Homeland: The Complete First Season

HOMELAND is beyond phenomenal. This is a superbly written series with an amazingly talented cast. I had heard so much about this show and was hooked after the first episode. I spent several nights watching as many episodes as I could. I couldn't get enough of Carrie Mathison (Claire Danes) and Nicholas Brody (Damian Lewis)and Brody's family. What a fascinating story to tell and I appreciated that the show follows one story rather than a new story each week. Finally a drama where we can go into depth and detail on characters. HOMELAND is seriously addictive. Danes has found her perfect role in Carrie Mathison - the psychologically troubled yet dedicated CIA agent. She takes her job seriously but psychological problems are always lurking. From a contact in Iraq, she learns that an American POW has been "turned". He is now on the side of the extremists. Out of the blue, a missing and assumed lost soldier Sgt Nicholas Brody is rescued in a daring mission. He has been held for 8 years and now he is returning to his wife Jessica (played buy the stunningly beautiful Morena Baccarin and two kids. His son barely remembers him while his "little girl" is a troubled teenager. There is a story in itself of a family trying to rebuild itself after the father has been missing for 8 years years. What on earth would that be like? HOMELAND explores that on some level but I think they did miss the boat on exploring it even further and deeper. The Brody family has to rebuild itself. Mathison suspects that Brody is the POW who has been "turned" but she has no hard evidence. Enter her superior and mentor Saul Berenson (Mandy Patinkin)as the only person she trusts with her suspicions. Amazing that she does not tell her boss or coworkers what her contact in Iraq told her. She goes on a one woman mission to prove Brody is now a terrorist bent on major destruction. HOMELAND plays this suspicion very well. We're never quite sure what Brody's intentions are and clearly, anyone held in miserable conditions for 8 years is going to have "issues." This also brings up another point. It seems that Brody is debriefed before he arrives home and is never offered counseling or help. I would suspect that both he and his family would need some extensive counseling but it seems like Brody returns home and that is that. It took me awhile to warm up to Mandy Pantinkin's character Saul Berenson. Berenson doesn't often say much but it is his expressions that tell stories. At first, Berenson seemed like an unnecessary throw-away character but his importance grows and Mathison falls apart mentally. There are several twists and turns in HOMELAND. The writers keep the audience guessing and not everything is what it seems. The show does seem to follow stereotypes as far as Arabs are concerned. Obviously, HOMELAND is employing There are several Arab and Arab-American actors, but most are terrorists or wannabes. Although a couple struggle with their consciences, we don't see many normal everyday people trying to make a peaceful life in the US. One thing we learn quickly in HOMELAND is that if an agent (Mathison in this case) promises protection in exchange for information that will stop a terrorist again, be sure to run and run far. One thing will surely happen when a person agrees to cooperate. Overall, HOMELAND is an amazing show. The story and twists keep the view captivated. Danes and Lewis are at the top of their game as actors. Season 2 leaves us wanting more. Nothing is resolved so the story continues.

I had been told I would like this but was reluctant because of the typical stereotypes put into such shows. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that it was originally an Israeli series about a returning POW. That emphasis on the missing soldier Brody (Damian Lewis) returning after eight years was a set up for an American television series. Add in Carrie (Claire Danes), a CIA officer pulled back to Langley to be an analyst for going "too far" in Baghdad trying to protect a 'burned' source who told her al Qaeda had turned an American. That is the very beginning to get you assuming how things might go from the very beginning. If that was all this series was it would be good for two maybe three hours of viewing. This series is so much more. The soldier must deal with a family that believed he had died and moved on including a son who can't remember his father because he was an infant when the soldier left. He also has to deal with his life in "captivity" and that he was captured with his sniper team mate, who was beaten to death, for whom he dug a grave for and saw buried. The disconnect of what he has experienced effects how he can deal with freedom. His torment leads him to lash out, whether fairly or not, at those he comes into contact with. Carrie on the other hand has been so wronged by the Agency that she will do anything to prove them wrong and now she has a chance to prove that she was right all along. She of course ignores her mentor's advice and breaks the law in her pursuit coming up with a clue. Up until here it is kind of stereotypical plot, but then when that clue doesn't lead to more and eventually pans out, she is fixated on Brody. And of course if there is a sleeper terrorist then there is even that much more conflict for the series that could have been a two hour movie. This series however was just starting with this much. Brody's family, the wife of his dead sniper mate, and old friends wouldn't have made it into a movie to cut time off of it. Carrie's family and her condition wouldn't have made it into a movie either, extraneous subplots consuming too much time in a hunt / countdown thriller. This series is made by including characters with believably motivated plotlines of their own. It tries to show how the CIA operates (as well as anything in Hollywood or television can) rarely going into stereotypes. I could go into all the details, which make this a brilliant series, but I don't want to ruin it and I will probably find more as I watch it again. Go out and get it. You will find out that it is worth every cent and more for the hours of smart entertainment (and thought provoking) that it gives you.

2011 was a great year for television, with lots of established shows doing some of their best work ever. But in my view, the best thing going on TV was a new show that quickly ascended to the top of the heap, Showtime's sinister psychological thriller HOMELAND. The central storyline revolves around CIA agent Carrie Mathison, still haunted by the events of 9/11, and her belief that returning war hero Sergeant Nicholas Brody has in fact turned against his country as an al-Qaeda operative. You know they had to be aiming high with the cast they assembled. The star is Claire Danes, making a long-awaited return to TV after a decade and a half in Hollywood. Given Danes' acting résumé, you might expect her to play a straight-laced CIA agent, but this character is anything but. Her Carrie Mathison is brilliant, fearless, determined, but also reckless, abrasive, unstable, and totally unpredictable. It's a tremendous piece of casting, as we've never seen Claire in a role anything like this, and you'll be stunned at how great she is here. Her performance alone makes Homeland a must-see. Damian Lewis plays the other lead character: Nicholas Brody, a Marine returning home with a lot of baggage after spending eight years in hell as an al-Qaeda prisoner in Afghanistan. He battles PTSD, struggles to re-integrate with his family who had long assumed he was dead, and.. is Carrie right about him working for al-Qaeda? No matter which way you're leaning, Damian and the writers go a great job of planting seeds of doubt in your head. Lewis brings a world-class performance to this role as the mysterious Brody. The supporting cast is also stellar. Mandy Patinkin is particularly notable, playing Carrie's mentor, in a role that is less prominent and also more subdued than his usual starring roles. His subtlety is a great contrast to Claire Danes' out of control intensity. With all these actors in place, along with superlative directing and writing, Homeland becomes a thriller of the highest order. Do note that despite the fact that the show was created by "24" alumni, this is not an action series. It's smarter, more cerebral and more about the characters. This is not to its detriment- Homeland is as exciting and suspenseful as anything you'll see. All I can say is that I was constantly on the edge of my seat, and always left dying to see the next episode. Season 1 of Homeland gets the highest possible recommendation.

"Homeland, Season 1, is definitely the best film/TV production about a post 9/11 world. "Homeland," (as one would imagine), refers to Homeland security, a US umbrella term formed to prevent terrorist attacks within and without the United States. "Homeland" premiered on October 2, 2011 on Showtime. The series is loosely based on the Israeli television series Hatufim, ("Prisoners of War") created by Gideon Raff and developed for American television by Howard Gordon and Alex Gansa. The first season follows Carrie Mathison, a CIA operations officer, who has come to believe that Nicholas Brody, an U.S. Marine Sergeant held captive by al-Qaeda as a prisoner of war for eight years, was turned by the enemy and now poses a significant risk to national security What makes this particular show special is the quality of the acting and a shining cast: Claire Danes is Carrie Mathison, the above mentioned CIA operations officer assigned to the Counterterrorism Center.She has serious mental health issues; Damian Lewis gives a powerful performance as Nicholas Brody, a U.S. Marine platoon sergeant who was rescued by Delta Force after being held by al-Qaeda as a prisoner of war; Morena Baccarin is Jessica Brody, Nicholas Brody's beautiful and supportive wife. She holds a troubling secret; Mandy Patinkin is Saul Berenson, the CIA's Middle-East Division Chief. He is Carrie's old boss and mentor. Mr. Potenkin can always be counted on to deliver a fine performance; David Harewood plays David Estes, the Director of the CIA's Counterterrorism Center. He is Carrie's boss and ex-lover; Diego Klattenhoff is Mike Faber, a U.S. Marine Captain. He was Nicholas' best friend who, assuming Brody was long dead, started an intense relationship with Jessica Brody. The two had intentions of marriage before Brody resurfaces; and last on the primary actor list are the Brody children- Jackson Pace is the young boy scout son, Chris Brody and Morgan Saylor is 16 year-old Dana Brody. Both adolescents give professional and believable performances, as do the supporting cast members. The writing and character development are also excellent. The show's most intriguing aspect rests on the rich topic area and the wide latitude afforded to its writers. One of my few problems with the storyline is that Sgt. Brody seems kinda "normal," (given his mind-boggling, excruciating experience), with nightmares and the erratic, paranoid behavior of PTSD, than most people would be after 8 years of being imprisoned in a bunker, tortured, etc. He seems to go right into considerable lift-off just a few weeks after being rescued. The reasoning for this over the top mental health, (he is deeply affected but, talking, walking, functioning with his family & the public), is that our government wants to use him as a hero/poster-boy. He is ment to represent the US victory against al-Qaeda. Most people who have served in combat usually have nightmares and erratic behavior for a long while after deployment...and while on active duty. So, Brody's behavior stretches one's believability. However, because I really like the show's concept and the acting, I just "believed." This show was well received by the public, (& definitely by me), to say the least, and won both the Golden Globe Award for Best Television Series – Drama and the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Drama Series for the season.

Season 1 of Homeland is nothing short of a masterpiece. From the very first episode, it hooks you with its intense storytelling, masterful pacing, and deeply complex characters. Claire Danes delivers a phenomenal performance as Carrie Mathison, a brilliant and unstable CIA officer whose relentless pursuit of the truth keeps you on the edge of your seat. It’s not just a spy thriller, but also an exploration of loyalty, trust, and the sacrifices made in the name of national security. The writing is sharp, the twists are unpredictable, and the stakes feel very real. Season 1 doesn’t just entertain; it leaves you questioning everyone’s motives and wondering how far people are willing to go for their beliefs. The tension builds beautifully with every episode, and the finale is a masterclass in thriller storytelling. Even Tarantino while on Rogan's Podcast mentioned how the buildup, emotion, and suspense of the finale is top-tier and should be studied in filmmaking. I always recommend this series to anyone interested in spycraft, espionage, political intrigue, or who have a niche for thrillers. This show bred some of the most nail-biting moments I've seen in a show that I still remember to this day 10 years later.

Very good show for the first 3 seasons. I stopped watching after that because Damian Lewis was gone from the cast.

I somehow bought two seasons of this snoozer before watching the first one. One of the most boring series I've ever seen. How did this mess last 8 years? Great show to go to sleep to. It is SO-O-O boring!!!!!!!!!!

Homeland is a smart show. Really smart. It does everything right. In terms of plot, it quickly ensnares the audience in a seemingly simple situation that gets evermore involved, complicated and detailed. There isn't really a single episode that lags or drags and it rapidly exhibits a mastery in how to engage the viewer. It's a hugely addictive season that has the best elements of The Killing and Damages without ever yielding to the obvious or convenient. The casting could not be better. There are also some complex threads running in a story that combine everything demanded of a show like this: political drama, family life, teen stress and over-arching themes of what's right, what's practical and what really happens. It meshes together perfectly and consistently executes to interest, surprise and question the viewer. I don't want to give away any part of the plot since it's best consumed without knowing much about where it's going. The lead characters shine in their roles and I'm once again wondering why it's so hard for mainstream movies to understand how they do this. If you enjoy quality TV dramas such as The Killing and The Walking Dead, you'll be glued to this story. And I really do hope that regular film figures out the trick soon.

tres bien

Original box set. Mint condition. Played the 1st disc as a test and no issues. Oh and it's anamorphic it seems, loaded as full screen in 16:9

Homeland ha uno spunto di partenza intrigante: un militare disperso in Iraq torna a casa, ma in realtà ha subito il lavaggio del cervello e torna a casa come terrorista islamico. C'è quanto basta per un thriller che tiene incollati alla poltrona, ma Homeland ha molto di più. In primo luogo, una grande attenzione al lato umano della vicenda, eredità dello show originale israeliano Hatufim (Prigionieri di guerra) da cui la serie è liberamente tratta. Il sergente Brody, convertito all'Islam, non è una macchina di morte, ma un uomo come tutti, con contraddizioni, dubbi e incertezze: sulla sua missione, sul suo Paese natio, e sulla sua famiglia che, dopo averlo creduto morto, si trova frastornata dal suo ritorno e dall'inevitabile clamore mediatico. In secondo luogo, Homeland presenta una singolare coppia di "buoni" che seguono la pista di Brody: l'agente della CIA Carrie Mathison e il suo mentore, Saul Berenson. Carrie - dotata di un intuito senza pari - ha però un leggero problema personale. E' bipolare, e dipende dai farmaci. A Saul spetta l'arduo compito di sovrintendere alla missione di Carrie - l'unica a sospettare di Brody - e di proteggerla, nascondendo il suo segreto ai vertici della CIA, intrecciando con lei un rapporto che a momenti, più che quello tra mentore e allievo, sembra quello tra un padre e una figlia. Le cose si complicheranno quando, a sorpresa, tra Carrie e il terrorista Brody nascerà un'attrazione... E tutti i protagonisti dovranno scegliere, in qualche modo, tra fedeltà e tradimento: nei confronti della patria, della famiglia, degli ideali. Strapremiati, meritatamente, gli interpreti, Claire Danes/Carrie, Mandy Patinkin/Saul e Damian Lewis/Brody, ma i co-protagonisti non sono da meno (in particolare Morena Baccarin nella parte di Jessica, la tormentata moglie di Brody). Infine, impossibile non elogiare una scrittura (Howard Gordon e Alex Gansa) sorvegliatissima, che tiene il ritmo e la tensione, mai cadere in eccessi truculenti "HBO-style". Per chi scrive, serie consigliatissima, da vedere assolutamente.

テレビ放送やDVDと違い、画質が良いです。DVDレンタルを何回もするより買って良かったです。

¡Qué buena fue la primera temporada de Homeland! Te crea una intriga al estilo de la primera de Prison Break, con mucho cliffhanger y muchas ambiguedades. Una pena que la 2 y 3 temporada bajasen un poco la calidad. Si la línea argumental de la historia de la hija se la cargasen, la serie ganaria todo.