Homeland

Homeland drew me in from the very first episode and, to my own surprise, it has kept my enthusiasm high over 60 episodes. I suppose it's because it's so incredibly good. I originally wanted to skip it altogether, expecting a tsunami of patriotism and melodrama, but I was pleasantly surprised. Sure, the terrorists are the bad guys (and rightly so), but even the good guys aren't exactly all good and aren't portrayed as the standard relatable characters at all times. Damian Lewis is excellent as always, Claire Danes is absolutely superb, and the script is so good that after each season I can't wait for the next one to start. Edit: After finishing Season 8 and the whole series, my initial enthusiasm has somewhat waned. The creators gradually deviated from their original course. I even felt that they had completely lost their way more than once, which was most evident in the drop in quality in Season 7 and the Disney finale in season eight. Despite these quibbles, I still consider Homeland to be a great show that I enjoyed most of the time. (08/07/2016)

Season 1 is an awesome espionage treat. Claire Danes and Damian Lewis seem really natural in their roles. I really appreciate it because casting the wrong person can completely ruin an otherwise excellent film/series for me. I'm not a fan of Mandy Patinkin, but he was perfect as Saul. Both the premise and the writing is excellent so the story got me hooked right from the start. If you think I'm being too uncritical of the series, you're probably right. (11/28/2017)

It's rare that a single episode of a show convinces me I'll love it, but this time, the creators pulled it off. I was impressed by the casting, the premise, and the script. I'm really looking forward to seeing how the story unfolds. (11/26/2017)

The focus has shifted a bit from the main characters, diving into a subplot involving a Saudi prince. It's clear that this series might not sit well with die-hard American patriots, given how it portrays the CIA's attitude towards the expendability of its assets. (11/26/2017)

A great episode that I wouldn't recommend to anyone prone to paranoia — it might seriously worsen their condition. Even I found myself suspicious of the guy staring back at me in the mirror! (11/27/2017)

The pace slowed down so much that I almost expected a complete standstill, thinking the creators got too caught up in the physical connection between the two main characters. However, by the end, a lot of new information was being revealed, albeit shrouded in a thick fog of mystery. To sum it up, it was an excellent blend of biology and meteorology. (11/27/2017)

The episode shed more light on the story and clarified the previously hinted details. I love how the creators haven't made the show one-sided or black and white. Instead, the season is dominated by shades of gray. (11/27/2017)

The creators revealed more of their intentions, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I generally love spy films and series, but it's clear that the classic term "cloak and dagger" needs an update. Nowadays, "drone and laptop" seems much more fitting. (11/27/2017)

The final piece of the puzzle was revealed. Instead of diving into action sequences, the creators focused on the psychology of the two main characters. Carrie’s journey, in particular, was a fascinating and intense exploration. (11/28/2017)

The finale surprised me with its feature-length runtime, but every minute was worth it. From the opening "home" video to the electrifying conclusion, the tension never let up. The creators continued to delve into the psychology of the two main characters. This time, Sergeant Brody's Hamlet-like indecision had a more profound impact on me than the previous episode. His internal struggle was portrayed brilliantly. (11/28/2017)

I was as satisfied with the second season as I was with the first. Claire Danes doesn’t have to work hard to convince me that her character has a mental disorder. All it takes for her is to goggle her eyes. Damian Lewis was his usual flawless self. Plus, I have a new favorite character – Peter Quinn. I hope he stays on the show. I also wish Fahrid Murray Abraham got more space. Dar Adal would definitely deserve it. (11/29/2017)

Interesting episode. I still haven't come across any filler in this show. While this episode wasn't action-packed, it was filled with plenty of intriguing moments that kept me thoroughly entertained. Plus, who knew that being a tailor could be such a dangerous job? (11/28/2017)

This time, the creators went for a more intimate, almost claustrophobic vibe, and it really paid off with a gripping psychological focus. Aside from Quinn's "fish," there wasn't any action, but it still turned out to be one of the most intriguing episodes so far. (11/29/2017)

A decent episode. I'm not entirely sure where the storyline with Dana's accident is headed — it feels unnecessary on its own, but maybe it'll tie into something bigger. Luckily, there was plenty of intrigue again, and the action scene in Gettysburg was a solid highlight. 5*- (11/29/2017)

Just as good as the last episode. I take back my complaints about the car accident subplot — it turns out the creators knew what they were doing. 5*- (11/29/2017)

A fascinating look into the life of a man whose world has completely fallen apart, leaving him with only two choices: life imprisonment from the good guys or death from the bad guys. This episode had an excellent, gradually intensifying atmosphere. The creators did a great job building tension, leaving me thoroughly satisfied. (11/29/2017)

I'd really love to have something to criticize, but the creators of Homeland just aren’t giving me enough material. Once again, I'm satisfied. The segment focusing on Peter Quinn was a treat, and the ending was excellent. (11/29/2017)

One thing's for sure: if you’re a sensitive soul with a fondness for humanity, nature, and all living things, you might want to skip this series. It could shatter your illusions quite brutally. Intrigue abounds, distrust keeps growing, people disappear, and things escalate quickly. Sometimes it’s quite handy to have the ability to "turn someone off" without messing up the carpets. (11/29/2017)

This episode clearly signals the approach of the finale, ramping up the intensity and creating an atmosphere as thick as condensed milk. The intrigue is off the charts. Amidst all this chaos, the creators still found time to delve into the personal issues of some characters, and it was absolutely worth it. (11/29/2017)

The finale takes the story from idyllic moments to a full-blown massacre, a kind of explosive romance. Just like last time, it's packed with intrigue and events. With so many characters exiting the scene, I’m guessing the next season will feature a change of scenery. (11/29/2017)