THE CHOSEN: Episode 6.1
The disciples grapple with Jesus’ arrest and Judas’ betrayal.
Should You Watch It?
Absolutely. In the Season 6 premiere of THE CHOSEN, the disciples grapple with his arrest and argue over what to do: choose violence or decide to follow Jesus’ teachings. The episode focuses on this argument, with some disciples wanting to fight the Romans while others argue they should heed Jesus’ words and pray for their enemies.
While this episode has little action, the moral argument makes for a great watch. The actors who play the disciples give great performances, making their frustration, fear, and deep sadness over Judas’ betrayal feel real. The story explores the disciples and their feelings, giving Jesus’ arrest and Judas’ betrayal a different viewpoint that rounds out the story in an interesting way.
Strong Christian elements run throughout as it retells the Biblical story of Jesus’ arrest. Characters pray, discuss what God and Jesus would want them to do, and ultimately choose kindness and faith in God’s plan. A brief scene shows violence where a man’s ear is cut off, as well as one obscenity.
Overall, this episode presents an engaging, family-friendly portrayal of an important chapter in Jesus’ life. Its meaningful message makes it worth watching, but little ones may want to skip it.
The Story
NO SPOILERS — WE KEEP THE SURPRISESThe Romans arrive to arrest Jesus, accompanied by Judas, who betrays Jesus and the disciples. While some of the disciples want to fight back, Jesus urges them not to and goes with the Romans. In his absence, the disciples argue over what to do: heed Jesus’ words and follow his teachings of kindness, or attack the Romans in retaliation. As they decide their course of action and whether to stick together in their choice, the disciples struggle with their grief over Judas’ betrayal.
Is It Any Good?
Four well-earned stars for a strongkick-off to this highly anticipated season of this hit show. It turns typical TV conventions on their head, starting on a quieter note rather than with nonstop action.
By shifting the focus to the disciples, the episode gives the familiar Biblical story a fresh viewpoint, explores the moral dilemma they face, and shows the importance of putting Jesus' teachings into practice, even when it's challenging.
Strong writing, standout performances, and impressive production quality make this an excellent start to the new season. Every element comes together to deliver a polished, engaging episode that sets a high bar for the season ahead.
The Worldview
A strong Christian worldview drives this story, which faithfully retells Jesus' arrest and Judas’ betrayal. Characters pray and discuss their faith, such as why they should stick to what Jesus taught when they face hard situations, like the disciples’ arguments about whether to stay peaceful or fight back against the Romans. They pray for Jesus, their enemies, and Judas, just as Jesus taught them to do.
One brief scene of violence occurs when some of the disciples try to fight the Romans who have come to arrest Jesus. A man has his ear cut off, and the camera shows some blood and the dismembered ear. Viewers also hear one obscenity and see some immoral behavior. For example, Judas’ betrayal of Jesus and the disciples, the Pharisees’ decision to arrest Jesus even though he had done nothing wrong, and the disciples’ arguments over what to do after Jesus’ arrest.
As they argue over whether to act, some disciples speak harshly to those who want to choose peace. In the end, they lay down their anger, pray together, and follow Jesus’ call to “turn to his teachings,” a beautiful picture of Matthew 5:44, where Jesus tells His followers to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them.
The Content Guide
The specifics — spoilers included by nature — so you can judge for your own family.
Dominant Worldview and Other Worldview Content/Elements
Very strong Christian worldview in a faithful retelling of the Bible story of Jesus’ arrest, as characters pray, discuss their faith, and argue over whether to fight back or choose peace, but they ultimately choose peace, turn to Jesus’ teachings, pray for their enemies, and trust in God’s plan
Foul Language
One “h” obscenity
Violence
In one brief scene, some disciples fight the soldiers who come to arrest Jesus, and one character cuts off another man’s ear, with some blood and the severed ear shown
Sex
No sex
Nudity
No nudity
Alcohol Use
No alcohol use
Smoking and/or Drug Use and Abuse
No smoking or drug use;
Miscellaneous Immorality
One character betrays his friends and hands someone over for arrest, other characters decide to arrest a man who has done nothing wrong, and characters argue over whether to choose violence or peace and exchange some harsh words.
Talk About It
Questions for the drive home, the dinner table, or the youth group.
Simon Peter reacts violently upon Jesus’ arrest and cuts off someone’s ear, and is rebuked by Jesus. How does Jesus’ reaction challenge our own attempts to fight worldly battles with worldly tools? John 18:10-11
Jesus knew that Judas would betray him. How do we balance God’s plan with Judas’s personal responsibility for his choices to betray his friends? Matthew 26:50
The disciples argue over what to do following Jesus’ arrest, with some wanting to fight back, and others insisting they remain peaceful. When we choose violent behavior, how does that clash with the fruit of the Spirit and Jesus’ teachings? Matthew 5:38-39
The Final Word
THE CHOSEN’s Season 6 opener kicks things off with a tough question the disciples face after Jesus’ arrest: fight back, or choose peace? A strong Christian worldview drives the story, with scenes of prayer and honest talks about how faith and what Jesus taught carry them through hard times. Some brief violence, light language, and other immoral behavior appear along the way. Through it all, the story points viewers back to Jesus’ call for His people to overcome evil with good. Worth the watch, but not for the youngest viewers.
