Ep 1. I Have Called You by Name

The Chosen season 1 episode 1, titled "I Have Called You by Name," introduces us to a world where the plot revolves around the life of Jesus and his selected followers. Set in the Holy Land in the first century AD, the episode opens with Nicodemus, a Pharisee, visiting a possessed woman named Mary Magdalene. After unsuccessfully trying to exorcise the demon from her, Nicodemus learns that there is a man in town who can perform miracles and is rumored to be the one spoken of in the prophecies.

Meanwhile, Jesus, a carpenter, is introduced along with his Jewish friends and family. The story then shifts to a group of fishermen, who are struggling to catch fish and provide for their families. Andrew, one of the fishermen, knows Jesus and believes that he is the one who has been sent by God to save them.

The audience is also introduced to Matthew, a tax collector who works for the Roman authorities. Matthew is an outcast and is despised by the Jews for his collaboration with the occupiers. He has an encounter with a mysterious man who asks him to follow him, which Matthew is unsure of.

As the episode progresses, we see the fishermen encountering Jesus, who performs a miracle that leads to them catching many fish. After this miracle, the fishermen, including Peter, who is skeptical at first, decide to follow Jesus and to become his disciples.

The last part of the episode focuses on Mary Magdalene, who is still possessed by the demon. She hears about Jesus and his healing powers and decides to seek his help. Jesus performs a miraculous healing on her, and she becomes one of his followers.

Overall, "I Have Called You by Name" provides an exciting and captivating introduction to the series. The episode is beautifully filmed and boasts excellent performances from the actors. It sets up the central story and key players with the right balance of drama and humor. The chosen characters are portrayed with complexity and depth, making them more relatable to the audience.

This episode also demonstrates The Chosen's unique approach to telling the story of Jesus - through the eyes of those around him. The showrunners attempt to humanize Jesus and his followers, which makes them more relatable to modern-day audiences. There are no overt magical or religious elements that one would usually associate with the story of Jesus. Still, the show skillfully explores their effects on the characters involved.

In conclusion, The Chosen season 1 episode 1 has set the tone for the series. It has introduced the characters and the central storyline in a captivating way while staying true to the essence of the story of Jesus. It promises to be an entertaining and thought-provoking show that will keep audiences engaged. If you have been searching for a wholesome and faith-based series, The Chosen is definitely worth a watch.