There are some (I would go so far as to say many) TV shows that start off in a meandering sort of format. Because of renewal constraints or time schedules, the show producers just don't quite get into a groove until late in the first season or even beyond. Likely due to its existence on pay cable (Showtime), however, "Homeland" starts off with a bang and doesn't waver a bit for all twelve episodes of this first season.
For a basic plot summary, "Homeland" begins with government agent Carrie Mathison (Claire Danes) investigating criminals of war in the Middle East. One one specific occasion, Carrie is told that an American POW has been "turned", or converted into a sleeper agent for Al Queda. At about the same time, U.S. soldier Nicholas Brody (Damien Lewis) is rescued after eight years of captivity. Is he the "turned" agent? As we (the viewers) are given closer looks at the lives of both Carrie and Nicholas, the mystery begins to unravel in tantalizing bits and pieces.
The hallmark of this show is easily the fact that the storytelling is paced so well. The show producers (much of the same team that contributed to "24", I believe) divulge everything so perfectly. Relationships are nurtured along (not rushed or prolonged), key plot points are parceled out bit by bit, and the characters grow a little bit with each situation. Only perhaps the very early season of "LOST" rival "Homeland" in terms of dramatic storytelling.
The acting is also top-of-the-line. Besides the two leads, great supporting performances are also turned in by Morena Baccarin, Mandy Patinkin, & Morgan Saylor, to name just a few. Each character has a specific purpose within the show, and all the actors realize that purpose and know how to use it to great dramatic effect.
Also, if (like me) you are a sucker for politically-themed dramas, then this will quickly rise up near the top of your "favorite shows of all-time" list. It manages to speak to many different political issues and events without taking sides or getting preachy, which is always refreshing.
Overall, I watched all twelve of these episodes in the span of days, not weeks. Even in such a short time frame (relatively speaking compared to season-long broadcast shows), so much happens that you'll feel as if you've watched twice the amount of actual fare. Suffice it to say that you'll be chomping at the bit for season two!
For a basic plot summary, "Homeland" begins with government agent Carrie Mathison (Claire Danes) investigating criminals of war in the Middle East. One one specific occasion, Carrie is told that an American POW has been "turned", or converted into a sleeper agent for Al Queda. At about the same time, U.S. soldier Nicholas Brody (Damien Lewis) is rescued after eight years of captivity. Is he the "turned" agent? As we (the viewers) are given closer looks at the lives of both Carrie and Nicholas, the mystery begins to unravel in tantalizing bits and pieces.
The hallmark of this show is easily the fact that the storytelling is paced so well. The show producers (much of the same team that contributed to "24", I believe) divulge everything so perfectly. Relationships are nurtured along (not rushed or prolonged), key plot points are parceled out bit by bit, and the characters grow a little bit with each situation. Only perhaps the very early season of "LOST" rival "Homeland" in terms of dramatic storytelling.
The acting is also top-of-the-line. Besides the two leads, great supporting performances are also turned in by Morena Baccarin, Mandy Patinkin, & Morgan Saylor, to name just a few. Each character has a specific purpose within the show, and all the actors realize that purpose and know how to use it to great dramatic effect.
Also, if (like me) you are a sucker for politically-themed dramas, then this will quickly rise up near the top of your "favorite shows of all-time" list. It manages to speak to many different political issues and events without taking sides or getting preachy, which is always refreshing.
Overall, I watched all twelve of these episodes in the span of days, not weeks. Even in such a short time frame (relatively speaking compared to season-long broadcast shows), so much happens that you'll feel as if you've watched twice the amount of actual fare. Suffice it to say that you'll be chomping at the bit for season two!