'Pilot' - Homeland, Season One

Homeland

Season One

Episode One

'Pilot' - 9.5

'Thinking about terrorism gets me in the mood. Stopping it, of course.'
- PS. Not actually from the show.

Homeland is a terrific television series. I say this as someone who has already seen the entire first season, and admit my desire to rewatch every episode so far is what is driving me to write this review. It is strange to pinpoint exactly what makes it so good - it feels a bit like I am trying to explain why I enjoy a specific song. I guess it's just satisfying, and evokes the right emotional reaction from me. I honestly don't know; all I can tell is that the whole first season is expertly crafted and nurtured by its writers, directors and actors.

It still doesn't make much sense to me; the score in 'Homeland' seems pretty stock-pile worthy, and never reaches any kind of crescendo on its own. The flashbacks are over directed and clichéd; with 1980’s vignettes and 'foggy' sound editing to make everything appear distant. One could even say the premise on its own doesn't sound interesting at all (I sure did). Yet, 'Homeland' is right, and when put together in this fashion is nearly flawless.

Personally, I think we can attribute the successful composition of the show to two aspects - Casting and writing. There are nearly no weak links in the relatively small cast, with even the little roles played to perfection. The two clear protagonists; CIA officer Carrie Mathison and former-POW Sergeant Nicholas Brody; are immaculately given life by Claire Danes and Damian Lewis. Brody's wife is played by sci-fi favourite Morena Baccarin, who proves her ability outside of laser guns and stargates. Mandy Patinkin seems to revel in playing Mathison's mentor Saul, a character not-unlike his role in Criminal Minds. The only not-so-fantastic performances are given by the children actors, though we can hardly fault them on that; however I must admit the son's 'nice to meet you' introduction to his father was very well done by the young Jackson Pace.

There are some moments of real acting greatness during this episode, including Lewis and Baccarin engaging in their first sexual encounter in over eight years, which ends in Brody's wife having to hold back her tears following a particularly rough tumble. Danes is the one who really steals the show though, coming through with a fury in scenes such as Carrie's interaction with Virgil in the van, the interrogation of Brody and the captivating part where Carrie was confronted over her surveillance of Brody by her friend - and superior - Saul.

The plot involves terrorism, a touchy topic for anyone; American or not, and it deals with the aftermath of 9/11 quite honestly and openly. Before then, I doubt such a show as this would have been conceivable, and 'Homeland' seems to be aware of where it all comes from and what it can and can't do if it wants to remain relevant and relatable. No one character is blatantly a terrorist, and they are never accused of being evil or immoral. In fact, Brody's possible dissent to the Muslim extremists - here led by fictional mastermind Abu Nazir - is handled sympathetically. We are given no specific answers as to what side he's on, but we are slowly being led to understand him no matter what. The most interesting piece of plot, however, is Mathison's 'mood disorder'. While no big deal is really made by anyone, Virgil makes a good point when he wonders whether Carrie is either A) telling the truth, B) making the whole thing up or C) completely and irreversibly insane. As the viewers we are forced to make a similar observation - there is no way Carrie is normal, but could she really just be paranoid? A possibly-insane protagonist is a hell of a gutsy move by the writers and should be continuously commended.

The characters and the actors who play them are what make this episode and the show, not only watchable but endlessly riveting. It is not funny or sad, over-the-top or subtle. 'Homeland' is simply captivating, if only due to a perfect balance of composition. This first episode, and nearly all of the rest of the season, are absolutely fantastic. A must-see drama for all.