BREATHEcast was afforded the opportunity to see the first episode of NBC's 'A.D. The Bible Continues', which will debut on Easter Sunday April 5 at 9:00 pm.

The episode called, "The Tomb is Open" opens up the series with the crucifixion of Jesus and the occurrences of all those surrounding His death.

The actual scenes of Jesus on the cross are not too graphic as the focus is on Him already being on it. The whipping, beatings, and march to Golgotha are not seen. However, Jesus is shown being nailed to the cross by His hands and feet. Again, they take proper care not to show the nails going in or any of the blood, most likely because of the limitations of network television.

Interestingly enough 'A.D.' has scenes featuring Pontius Pilot, Caiaphas, and other members of the Sanhedrin deliberating on whether they made the right decision to crucify Jesus. They even acknowledge that through certain instances in the whole process Jesus fulfilled prophecy. At one point one of them asks, "What if He is the Messiah?"

The episode also shows the disciples scattering about as they had fled Jesus in the garden. Peter's renouncement of Christ is covered as well as Judas Iscariot's suicide. Eventually the apostles slowly get back together and decide what they will do moving forward as Mary, Jesus' mother encourages them to remember their Master's teachings.

Other interesting parts in the episode include showing the supernatural such as the temple splitting when Jesus died. Another scene during Christ's resurrection shows the guards resting in front of the tomb when the Earth begins shaking. The next part is not Biblical, but it was something more speculative rather just made up. An angel falls to Earth like a shooting star, and rolls open the tomb for Jesus to come out.

Overall the series looks very promising and seems to be pretty grounded in the scripture for what they showed. They fill in the gaps of other parts that are not in scripture quite nicely too.

For the next 12 weeks 'A.D. The Bible Continues' will focus on the story of the early church in Acts as the disciples and followers of Jesus look to set forth His message to the entire world.

'A.D.' was created by husband and wife duo Burnett and Downey following their unprecedented success of 'The Bible' series on the history channel. Juan Pablo di Pace has been cast as Jesus. Di Pace leads an accomplished cast hailing from more than 10 different nations, including John - Babou Ceesay (Gambia); Mary Magdalene - Chipo Chung (Zimbabwe); James - Denver Isaac (Zimbabwe); Arik - Nicholas Pinnock (Jamaica); Simon The Zealot - Fraser Ayers (Scotland/Black); Ananias - Peter De Jersey (Britain); Mother Mary - Greta Scacchi (Italy); Thomas - Johannes Johannesson (Iceland); Judas - Cesare Taurasi (Italy); and Boaz - George Georgiou (Greece).