The finale for Showtime's first season of Homeland has arrived. Of course, with any season's end, there are bound to be mixed feelings. The excitement and anticipation of knowing that it all comes down to this week's show. That the previous 11 hours you've invested in this new and thrilling spy series are coming to a head and, as exciting as that is, the prospect of not having Carrie and Brody to engage me on Sunday nights is quite saddening. Oh well, there will be plenty of time for post-Homeland depression, so for now let's take a look at this week's finale, ominously titled "Marine One."
As I said in the recap of last night's episode, "The Vest" played out rather quietly, focusing both on the characters' impending decisions before the cliffhanger ending once again turned everything upside down. Now we're left wondering just what will become of Carrie and her place in the investigation? Will Brody be able to go through with the attack or will factors such as his family begin to seep in and deteriorate his will? Can Saul pick up the pieces of Carrie's work in time to help derail the terror plot? Finally, who is the mole (if one exists for certain)?
Some of these questions are addressed in the two clips from, as well as in the preview for, the finale this Sunday. The first clip has Sergeant Brody removing the vest from his closet and preparing for his part in the imminent plot. Trying it on in front of the mirror, Lewis is giving an excellent anxious performance, right before he hears a noise outside. Tension! In the second clip, Saul does his best to convince Estes to follow up on Carrie's work, namely the 11-month gap in his activities and the possible event that precipitated the renewed will of Abu Nazir. Unfortunately, Estes can't see the collage and the information it provided as anything but the ramblings of a crazy woman, and he tells Saul to let it go. He needs him too much.
Finally, here's the full preview of Homeland's "Marine One." Like every previous week, it's an intense, faster-cut, and more complete look at the episode. This time, however, I recommend not watching. It reveals too much, in my opinion, but I've included it because, well, the choice is yours how much you want to know going into "Marine One." I fear I know too much.
Homeland airs on Showtime, Sundays at 10 p.m. ET/PT. It stars Claire Danes, Damian Lewis, Mandy Patinkin, and Morena Baccarin.
Official synopsis via Showtime's website:
While Carrie is near catatonic and confined to bed, Saul investigates the unsettling implications of her timeline; Walker secures a perch for his mission; Brody makes his final preparations for the Vice President's policy summit at the State Department.
