David Suchet: In The Footsteps of St. Paul

David Suchet: In The Footsteps of St. Paul is a thoughtful two-part documentary series that aired on BBC One in 2014. This insightful show delves into the life, journeys and influence of the biblical character, St. Paul, from the unique perspective of British actor David Suchet, noted for his longstanding portrayal of Agatha Christie’s fictional detective Hercule Poirot. But, this time around, Suchet sheds the mantel of a television detective to become a passionate explorer and presented.

In this series, Suchet follows, quite literally, in the footsteps of St. Paul. The birth, life, experiences, journeys and the eventual death of one of the most influential figures in the formation of the Christian church are all meticulously traced by Suchet. More than just recreating the historical path trodden by St. Paul, Suchet offers an exceptionally personal journey, which is highly spiritual, historical, and cultural all at the same time.

Suchet, himself a practicing Christian, approaches this journey with a keen sense of faith. He beautifully balances the historical perspective with his spiritual leanings, never letting one completely overshadow the other. The journeys of St. Paul become as much a journey of faith for Suchet as they are a voyage through history. The series is in no way just a dry, historical look at a biblical figure. Instead, it’s brimming with deep relating reflections and humanized understanding of the life and times of St. Paul.

By travelling to the very places where St. Paul himself had set foot almost a thousand years ago, including Jerusalem, Antioch, Ephesus, Rome and several others, Suchet adds a vivid sense of immediacy to the life of this faceted biblical figure. Through these travels, the film seeks to understand and interpret St. Paul's teachings and his enduring influence on Christianity.

The series is undoubtedly a product of extensive research. While narrating St. Paul’s story, Both highly religious and secular historical sources have been consulted. It is this holistic approach that makes this series unique. Each episode contains interviews with a variety of biblical scholars, historians and archaeologists, offering varied perspectives and insights into the life of St. Paul. The conversations invoke a range of emotions and provoke thought, making the viewers reflect not only on the historical figure, but also on the very essence of faith itself.

One of the intriguing aspects of this series is the transformational journey of St. Paul. Much of the first episode is devoted to chronicling St. Paul’s profound spiritual change. Known for being a vehement opponent of Christians, Paul, following an incident on the road to Damascus, becomes one of the most fervent advocates of Christianity. Suchet captures this pivotal point in St. Paul's life with detail and diligence, presenting a thorough view of this dramatic change and its implications.

Few series allow viewers such an in-depth look into their subjects, and fewer do it with the remarkable grace demonstrated by David Suchet: In The Footsteps of St. Paul. There may not be room for thrilling mysteries or dramatic plot curves, but the pacing of the narrative is such that it doesn’t feel like it’s missing. Instead, the thoughtful retelling of St. Paul's journey is intensely gripping, capturing the viewer's attention fully.

The quality of the series isn't only in its impressive narrative and presentation. The breathtaking visuals of landscapes that have witnessed the rise and fall of civilisations and the distinctive cinematography significantly contribute towards creating an immersive viewing experience.

In conclusion, David Suchet: In The Footsteps of St. Paul is a poetic, educational and spiritual journey that takes viewers back in time to one of the most significant eras of human history. The captivating narrative, incredible location visits, profound scholarly insights and Suchet’s passionate and personable presentation, makes this series a must-watch for anyone interested in history, religion, or simply a well-narrated story. Its immersive story-telling guarantees to leave viewers reflecting on deep historical, moral and spiritual questions long after the credits roll.