RebeccaC-02

These last few episodes have been frustrating to watch. Just stretching so much unnecessarily along when they could have easily been condensed, not even sure why we had to meet with Pontius one last time unless it was for residuals. In addressing the flashbacks from last episode, I can see now that they were clearly to build up to what we see at the beginning of this episode. What Jesus tells Thad along with the montage is very powerful but doesn't match the rest of this episode. It really should have been at the end of the previous episode with the other flashbacks and some of those worked and some were curious as to their inclusion. The agony in the garden was drawn out a little too long as well. More hallucinations that we see throughout this season that in the end make Jesus appear more human than deity because he seems confused when he encounters them, and I don't think Jesus was ever confused even if he was fully human. The disciples surprise at the end was very effective though and Judas' remorse was well acted. The long slow motion kiss in the last shot was odd. Was it to emphasize the betrayal? I understand artistic license, I enjoy that sort of thing which is why I have enjoyed this show for the most part, but a lot this season just feels stretched or forced which leaves pacing problems. There also seemed to be a need to explain why the people would eventually demand Jesus' execution so they employed mourning angry Khafni when all they needed to demonstrate was the differing crowd like they did a few episodes back along with the fear tactics of the Sanhedrin. The plotting of the Roman spy to give you Rome's perspective felt unnecessary. The power and brutality we got from one praetor a few seasons that I feel really represented the arrogance and feeling of superiority of the Romans makes Pontius, a governor of a province, look like a weak fool. When it's time to sentence Jesus I fear it will be done delicately, by a weak governor who at times rings his hands then at other times is only concerned about his comforts.

There was a little disconnect for me in this episode. I didn't love the writing on this one so much. We went from Hosanna! To doomsday real quick. And I felt as confused as the disciples. At times Jesus acts like everything is fine and dandy but then in the blink of an eye he is yelling like a god about to explode out of his mortal body then lives up to his title Man of Sorrows. Again I feel as concerned and confused as the disciples. Not sure if this was intentional.

All n all Jonathan is really hitting the mark. The emotion at the end was just superb. The song was lovely adding to the emotion. Didn't understand though why he looked confused when David wasn't there.

The back and forth between Jesus and the disciples was good. And seeing the ground work being laid for the people to turn on him is interesting.