New BBC drama sets out to exonerate Judas, Pontius Pilate

London, Mar 11 : The BBC is going to screen a new drama series about the last days of Jesus Christ, which appears to exonerate Judas and Pontius Pilate.

The series, 'The Passion' tells the story from three points of view - the religious authorities, the Romans and Jesus.

The creators of the drama have portrayed the men in a sympathetic light because they believe they have been 'very harshly judged' by history.

Judas Iscariot is most traditionally known for his role in Jesus' betrayal into the hands of Roman authorities.

In the series, he is portrayed as torn between his loyalties to Jesus and Caiaphas, who organized the plot to kill Jesus.

Pilate, who is best known as the man who presided over the trial of Jesus and ordered his crucifixion, is shown struggling to manage his wife's social aspirations and his career as he tried to 'keep a lid' on tensions in Jerusalem.

The BBC has been accused by the traditional Christian groups for rewriting the Gospel, but the makers of the series, which will be broadcast over Easter week, said they were simply trying to understand the motivations of the characters.

Frank Deasy, the drama's writer, said the programme uncovered the motives of a man whose name had become a byword for treachery.

"I've always had a problem with Judas in 'Passion' stories in that he suddenly and inexplicably betrays Jesus. I was keen to develop a psychological reality to Judas's portrayal," the Telegraph quoted him, as saying.

A BBC spokesman said: "We are not seeking to subvert or rewrite the Gospel narrative - we are just retelling it to bring it alive for a contemporary audience."

ANI