User reviews

The last few seasons of Homeland were not quite as good as the earlier ones and but I still gave it an 8/10 because the first 4 or 5 seasons were so good and was one of the best shows on TV during those seasons! The ending was also great and we all know how hard it is to end a good show with a good ending! I really do miss this show!

Homeland was such a smart and interesting show. It started following the story of Sgt. Nicholas Brody (Damian Lewis) who returns home a hero following eight years in captivity. Bipolar CIA agent Carrie Mathison (Claire Danes) thinks he has turned and wants to commit a terrorist act on American soil. Every season follows Carrie as she tries to prevent terrorists from carrying out their plots. I loved the entire series but have to admit that the last few seasons of Homeland have gone down a little in quality. They're still pretty good as long as you don't compare them to the first few seasons. I really can't recommend this show enough.

Claire danes gives in my opinion one of the best performances in entertainment history. Carrie mathison is probably the most polarizing protagonist I have seen yet. I find it amusing how fans can hate her so much but continue watching when the show is so much about carrie.. especially in later seasons when she really becomes the focus. Personally I love carrie.. i find claire danes intensity really impressive and I actually am anxious watching her. Carrie's crying does not bother me. I actually think it makes complete sense. Part of bipolar disorder is having those strong emotions and to some that may seem exaggerated but I think it fits her character being a bipolar CIA spy .. thats gotta be one of the most stressful jobs to exist. Of course thats not the case for everyone but it makes sense for carrie. Homeland is a very tense show and I can understand it's not for everyone. Horror is my favorite genre but I find this show about terrorism scarier than most any horror. It is probably the most depressing show I've seen.. honestly it could have used some occasional comedic relief. I really don't know anything about the CIA and this is the first show/movie in the spy genre I've watched so I really can't speak on how realistic this series is but i'm guessing it isn't always and they probably exaggerate some stuff for entertainment. I'm middle eastern and I appreciate that this show doesn't seem to take sides to show not everything is so black and white. The american side and CIA are shown to be corrupt as well. Danes portrayal of bipolar disorder is shocking and sometimes seems too real to be acting. I probably would not have watched this show with out her and I can't wait to see what she does next.

So sad to see eight years come to a close, but what a close it was! I want to thank the entire cast, writers, production, and post production crews for putting together such a fab series.

It goes beyond my comprehension that people hate this show. They must all be American brainwashed patriots. Seriously get over it, it's just a show and it's a good one. I absolutely love this show, the actors are all very believable in their roles, the storyline is exceptional, full of twists that keeps you on the edge of your seat during the whole show. At the end of every episode I already want to watch the next one as soon as possible. Everything that you think happens in real life when you think about CIA, espionage, terrorists and so on passes the register. Conspiracies, paranoia, double-crossing, betrayal, false promises etc. Clair Danes puts down a brilliant performance playing an unstable CIA analyst. To me the whole series is full of action and suspense. One of the best series!

If you wanted to see a gripping thriller with incredible characters, you have come to the perfect place. 'Homeland' is the new Showtime Drama that entertains you throughout and never lets you go, thus succeeding in slipping in some really unexpected twists in the plot. With writers who've previously written for '24', the show does look inspired when it comes to keeping the audience in the dark.

The show is blessed with a small but amazing cast whose performance is worth every penny. Claire Danes plays an intense CIA analyst who believes that recently recovered P.O.W. (Damian Lewis) is plotting to attack America. Her character is unstable and makes it hard for the audience to believe her which adds to the beauty of the script. Damian Lewis, on the other hand, plays the 'guy in uniform' with ease as he did splendidly in 'Band of Brothers'. The show hasn't revealed much about Damian's character and I have a feeling they wouldn't do that any time soon, since it keeps the suspense going.

The pilot was top-notch and certainly the best that premiered this fall. If the show continues to be intriguing and maintains the high quality of the pilot, it can surely be a genius.

10 stars at least for now.

Have recently viewed the entire series again and, again, mightily enjoyed it. However, it reminded me of the pain in watching the teenage daughter of Brody in the earlier episodes - I suppose mainly seasons 2 and 3. Fortunately in re watching the series I am now at least able to fast forward those - far too many - scenes with the daughter's constant, constipated expressions. I suppose this is small price to pay for what has been an exceptional TV product.

If you want to watch some inane shoot em up show about terrorism where America can do no wrong and always kills the enemy, there are plenty of those available. However if you want a more in depth look at the causalities of terrorist attacks and the people that devote their lives to preventing them, then Homeland is a show for you.

One thing that has bothered me for years in shows like 24 is the stereotypical views that they promote about the non-traditional Americans such as Muslims. Every single Islamic member that is shown in shows like 24 ends up having some ties to terrorism and is inherently evil. It doesn't stop there though, any deviation of what is thought to be the ideal American lifestyle leads to trouble in such single minded simplistic shows, but I digress.

This is a review about Homeland which is a surprisingly good entertainment. It starts with Carrie Mathison (Claire Danes in an astonishing performance) learning that an American POW has been turned and is now working for a terrorist organization. Later when an American POW, Gunnery Sergeant Nicolas Brody (Damian Lewis), is rescued she starts to think that he may have been the one she was warned about.

WIthout any proof or any real probable cause, she opens an investigation and begins tracking his movements to see if anything raises suspicions. Another bothersome thing about many other shows is the way the lead characters of those shows someone has the audacity and ability to flout both federal and state laws without any repercussions. Homeland does not let any of it's characters get off so easy. If any character is in the wrong in any way they are appropriately chastised for it. In addition to Claire Danes and Damian Lewis awards worthy performances, Mandy Patinkin's performance as upper level CIA officer and Carrie Mathison's mentor is phenomenal.

Not wanting to give away to much of this amazing plot I will end this review here. However I will say that even though the first few episodes of season one are a little slow, it is to be expected since automatically leading into the action is a good way to turn an astute brilliantly crafted show into another asinine action filled debacle.

Okay, firstly, I gotta say, I watched the entire series believing that there would only be one season and the story would be finished by the finale episode. This is because I saw that IMDb listed the show's running period as (2011) only and not the usual (2011-), meaning its ongoing - when did they change that? That was kinda stupid of me, I guess. Anyway, I see that the show's been renewed for a second season, which is great, because this show is very good. Just a heads up, though, that my false belief kinda affected my view of the show while I was watching it, especially the last episode where I was expecting everything to wrap up.

Like I said, this show is good, very good. Its basically what AMC's Rubicon should have been like. Its very much in the same vein, with the themes of paranoia, conspiracy theories and dealing with the whole intelligence business. Only in Homeland, stuff actually happens, the plot moves along and it keeps you interested. Rubicon had a good premise but literally nothing happened on that show and that's why it got cancelled. Homeland has a bit "tinfoil hat" premise too, but the story and characters are so complex, you accept that in favor of just being entertained. Both Damien Lewis's and Claire Danes's respective characters are in danger of becoming cliché, but because they are so complex and so well acted, you find yourself drawn to these people. The all-important guessing of whether Brody is turned or not is not just a question of if, but also why or why not. And Carrie Mathison is not just some government suit with a patriotic zeal to root out the terrorist conspiracy - her obsession comes from somewhere darker, as well. Mandy Patinkin is pretty close to being a show-stealer too, with his laser-wit and deeply caring Saul.

The middle episodes are probably the highlight of the season. That's when most seems to be at stake for the main characters and before the big reveal on the whole 'turned' question. After that, the story kinda looses some of its momentum (still exciting, though) and the finale episode could be called anti-climactic by some, but I was still thrilled by the very last scene, which (when re-viewed with the facts straight) set up the second season nicely.

I'm really looking forward to what will happen in season two, for as I say, I thought this one was all there was right until the cut-to-black of the final scene, where I then checked the show's Wikipedia page. Now the ending definitely makes more sense. As for the story, the cat is pretty much out of the bag on the big question of turned/not turned and the future of our heroine is looking not so bright, so where the story will go next, I shall wait to see.

Easy 9/10 based on the acting of the main cast and the thrilling story.

people have tried to compare it to 24 but its much better than that even i loved the show, why? because it's much more believable and convincing. The scripting is great the dating is great the sub plots are great and the main plot is something we cannot put our finger on it, is he or isn't he? I love the way it's going and i have my views on which i'll keep to myself. I think Claire Danesas being slightly unhinged and manic is brilliant as that actually helps her to get the job done in a strange kind of way.

Excellent show, which the main networks couldn't or wouldn't be able to produce..........

If you're a patriot, you want to watch this show If you're a fan of great story telling If you're a fan of great character development There are so many reasons to watch a show that's appealing on so many levels.

The show runners & writers create a framework in which excellent actors bring these stories & characters to life.

It's edge of the seat viewing most of the time.

As an AF Veteran, patriot & fan of credibly story telling, I would encourage you to check it out!

The show starts off with one of the most suspenseful couple seasons of television. I loved it. And then that plot passes. But homeland never slowed down. By season 6-7, I could not believe the accuracy and relevancy that the homeland producers could have predicted when filming this show years ago. It is compelling on face value, but evolves into something so incredibly poignant on our political/intelligence landscape. Fantastic television, and important portrayal of the dangerous path our country has hurtled into the last few years.

This is my genre and it is the best out there with unexpected plots and twists. The best spy show out there and I totally can recommend it

I've only seen the pilot but it was exceptional viewing. Not for children though.

If they continue to allow the writers and actors to flex their muscles this show will shine. There is a professional quality to Homeland that I haven't seen in a long time. The direction was subtle but commanding, the actors were ace, and the writing was poignant without once hinting at the maudlin.

Hopefully the studio won't cut the creative/professional legs off this one just as it starts running.

Very engrossing stuff.

Highly recommended. You want to watch all episodes in one go believe me!

When I originally watched this show on a one episode a week basis I thought some of the parallel stories dragged on a bit - How wrong I was. I have just gone through all seven seasons and now know it was my impatience that lead me to think the show dragged.

I thoroughly recommend a binge-watch.

The acting, production values, directing, SFX, and most importantly, the writing, are all top class.

I totally disagree with the comments criticising the show for focusing on Carrie. Where else could it go? She was always the central character and Claire Daines is a superb actress. Her combination of feisty, vulnerable, intelligent, and confused is very well balanced and believable.

Mandy Patinkin is just brilliant as Saul. His deep thinking, calmness, and insight into situations is a masterclass in acting.

Homeland is quality drama and I highly recommend it.

Homeland is a great series for many reasons, not least for the indredible cast. It is also quite interesting to watch it as a European, because it's partly pretty honest about the foreign policy of the United States. While there is little to no mention of economic interests in the middle east conflicts, I really appreciate that - especially in the recent seasons - the series makes it clear that the US and Islamists can be best buddies, as long as they fight against socialism and democracy. It's none of this pretending-to-be-good crap of many other series, but a really good Intellligence drama. You don't have to agree with those policies and it's still great to watch. This honesty about the own agenda, also makes it not fall into the trap of generalizing Muslims as something (either good or bad) as again, many other series do.

Homeland certainly is a classic and highly enjoyable no matter where you personally stand on matters of world politics.

Claire Danes is the best actor in the best series on TV, thus she is outstanding and unparalleled. She has always totally inhabited her characters, and she is a worthy successor to Meryl Streep's esteemed title as World's Best Chameleon actor. She is absolutely believable in every scene. She is Carrie, CIA agent extraordinaire, and no one else. Mandy Patinkin, as her boss, is also at the top of his game here.

Yes, this so dangerous, foreboding and often creepy CIA tale about terrorism and its horrible personal fallout is wonderful TV and shows what can be done in a quality cable TV series with a complex tale that cannot be unwound in a 2 hour movie. It takes many hours of story to unpeel all the layers of the strange onion that is the CIA, or at least the entertainment version of it. Red herrings abound throughout, moving from "is it that guy?" to another guy in a flash, keeping us guessing who is doing all that national security damage that this CIA says is always critical and crucial and deadly, and always consumes the full life of any agent at the expense of all else, and even makes some of them ill or crazy or even traitors.

No opinions are stated here on whether the story is realistic and whether the events and personal interactions depicted truly happen in the real CIA. Of course the story is dramatized, as much of real CIA work is numbingly boring and mundane, but of course who would watch that?

The story, supporting cast, mood lighting and soundtrack, locations, and camera work are so outstanding that they rival the best feature film work. Of course, odd story twists, dramatic effects, and chew the scenery acting also abound here, but so much of it is necessary to propel the story for a full series and keep it threatening and scary with no comforting let up, ever.

This level of TV quality is what everyone always thought TV could be if it really tried. And, after watching this accomplished series, you will never again trust that strange neighbor of yours. You know, the one who comes and goes at such odd hours. Hmmm.

I didn't immediately like the Quinn character, but you can say he grew on me. After the events of Season 5 for his character, his portrayal of Peter Quinn with new challenges physically, emotionally, and intellectually is nothing short of phenomenal.

Even with his challenges, Rupert's portrayal of his Peter Quinn character still has you trusting him at every move or decision he presents. So much so that I would put money on him making the right decision ahead of anyone else who's experienced less trauma making the right decision.

I'm still waiting for him to literally save the day for everyone else and finally tie up too many loose ends left dangling in this show.

So let me start off by saying that the first season of Homeland is one of the best Season's of any TV show. Up there with my favorite seasons of my favorite shows like Twin Peaks, The Wire, Deadwood, OZ, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Endeavour, Peaky Blinders, Dexter, The Shield, Sons Of Anarchy,etc..

From the writing, to the acting, to the cinematography, to the audio, to the editing, the first season is near perfection. The first season is a 10/10 for me.

Now.... how are the other seasons? The other seasons are good to, if the first Season is a 10, the rest of the seasons are an 8 and that is how I got to a 9/10 for the series as a whole.

Claire Danes gives her best performance of her career and is simply amazing from top to bottom, perfect acting. Not just some of the best acting ever for a tv show, but for movies also, she nails this role perfectly. The supporting cast is great to with Mandy Patinkin doing an amazing job to, as does F. Murray Abraham and Damien Lewis.

I don't want to give away any spoilers because the less you know about this show the more you will appreciate it. Just know that it is a wonderful crafted show that is worth watching.

The finale is also worth mentioning as being very well done to. And while the other seasons can't match up to the picture perfect Season 1, they are still worth watching and enjoying, its just that season 1 set the standard so high.