Season 5 of “The Chosen” concluded with a stirring and emotional finale that left fans reeling, moved, and perhaps even asking, “What just happened?” Known for its creative retelling of the life of Jesus and the journey of the disciples, “The Chosen” continues to merge biblical accuracy with thoughtful creativity, drawing in viewers from all backgrounds.
Season 5 marks a turning point in the series as it covers some of the most sacred and sorrowful events in the gospel narrative—the Passion Week. This article explores “The Chosen” Season 5, particularly the ending, unpacking key developments that take place prior to Season 6.
Editor’s note: This article contains spoilers for “The Chosen” Season 5.
The Chosen Season 5
Jerusalem’s Shadows Deepen
Season 5 takes place in and around Jerusalem, where political, religious, and personal tensions are nearing their boiling point. The season opens with Jesus’ triumphal entry and soon arrives at of the most tense scenes of the show so far: the cleansing of the temple. As the season progresses, the tone becomes noticeably darker. The disciples sense that danger is imminent, but they remain unsure of what form it will take.
The Last Supper
One of the most moving and creative sequences throughout Season 5 is the portrayal of the Last Supper. Scenes from the Last Supper open every episode except for the finale and feature the washing of the disciples’ feet, the blessing of bread and wine, and the recitation of the Dayenu. The Last Supper scenes are somber and at times extremely tense.
Building Tension and Character Depth
“The Chosen” Season 5 features increasingly hostile interactions between Jesus and the religious authorities. For example, we see the religious leaders attempting to trap Jesus with questions about the Jewish law and Jesus skillfully evading their attempts even as they are scandalized by his responses.
In one chilling scene, members of the Sanhedrin plot Jesus’ arrest in earnest, motivated by both fear and jealousy. The high priest Caiaphas and other leaders are portrayed with complexity, not as cartoonish villains, but as men trapped by their interpretation of righteousness and national survival.
The building tension reinforces that betrayal and suffering are no longer distant possibilities—they are at the doorstep. For example, the disciples are deeply disturbed when, during the Last Supper, Jesus tells them that one of them will betray him, and they are not sure who he means.
Season 5 depicts tension building through a variety of avenues, including through the actions of Kafni, Ramah’s father, who believes that Jesus is a false messiah. Atticus, a member of the Roman cohortes urbanae, is keeping an eye on the growing religious unrest. Judas is increasingly frustrated with Jesus’ actions. Season 5 portrays his inner conflict as he appears torn between loyalty to Jesus and a pragmatic desire to see Israel restored through more assertive means.
Season 5 is also intentional about building character depth, particular when it comes to Jesus’ followers. We learn more about the backgrounds of characters such as Thaddeus and Little James. One of the most poignant moments of the season comes when Jesus holds a special final supper with his female followers. It is a tender, moving scene where the women recite their own Dayenu for Jesus.
