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A Party, A Mysterious Diplomat and an Important Reveal. Review: Homeland – “Achilles Heel”

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  • November 21, 2011

  • 7 mins to read

Review: Homeland, S1, E8 – “Achilles Heel”

Air Date: Sunday, November 20, 2011, 10:00 pm ET/PT on Showtime

Rating: ★★★★★

“I’m through talking to Abu Nazir. Tell him it’s over.”  ~ Brody (Damian Lewis)

What! Are you kidding me? Once again, we’re on another roller coaster ride. In last week’s installment, “The Weekend,” we were led to believe Brody wasn’t the flipped POW. This week, we learn his Marine buddy, Tom Walker (Chris Chalk), is the one who was turned. But then, we’re given a one-two punch with the above statement. What does it all mean? Were both Brody and Walker turned? Or is there something else going on with Brody? After all, he did profess his love for Abu Nazir (Navid Negahban).

Highlights and Thoughts:

Jess and Brody all dressed up for Gaines' "party of the year."

In the opening scene of “Achilles Heel,” we see a homeless Walker asking for handouts in a line of traffic near the White House. A diplomat’s car stops and Walker is handed a dollar bill with the cryptic message, “Wicker Ave Storage,” along with a key. One of the major plotlines in the episode is getting Walker out of hiding by utilizing his wife, Helen (Afton C Williamson) as bait. My heart really goes out to her. How difficult it must be to find out the husband you loved and adored isn’t really dead, but alive and well and planning to assassinate the President of the United States. “How could he be alive all these years and not call?” Good question, Helen. I guess we know the answer to that now.

An Achilles heel – everyone has one. Walker’s Achilles heel is his family. He calls their house every day after they leave to hear their voices on the answering machine. Saul’s (Mandy Patinkin) Achille’s heel is his job, which is the reason his wife Mira (Sarita Choudrey) is leaving him. To be honest, I’m glad Mira is going; I don’t blame her one bit. Patinkin’s work in the scenes with Choudrey is outstanding. I actually find myself feeling sorry for him, yet at the same time, loathing him for being so pathetic. “Please don’t do this.” Yes, please.

Carrie thinks the best way to capture Walker is by enlisting Helen’s help. I have to give Helen credit for agreeing, because I don’t know if I could have summoned up the courage to help draw him out of hiding. But then Helen goes rogue and warns Walker their call is being traced.

That leads to a comedy of errors as the FBI chases Walker, utilizing Carrie’s tactical directions, and loses him when he disappears into a mosque. First of all, you know the FBI has intricate maps of the streets and buildings in any given area. So how do they not know Walker goes into a mosque? Secondly, their mission is to capture Walker, not kill him, so why are they using real bullets? It’s fascinating to see how the FBI spins the story of the two dead innocent mosque members the next morning, making sure the government isn’t held responsible. I’m sure this is much like what happens in real life, aren’t you?

I’m happy Brody has seemingly forgiven Jess (Morena Baccarin) for her dalliance with Faber (Diego Klattenhoff). It’s nice to see the Brodys acting like a family again. I’m not sure what board game the family is playing, but it sure looks like fun. Later, when Brody and Jess join Dana (Morgan Saylor) and Chris (Jackson Pace) to watch Ice Age, the looks on the kids’ faces are just priceless. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a happier family.

I have to say, Damian Lewis looks fine all dressed up in Brody’s Marine blues when he and Jess attend the “party of the year” thrown by Elizabeth Gaines (Linda Purl). Baccarin is a beautiful woman and together, they make a damn fine looking couple.

Carrie (Claire Danes) drops by to tell Brody (Damian Lewis) the FBI is leaking the news to the public that Walker is alive and on the loose

Has Gaines arranged the sexting scandal with Congressman Richard Johnson in order to pave the way for Brody to take over his position? It would seem so, although it’s unlikely Brody would ever be elected given all the things we know about him. I love the Anthony Weiner-esque joke a drunken Jess makes at the Congressman’s expense:

Jess: “Dick Johnson. Really?”

Brody: “That’s his name.”

Jess, laughing: “Well, then, he should think about changing it if he’s going to be doing stuff like that!”

I find myself emphathizing with Carrie when she tells Saul about her epiphany – “I’m going to be alone my whole life, aren’t I?” And then the look on Saul’s face as he listens to her makes you realize he’s having the same epiphany. These really are two very damaged people.

Some memorable, some funny lines:

Brody to Carrie: “For somebody who lies all the time, I think you’d be better at it.”

***

Dana to her parents: “Are you guys joking? Elizabeth Gaines promises the party of the year and you’re actually thinking of not going. Well, I’m going if you’re not.”

***

Saul to Carrie about his mood: “I was weaned on inter-agency non-cooperation. Nothing makes me happier than seeing the FBI stand around with their dicks in their hands watching us work.”

***

Dana, upon seeing her parents all dressed up for Gaines’ party: “I swear to God, I must be adopted!”

***

Jess (Morena Baccarin) doesn't quite believe Brody's (Damian Lewis) explanation of why Carrie dropped by so early in the morning

The best, or should I say the most intriguing, part of “Achilles Heel” is when the mysterious Diplomat returns home and finds Brody in his living room. “You people told me Walker was dead!” That, coupled with the statement I opened this review with, pretty much tells us Brody is working with Abu Nazir. We just don’t know how involved Brody is, or where that involvement will lead.

While we spend a good deal of time examining the relationships between Brody and Jess, and Saul and Mira, in “Achilles Heel,” there is just enough suspense and intrigue to keep me happy. I found the episode a bit slow at times but don’t get me wrong. I’m still a huge fan. How could I not be? Homeland is an intelligent show for intelligent people and keeps us guessing at every turn. It’s one of the best new series this season.

Tune in to Homeland, Sundays at 10:00 pm ET/PT only on Showtime.

Follow Homeland on Twitter @sho_homeland and Like the show on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/HomelandOnShowtime.

All photos © 2011 Showtime. All Rights Reserved.

Linda

Love TV, movies, and books--mostly mysteries, with a good love story thrown in every now and then. I have four adopted dogs who I adore. I love trying new recipes, and enjoy eating what I make. English language perfectionist. Reading in bed, Italian food, warm weather, the beach, all types of games = favs!

Linda

Love TV, movies, and books--mostly mysteries, with a good love story thrown in every now and then. I have four adopted dogs who I adore. I love trying new recipes, and enjoy eating what I make. English language perfectionist. Reading in bed, Italian food, warm weather, the beach, all types of games = favs!