‘A.D. The Bible Continues’ episode 2 preview: ‘The Body is Gone’

In a way, it is rather bizarre that NBC chose to premiere their much-anticipated miniseries “A.D. The Bible Continues” on Easter Sunday, mostly because of the fact that next week’s episode (entitled “The Body is Gone”) is actually going to be the story of Easter, as according to the events of the Book. This will be the episode that really furthers along the birth of the Christian faith, and tells what should be a story that executive producer Mark Burnett has been hoping to get across for some time.

Even though this story is based on well-established source material, the network synopsis still does not give you a whole lot of information:

“Jesus’ tomb is empty. Pilate and Caiaphas believe the disciples stole the body and search in vain to find it. The disciples flee to Galilee where Jesus gives them their mission.”

One of the interesting creative challenges for this miniseries is going to be mostly trying to continue to sell this show as a big event with great moments when one of the most well-known events in human history takes place in the second episode. How do you build on the events of Easter? You really cannot. You have to figure out a way to continue to tell this story with stakes and surprises and build from what you have already established.

We’re certainly going to have more on the project tomorrow, including what the ratings were for the big first episode.

What did you think of the premiere for “A.D.,” and is there anything that you want to see moving forward? Share with a comment, and head over here if you want to read our earlier take on ratings expectations. Also, you can sign up now if you are interested in getting some other updates on all we cover via our CarterMatt Newsletter. (Photo: NBC.)