Homeland, airing on Showtime, has to be one of the best depictions 
of the spy genre on television. The show picked up 6 Emmy Awards this week, one for each of the lead actors (Claire Danes and Damian Lewis) as well as an Emmy for best Drama series and 3 others (writing, editing and casting). After watching the first season of the show it is easy to see why.
Homeland is the story of Nicholas Brody (Damian Lewis) a Marine sniper who had been presumed dead until recently when he is found alive during a raid on an Al-Qaeda base by U.S. Special Forces. This is good news for his family but it is a red flag for C.I.A. agent Carrie Mathison (Claire Danes). Prior to Brody’s rescue Carrie had received information that an American prisoner of war had been “turned.” Carrie is now determined to prove that Brody is working for Al-Qaeda.
Even though the information Carrie has is nothing more than a vague warning, she sets up unsanctioned surveillance throughout Brody’s house; the only blind spot being the garage. Deep down she believes that Brody is hiding something and it is up to her to prove he is working for the enemy. When the surveillance turns up nothing Carrie is forced to remove all of the equipment from the Brody house. If Carrie would have had a camera set up in the garage she would have found Brody embracing his new found religion. Brody’s conversion to the Muslin religion is not proof he is a terrorist but it would have fed Carrie’s suspicions.
For the majority of the first season you really do not know if Brody has actually been turned or if it is a combination of readjusting to being home combined with guilt over omitting details from the report of what happened during his captivity. As the story unfolds and the audience is treated to flashbacks where the truth is finally revealed.
Homeland is a well written, intelligent show that keeps you guessing. I am one of those people who can usually predict the outcome of movies or television shows but I have found Homeland is anything but predictable. You’ll spend the entire season trying to guess if Brody has turned as well as just who may be the mole within the C.I.A. The thing about Homeland is that even though one question may get answered, two more come up. Fans of the espionage genre will love this show. Homeland is a realistic and believable depiction of the spy world.
The superb cast also includes Morena Baccarin as Jessica Brody, David Harewood as David Estes and Mandy Patinkin as Carrie’s mentor and boss at the C.I.A. If you haven’t watched Homeland yet Showtime is airing a marathon to get you ready for the new season. It starts at noon on Saturday September 29th. Then be sure to tune into Homeland as it begins its second season on Showtime September 30th at 10pm.
Homeland’s phenomenal first season is also available on Blu-ray (3 discs) and DVD (4 discs). The home video release includes deleted scenes, a making of documentary and a brief prologue to season two. If you watch the “making of” feature, be sure to watch through the credits for a few bloopers. The series does benefit from multiple viewing as you may catch something you missed the first time around.
Homeland is an excellent show and I recommend it for fans of the espionage genre or for fans of good drama. This show is a rarity in as even the slow points aren’t boring. Do yourself a favor and pick up this intense, thought provoking series.
