Claire Danes
Damian Lewis
Mandy Patinkin
Rupert Friend
F. Murray Abraham
Tracy Letts

Developed by:
Howard Gordon
Alex Gansa

2011-
Drama, Mystery, Thriller
Showtime
TV-MA

(After starting the fourth season; includes spoilers from previous seasons)

“Homeland” largely reboots itself in its fourth season. Of course, there’s no more Brody and, thankfully, no more of his family (especially his daughter, Dana). Also, during the first two episodes, which premiered back-to-back, there’s more mystery than thrills. The use of jazz music matched that tone beautifully. The pace is a notch slower; things are more subdued.

However, while the characters are in new situations, we know that all will be wrong soon. The acting, as always, is top-notch. Plus, these two episodes are more streamlined and focused than many of the previous seasons’ episodes. I was intrigued by this season’s start. While I wasn’t blown away, I definitely want to see what happens next. So far, so good. …

The third episode of the fourth season of “Homeland” brings back much of the tension from the previous seasons. It has thrilling moments, but still maintains its focus. Strong stuff. While “Homeland” still isn’t back to being great, it’s certainly back to being very good.

Verdict: Good to Very Good Overall (Great First Season)

About: (Source: homeland)

HOMELAND is an edge-of-your-seat sensation. CIA officer Carrie Mathison (Claire Danes) is tops in her field despite being bipolar, which makes her volatile and unpredictable. With the help of her long-time mentor Saul Berenson (Mandy Patinkin), Carrie fearlessly risks everything, including her personal well-being and even sanity, at every turn. You won’t be able to turn away from this gripping, emotional thriller in which nothing short of the fate of our nation is at stake.