Thursday 1 March 2012

Continuations: Homeland and Prisoners' Wives

Homeland

We did at least get a belated explanation in the second episode about Carrie's condition: she gets medication off the record from her doctor sister's 'samples cupboard'.  Says a lot about the CIA.  As does the fact that the surveillance team have missed a blind spot - the garage - which just happens to be where Brody stashes his prayer mat.  When Grace is said at table, he is distinctly uncomfortable, and refuses alcohol, but they haven't yet picked up on his changed habits.

Elsewhere there is more gratuitous nudity, so no mainstream network restraints here, and a distinct lack of any kind of therapy for Brody.  In times when you can be diagnosed with PTSD after being shut in a lift for half an hour, it seems unlikely that he would be left unsupported.


The other problem is that there are still a trillion episodes to go.  While it's not boring, watching Carrie's clutching at straws is already beginning to tire us out, and the only plausible (as opposed to wildly implausible, so ruling nothing out here) truth is that Brody is either a terrorist agent, a double agent or a peaceful Muslim.  Which leaves at least half a trillion episodes devoted to painfully slow plot development or twists and turns that turn out to be red herrings.  Hmm.  We're clinging on for dear life, but we may yet give up the fight.


Prisoners' Wives


The penultimate episode this week was well-structured drama with some great ensemble acting from Polly Walker, Emma Rigby, Pippa Haywood and Natalie Gavin (so impressive in 'The Arbor' and equally good here).  Wonderful to have characters and plots that don't feel forced, and can't wait for the finale.  We hear there's no word on a second series.  C'mon Beeb, back your quality output!

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