Homeland, the American television drama that graced our screens on September 30, 2012, has etched itself into television history. A brainchild of Howard Gordon and Alex Gansa, the show drew inspiration from the Israeli series ‘Hatufim,’ crafting a gripping narrative that kept viewers on the edge of their seats.
Carrie Mathison’s Return
After a tumultuous first season, Carrie Mathison found herself on leave from the CIA, desperately trying to regain her footing. But when her mentor, Saul Berenson, ropes her into a mission in Beirut, it sets off a chain of events leading to the shocking revelation that Nicholas Brody has been manipulated by al-Qaeda, putting him at odds with the United States. As Brody delves into politics, his entanglement with the Vice President grows deeper.
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Homeland Season 2 Episode 12 Recap
Allow me to conclude these recaps by circling back to my connection with Homeland’s showrunners, Howard Gordon and Alex Gansa, known for their work on ’24.’ During my time as a consultant on ’24,’ Howard once shared a peculiar observation. It seemed that ’24’ had a quirk where odd-numbered seasons, like 1, 3, and notably 5, outshone even-numbered ones during its initial six years of existence.
Interestingly, in Homeland’s second season, Howard and Alex appeared determined to replicate this pattern. It’s not a pleasant task to undertake, and I must admit, I may not be doing myself any favors by voicing these thoughts, considering the unpredictability of future collaborations with these talented creators. Nevertheless, I feel compelled to say it: Homeland took a rather sharp nosedive this year.
While season one showcased the enthralling dynamic between two endearing main characters grappling with their flaws and inner demons, season two, unfortunately, delved into melodrama, relying on contrived plot twists to compensate for the lack of natural character development.
Had it not been for the shocker ending of season one and the consistent comparisons drawn between the series and the works of John le Carré, these flaws might have remained somewhat concealed. However, the flaws persisted, and it seems that sometimes, accolades come before self-pride.
A Tale of Two Seasons
Season One: A Masterpiece
Season one of Homeland left audiences in awe. The chemistry between the two lead characters, Carrie and Brody, and their respective struggles created a heart-pounding thriller. The finale’s shocking note kept us hooked, and the characters’ complexity made the show a standout.
Season Two: A Disappointing Departure
However, the charm began to fade in season two. What should have been natural character development took awkward turns, resulting in a melodramatic plot that left fans bewildered. The once-beloved romance between Brody and Carrie took a tumble, leaving viewers questioning the characters’ decisions.
Lost Opportunities
Missing Character Development
The writers faced a challenging task. Season one’s premise made it unclear whether Brody was a terrorist or a victim of Carrie’s paranoia. The show successfully tackled this issue but failed to continue building Brody’s character, leaving him feeling dishonest even when being truthful. The romance’s downfall shattered any remaining connection he had with his family and portrayed Carrie as foolish.
Ignored Mental Instability
Carrie’s mental instability, a significant source of tension in season one, was pushed aside in season two. Perhaps the writers feared a plot cul-de-sac, but embracing her mental struggles would have added depth and intrigue, especially with Claire Danes’ exceptional portrayal of her character’s instability.
A Season’s Missteps
The Improbable Plot
The season’s missteps were further exposed by underwhelming action scenes, inconsistent dialogue, and plot inconsistencies. The explosive-filled SUV outside a CIA headquarters during a high-level meeting defied believability, highlighting the season’s weaknesses. Homeland, if it wishes to be compared to John le Carré, needs a more masterful touch on its major, season-ending reveals.
Homeland’s second season took a detour from the promise of its debut. While the show still had potential, it missed numerous opportunities to deliver a compelling narrative. Fans can only hope that, in subsequent seasons, the series reclaims its initial glory and maintains the suspense and intrigue that made it a hit.
