Homeland: A Rewatch During a Pandemic
Back in February, a rewatch of “Homeland” began with the goal of catching up before the series finale. The intention was to analyze the show’s portrayal of American interventionism in the Middle East and its evolution over the years. The initial plan was to praise Claire Danes’ performance and critique the show’s depiction of a fantasy world where American might consistently brought peace.
This initial vision, however, proved to be a fantasy itself. The rewatch commenced during the early days of quarantine in New York City, a stark contrast to the show’s fictional world of global crises. The experience of watching “Homeland” amidst a real-world crisis offered a new perspective. The show, known for its supposed predictive abilities, felt strangely out of touch, not for failing to foresee a pandemic, but for its narrow focus on the Middle East as the sole source of conflict.
“Homeland,” initially categorized alongside shows like “House of Cards,” “Scandal,” and “Veep,” explored the dramatic potential of American bureaucracy. While it seemingly displayed more versatility than its contemporaries, “Homeland” revealed a certain rigidity in its narrative structure. Despite shifting storylines, the show consistently positioned Carrie Mathison at the center of global events, limiting its exploration of broader themes.
My engagement with “Homeland” during the rewatch was inconsistent. Season five, viewed in a semi-fugue state during the early days of quarantine, felt distant and emotionally detached. Personal experiences, such as the loss of a pregnancy, further highlighted the disconnect between the show’s fictional crises and the realities of life during a pandemic. The act of watching a show about political and personal instability while experiencing similar turmoil felt strangely surreal.
Following the initial shock of the pandemic, “Homeland” found a new place in the viewing experience. The show provided a sense of comfort in its familiar narrative of a flawed but ultimately successful protagonist. Carrie’s mental health struggles, initially presented as a weakness, became her strength, allowing her to navigate complex situations and emerge victorious.
Carrie’s journey resonated with the desire for clarity and control in a chaotic world. The show’s depiction of her mental illness as a source of insight offered a compelling, if unrealistic, narrative. However, this romanticized portrayal of mental illness also raised questions about its accuracy and potential impact.
“Homeland” consistently prioritized Carrie’s personal struggles over the larger geopolitical context. Even without Nicholas Brody, the show remained deeply focused on Carrie’s internal battles. The other characters served primarily as tools in her narrative, further emphasizing the show’s emphasis on individual experience.
The show repeatedly affirmed Carrie’s exceptionalism, providing her with endless opportunities to prove her skills and overcome obstacles. Each season’s crisis served to reinforce her importance and justify her unconventional methods. This constant validation of Carrie’s actions ultimately contributed to the show’s disconnect from reality.
The experience of watching “Homeland” during a time of personal and global uncertainty highlighted the limitations of its narrative framework. The show’s focus on a singular protagonist and its romanticized portrayal of American interventionism felt increasingly out of sync with the complexities of the real world. The lack of representation for the experiences of ordinary individuals further underscored the show’s limitations.
