201: 'The Smile'
Written by Alex Gansa & Howard Gordon
Directed by Michael Cuesta
Synopsis: Carrie Mathison is making progress with her mental health after her
Electroconvulsive Therapy. A former asset threatens Carrie's peace.
Brody learns Nazir may not be happy with a nonviolent approach. Dana
lets a secret slip.
Review: And Homeland comes racing out of the block like there's no tomorrow. 'The Smile' kickstarts year two with one hell of a jolt, putting the pieces firmly in place and positioning the key players in order to set up what will inevitably be a roller-coaster ride of a season. After the insular personal politics of the first year, it's good to see a whole different side to the work of our favourite CIA operatives; the production crew do some stellar work in making the sequences on the ground in Beirut seem believable, engaging and, above all, nail-bitingly tense. None of this detracts from the show's penchant for character, however, and once again, we're treated to some truly beautifully written scenes, particularly between Brody and Jess (the Islam revelation is a long time coming and it doesn't disappoint) and, importantly, Carrie and Esties. While the expediency with which Carrie is back in play does leave something of a sour taste in mouth (and it's why the episode scores an 8 when it could so easily have been a 9), the dialogue and interaction between the two characters in the sequence in which he asks for her help is absolutely top drawer stuff. This is a show at the top of its game with a cast and crew who are deservedly confident in their abilities. Hell, even Dana's material is pretty gosh darn enjoyable. A great start. (8)
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