If you watched this series either from the day it started to the end of the series on April 26th, 2020 or as a binge watcher who can deny the thrilling performances by the cast of this #Showtime drama.
[Photo Credit: Wix Stock Photos]
When I read a great book or watch a great series I always feel like I lost my best friend when its over. I had that same feeling after watching the final episode of #Homeland. Not only because I felt like I knew Saul & Carrie personally but because of the emotion evoked on numerous occasions watching each season unfold. Carrie, played by Claire Danes , embodied the definition of loyalty to her country but with an up and down ride though the seasons in and out of working for the CIA or on special assignments.
Carrie was a very flawed human as we all are. Her struggles with mental health yet her ability to be brilliant all at the same time were undeniable and the impossible predicaments she got herself into and out of with a moment to spare had the viewer believing she possessed superpowers and at times it appeared she did. So what was it that really draws the viewer to keep hitting the “next episode“ button?
Carrie Mathison possessed a humanity that was brilliant and childlike at the same time. Her allegiance and friendship with her CIA superior and advocate Saul Berenson played by Mandy Patinkin were unshakable. It was a mentor / mentee relationship but more like a big brother/little sister at times. Big brother tries to keep the exasperating little sister in line and warns her when she is pushing the limits of acceptable behavior. It’s fascinating to watch because its a relationship that is very relatable. As the series progressed and Carrie’s missions along with misadventures continued you find yourself wondering “ What will Saul say”?
At the beginning of the series Carrie has a terrible mistrust for a returning marine held captive but rescued from a terrorist compound. His name, Nicholas Brody, played by Damian Lewis, and theorizes he is a spy or terrorist. As the series reveals, she falls in love with him ( the forbidden fruit) and has a child with him. Their love affair ends badly with Brody being killed and Carrie finds herself a single mother with a child that has been fathered by a man many believed to be evil. It depicts the notion that we don’t pick who we fall in love with but rather love picks us. Married to her job and not equipped to raise a child she gives custody to her sister which proved to be a gut wrenching decision even though Carrie knew in her heart it was the right one. As adults, we surely have learned that doing the right thing is not always easy. Carrie is no different and she struggled with this decision just as most of us would.
I felt compelled to write about my “friend” (aka Homeland series) that left me last night. It was an unlikely friend that I didn’t think I would like at first. I judged the series by its trailer but in the end it consumed me and many others I would imagine. Carrie and Saul are a worthy friendship I would reccomend you explore. It sucked me in and here I am barely able to ”let go”.
I won’t spoil the ending if you are reading this before you have come to the end of the final season and episode. However, I will say this the beauty of #bingewatching and streaming platforms is that you can easily go back and find a new friend to obsess about or multiple ones at the same time. No spoiler here, but the ending is well done and #Homeland did not disappoint. Of course, I can’t help but wonder what season 9 would hold if there actually was to be one but there is not. I will imagine what would be next for both Saul and Carrie. As you watch the final scene and then the credits you too may wish for a season 9 as well. Once you watch you will know what I mean. However, for now as they say “all good things must come to an end”.
XO & #StayCurious
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