Prisoners of War: Season One

Some viewers might have heard of this fine Israeli TV series, since it served as the basis for Showtime's smash hit, Homeland; but the two shows share only broad similarities. Missing the flashy, acrobatic acting and emphasis on thriller-like suspense that led to Homeland's acclaim, Prisoners of War takes a quieter look at the personal and geopolitical aftermath of re-assimilation following prolonged trauma. Seventeen years after being captured on a secret mission in Lebanon, three Israeli soldiers are reunited with their families. Nimrod (Yoram Toledano) returns to an outwardly devoted wife and two teenagers who don't even know him; Uri (Ishai Golan) learns that his former fiancée is now married to his brother; and the remains of Amiel (Assi Cohen) come to a loving sister who breaks under the stress of having only his ghost. Also on hand is a suspicious military psychologist named Haim (Gal Zaid), who plays head games during relentless debriefings and a subsequent investigation. All of these narrative threads receive near-equal focus in this often riveting series in which the moral dilemmas faced in the relationships are remarkably well drawn through flashbacks, sharp writing, and a terrific ensemble cast. Compiling all 10 episodes from the 2009 first season, extras include audio commentaries, and cast and crew interviews. Recommended. (T. Fry)