Homeland is the Show!. Review on Homeland

Back in 2013 I watched the trailer of Homeland on Star World. I didn't have enough patience to wait for the pilot to air. So I sat on my computer to know more about this show. All the big reviewing portals had positive reviews about this show. I avoided all the articles which included spoilers and streamed the pilot episode online. In a blink of an eye, 40-45 minutes got over. That is when I realized that I was completely glued to the laptop screen. The first episode itself was so captivating that I had to watch the second and then the third one. In other words I ended up binge-watching the whole season.

Homeland is a Showtime show which is based on an Israeli series. Season 1 begins with an informant/asset sharing a secret with a C.I.A agent, Carrie Mathison. The secret about an American soldier who has been turned by a terrorist organisation. When Carrie returns to Langley she learns about an American soldier who was returning back to homeland after being M.I.A since 2003. Carrie's instincts urge her to keep an eye on the war hero, Nicholas Brody. Carrie convinces her mentor Saul Berenson to support her suspicion. In the very first season the audience get a glimpse of a strong bonding between Carrie and Saul. The suspense is highly engaging and the turns the story takes is mind blowing. The whole first season was like a cat and a mouse chase, where the identity of both is unclear. One thing that I love the most is that this show is not based on the whole black and white theme, where either someone is bad or good. It puts emphasis on the fact that circumstances play a major role in anyone's life and everyone has their own set of demons. The unclear division between good and bad makes this show absolutely brilliant.

After watching the thrilling first season, I found myself completely invested in the story. And fortunately by the time I watched season 1, season 3 had already premiered. I must admit that staying away from spoilers is a tough task. But disconnecting myself from social media and other show related pages was helpful. Season 2 shows two very different people partnering up to catch a common enemy. Carrie and Brody's relationship deepens in this season as Carrie is the only one who truly understands what Brody has been going through. This season is action packed and requires full attention to the details. Second season's ending was one of the best I have ever seen. Just when things seem to fall in place, everything changes. I sat completely awestruck for few minutes. the story and the backdrop is brilliant but the soul of this show are the actors: Claire Danes, Damian Lewis and Mandy Patinkin.

Season 3 is all about dealing with the aftermath of the bombing at Langley in the end of season 2. Carrie helps Brody escape, who is accused of the bombing. Brody's predicament in season 3 is heart-breaking, I mean the guy has been through so much. First a prisoner of war, then a war hero and finally he is termed a terrorist. The ending broke my heart but there was a relief that finally Brody will get some peace. It was hard to imagine the show sans Brody, but the show did go on. In season 4, Carrie is Kabul's station chief. New complications, enemies and new set of consequences. As an honest and loyal fan I have to admit that of all the 5 seasons of Homeland, season 4 was my least favorite.

Anyways it did come to an end. I am still in the midst of season 5 and yet to witness the ending. In the above lines I forgot to mention about one of the main characters of this show, Peter Quinn played by Rupert Friend. Quinn has been Carrie's wonder wall for the past few seasons. And as a viewer I really want to see both of them together, may be just for  a little while. But I guess given the circumstances, it is too much to ask for. Season 5 shows a different Carrie, a more stable version of her, at least in the beginning. She is living in Berlin with her daughter and boyfriend and is not a C.I.A agent anymore. But the past comes haunting and Carrie is forced to relive her past to find the real enemy.

As I already mentioned, the soul of this show are the actors. Claire Danes was the best choice to portray the intelligent C.I.A agent who suffers from bipolar disorder. In my opinion Carrie's character is extremely challenging and demanding and Danes performs it impeccably. Mandy Patinkin plays Saul, who has been like a guardian to Carrie and despite the differences continue to trust her more than anyone else. Patinkin's acting is flawless, he does complete justice to his role. In fact every single actor on this show have been amazing.

I watched this show with an open mind, without judging things on the face value. The writing is deep and hence I guess most people misunderstand it. It is fiction, drama made in order to entertain and I beleive that is what this show does. Everything is interesting about this show and that is why it became popular worldwide. One of the best shows ever, Homeland is a must-watch.