One of the great things about pay-cable dramas is that, unlike the restrictions of network television, they are pretty much free to do what they want...when they want to...and how they want to do it. This sense of control is a big part of the reason why "Homeland", in its second season, is able to match the intensity of the explosive first. The producers are able to flesh out the stories/characters on THEIR schedule.
For a basic plot summary (with only minor spoilers), Season Two of Homeland sees Carrie Mathison (Claire Danes) recovering from her shock therapy, while Nicholas Brody (Damian Lewis) is still torn between his allegiance to Abu Nezir (Navid Negahban) and his wife/family. Saying quite literally anything more would be venturing into major spoiler territory, but suffice it to say that the intrigue and unpredictability carries over from Season One.
To me, the main reason this show remains great is because it manages to re-invent itself seemingly multiple times per season. Remember back to watching Season One and how it seemed like a completely different show after 12 episodes? The same exact thing happens in Season Two. A show like this (again, given the freedom that network shows do not have) is able to develop plot-arcs in just 12 episodes that some shows take seasons to parcel out. Simply put, there is a hard-charging philosophy (perhaps this is also a residual effect of the show sharing many creators from the similar-themed "24") to this type of storytelling that makes every moment compelling.
I truly wish I could write more about this wonderful season, but I really don't want to spoil the experience for you in any form. If you got hooked on the first season of "Homeland", you will find nothing to detract you here. It all carries over.
For a basic plot summary (with only minor spoilers), Season Two of Homeland sees Carrie Mathison (Claire Danes) recovering from her shock therapy, while Nicholas Brody (Damian Lewis) is still torn between his allegiance to Abu Nezir (Navid Negahban) and his wife/family. Saying quite literally anything more would be venturing into major spoiler territory, but suffice it to say that the intrigue and unpredictability carries over from Season One.
To me, the main reason this show remains great is because it manages to re-invent itself seemingly multiple times per season. Remember back to watching Season One and how it seemed like a completely different show after 12 episodes? The same exact thing happens in Season Two. A show like this (again, given the freedom that network shows do not have) is able to develop plot-arcs in just 12 episodes that some shows take seasons to parcel out. Simply put, there is a hard-charging philosophy (perhaps this is also a residual effect of the show sharing many creators from the similar-themed "24") to this type of storytelling that makes every moment compelling.
I truly wish I could write more about this wonderful season, but I really don't want to spoil the experience for you in any form. If you got hooked on the first season of "Homeland", you will find nothing to detract you here. It all carries over.