Moon to Blood

In The Chosen Season 4, Episode 3, titled "Moon to Blood," the story takes on a darker and more intense tone as the narrative explores deeper conflicts and spiritual themes. This episode delves into moments of rising tension, both within the group of disciples and between them and the external forces that threaten their mission. As the title suggests, "Moon to Blood" alludes to prophetic warnings and the growing sense of an impending struggle, setting the stage for more profound challenges that will test the faith and resilience of the characters.

The episode opens with a striking visual of a blood moon, a foreboding image that hints at the escalating turmoil. As the disciples gather, they begin to experience a mixture of anxiety and confusion, trying to decipher what these signs mean for their future. The script does a masterful job of layering tension throughout the episode, with moments of quiet reflection interrupted by sudden bursts of conflict. The pacing, while slow at the beginning, gradually builds toward a climactic confrontation, keeping the audience engaged as the stakes rise. The cinematography in this episode is particularly impressive, utilizing shadows and dim lighting to create an atmosphere of uncertainty and fear. Director Dallas Jenkins uses these visual elements to effectively mirror the internal struggles of the characters, particularly Simon Peter, who finds himself grappling with doubts about his leadership.

The acting in "Moon to Blood" is a standout element, with Shahar Isaac delivering a powerful performance as Simon Peter. His portrayal of a man torn between faith and fear is nuanced, as he tries to maintain control of the group while feeling increasingly overwhelmed by the signs of danger around them. His interactions with the other disciples, especially with Andrew (Noah James) and John (George Harrison Xanthis), are filled with tension and emotion, as each character reveals their own concerns about the growing unrest. The ensemble cast continues to shine in their respective roles, with each actor bringing depth to their portrayal of the disciples' personal struggles. One of the most memorable scenes in this episode is a heated argument between Simon and Andrew, in which their conflicting views on how to handle the situation come to the forefront. The chemistry between Isaac and James makes this scene particularly intense, highlighting the fractures within the group.

From a technical standpoint, the episode's direction and editing are sharp and deliberate. Jenkins opts for longer takes during the more emotionally charged moments, allowing the actors to fully immerse themselves in their roles without interruption. This decision adds a layer of realism to the performances, drawing the audience further into the characters' turmoil. The pacing, which may feel slow to some viewers, actually works in favor of the episode's tone, giving the tension time to simmer before it reaches its peak. The editing is tight, with seamless transitions between the disciples' internal discussions and the external threats they face. There is a clear balance between dialogue-driven scenes and moments of visual storytelling, where the expressions and body language of the actors convey just as much emotion as the dialogue.

However, despite the episode's strengths, there are moments where the script feels a bit heavy-handed in its symbolic references. The repeated allusions to the blood moon and other apocalyptic imagery, while visually striking, can occasionally overshadow the more subtle character development. The episode sometimes leans too much on these metaphors, making the narrative feel more like a build-up to a grand event rather than focusing on the characters' internal transformations. While the prophetic imagery serves to heighten the tension, it risks becoming a distraction from the more grounded, emotional core of the series.

One of the themes explored in "Moon to Blood" is the concept of fear and how it affects the characters' faith. Throughout the episode, we see various disciples struggling with their own fears about the future, and the blood moon serves as a symbol of this collective anxiety. The writing delves into how fear can erode trust, both in oneself and in others, as Simon Peter's leadership is called into question. The episode also touches on the idea of destiny and whether the disciples are truly prepared for what lies ahead. These thematic explorations add depth to the plot, making it more than just a straightforward narrative of conflict. The spiritual undertones are woven seamlessly into the dialogue and actions of the characters, providing a rich layer of meaning that invites viewers to reflect on their own struggles with fear and faith.

In conclusion, "Moon to Blood" is a well-crafted and intense episode that pushes the characters to confront their deepest fears and uncertainties. The performances, particularly from Shahar Isaac and Noah James, are emotionally resonant and bring a raw authenticity to the screen. The direction and cinematography work in harmony to create an atmosphere of impending doom, while the pacing allows the tension to build organically. Although the episode occasionally leans too heavily on symbolic imagery, it ultimately succeeds in setting the stage for greater challenges to come. As the disciples face the growing threats around them, "Moon to Blood" serves as a pivotal chapter in their journey, testing the strength of their faith and the bonds that hold them together.

I've been an avid Bible student since I was 21 years old. Prior to that I lived my life without caring what my Creator thought about my choices. My Bible study has only increased in the 40 plus years since I first started reading the Gospel accounts.

I know the Bible very well and am thoroughly enjoying The Chosen series. Naturally, since I am so familiar with the Bible account, I have some opinions about this series. I believe it is important to point out that less than 10% of each episode of The Chosen is actually from the Bible accounts. Ninety percent of these episodes are embellishments; the producer's ideas of how the Bible characters may have spoken, looked and acted, beyond what is written in the Bible. I have no problem with those embellishments. As a matter of fact, I appreciate and enjoy much of the non-biblical inventions by the writers of this series.

I would like to speak about the good and the not so good embellishments created by the writers of this series. I hope you will not be offended by my critique.

Season 4, Episode 3 - Pharisees. Aside from James and John's mother instigating them to ask for positions of prominence beside Jesus in God's Kingdom, the entire first half of the episode was invented by the writers of The Chosen. There is no Ramah in the Bible, nor is there any account of a betrothal of Thomas. This invented character of Ramah comes back to bite the writers when Jesus doesn't heal her in the end. It reflects poorly on Jesus, just as the whole made up story of Eden's miscarriage did. I love the embellishments in general, but making up characters and tragedies which are not in the Bible; such as with Ramah and Eden, creates too much distraction away from our lord and savior Jesus.

That being said, there was quite a bit of Biblical content, at least from the time Jesus sees the man born blind (aside from the change by not having Jesus ask the man wash in the pool of Siloam) up until the moment the invented character Quintas enters the public square. I especially loved the chastisement of the Pharisees, but the made up characters are proving to take too much attention from Jesus' ministry.

Biblical content 40% John 9:1-34; Matthew 23:13-24.

It's probably always gonna be controversial when you show Jesus doing things under pressure, making moral calls or judgment calls, I'm not exactly sure what you call, it that aren't shown in the Bible.

I'm not sure I like the direction of this ending. I am a believer in Jesus and I would expect that I'm gonna be loyal to Christ whatever happens. He is king and I am servant. He tells me what to do and I obey at least I should obey if I don't.

Watching the end of this one, though, I probably would've been tempted to fall away if I was one certain disciple. I actually think this disciple probably becomes the most likely one to betray Christ. Not that anyone should betray him, of course. It seems to me and reading the gospels that Jesus always healed everyone he came across who needed it. It's never recorded that he didn't. That's why the end is pretty controversial.

I personally enjoy watching Gaius, it'll be interesting to see how his character develops. I hope the next episode they elaborate on why he took the actions he did in this one. Overall, a great show. I'm not sure I'm liking season four as much as some of the other seasons though, especially two and three. I really also like watching the character Matthew and his development. Matthew in my opinion is probably been the best part of the show. I am wondering if he will end up marrying Mary Magdalene in the end or at some point in the show? Perhaps it will just be hinted at.

It is important to remember, in watching this, that this is a TV show, not the gospel. Though the show does a pretty good job of presenting the gospel. I would not watch it otherwise.

Unbiblical, irresponsible, INauthentic TRASH.

Not for actual God-fearing, Jesus loving, Scripture adhering believers.

It is full of 2nd Commandment Violations.

Watch at risk of your own eternal soul.

This is the heretical Gospel of Dallas and bears is not only a different gospel than that of the Holy Bible, but Dallas used crowd-funding and empty words stating he would portray Jesus responsibly while the 'foundation' "Come and See" purports to bring the "authentic Jesus" and is ANYTHING BUT the authentic Jesus Christ of the actual Scripture. The show undermines the deity, authority, mission and power of Lord Jesus Christ at every turn. It's disgraceful.

The ONLY true words given are: BE SURE TO READ YOUR OWN BIBLE because THIS IS NO SUBSTITUTE for actual Scripture.

Extremely off the rails and can be faith shattering to some.

Yes, we all know the mystery of suffering, but the way this episode went was too melodramatic and contrived. There was no real build-up, and the timing was too soon, if they wanted to "teach the audience about suffering." I think they needed at least another episode to build such tension. But a sword-wielding maniac swinging his sword around, was too much. I was shocked, but not because of the story, but because of the choices that were made.

I think the writers and director missed a great opportunity here. They missed an opportunity to tap into a more biblical situation, such as the Tower of Siloam as told in Luke 13:4-5. I think that would have been more appropriate, and the "lesson on suffering" would have been more realistic and palatable.

I give this episode two stars: the acting was good.