Claire Danes and Damian Lewis shine in “Homeland”
In the new Showtime series “Homeland,” Carrie Mathison (Claire Danes) is a CIA case officer chasing down threats to United States security in the Middle East when her investigation sets off a serious diplomatic incident.
Her field status is taken away from her and she is then assigned a desk job at CIA headquarters.
However, Carrie had already received a message that an American prisoner of war had been turned by Al-Qaeda.
Meanwhile Marine Sergeant Nicholas Brody (Damian Lewis), who has been missing in action for eight years and presumed dead, is suddenly recovered in Afghanistan,
Carrie suspects he’s the POW that’s a danger to his own country, but how far will she go to prove it?
And, is her suspicion correct, or is she completely off base and her sanity is unraveling?
These questions make this show compelling, along with Danes’ and Lewis’ performances.
Danes skillfully makes her character’s good intentions in keeping the U.S. safe completely clear while also displaying Carrie’s manic side.
Lewis is equally good in his portrayal of Brody, reacting to situations in ways you’d think a POW would react in most ways, but always seeming to be hiding something.
Morena Baccarin, who plays Brody’s wife Jessica, and Mandy Patinkin, who plays Carrie’s mentor and boss Saul Berenson, offer solid support in a show that is both provocative and intense.
“Homeland” premieres at 9 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 2 on Showtime.
– Melissa Hayer
mhayer@opubco.com
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