Messiah

I was hooked from episode one. Actually binged the whole series in 2 nights. And the final episode was so great it left me scrambling to find the release date of season 2. And then I find out they are cancelling it??!! This is crazy to me!!!. I thought the characters and casting were perfect. The writing is so well done, the storyline was such an interesting mix of religion, human struggle and an honest look at society today. Perhaps that why self-absorbed critics didn't like it? Maybe it was too much of a look in the mirror for some?

All I know is that if Netflix doesn't "resurrect" this series I am going to be hugely disappointed. Unlike many series that get renewed with no real reason for another season, Messiah clearly has a bigger story to tell, I could see the trajectory and the momentum this series was building. This story is far from finished!!

I know there was some controversy and criticism from some religious groups as well as some Arab countries. Perhaps Netflix doesn't think the pushback is worth it? Last I checked, art was meant to move people, provoke controversy...takes courage to support a religious themed series in todays liberal, somewhat Godless society.

I for one have not given up hope, maybe Netflix will read all these positive reviews and bring it back. Just like in Messiah, miracles can happen!

Of course this will be sensitive viewing for devoutly religious people and some are automatically going to hate it because many parts rely on subtitles. A pity.

Give it a try. It is a different and interesting premise, well acted and well filmed.

I found this series brilliant! It has great characters, plenty of action and excitement, and gets you thinking. In today's age of political correctness, it's sad to see so many people get all worked up about the subject matter. If you are easily offended over any little thing, just save yourself the trouble and skip it. Otherwise, I highly recommend watching this series!

I normally don't like to use captions, but you will need them for about half the time through this series, and it didn't bother me at all! It's a very intriguing series that makes you want to know "what's going to happen next". Makes you think and is very entertaining. If you need a series to get away and enjoy, I would recommend you give it try.

As an ordained clergyperson myself, religion movies are often hard to watch because they get so many things wrong or treat subjects with an overly simplistic take. The writers of Messiah have not only crafted a well-written, compelling story with interesting characters and terrific acting, they've included real substance and authentic representation of religion.

The religious characters--Muslim, Christian, Jewish--are sympathetically presented with dignity and complexity. The religious texts and varying theologies are sensitively handled and respectfully addressed. Nor are religions presented in stereotypical ways: for example, Islam does believe that Jesus will return to herald in the end times, something not often known outside of Islam. But here, in Messiah, it is Muslims who first begin to follow al-Masih, believing him to be Isa (Jesus) returned.

At no point did I hear a character say something about a religious idea or do something in the guise of religion that was outlandish or the usual Hollywood version. The writers of this show clearly know what they're talking about and should be commended for that.

Further, the geopolitical, cultural, economic, and other issues are addressed in thoughtful ways that are not dumbed-down or simplified. They even manage to take on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in thoughtful ways.

In addition to all of that, the story is gripping and keeps you guessing all the way through. As one who believes that authentic faith requires embracing uncertainty and doubt, in many ways, this representation of lots of different people struggling to figure out whether al-Masih is the messiah or a charlatan was pitch perfect.