'Messiah' Season 1: Fans binge-watch Netflix thriller despite predictable storyline and political propaganda
This article contains spoilers for Messiah Season 1
Netflix's new thriller series about the second coming of Christ rang dull with expected American propaganda and a blunt storyline. While some echoed negative sentiments about the insulting of religious beliefs, most fans were obsessed with the show, binge-watching the entire season this New Year's.
The controversy surrounding the release of the trailer took fleet with subscribers threatening to boycott the streaming service, and although those controversies still stand, the show seems to make its mark as the new 2020 show to watch. The expected show did spark more than a few comments about the insensitivity of Islamic religious beliefs, but it managed to capitate people into wondering what the premise of the show was.
Fans loved the portrayal of modern day religious dependency on politics, with one user tweeting, "#Messiah spot on re politicisation of religion & a general lack of belief all round. Excellent writing & stunning performances. A riveting watch that has any cerebral person challenging themselves on how spiritual & good we really are. A must watch — can’t wait 4 seasons 2!"
The show was a bit of a wild ride, with no clear understanding of where the storyline was going. People were left to wonder what genre this show based it's narrative one — "I'm watching #Messiah on Netflix. I have to keep remembering to breathe. It's so intense and well done. A political thriller about the return of Christ? Or is it horror? All I know is I'm on the edge of my seat," tweeted a fan.
Another said, "Halfway through #Messiah, but still, I haven't found anything blasphemous against Islam or any other religion for that matter. Its seems like a well-put commentary on the geopolitics and mainly CIA-led American politics."
The ending of the series showed the 'Messiah' as immortal having survived a plane crash. "No way does the #Messiah end the season like that! What a damn good show! I hope they do another season! #Netflix," tweeted a fan, falling suit with most Twitter reactions.
Others focused on the deeper meaning behind this political thriller — the coming of the 'Messiah' in this modern day would not mirror the same reactions of the people in holy scriptures, rather you'd have American propaganda and religious extremists take the reign.
"Started watching #Messiah this evening. It appears that people of faith (irrespective of which faith) are panning it but people who are looking for deeper, philosophical planes are getting more from it. Personally I’m finding it fascinating thus far (4 episodes in)," tweeted a fan.
Regardless of what the show may have set out to portray, it has managed to spark up conversations and has been received well by most.