The Chosen Season 2 Episode 8 Review: Beyond Mountains

The Chosen Season 2 Episode 8, “Beyond Mountains,” makes a faux pas by leading us to one of Jesus’ most important sermons but refusing to show it. While the episode isn’t exactly boring, at no point does it feel like a season finale.

Jesus and His followers are wrapping up their preparation for the sermon they’ve been speaking about over the last few episodes. Simon, Andrew, Thomas, and the others finalize the stage for Jesus. Within their work, they bicker about the best ways to help. 

As in any large group, people have several different ideas about how to tackle key issues. They all love Jesus and want to do what is best for Him, but none of them agree on what that is. Jesus knows their hearts are in the right place, even though they aren’t the best at showing it. 

Sometimes the disciples act very much like children trying to please their parents. Each one wants to be the star pupil — especially among the men. Egos flare and fingers are pointed, but luckily no fists are thrown. 

Outside of the camp, Jesus and Matthew work on the proper wording of the sermon. Hoping for clarity, Jesus asks Matthew to point out any problem areas. They settle on the beginning needing more work. 

Every writer needs an editor, and it is interesting to see this side of Jesus. While He is the Son of God, He is also the son of Mary. It is certain both of those peripheries battle at times. 

Jesus: I want my people to particitate in the healing of the world, not its destruction.

Looking at the world through God’s eyes may cause a disconnect for Jesus, hampering His communication skills to a degree. This is why He uses commoners like Matthew and Simon to intercede with His words at times like these. 

Matthew points out that speaking about salt right off the bat may come off as culturally inappropriate, and Jesus takes his viewpoint as valid. Together they ponder if maybe reordering the text would be more suitable. 

While sometimes it is best to come out boldly at the beginning of your speech, the wrong words at the wrong time can turn a crowd ugly. Easing in and appealing to their softer side will not only get their attention, but they can hold it until you dive into deeper water. 

Amongst this trajectory, Jesus ponders the works of His followers recalling His time with them. They have mourned, been pure in heart, and have ultimately been peacemakers. Not to mention, they’ve been persecuted and reviled.

This is the most powerful moment of the episode as Jesus speaks the words of The Beatitudes while picturing His followers engaging in them. While not emotional enough to bring tears to your eyes, a smile may form on the tips of your mouth. 

Meanwhile, three of Jesus’ followers attempt to secure land for the sermon to take place. The men they speak to seem reluctant to permit them. Negotiating isn’t these disciples’ forte, and it appears they are in a losing battle. 

Pastors like Joel Osteen like to preach about prosperity and speaking good things into existence. Tell God whatever you want, and He will give it to you, yadda, yadda, yadda. Sadly, this simply isn’t true. 

As shown in this scene, Christians struggle even when all that they are doing is for God’s glory. Jesus never promised a stress-free life, and we shouldn’t expect one. These three disciples learn this as the landowners threaten to leave before hearing them out. 

With some outside intervention, the landowners change their minds, but the fight isn’t won easily. The small victory excites the men but ultimately blinds them to an evil that will take place much further down the road. Hint: The evil’s name is Judas.

Once everything is in place, the episode fast-forwards to the day of the event. Hundreds of men and women gather in the area, bringing familiar faces out of the woodwork and introducing new believers as well. Jesus paces, reciting the words He knows to be true. 

When Jesus makes His way towards the crowd, His followers smile knowing history is about to be made. While a feel-good moment, the scene comes off as rather cheesy. It feels like Jesus is crossing over the finish line at the Boston Marathon instead of walking out to a large crowd. 

An additional five minutes of footage could cover a majority of the Sermon on the Mount, but unfortunately, all we get is a black screen before the credits roll. No hush of the crowd before Jesus begins preaching, not even a parting of the curtain. This is nearly unacceptable. 

If this is how the writers are going to present major moments of Jesus’ life, maybe they should stick to the basics. Instead of focusing on how this sermon could have come about, a straightforward reenactment could have better represented the events. 

Overall, Season 2 is only marginally better than Season 1, which gives me very little hope for Season 3. Somewhere towards the middle of the season it felt like things were going to take off with a solid focus on storytelling and cinematic moments, but after 2 episodes we returned to the old humdrum plot points and artistic license. It’s a tie between frustrating and annoying. 

With that being said, one can mentally prepare themselves for the same old, same old, looking only to gleam small tidbits of information about the life of Jesus. It probably won’t be enough to save a soul, but at least the tiny spark could ignite a desire to crack open the Bible. 

What did you think of this episode of The Chosen? What do you hope to see in the next season? 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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