Should I Check This Out - Homeland (Season 1 & 2)

Coming in with two seasons, five Golden Globes and six Emmy Awards, Homeland has won over critics, award ceremonies and the public. Now, with season three on the horizon, I look back at the first two seasons. Spoiler free!

Setting up the basic premise, Homeland follows CIA agent, Carrie Mathison, played by Claire Danes, who suspects that US soldier, Nicholas Brody, played by Damian Lewis, who has returned home after eight years of being held captive in Iraq, may have turned against his country. Over the coarse of the first season, tension starts to develop, while maintaining a sense of realism throughout. The cast are also fantastic all round, as the series cuts between political tension and family drama. Overall, season one is fantastic, avoiding any sense of predictability or cliche to keep things fresh and exciting.

As the story moves into season two, there are lot questions from the get-go regarding what will happen next to who and why. Over the second season, I did start to notice a slight breakaway from the realism of season one, which may have divided opinion among some fans of the series. That said, I had a great time watching to see what would happen next, and there were some genuinely tense moments. In hindsight, what may have felt like a step away from realism, might have been intended as the stakes increase and plans start to fall into motion.


It probably goes without saying that season two introduces new characters, but they do deserve a mention as the show continues to impress with its more than solid cast. It should also be mentioned that while there is an increase in action, the story development feels natural and smooth. That is until the final episode.

Having managed to balance realism with action and excitement (not to say that it hasn't been done before), the final episode will make viewers think twice about whether they buy the ending. At first, I took it like I had with the final to the previous season, but then this, without spoiling anything, felt a little forced when other options were available, which is a shame.

That said, it is now with the opening episodes to season three to see whether it can smooth things over and explain season two's ending.

Hopefully I haven't scared off any newcomers because this is a great show with top performances across the board. Do I recommend Homeland? Yes, this is a show well worth your time.

Stay tuned for more when I'll be reviewing season three.