Homeland - Season 1 [DVD]

'Homeland' is a psychological drama-thriller television series, which concentrates on terrorism related themes and is created by some of the makers of the hit TV feature and my favorite, '24'. The series released in 2011 to critical acclaim and won 2 Golden Globe Awards for best drama and best actress (Claire Danes). The series also won 3 Emmy Awards for best drama, best actor for Damien Lewis and again best actress for Danes. It is loosely based on the Israeli series, 'Hatufim' (English title: Prisoners of War) created by Gideon Raff.

The series centers around Carrie Mathison (Claire Danes), a Central Intelligence Agency Officer and Nicholas Brody (Damian Lewis), a U.S. Marine. The story shows Brody returning to the United States after being held captive by the Al-Qaeda as a prisoner of war in Iraq for 8 years. On his return, Mathison begins to investigate him as she strongly believes that he has been turned into a terrorist.

The story to me was really intriguing and it really caught onto me straight away. What really struck me was the stunning performances of the lead actors, Claire Danes and Damian Lewis, for me they make the show. The drama quotient is high and the makers really concentrate on character development, which they succeed in doing. Also the cinematography, direction and the general screenplay is pure class.

Right, my critical points, the pace never accelerates even though there was plenty of scope. The makers for me played their trump card way too early and the climax does not do justice to the whole series. What it does do, and I think that was the intention all along is to set things up for the second season. I'm all for the next season, however I expected more from the finale.

Lewis is great as the disturbed American war hero bringing in a lot of pain and intensity. Mandy Patinkin who enacts the role of Mathison's mentor, Saul Berenson, performs in a likeable manner with his amusing deadpan facial expression. I've become his fan. Now the best for the last, Miss Danes truly shines as a competent CIA Officer struggling with Bipolar disorder. The mixture of emotions she goes through during the series is portrayed with sheer brilliance. I couldn't take my eyes off, from what may turn out to be a career defining performance.

To sum it up, the show never peaks even though all 12 episodes are of a quality watch and full of intrigue. I get a feeling Homeland and crew are here for the long haul.

'Homeland' is not racy but a classy affair.

If you enjoy Thrillers, and this has passed you by, you've just got to see it. It is brilliant, gripping, and exciting! Great acting, writing and a great production. The story is utterly captivating and really makes you think. I bought it as I was recovering from surgery on my feet. I ordered it Thursday afternoon, and by Friday lunchtime it had arrived. The plans for the weekend? To sunbathe and read with my feet up. The reality? 3 episodes on Friday night. Three on Saturday morning with a (prolonged) breakfast. Couldn't resist another episode at lunchtime. Saturday night heaven with 4 more episodes. Final episode on Sunday morning with (a much shorter) breakfast. Then I couldn't resist telling everyone about it. Honestly, it is one of the best TV series you'll ever see. And the good news? Series 2 is currently being broadcast on Channel 4.
You'll find that Homeland lives in your mind long after you've finished watching it. A truly great story.

One of the best intelligent and subtle programmes I have seen recently. Made me watch it far more quickly than I planned to as I was so keen to see the next episode.

This deals with the complexities of human experience, especially in the modern era of 'terrorism' - it debates what is terrorism; religion; what is justified; it admits US mistakes of accidental mass murder; it looks at the cult of political power and what people will do to gain it - what is one person's pain, is another person's triumph. What it means to be a traitor or a hero.

As well as complex ideological issues which some viewers may not get, or want to get as it sometimes challenges our US/euro-centric view of the world - reading some of the low-star reviews, there are complex and subtle characters. Both Brodie (Damien Lewis - whose performances are always phenomenally complex and three dimensional) and Carrie's characters were superb - both very complicated and dealing with intelligent brokenness in different ways. It is this superb acting that keep the movie in such suspense - not being able to tell what might happen next, as real people work in very complex and sometimes contradictory ways. No one can say that the characters are simplistic - and all the characters did bring empathy and interest - including the personal sadness of Saul and his costly support of Carrie.

The balance between current and past timelines was excellent - and produced just at the right time to keep the suspense going. It was great to genuinely have no idea which way the plot was going to turn - certainly until we are given more information through-out the series. A worthy follower of 24, without quite so much gore.

Now for series two...