Showtime’s contemporary espionage series starring Claire Danes and Mandy Patinkin as one-time CIA operative Carrie Mathison and her brilliant mentor Saul Berenson, has maintained a high standard over the course of its run, and this penultimate season upholds it. Based largely in the U.S. rather than abroad this season, the narrative concentrates on machinations surrounding the presidency of Elizabeth Keane (Elizabeth Marvel), who—following last year’s assassination attempt against her—reacts with fury against both those she suspects of being complicit (including Saul) and her critics, most notably underground provocateur Brett O’Keefe (Jake Weber) and troublesome Senator Paley (Dylan Baker). Carrie fears that Keane’s tactics will lead to increasingly authoritarian measures and, along with allies like FBI agent Dante Allen (Morgan Spector), she takes steps to battle the potential erosion of personal freedoms—although her bipolar condition and struggle to be a proper mother inevitably undermine her efforts. As usual, the writers employ plenty of twists, including—most importantly—a topical shift into the possibility of Russian interference in the American political process. While it can feel overwrought at times, Homeland boasts expert performances by Danes, Patinkin, and the supporting cast, who carry the stories over any rough patches. Compiling all 12 episodes from the 2018 seventh season, this is highly recommended. (F. Swietek)
Homeland: The Complete Seventh Season
Fox, 3 discs, 648 min., not rated, DVD: $29.99 Volume 34, Issue 6
Homeland: The Complete Seventh Season
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