"Homecoming" is the first episode of season 3 of The Chosen.
Jesus delivers the most life-altering sermon in history. The result? More followers, more enemies, and disciples ready to follow Jesus anywhere. Simon and Eden reunite, Matthew faces his past, and Andrew visits John the Baptist in prison.
This episode provides examples of:
- Bookends: The episode begins in front of Matthew's parents' home, where a flashback shows Matthew's father disowning him. The episode ends in front of Matthew's parents' home, where Matthew hopes to reconcile with his father.
- Comfort Food: Big James tells his brother John that he's been dreaming about Ima's cinnamon cakes.
- Dramatic Irony: When Judas announces that he quits his apprenticeship, he states that he would follow Jesus and his followers to the ends the earth. Eventually, Judas ends up betraying Jesus.
- Flashback: Opens with one in front of Matthew's parents' home, where Matthew intervenes as a Roman soldier arrests his father for his unpaid taxes.
- Heartfelt Apology: Andrew offers one to Mary Magdalene for the things he said to her when he was afraid.
- I Have No Son!: Matthew's father's response in the flashback when he learns that not only is Matthew a tax collector, but Matthew is his tax collector.Alphaeus: Elli, cover the windows. Put on your veil. We will sit shiva for seven days. [Dramatic Pause] I have no son.
- I Was Never Here: Joanna tells the dungeon guard that if he tells anyone about her and Andrew visiting John the Baptizer, then it will be embarrassing for her, but it will be devastating for him and his family. The guard takes her money and confirms, "You were never here."
- Inspiring Sermon: The opening flashback cuts to Jesus delivering the Sermon on the Mount.Matthew: The words are the same as written, but...
Mother Mary: But now he's saying them.
Matthew: [tearfully] Yes. - Jumped at the Call: Judas is more than eager to follow Jesus after hearing him deliver the Sermon on the Mount.
- Lame Comeback: Judas responds weakly when his sister expresses concern about what happens to those who claim to be the Messiah.Judas: You know, their followers aren't... always killed.
- Locked in the Dungeon: Joanna and Andrew visit John the Baptizer, who is locked in the palace dungeon.
- Moment Killer: Simon and Eden are about to enjoy some marital intimacy for the first time in a while, only for Nathaniel and his Brutal Honesty to show up and wreck it.
- The Movie: The first two episodes of season 3 ("Homecoming" and "Two by Two") were originally shown in theaters as a "theatrical event".
- Must Make Amends: Upon hearing Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, Matthew's conscience is visibly pricked and he decides to go apologize to and make peace with his father.
- Open Mouth, Insert Foot: After Nathaniel interrupts Simon and Eden's alone time, he reassures them that he understands and rather tactlessly says he'll cover his head with a pillow. He quickly backpedals in response to Simon's Death Glare.
- Reaction Shot: When Jesus preaches the Sermon on the Mount, the camera often focuses on the reactions of other characters to his words.
- Secret Diary: Rabbi Yussif feels compelled to document what he has observed about Jesus, and Jairus (the new synagogue administrator) offers to store his document in "the cellar", a place "where documents go to cool off."
- Sixth Ranger: Judas officially joins Jesus and his disciples in this episode.
- Stepping Out for a Quick Cup of Coffee: A variant occurs when Rabbi Yussif asks Jairus to place his report on Jesus in "the cellar" to cool off.Jairus: Rabbi, it is unsealed.
Rabbi Yussif: Yes, it is, Jairus. - Stunned Silence: The response of Gaius to the Sermon on the Mount.Atticus: [to Gaius] Well? [Dramatic Pause] My thoughts exactly.
- Suspiciously Specific Sermon: As Jesus preaches each point of the Sermon on the Mount, the camera often cuts to characters for whom that point is particularly appropriate.
- Third Wheel: After Nathaniel interrupts Simon and Eden's private reunion, he becomes this. Then, just as Simon gets Nathaniel to head up to the roof, Zee arrives.
- Wealthy Philanthropist: Joanna fills this role, donating an expensive Shahtoosh shawl from Nepal to the ministry, and promising more later.
- Wham Line: The episode ends with Matthew standing at the door of his parent's home. His father opens the door, and Matthew addresses him by name ("Alphaeus") since he was told in the opening flashback not to call him "Abba". His father replies by calling him, "Son," foreshadowing their reconciliation in the next episode.
