What We Don’t Want
With such complex character personalities and the irks that come with them, Homeland has so far done a brilliant job with constructing believable characters. With a show like this, the line between sanity and psychosis is dangerously thin. Though technically a psychological thriller series, Homeland falls perfectly in the drama category. One of the worst things that could be done to Homeland is to turn it into a freak show. Don’t get me wrong, Mathison’s psychotic breakdowns were thrilling to watch, but mostly because they were paced so evenly.
Now with her going under electroconvulsive therapy, she could very well end up being an unstable mess (true she was one before) but at least she had it under control. The last thing I want is for Mathison to give up her credibility as an investigator. I can only hope that her bipolar disorder remains as part of her character instead of a mere plot device. I would also love for Carrie to rejoin the CIA, but it doesn’t take precedence.
As for Brody, please oh please don’t have him switching back and forth. The whole premise of the show was determining Brody’s allegiance and when that was revealed, as stated earlier, it brought the show to somewhat of a halt. Homeland could have easily ended with just one perfect season, but as television shows go, its longevity was lengthened. Had Brody actually pulled off what he was set to do, the outcome would have been terrifying to behold. That wasn’t the case.
The way I see it, Brody can only turn once more (and only once more) to support the United States. Sure, the show wouldn’t be about the chase anymore, but it would also save itself from becoming stale. If Brody keeps turning over and over, it would end up being a gimmick – much like Mathison’s bipolar disorder. It’s inevitable that the show will end up being about the capture of Abu Nazir. The only question being which side for which Brody will ultimately fight. I believe that he can (and should) stick to his agenda for the upcoming season as he milks the American hero card dry.
Finally, I would love to see progress more than anything else. The first season gave more than anyone could ask for, but time after time, this usually means a gradual dragging out in order to meet the demand of upcoming seasons. If we’re left in the same boat as we started out on, there will be rage. Hopefully, the creators have a plan set up where there is a clear end goal and a clear final season. I would hate for this show to end up going in circles just for the sake of going in circles. You’ve spoiled us with the first season Homeland, keep doing so.
The second season of Homeland will premiere on September 30, 2012 on Showtime.
