This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Bentley chapter.

With 30 wins and 62 nominations in several categories, critics seem to love the show Homeland. I decided to sit down and watch the show to see what all the fuss was all about . . . now I’m hooked. If you’re a fan of espionage, political intrigue, and nail-biting action, definitely check out this critically acclaimed show. Here are five reasons why you should watch Homeland.

1. The Plot

Set in the present day United States, the show follows CIA agent Carrie Mathison (Claire Danes) as she tries to protect the country from another terrorist attack. When she receives intel that an American prisoner of war has been “turned” by the enemy, she keeps the information to herself as there were no recorded POWs still living. During a military strike in the Middle East American troops find Sergeant Nicholas Brody (Damian Lewis) who had been captured and tortured by al-Qaeda for eight years and had been presumed dead. Hailed a hero back home, the plot focuses around Carrie trying to figure out if Brody is as he appears to be – a military hero – or if he had be turned by the enemy and is now plotting an attack against America.

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2. Claire Danes

It’s easy to see why Claire Danes has won nine different awards for her portrayal of Carrie Mathison in the show – her performance as the bipolar CIA agent is raw, unflinching, and believable. The audience is sent on a journey with Carrie as she gathers evidence to prove that Brody is working against the United States, determined to be proven right even as others doubt her sanity.

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3. Damian Lewis

British actor Damian Lewis plays the role of could-be terrorist Nicholas Brody perfectly. The viewers watch as Brody slowly gets adjusted to life back in the States with a family that he hasn’t seen for eight years. Haunted by the paparazzi and used by the government for their political goals, Brody is just a man who wants to get back on his feet and reclaim the eight years that had been stolen from him. Beneath his calm exterior, though, the viewer has to wonder – is Carrie right or is Brody innocent?

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4. The Secrets

A lot has changed in the Brody household during the eight years that Sergeant Brody was taken prisoner by al-Qaeda, and these secrets threaten to become exposed when he finally returns. The first, which the viewer discovers in the first episode, is the long standing affair between Brody’s wife Jessica and his best friend and former military comrade Mike Faber. Although Jessica had not remarried in the eight years that Brody had been gone, she and Mike had become serious and were about to tell the kids that Mike would be moving in. This, along with other secrets, fuels the show and keep the viewers on their toes.

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5. The Action

The action in this show keeps the audience at the edge of their seat. Categorized as a “psychological and spy thriller,” this show keeps true to its kind. From gun fights to suicide bombings, shoot-outs to one-on-one combat, the viewer is never bored.

Network: Showtime

Where to Watch: On DVD at the Bentley Library, Netflix (disc only)

How Many Seasons: Season 3 is currently airing on Sunday nights on Showtime

Here is a trailer for Season One! Happy watching!

Photo Credits:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homeland_%28TV_series%29#Reception

http://blog.coldwellbanker.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/homeland.jpg

http://seriable.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/homelands2poster.jpg

http://xfinity.comcast.net/blogs/tv/files/2011/07/claire-danes-homeland.jpg

http://www.crushable.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Claire-Danes-leaving-Homeland-to-be-a-full-time-mom-Cyrus.jpg

http://blog.zap2it.com/frominsidethebox/claire-danes-homeland.jpg

http://www.frontrowreviews.co.uk/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Homeland_damian_lewis_nicholas_brody.jpg