The Bible

The History Channel hit the ratings jackpot with this 10-part miniseries—executive produced by star Roma Downey (playing the virgin Mary) and Mark Burnett—based on stories from Scripture, evenly divided between the Old and New Testaments. Narrated by Keith David, the first five episodes offer tales starting with Adam and Eve up through the return of the Jews from captivity in Babylon to Jerusalem. The sixth to ninth episodes cover the life of Jesus, portrayed by Portuguese actor Diogo Morgado, from the Annunciation through the Crucifixion, Resurrection, and Pentecost. The final segment is based on the Acts of the Apostles, with emphasis on the conversion and missionary activity of Paul (a coda presents a dubious account of the composition of the Book of Revelation). Although it gravitates toward more action-oriented chronicles such as the story of Moses, the David and Goliath battle, and Daniel in the lion's den, the coverage is fairly broad here (even if many incidents are treated perfunctorily), and the narrative arc on Jesus is thorough, ending with a Passion sequence that is decidedly harrowing. Some have quibbled about departures from the source, but these are actually few and minor. Made on a cable television budget, the series can't match the extravagance of a Hollywood epic, but devout viewers will certainly forgive the diminished scale in view of The Bible's general fidelity and reverential air, which extends to an unambiguous acceptance of the miraculous. Extras include several behind-the-scenes featurettes, and a music video. A sincere, nicely made series that is likely to enjoy wide appeal, this is recommended. (F. Swietek)