Ep 9. The Shepherd (Christmas Special - Pilot)

The Chosen (season 1) season 1 episode 9, titled "The Shepherd (Christmas Special - Pilot)", follows the birth of Jesus Christ and the events leading up to it. The episode, which serves as the pilot for the series, is set in Bethlehem where we see the birth of Mary's son, Jesus.

The story is told through the eyes of the shepherds, a group of humble men who are tending to their flock of sheep when their night is suddenly interrupted by the appearance of an angel who brings them the news of the Messiah's birth. The shepherds are amazed by the angel's message and decide to go to Bethlehem to see the baby for themselves.

Once they arrive in Bethlehem, they find Mary and Joseph, who are still coming to terms with the reality of their new arrival. The shepherds tell them about the angel's message and they are shocked to hear that others have had the same experience.

Meanwhile, we see that the arrival of the shepherds in Bethlehem has caught the attention of King Herod who sees the baby as a threat to his reign. He orders his soldiers to search for the child and kill him, leading to a tense and thrilling conclusion to the episode.

Throughout "The Shepherd" we see the importance of faith, humility, and trust in God. The simple shepherds are chosen to be the first to witness the birth of Christ, and it is their unwavering faith that leads them to find him and spread the news of his birth.

The episode is beautifully filmed, with stunning cinematography that captures the beauty of the Judean countryside. The score is also a standout feature, with a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack that adds to the emotional weight of the story.

Overall, "The Shepherd (Christmas Special - Pilot)" is a heartwarming and deeply moving episode that celebrates the humble beginnings of one of the most important stories in human history. The episode sets the tone for the rest of the series, which explores the lives of those who were closest to Jesus and how his message changed their lives forever.