Mary

I was chosen to deliver a gift to the world.

The greatest gift it has ever known.

You may think you know my story.

Trust me,

you don't.

My father, Joachim, withdrew to the desert

for 40 days of fasting and repentance,

believing the Lord denied him a child as punishment.

My mother, Anne, prayed fervently for a child.

How did I offend you, my Lord?

All I want is a child.

He hears you.

Who are you? How did you get here?

I am Gabriel.

God will gift you with a daughter.

A d-- A daughter?

Wait, wait, wait, wait.

A daughter?

- Yes. -

He will gift you a daughter

unlike any other.

She will fulfill Isaiah's prophecy.

And in exchange...

Yes, what is it?

A promise.

When I return, you must dedicate her to the service of God.

To dwell in His temple.

- -

- Anne. -

Joachim!

Anne.

Our prayers have been answered.

Joachim.

The Romans appointed King Herod to reign over Judea.

Herod's tyrannical rule sparked an uprising amongst the Judeans.

I never imagined our two worlds would collide.

My people...

citizens of Jerusalem,

I plan to rebuild and enlarge the Second Temple

to a splendor of magnificence never before imagined.

And I will embrace the troubles and the pain that will assault me,

and I will embrace them as levies of greatness.

The pain the hand of eternity has set upon me.

With this temple,

I make full return to God.

For his bounteous gift to me of this,

his holy kingdom of Judea.

Your king,

I, Herod, King of all the Jews.

We must no longer tolerate this injustice.

Listen to me! Is it time to take action!

This temple is a monument to Herod's vanity and desire for Roman approval.

Though he claims to honor God, he is just a puppet of Rome

who shed Jewish blood to gain his throne.

He is not even a Jew!

How could Judaism ever be restored under Herod's illegitimate reign?

We must follow Aristobulus, the high priest.

He will lead us back to God.

These are trying times for us all.

In the face of adversity,

the divine providence of God will serve a greater purpose.

Aristobulus, you must go into hiding.

I have our people's support, sister.

I assure you we are strong.

No.

Things have changed.

Please!

Please!

My little sparrow.

My love.

Thank you.

You look troubled.

What ails you, my queen?

You don't remember who I am.

Yes, I remember who you are.

You helped me build the many glories of this kingdom.

You gave me many beautiful Hasmonean children.

You will always have my heart, Mariamne.

Let us drink to

our long,

insufferable marriage.

Pray,

share the news.

Yes.

Your brother has been dealt with.

You...

...are a monster.

Yes.

Someday, this madness will end...

- Yes. - ...and we will restore

the throne of David.

- -

Be still, my love.

Mariamne.

My little sparrow.

- -

- -

- -

Be strong...

Mary.

Careful not to bruise them, Malachi.

Of course, sir.

Each olive is a kiss from God.

Don't you forget it, my friend.

- Mary! - Mary!

Where did she run off to this time?

Mary!

Come here!

Don't fly away!

- Mary! - Mary!

- Mary! - Where are you?

- I brought you a friend! - Mary!

Noam!

Noam wants to play with you while your fathers talk.

Come on. I want to show you something.

Keep your ears open for lunch!

Hurry up, Noam!

Do you hear me, Mary?

Come on, Noam! You're too slow.

You're too fast. Wait!

Come on. Let's pick some figs.

Mama will be so surprised.

Mary?

Hurry up! The figs won't pick themselves.

Why can't we just walk?

- -

- My lord. - Yes?

I've had many reports of discontent.

Pharisee discontent.

- Yeah? - In the prosperous hillside areas.

Discontent?

Yes, sire.

And why is there discontent, Marcellus?

They want you to strike

against the incursions and the Nabataean raiders.

Oh.

Also, there are those rumors.

- Reports of a savior. - Savior?

And who's talking about a savior?

Salome?