Next week marks the 11th anniversary of 9/11.
How have the events of that day impacted your life? Do you still feel a sense of fear and insecurity? Have you largely put the events out of your mind, except during security screenings or air travel? For each of us, the experience has probably been somewhat different.
Claire Danes as flawed C.I.A. Agent Carrie Mathison
For Carrie Mathison (Danes), the C.I.A. officer at the center of the Showtime series Homeland, the events of 9/11 have caused a deep sense of personal guilt and responsibility. “I missed something that day,” Carrie tells her trusted mentor in the pilot; “I won’t let it happen again.” This quote drives all of Carrie’s actions to the point of obsession; she has no time for friends, family or relationships when terrorists attacks continue to threaten our homeland.
Thus, when Carrie’s suspicions fall upon a recently rescued Marine POW, we have to wonder- how reasonable are her fears? Is it possible that Sgt. Nicholas Brody (Damian Lewis) actually “turned” during his time in Al-Qaeda captivity? Or is Carrie’s judgement simply skewed by post-9/11 guilt? What about Carrie’s reliance on an anti-psychotic medication? Certainly, Carrie is unreliable and neurotic at best, if not completely paranoid.
What are we to make, though, of the Marine’s odd behaviors towards his wife, and the lies he tells CIA officers? What about his practice of hiding in the garage to engage in Islamic prayer?
Lewis as Sgt. Brody – Loyal Marine or Al-Qaeda spy?
The first few episodes reveal more questions than answers. Danes and Lewis are masterful in their ambiguous performances, leaving us open to any possibility. While the final reveal of the series seems a ways down the line, there is enough short-term action and intrigue to keep viewers on the edge of their seats, wanting more. We devoured the first 4 episodes in one sitting.
Homeland: Season 1 is our “You Gotta Check This Out” Pick of the Week!
What do you think??
