The Chosen Season 1 Episode 2 Review: Shabbat

This piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, The Chosen, being covered here, wouldn’t exist.

Within the first fifteen minutes of The Chosen Season 1 Episode 2, “Shabbat,” I realize this isn’t exactly the show I thought I signed up for. I went in somewhat blind, believing the narrative would be centered on the life of Jesus and the miraculous things he did. While parts of that are included, I feel as though I’m watching a soap opera more than anything else.

Don’t get me wrong, this isn’t necessarily a bad thing, just different than what I expected. 

I believed this show was going to be a tool for Christians to share the story of Jesus with their friends and family, but I’m instead getting the unfolding drama of Simon, Andrew, Mary, and Matthew. 

This episode plays out very similarly to The Chosen Season 1 Episode 1, introducing Matthew and continuing the life journeys of the characters already established. Each group of characters prepares to celebrate the Shabbat in their own way — following the tradition and rituals their family taught them. 

This is Mary’s first Shabbat since being healed of the demons that taunted her. She is excited to host a meal that can show her show appreciation for deliverance. Just like anyone else, she wishes to pay a little back for what she received. 

When we are set free from addiction, habit, torment, and pain, we can see the world in a new light. We want to embrace this newfound freedom, and that is exactly what Mary is doing — living her best life. 

Through the grapevine, Nicodemus hears about the changes others have witnessed her go through, making him suspicious of the whole ordeal. Although he needs to prepare for his own Shabbat, he also desires to speak to Mary about this sudden change. 

He sees with his own eyes that Mary is changed — she appears to be a whole different person.

Happy, instead of tormented. Spiritual, instead of secular. Lifted, instead of downtrodden. 

With this curiosity comes a lot of questions. Was he the one that healed her? If not him, then who?

Nicodemus: I believe you have experienced a miracle, Mary.

When people we know turn their lives around, we want to know how they did it. Whether it is losing weight, stopping smoking, or cutting back on swearing, we want to know how they finally took the right step forward. It can be a learning moment for us and the others within our circle. 

Plain and simple, we want them to share the love. 

Mary isn’t exactly the most forthcoming to Nicodemus as he would have hoped. She doesn’t have all the answers, only the memory of a man who knew her name and set her free. 

Throughout the scenes between Mary and Nicodemus, Simon and Andrew are seen doing very little to further their narrative. They discuss their deal with the Romans, debating whether or not it is something they should be doing. Simon is convinced the other merchants are not his responsibility, and his family’s needs are more important than some strangers they owe nothing to. 

Just because someone isn’t dependent on us, does it mean we can care less about their well-being? Is our family more important than someone else’s family? 

This idea can come off as a bit of a gray area. Sure, these merchants aren’t paying their taxes in full, but then again, the law required of them is far from fair. 

It seems that the writers, Ryan Swanson and Tyler Thompson, want us to see this plotting as sinister, but it’s difficult seeing it as more than sketchy. Simon’s point is valid, but so is Andrew’s. It truly feels like an angel and devil fighting on your shoulders. 

Matthew’s place in these scenarios seems a bit forced, making the overall episode feel clunky. 

It isn’t uncommon to have a script where each character is connected in one way or another, but Matthew’s concern about Simon’s deal seems out of place. There is no reason for him to concern himself with the matter. After all, Matthew is doing his job by collecting the taxes, what is his reasoning to question the legitimacy of Simon’s claims? 

Erick Avari continues to be the star of the show, giving his best to the cast and crew while others give more standard fare. His need for knowledge seems dire.

Nicodemus is by far the most believable character. Even though his face seems familiar, the actor easily hides behind the character created for him. 

Shahar Isaac and Paras Patel play more forgettable roles, making me imagine that any random actor can fill their shoes. They do their part fine but leave a lot to be desired. 

Overall, the episode is a bit boring, giving us only a taste of intrigue and drama as the narratives begin to intertwine.

Jesus continues to appear as a  mysterious man with some kind of supernatural powers. Knowing His history is the only interesting part of the character.

At this point, He is only a cardboard cutout of who we know He will become. With the next episode being titled “Jesus Loves the Little Children,” I hope we can dive more into who He truly is.

What did you think of this episode of The Chosen? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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The Chosen airs Sunday at 8/7c on The CW.

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