On the one hand, we see him perform a simple conjuring trick while answering the trick question about paying taxes. On the other he was incredibly clever-clever when telling the temple priests, ‘I believe in sacrifice of a different kind’. A few scant seconds later, he is electric and mesmerising as he retells parables to appreciative crowds who lap up every word.
Everyone in this Passion speaks in modern English. It’s a real treat to finally hear the King James Version relegated to the history books – this retelling is in everyday language and accents. (Well, apart from those who spoke with BBC English ones.)
There are other moments, every now and then, that remind you that this is a drama rather than documentary. Some of the beards are obviously fake fuzzy felt – especially Ben Daniels’ Caiaphas, which is more ZZ Top than homebrew.
Some extras missed out on convincing crowd scene acting lessons while at drama school. And, for the uninitiated viewer, with little biblical knowledge, some captions explaining where a key scene is set would have helped them find their way round an unfamiliar landscape.
But this is no Sunday school production. A lot of thought and care has gone into the entire production, something you can see with each main character. For example, it’s a joy to see Pontius Pilate as a strong leader, rather than someone who’s easily led. This is helped by the fact that James Nesbitt is playing him as a hard as nails pampered boss, rather than the comic buffoon of his Yellow Pages adverts.
Costumes too, are well done. There are no tea-towels for headscarves and old bed sheets for togas. Instead it looks sumptuous.
As the first of the four-part drama, this episode had to set the scene as well as retell key sequences in Jesus’ ministry. Seeing Judas treated as the disciples’ Cinderella helps us to understand why he wanted to betray Christ and we also learn why Barabbas deserved crucifixion more than Christ.
But it is the final few moments that really whet our appetite for what is to come. It’s not the cliffhanger per se, it’s the ‘coming soon’ trailer. In just a few tantalising glimpses of what’s to come, this episode draws us even further in to the true story, making us want to see what happens next. Can’t wait.
A multi-part TV telling of Jesus' life like The Passion comes along once in a generation. Bible Society is helping churches make the most of this opportunity by producing a DVD of the series with extensive resources for schools and churches. Go to www.biblesociety.org.uk/thepassion to find out more and get regular updates on its progress.
Phil Creighton is TV critic of The Baptist Times and author of How To Be Heard In A Noisy World – Church Publicity Made Easy. This review was written on behalf of Bible Society
