing for Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. Biblical threads throughout the season include the falling away of Judas, and Jesus’ sorrow and frustration at his disciples’ inability to hear His predictions of His imminent death.
This season still has some of the great moments that have made The Chosen worthwhile, and these scenes are highlighted in the discussion. Jonathan Roumie's performance as Jesus remains the show's greatest strength. Unfortunately, though, the show’s weaknesses have begun to get out of hand, to the point where even its otherwise great moments are significantly undermined.
The first major issue is with the creativity of the writers. At its best, the show has shed new light on moments from the Gospel by noticing small details of Scripture and fleshing them out. Invented backstories for the Apostles served to support and color the Biblical account.
But in season four, the writers seem to be caught up in their own story ideas, so that even the Gospel moments are overshadowed by wholesale invention. Instead of enhancing the viewer’s understanding of Scripture, the show increasingly interprets the Gospel events through the lens of fictional subplots, in a way that is necessarily reductive, necessarily less interesting, and often clumsily executed. One particular fictional plotline is so badly conceived and so distracting from the Gospel that much of season four is genuinely hard to watch.
Another thing consistently undermining the show’s strengths is its busyness, and in particular its tendency to overexplain Jesus’ words from Scripture rather than letting them resonate. This problem is not new, but it stands out all the more in a weak season.
Br. Joshua Vargas and Nathan Douglas join James and Thomas for a deep and entertaining discussion of these and many other aspects of the show.
