Homeland
– The Complete Second Season
(2012 – 2013/Fox Blu-rays)
Picture:
B Sound: B- Extras: A Episodes: B+
To
protect the American Homeland
from acts of terrorism, Agent Carrie Mathison (Claire Danes) must
root out all terrorist with extreme prejudice, both foreign... and
domestic. She works with the CIA, her various contacts and
undercover agents to stop the terrorist bombings before they occur.
When Nick Brody (Damian Lewis), an ex-marine now turned Congressman
is rumored to be a sleeper cell, Carrie must prove this 'American
hero' is a traitor. As she gets closer to the target and the truth,
she stake her reputation, life on the line... even when no one will
believe her.
Last
season (unfavorably reviewed by my colleague elsewhere on this site)
left with Carrie's disgrace and discharge, and she was sent to a
mental institute, but when a deep cover contact brings information of
another incoming terrorist attack, Carrie is called back into action,
that she was right and not crazy with evidence proving Nick Brody was
a terrorist. As Nick struggles with his own demons and fears, he
ends up playing double agent, because the CIA want the man who is
controlling him. Once again Carrie and Nick's lives become
intertwined with lies, passion, affairs and deceit.
This
series is filled with drama, action and politics. The theme revolves
around agents and spies, and the homeland they are both fighting for.
It points out a lot of reasons how and why homeland security can
fail, from the government failing its soldiers and families,
politicians their love of WMDs, administrators who care more about
their reputation, and not trusting agents in the field. The series
blurs the lines between hero and traitor, victim and innocence, and
paranoid and crazy.
The
1080p 1.78 X 1 image looks strong throughout for the kind of show
this is, but the DTS-HD MA (Master Audio) lossless 5.1 mix can be
weak at times in quiet moments and with dialogue too much in the
front channels. Extras include prologue to Season
Three,
film diary, Filming in Israel and deleted scenes.
---------------------------------------------------------
The
Smile - Carrie is called back into the field when a deep cover
contact brings information of a terrorist attack. Nick runs a
political campaign with the Vice President.
Beirut
is Back - As Carrie strives to stop a terrorist cell, she must
first convince her superiors her information is genuine.
State
of Independence - New evidence comes to light proving Nick is a
terrorist, but first Nick must help relocate the terrorist arms
provider.
New
Car Smell - The CIA closes in on Nick as Nick tries to hide his
tracks and a dead body.
Q
& A - Nick is captured and interrogated, and is offered
chance to redeem himself, to play as a double agent.
A
Gettysburg Address - Nick begins his life as a double agent, but
his loyalty is called into question when team of agents gets wiped
out.
The
Clearing - Carrie rekindles her relationship with Nick. Dana
confesses to killing a woman.
I'll
Fly Away - As Nick begins to crack under stress, Carrie sleeps
with him to keep him on the team. But the terrorist suddenly kidnaps
Nick with a helicopter.
Two
Hats - The CIA gets a victory in stopping a terrorist attack, but
fails to capture the head mastermind.
Broken
Heart - Carrie gets kidnapped by Nazir, Nick is forced to kill
the Vice President.
In
Memoriam - Carrie hunts down Nazir for the final time. Saul finds
out the CIA has plans to kill Nick after his usefulness comes to an
end.
The
Choice - Just as Carrie and Nick think they can start over a new
life with each other, a new terrorist threat bombs the CIA
headquarters.
-
Ricky Chiang
