Sorted Digital: April 2025
Seven minute read
The Chosen Season Five begins global roll out
By Val Fraser
The Chosen is an historical drama based on the life of Jesus (Jonathan Roumie) seen through the eyes of those who knew him. Set against the backdrop of Roman oppression in first-century Israel, the seven-season series shares an authentic and intimate look at Jesus’ revolutionary life and teachings. If you are reading this on the Substack App you can view the Season Five trailer below.
Here at house of Fraser we have grown very fond of The Chosen. I confess to binge watching the first four seasons more than once! I’ve previously written about it here, here and here. I understand that it’s not everyone’s cup of tea but I’ve grown to appreciate its bold creativity more and more with each subsequent viewing.
Millions of people, particularly people of faith, have a strong personal affiliation to this Jesus. I include myself in that category. So to depict his life in this way, in such great lengths, in such detail, is an incredibly risky and ground-breaking endeavour. It’s quite unlike anything I’ve seen before. Dallas Jenkins, creator and executive producer of The Chosen said: “I’m possibly more excited to bring Season 5 to the world than any other season we’ve done.”
Not everyone feels comfortable with high-risk dramatized content. If The Chosen were a fly-on-the-wall real-time recorded documentary of Jesus’ three year public ministry, by my reckoning, that would potentially equate to 26,297 hours of very, very slow TV. I’m keen, but even I can’t commit to that much telly. So yes, maybe some parts of the story have been fast forwarded, and some parts have been slowed down and expanded upon, but isn’t that just the nature of how TV dramas work? Someone has to make all those difficult decisions, to be fair I’m no expert but I think they’ve done alright.
The Chosen has high production values, believable characters, polished acting, contemporary musical scores and well crafted story telling. I’m something of a visual thinker myself. Images really stay with me. Sometimes, after a long day processing words on a screen, I just can’t summon the eye energy to read a book and process yet more words. (And of course, not everyone enjoys reading.) But I still have the mental capacity to be inspired and uplifted by a powerful message and that’s where The Chosen has blessed me. Like many viewers it’s completely changed the way I look at the story of Jesus and those around him.
Earlier this year at a special theatrical release event in Times Square, New York, Creator and Executive Producer of The Chosen, Dallas Jenkins, and star Jonathan Roumie unveiled The Chosen: Last Supper (Season 5) key art with portraits by famed photographer Annie Leibovitz.
“What makes her work so extraordinary is she tells stories, in seconds, and then you look deeper and you find more. And we're trying to tell stories of some of the most iconic people who ever lived. They actually lived and breathed and had fear and doubt and felt things like joy and betrayal. So in a season like this, where you see all of those things, it felt like the season that was in need of someone most like her to communicate that photographically. When she agreed to do it, we knew that it was going to elevate the show and bring something to it with her portraits that we can't do,” said Jenkins (pictured on the right below) regarding Leibovitz and her photography.
The Chosen: Last Supper portrays the most pivotal week in history. The people of Israel welcome Jesus as king while his disciples anticipate his crowning. But, instead of confronting Rome, he turns the tables on the Jewish religious festival. Their power threatened, the country’s religious and political leaders will go to any length to ensure this Passover meal is Jesus’ last.
Call me sad if you want to, but the truth is, I’ve invested a lot of raw emotional energy into this story. And I’m only sitting in a comfortable chair watching it! Heaven only knows what it has cost the creative folks who are working to make it a reality. I’m on the outside of all that, yet, I feel involved with it somehow, drawn into the very centre of it, as if I know these people in real life. I’m excited and worried for them in equal measure. And, in all honesty, afraid and apprehensive about what will unfold next.
Beginning around April 10th, The Chosen: Last Supper Part One will roll out in cinemas over 40 global territories, including Brazil, Mexico, United Kingdom, Italy, Germany, Poland, Philippines, and India, among others. Later in 2025, the season will make its streaming debut.
Keep up to date here Home | The Chosen
All photos courtesy of The Chosen.
Val Fraser is an award winning journalist with over 14 years’ experience working on staff in various demanding media environments. She has authored/edited thousands of articles including news, travel and features. Val has authored/contributed to ten non-fiction books. She began writing for Sorted in 2020 as a columnist and feature writer. In 2022 Steve Legg appointed her as Digital Editor with editorial responsibility for the Sorted Magazine website. In January 2025 she became Editor of Sorted Digital online magazine.
Kia EV3 Review: “Generous leg room and lounge style comfort”
By Tim Barnes-Clay
Instagram @tbarnesclay
The compact electric SUV market is poised for an exciting transformation with the ushering in of the EV3, writes Tim Barnes-Clay. It is designed to attract eco-conscious drivers while catering to families seeking a car that doesn't sacrifice style or comfort for efficiency.
One of the EV3's most impressive attributes is its electric range, up to 375 miles achievable on a single charge, per WLTP standards. Where range anxiety is a significant concern for would-be electric vehicle owners, this impressive figure places the EV3 at the forefront of its class.
Extensive testing across diverse terrains and conditions across Europe verifies its adeptness - whether cruising along motorways, navigating busy city streets, or enjoying scenic routes through the countryside.
Built on Kia's Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), the EV3 boasts a spacious interior that echoes the popular Kia Sportage. It offers generous legroom and lounge-style comfort for all occupants. Indeed, sit a six-footer behind another six-footer, and no knees will touch the back of the front seats.
The cabin's minimalist design is accentuated by a panoramic display and a well-designed centre console that prioritises usability. Innovative elements like pop-out door handles and premium relaxation seats in the GT-Line S trim show Kia's ability to combine modernity with comfort.
Aesthetically, the EV3 is a showstopper. The new Digital Tiger Face upfront introduces vertical 'Star Map' headlamps featuring LED technology, presenting a contemporary yet friendly appearance. Stylish alloy wheels on higher trims accentuate the sleek profile, too.
Kia clearly understands the demands of modern life, equipping the EV3 with a suite of thoughtful features. A fast 15W wireless charger and multiple USB-C ports ensure that all passengers remain powered up on the move. The flexible storage solutions, particularly the slide-out table, enable convenient breaks - ideal for those occasional roadside charging stops.
The EV3's boot capacity, which spans from 460 to 1,250 litres, depending on the seating arrangement, adds to its allure. This adaptability makes this Kia model a real-world choice for families.
Behind the wheel, the EV3 is a genuine pleasure to drive. The low placement of its battery boosts stability, leading to confident handling and responsive steering. The Kia's tuning strikes a proper balance between performance and comfort, making it easy to feel in control - even on pothole-ridden British roads.
Anyone driving the new EV3 will appreciate the flexibility of its five distinct drive settings. 'Eco' mode heightens efficiency, while 'Sport' adds a bit of spice for an even more spirited driving experience. 'Normal' strikes a balance between performance and efficiency, whereas 'My Drive' enables you to customise the acceleration, braking, and steering settings to suit your preferences. Additionally, a Snow mode provides extra reassurance for wintry driving conditions.
The EV3 produces very little noise or vibration. Indeed, combined with the near-silent electric motor, it delivers a calm journey.
This Kia is a well-rounded package prioritising efficiency, comfort, and innovative design. If you are searching for a versatile, stylish, and efficient SUV for you and your family, the EV3 deserves to be at the top of your shopping list.
Fast Facts – Kia EV3 ‘Air’ 81.4kWh FWD & GT-Line S 81.4kWh FWD + Heat Pump
Max speed: 105 mph / 105 mph
0-62 mph: 7.7 secs / 7.9 secs
Range: 375 WLTP / 361 WLTP
Battery Capacity (kWh) 81.4 / 81.4
Max. power (PS): 204 / 204
CO2: 0 g/km
Price: £35,995 / £43,895
Tim Barnes-Clay (pictured above) is a freelance journalist with more than three decades’ worth of industry experience under his belt. He test-drives the latest cars and attends new vehicle press launches around the world. The dad-of-three has a postgraduate diploma in broadcast journalism and has been a presenter and producer at ITV. He has also worked as a radio reporter and continues to present videos and record voiceovers.
All photos courtesy of Tim Barnes-Clay.
Film Review: Conclave
by Andy Godfrey
In February 2025 Conclave won a BAFTA for best film as well as winning gongs for best adapted screenplay and cinematography.
Conclave centres around the election of a new Pope. As Cardinals fly into the Vatican from all over the world, Cardinal Lawrence (a fantastic performance by Ralph Fiennes) is charged not only with their safety but also with overseeing the whole election progress. As the film moves on we discover all three of the front runners have secrets they would rather the world didn’t know. The film builds towards a conclusion I certainly didn’t see coming.
This is filmmaking of the highest order. The sets are convincing. (I have been to the Sistine Chapel and couldn't spot the difference). The acting is top notch and the film keeps you in suspense right to the end. Available to stream, I would say Conclave is a must-see.
Andy Godfrey is an independent film reviewer and a speaker with Outreach UK.
Opinion: Power points
By Chris Kerr
Fear gripped everyone on the plane: its wing had exploded; the engine had stopped – and it was plunging rapidly towards a baseball stadium filled with 80,000 spectators. Disaster was inevitable and a new tragedy was about to be written into the volume of history. Just as the passengers became resigned to their fate, a blue and red blur shot through the sky, and the plane’s descent slowed to the point of barely moving until it was gently placed upon the ground. Superman had saved the day, again.
When I was young, power seemed to be a good thing. But now as an adult, power seems to be a bad word. I shudder when I hear it. I run from it; I hide from it, and I do not trust it.
Who can blame me? I hear stories about women who have been sexually harassed by men who held a more powerful position than them. I see images of death and destruction caused by powerful dictators. I feel deeply disappointed when the news breaks about someone I once looked up to using their influence to do something they shouldn’t have.
Power is bad I conclude, so I endeavour to get rid of it. But I cannot. Power will always exist. I can protest against it, oppose those who hold it, and forcibly take it from those who weren’t worthy of it. I can even renounce any power that I hold. But I cannot destroy it. It will always be there waiting for someone to take it. Like a twenty-pound note left in the middle of the street, the question is not will someone take it, but how will they use it when they do?
So, here is my plea to you. I think we need more men who are ready for power when it comes their way; men who know that outward reform begins with inward renewal; men who use their power not for their own benefit, but for the good of those they hold power over; men who use it to protect those who cannot protect themselves, who robustly act against the great injustices of our society and who cannot be swayed by those who want to corrupt them. Might this be you?
Christopher Kerr heads up a service-line at a large UK law firm and provides pro-bono mentoring and management consultancy to non-profits nationwide. He attends Urban Crofters Church in Cardiff and founded their Men’s Ministry, The Praus Movement (www.gentleandstrong.com).
Comment: Standing in our values
By Miles Protter
Whether at work or home, many of us are confronted with the tensions between what’s most important and priorities imposed by others, pulling us in directions we don’t want to go, causing stress and anxiety.
For example, do we address the complaining customer or do essential long-term planning? Do we work late on an urgent task or go home to eat with the kids? If I’m honest, my default choices have often focused on avoiding criticism. Perversely, what was most important to me suffered.
Priorities usually come from someone else, are outside our control, and change constantly. They’re so difficult to resolve because we have little choice and know someone is going to lose out.
There is a way to guide ourselves through such predicaments by adopting a different way of thinking based in our core values. These act as our reliable North Star helping us make good choices. Instead of being forced to choose between priorities, our values give us a place to stand where ‘both-and’, creative, and inclusive outcomes become possible.
Few of us articulate our values, even though they represent what is most important. We haven’t been taught how to have a framework for decision making. Yet with clarity we can learn to depend on our values to navigate the maze of competing priorities.
For example, I’ve consulted to many companies that proclaim: “Safety is our number one priority!” But in truth safety is regularly budged from number one status by other priorities. That’s not because people are lying or think safety is not important, but the simple reality of organisations.
One company I worked with were pressuring staff, suppliers and contractors to increase the pace on a project that was running late. People now had a new top priority while having to pretend safety was still number one.
A conversation about values helped everyone get clear that the safety and well-being of the whole workforce was a core value for people. Safety became the lens to examine the problem, helping staff make a surprising decision to invite suppliers and contractors to brainstorm how both to increase the pace and reduce risk for workers. No one could believe the client genuinely cared for people.
What a fantastic example of people standing in their values, refusing to be pushed into black and white, either-or thinking, and working to find an inclusive, creative solution.
On a personal level many of us are dealing with the competition between our commitment to work and desire to spend time with our families. It’s tempting to take the line of least resistance and get the work done, telling ourselves one day we’ll make time for loved ones. But we’re sacrificing what is most important to someone else’s priorities. This realisation can lead to some tough choices, but standing in our values, they will be the right ones.
Standing in our values helps us make good choices amid the blur of competing priorities by cutting through the noise, looking through the values lens and thinking creatively.
Raised in Canada, Miles pursued graduate studies in Economics at Cambridge then a 15 year career in investment banking. After a midlife epiphany he pursued a new vocation in leadership development, eventually moving to Australia with his family to run a consulting firm. Now he and his wife are mentors based in Perth. Miles is actively involved in men’s work and community led development.
https://www.thevaluespartnership.com/about-miles
Faith: Time matters
by Dr Ken Ferguson
We Scots have a reputation for being thrifty. Instead of defending the historical and cultural reasons for this position, let me share how my own Scottish frugality has recently been exposed. As part of a new healthcare plan, I was able to get a smart watch at a fraction of the well-known fruit brand’s high street price. I grabbed the opportunity and was even more excited to learn that if I can reach the necessary exercise points each week, then I pay even less for the watch. The motivation to save a few quid has created a new fixation to do more steps each day and to be diligent about exercise, all with the intention of achieving the necessary points each week.
This has made me think about how we do manage to prioritise time for the things that matter to us. It’s all too easy to dismiss our ability to commit to things that should matter because we are simply too busy. Yet, when something really matters, we will make the time. In a similar way, I’ve been thinking about how much does my faith matter to me? Investing time in a relationship with my Saviour is and should be a glorious obsession. I’ve started to be way more intentional about connecting with God throughout the day. In 1 Chronicles 16:11 it says ‘Seek the Lord and His strength, seek His presence continually.’ ESV.
I am finding prompts throughout the day that help me to include God in every aspect of life and to listen to Him continually. For me, this approach feels a far more natural way to have a relationship. Being a child of God matters to me, so connecting with my Heavenly Father regularly and focusing on Him even more than I check my steps count and points total is a perfect way to spend my time. What matters to you and how can you manage your time to allow the really important things to take priority?
Dr Ken Ferguson is a GP based in Glasgow with many years’ experience of working in varied roles across the NHS. He has a particular interest in all aspects of men’s health and wellbeing. In his spare time, he is a keen runner, enjoys cooking and is an enthusiastic dress maker.
A note from the editor of Sorted Digital
Thank you so much for reading this first ‘proper’ issue of Sorted Digital online magazine, I hope you’ve enjoyed it. We’ve certainly enjoyed gathering these stories for you and putting them together here, it’s been quite an adventure! The encouraging words and kind messages of support I’ve received since the soft launch in February have warmed my heart, you really are a lovely lot! Time for a little breather before work on the next issue begins, so for me it’s kettle on, feet up and I hope to see you in the comments where myself and the whole team will be able to see your messages.
God bless, Val Fraser :)
Well done Val and Team. Great start to my Sunday. Enjoyable with a bit of challenge.
Thank you, Val and all. Great to find this in my inbox this morning — an email worth reading amongst all the sales stuff from the usual suspects! Keep ’em coming please.