Joan's Take on The Chosen: Recent Episodes
Joan Watson
After each season of The Chosen, I host a live chat to breakdown my thoughts on the episodes and answer your questions. After the livestream, I'll post here for those who want to listen later.
joanmwatson.substack.com
It’s the final episode of Season 5, which means the final episode of Joan’s Take on the Chosen… for now. (maybe we’ll do something before season 6, who knows. It’s a long time - I might not be able to stay away from talking about The Chosen!)
Let’s look at the Agony in the Garden (which I submit is the hardest scene of Jesus’ life to put on film) and my guess at who Atticus is… I think I nailed it.
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The Son of God humbly washes feet… but allowing him to do so requires the virtue of humility as well. We do a little dive into what the washing of the feet means (the primary message in John, but also some possible allusions in the OT, too!), as well as reflect on some powerful moments - Judas getting his feet washed, his conversation with his sister, and a seemingly throw-away line by Peter about setting the table.
Lastly, we look at those flashbacks. While I have some insights on a few, I’d love people to weigh in on whether there are deeper meanings that I’m missing. Am I looking too deeply at them? Are they simply character development?
One episode left!
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There’s not a lot to say about this episode. We’ll look at John 15 and what it means to “abide,” I’ll complain about some sluggish plot and unnecessary conversations, and I’ll end by reflecting on something that’s always struck me about Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea.
Looking for Catholic commentary on the Chosen? You’ve come to the right place.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit joanmwatson.substack.com
There are things we don’t understand about Judas - and never will. But let’s look at Scripture and see how we might be able to trace his fall. As always, we want to use The Chosen to ask ourselves the hard questions, too: “Surely it is not I, Lord?”
The audience of Pope Leo that I reference is here.
If you’re looking for a Catholic commentary of The Chosen, you’ve come to the right place!
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit joanmwatson.substack.com
Some truly powerful scenes in this episode - Judas and Peter, Judas and Jesus, the “last supper” with the female disciples … so much to chew on. (and let’s face it, regardless of the fact that the Dayenu is anachronistic… it still made us weep!)
With every scene, with every character, we should be asking ourselves: What would I do in this moment? What do I do in this moment? It’s my opinion that the power of The Chosen is not in its telling of the Jesus story, but its call to remember that we are chosen daily and we face choices daily. Who has our heart?
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit joanmwatson.substack.com
This episode is FULL of Scripture…maybe more than we’ve ever heard in an episode? The drama heats up with the Jewish leadership, too. And they we get a piece of the Mount of Olives discourse, the last discourse in Matthew’s Gospel. How are we to understand it?
Don’t forget to like, subscribe, share… all the things!
This is a Catholic commentary on the Chosen. We even will dive into the Scriptures themselves… who knew Catholics read the Bible?!
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit joanmwatson.substack.com
The Cleansing in the Temple has to be one of the hardest scenes in the Gospels to depict, for a number of reasons. One reason is that Jesus’s motives and message can be skewed or even lost completely. We’ll talk about that and more in this episode … and dive into a bunch of Scripture, both Old and New (like Mark 11, Luke 11:17-19, Isaiah 56: 6-7, Jeremiah 7:11, Zechariah 14:21, Isaiah 66:18-21…)
Want to join these live? Head over to www.youtube.com/joanwatson. And sign up for my email list over at www.joanwatson.faith so you are the first to find out about things like my new book that’s coming out!
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit joanmwatson.substack.com
I postponed the return of JTOTC to allow more people to tune into the episodes first- because I love the discussion that happens in the YouTube chat when I have the live broadcasts. But now we’re back and we’re diving into Holy Week.
In this episode we chat not only about the entry into Jerusalem and Jesus’ weeping over Jerusalem, but also dive into the Scriptures and the import of those scenes. I share my thoughts on some things that didn’t sit well (graven images) and many people in the chat weigh in about what didn’t sit well with them (the reverse Last Supper).
Season 5 is going to be exciting, that’s for sure!
Looking for a Catholic commentary on the Chosen? You’ve come to the right place! Joan's Take on the Chosen is a Catholic commentary, where we look at the show from a Catholic perspective. Because the show is intended to draw us closer to God’s Word, we will be looking at the Bible, too. Who knew Catholics read the Bible?
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit joanmwatson.substack.com
The last episode for awhile! And we have a lot of characters and scenes to talk about…from the Mary’s anointing to Shmuel to Pilate… every character seems to make an appearance and set the stage for Holy Week! After diving into both the Old and the New Testaments to analyze the episode, I’ll finish up by giving my thoughts about the season as a whole and my big question about next season…
Stay in touch in the off season! Subscribe to my mailing list so you stay up-to-date and know when JTOTC returns! https://joanmwatson.substack.com/
Looking for a Catholic commentary on the Chosen? You’ve come to the right place! Joan's Take on the Chosen is a Catholic commentary, where we look at the show from a Catholic perspective. Because the show is intended to draw us closer to God’s Word, we will be looking at the Bible, too. Who knew Catholics read the Bible?
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit joanmwatson.substack.com
John’s Gospel tells us that Jesus loved Mary, Martha, and Lazarus and therefore … he delayed his trip to Bethany. Wait, what? Why did Jesus let his friends suffer?
This episode tackles that question head on. Why does little James suffer? Why did Mary Magdalene suffer? Why does Thomas suffer?
Why does God allow His own Son to suffer?
As always, we’ll talk about the high points of the episode and the low points. Mary Magdalene in a cave in France? Yay! James being martyred in Egypt? Nope. (He was martyred in Jerusalem). Lazarus’ makeup? Spot on. Jesus being snappy with Yussif’s dad? Not my favorite. Oh, and more snow-covered mountains…
But Lazarus! Raised from the dead! I can’t watch it without chills.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit joanmwatson.substack.com
This episode felt a bit “transitional” to set up the last two episodes of the season, although we had some drama in the Temple! We have a lot to talk about, including Hanukkah (where’s that in the bible? And my theory on why they spent so much time telling the story) and Jesus’ radical claims.
What did you think of the way the Temple scene played out? Did you like how closely they are following John’s Gospel? We’ll talk about it all!
Want more about the idea of Jesus as shepherd? Check out my bible study “I Will Rescue My Flock” on YouTube here.
Want to find out more about the Canon of Scripture? Check out Gary Michuta’s Why Catholic Bibles Are Bigger. Or subscribe to my YouTube channel to see an upcoming Theology in 3 episode on the canon!
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit joanmwatson.substack.com
This was a mixed episode for me. It had some great parts (don’t you want to party with Lazarus and Jesus? Can someone make some lemon mint bread for me, please?) and it had some dragging “why are we talking about this” parts. Once again, The Chosen does best what it does best: putting right in front of our eyes the lived realities of the implications of Jesus’ words (in this episode, Mt 5:41). In this episode of Joan’s Take on the Chosen, I talk about all of that, as well as give a little reflection on Matthew 20:1-16.
Scripture verses: Mt 5:41, Mt 20:1-16, and Lk 10:38-42. I also reference Jn 6:6
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit joanmwatson.substack.com
I don’t know about you, but I have been waiting for this scene since we met Gaius in Season 1 and we got Matthew 8:5-13 vibes. All in all, I was really pleased with it. So if you get tired of my critical commentary, just hang in there for the end!
I think there are three main themes to this episode, so I discuss all three, and also touch on why I’m not happy with frustrated Jesus. Are we in the inner circle of the chosen or are we on the outer circle of the crowd? We’re getting mixed messages, and in my opinion, it might impact how the average viewer sees Jesus. Just my opinion. We talk all about it in this episode.
Looking for a Catholic commentary on the Chosen? You’ve come to the right place! Joan's Take on the Chosen is a Catholic commentary, where we look at the show from a Catholic perspective. Because the show is intended to draw us closer to God’s Word, we will be looking at the Bible, too. Who knew Catholics read the Bible? You can find more from me at joanmwatson.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit joanmwatson.substack.com
The ending that shocked the world! We talk about that, of course, but we also talk about John 9 and the incarnational, sacramental aspects of this beautiful miracle. What did you think of the ending? It’s okay if you disagree with me! (Remember, opinions are like feet…)
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit joanmwatson.substack.com
This is one of my favorite episodes of Season 4. There are lots of mysteries in life… grief, sin, weakness in the Church, the plan of God… through it all, we must “lean not on our own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5) but follow Christ.
How about that depiction of Caesarea Philippi?! It’s clear that someone has been there and knew what the ruins look like. If you want to see pictures, check out this episode over on www.youtube.com/joanwatson
Scripture References:
Matthew 16:13-20
Matthew 18:18
Isaiah 22:22
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit joanmwatson.substack.com
We’re finally back! It’s time to discuss Season 4 of The Chosen!
In this episode, we discuss the Visitation (what did you think of Elizabeth? And did you recognize Zechariah from the Geico commercial?) and some of the scenes that are setting up future themes, including the development of Judas and the side story of Thomas and Ramah… I’ll save my comments there for future episodes.
I think there was something very powerful in the juxtaposition between the Canticle of Zechariah and the martyrdom of John– because after all, what does it mean to prepare the way of the Lord?
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit joanmwatson.substack.com
It’s finally time to talk about season four… almost! While I have seen the whole season, Joan’s Take on the Chosen won’t return until the episodes are available to stream. I discuss why in this super-mini-preseason episode/announcement.
Don’t worry, no spoilers!
When the streaming dates are announced, I’ll announce dates and times for the live YouTube chats–on the heels of which the podcast episodes appear, of course.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit joanmwatson.substack.com
I ended this episode doubting if I had done it justice. There are so many powerful spiritual lessons and questions and reminders. Why does God allow suffering? When is faith faith? Simon says he has faith … but is faith really faith without trust?
So much. There was a rousing conversation happening in the YouTube chat, so hopefully that’s not distracting on the podcast. I tried to stay on topic!
For those interested in my online Scripture community that I mentioned at the end of the episode, you can find out more at https://1john1.circle.so
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit joanmwatson.substack.com
This episode seemed a bit disjointed to me. We start with Purim, but that seems forgotten by the middle of the episode. We have the introduction of a few new characters (one that you might recognize from a looong time ago) and plenty of scenes only intended to set other scenes in motion. But that doesn’t mean we don’t have lot of talk about!
Maybe one over-arching theme is what does it mean to be a disciple… Andrew and Philip feel like failures because the message caused dissension. Matthew and Mary feel unworthy. Peter questions why Jesus didn’t protect Eden. Can we be disciples and haveso many complicated feelings…? (hint: yes.)
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit joanmwatson.substack.com
“Intensity in Tent City” is a packed episode with so many good conversations between characters and powerful points to ponder. We talk about Claudia and her dream and the figure of Pilate. Why does Mary hold onto her wounds? Why doesn’t Shula ask healing? And so much more…
Know someone who watches The Chosen and might enjoy this podcast? Share it!
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit joanmwatson.substack.com
A packed episode with so many good conversations between characters and powerful points to ponder. We talk about Claudia and her dream and the figure of Pilate. Why does Mary hold onto her wounds? Why doesn’t Shula ask healing? And so much more…
Know someone who watches The Chosen and might enjoy this podcast? Share it!
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit joanmwatson.substack.com
This second half of “Clean,” gives us two of the most-loved miracles in the Gospels. In this episode, we discuss what connected these two miracles and how what Jesus is doing transcends physical healing. We dive into a lot of Scripture, and we also discuss whether or not we’re okay with unrealistic turns of events and anachronisms for the sake of the story…
We see the healing of two daughters… but don’t we wish a third would come forward?
Scripture references:
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Matthew 9:14ff
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Mark 5 (especially verses 23, 28,34)
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Numbers 15:38-41
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Malachi 4:2
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Jeremiah 2:13
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John 7:37-39
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit joanmwatson.substack.com
In the first part of this two-episode story (“Clean”), the broken cistern in Capernaum sets up the need for some miracles and brings people together. We discuss a few relationships found in the episode, a few historical inaccuracies, and who Rabbi Yussif and Veronica might end up being…
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit joanmwatson.substack.com
This is a packed episode. There is a lot to discuss from a Catholic point of view, including addressing the reference to James and Jude and a little salvation-justification talk. I also delve into Jesus’ athletic ability and how we continue to grapple with the great mystery of the Incarnation.
Some helpful links/resources:
Jerome’s letter to Helvidius: https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/3007.htm
More about Mary of Cleopas: https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/library/mary-of-cleophas-1080
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit joanmwatson.substack.com
Once again, this episode is setting up some future storylines. But we still find plenty to talk about: my thoughts on the depiction of Capernaum, some spiritual takeaways from Matthew’s reconciliation with his parents and the call of the disciples, and a particularly powerful scene with little James.
Just like last season, if you want to join the conversation live, it all happens over at www.youtube.com/joanwatson. My apologies when I do something that makes more sense over video rather than audio, like when I recommended Michael Hesemann’s book Jesus of Nazareth by holding it up to the camera rather than telling you all the name of it…
I’d love to hear from you and get your thoughts!
Enjoy!
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit joanmwatson.substack.com
We’re back for Season 3! We’ve waited a long time for this, and I think we’re about to be rewarded for that wait.
For the last two seasons, I waited to record these podcasts until the season was over. But due to some peer pressure and encouragement, I’ve decided to try to record while the season is unfolding. So I’ll be weighing in not really knowing where we are headed, which is kind of different from the past.
Just like the past seasons, if you want to join the conversation live, it all happens over at www.youtube.com/joanwatson. The episodes will post here in the day or days that follow.
Here we go! This episode is clearly setting up a lot of storylines to come, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a lot to talk about!
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit joanmwatson.substack.com
We had a surprise Christmas present from Dallas and The Chosen this year! If you didn’t catch it in the theatres, you can now find it on the Chosen app. While I didn’t do a live commentary, here are some of my thoughts and opinions about the newest episode.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit joanmwatson.substack.com
As we wrap up season 2, we take a look at how they chose to portray the Sermon on the Mount (at least the lead up to it…). While it wasn’t my favorite episode, I love seeing the choices Dallas makes and hearing how different scenes affect different viewers. We’ll also chat about Judas, and I get on a soapbox.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit joanmwatson.substack.com
I was anticipating this to be a short discussion, since the episode didn’t include a lot of Scripture to delve into, but the YouTube chat box got lively! (which I love.) There was a lot of character development in this episode, including a good examination of conscience: which Apostle would I be when following Jesus gets a little dicey? This episode also features the return of one of my favorite characters, Quintus. And lot of doors are open for future episodes: What will become of Atticus? Gaius? WHO IS YUSSIF!?
Enjoy.
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We delve into what I think is one of the most beautiful and Catholic scenes in Season 2, we look at what was happening in Nob in the opening, and I break open some Old Testament Scripture to give us a better understanding of what Jesus was saying about his Apostles. Oh, and a book recommendation, too.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit joanmwatson.substack.com
In today’s discussion, we talk about the mystery of the Incarnation (what exactly did Jesus know and what did He not know? Do we know?), the controversial depiction of Mary Magdalene (which I loved), and unexpectedly laughing out loud at John the Baptist.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit joanmwatson.substack.com
There were lots of new characters in this episode - so we’ll take some time to go briefly over the plot, and then get into some Old Testament prophecies, a Jewish feast, and some biblical archaeology.
I had some quibbles with this episode, but they were mostly minor. We all need to remember that this isn’t our project - maybe we would do things differently, but we should also respect the research and decisions of Dallas and the writers, too.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit joanmwatson.substack.com
This episode caused some Catholic controversy - and I’m here to talk about it! What some people found offensive or even blasphemous, I found touching and human. So here’s my take.
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This episode of The Chosen is a powerful one. We get two new Apostles, one of which comes via a prayer that is heart-wrenching and relatable. This episode also contains my least favorite line of the entire series. I love this show, but it doesn’t mean it’s perfect. There are plenty of quibbles I have with it, and we talk about some in this episode.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit joanmwatson.substack.com
We are back to look at Season 2 - The Chosen is now officially the first multi-season show on the life of Christ. This is a packed episode - and possibly my favorite episode of the second season.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit joanmwatson.substack.com
John 4 is one of my favorite chapters of the New Testament. I’ve given several talks about the scene between Jesus and the Samaritan woman, and she gets her own chapter in my bible study Encountering Christ. In this discussion, we’ll look more closely at some things such as the history of the Samaritan people and the significance of Photina’s five husbands so that we can better understand this very intentional encounter and the importance of Jesus’ revelation.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit joanmwatson.substack.com
While the scene with Nicodemus was probably what most everyone was waiting for (how can we follow Nicodemus through the previous six episodes and not imagine what John 3 is going to be like?), it’s the final scene of this episode that gives me goosebumps every time.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit joanmwatson.substack.com
A key to this episode is to not view it simply as an observer. There is a lot to meditate on regarding our own relationship with Jesus in this episode. Scenes and even particular lines can be used for a personal examen. We’ll talk about some of those in this discussion.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit joanmwatson.substack.com
This is probably my favorite episode. The Blessed Mother, wine, and plenty of good foreshadowing. What more do you need?
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How can you not enjoy an episode with so many great quotes? From creepy John to his wife’s favorite ear, Simon is full of good lines in this one. But it’s not just full of laughs - we also witness one of the most real, authentic prayers from the lips of a desperate man. We’ve all had those moments, haven’t we?
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit joanmwatson.substack.com
Even though this is the shortest episode of Season One, I think it sets the stage for two vital themes that The Chosen presents really well. Tune in to find out what those are.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit joanmwatson.substack.com
Our discussion of Season 1, Episode 2 of The Chosen. We’ll talk about the importance of the Sabbath, look a little closer at who the Pharisees were, and try to rid ourselves of some preconceived notions so that we can better understand what Jesus was doing and saying.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit joanmwatson.substack.com
The Chosen is the first multi-season show about the life of Christ and his followers. I, like so many others, was reluctant to watch it. Christian media has disappointed me before, and I assumed it would be pretty cheesy. Did I need another visual interpretation of the Gospels?
It turns out, I did. The Chosen might not be for everyone, but I really enjoyed the first season. What’s more important: it affected my prayer life. Yes, that’s right. A television show helped me pray better.
When I heard mixed things from some Catholics, I thought it might be helpful to host a series of livestreams on YouTube to discuss my thoughts about the episodes and answer questions.
This is that series. Enjoy - and stay tuned for my thoughts on Season Two.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit joanmwatson.substack.com
The Chosen is the first multi-season show about the life of Christ and his followers. I, like so many others, was reluctant to watch it. Christian media has disappointed me before, and I assumed it would be pretty cheesy. Did I need another visual interpretation of the Gospels?
It turns out, I did. The Chosenmight not be for everyone, but I really enjoyed the first season. What’s more important: it affected my prayer life.Yes, that’s right. A television show helped me pray better.
When I heard mixed things from some Catholics, I thought it might be helpful to host a series of livestreams on YouTube to discuss my thoughts about the episodes and answer questions.
This is that series. Enjoy - and stay tuned for my thoughts on Season Two.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit joanmwatson.substack.com