Have you been watching Homeland on Channel 4?
Anyone answering ‘no’ should head off to 4oD and catch up on the first two episodes ahead of this week’s third instalment.
Though the pilot was a little slow, those watching have been treated to some powerful drama, not least from Claire Danes as ultra-paranoid CIA agent Carrie Mathison.
So far it’s Mathison who has provided the show with its terror and sense of fear – she’s the sort oflaw enforcement official who finds a theory she likes and then sets out to shape the evidence and facts to suit.
It seems there’s not a truth she wouldn’t bend or distort in order to salve her hysteria.
Analytical, fair playing Harry Pearce she isn’t!
Writing in a country sadly very familiar with domestic terrorism, Mathison’s paranoia and hysteria seem so obvious one wonders why her bosses haven’t spotted her near delusional state and referred her to the psych team.
Is she right? Are her fears going to taint an innocent man? Is it too early for viewers to form loyalties towards any of the characters?
I’ve deliberately avoided finding out so I can enjoy the story as it unfolds over the remaining 9 episodes.
The good news is that the show has been picked up for a second series.
PS: I’m also thoroughly enjoying Mandy Patinkin as Mathison’s former boss Saul Berenson.