Ep 7. The Weekend

This episode of Homeland, titled "The Weekend," takes place primarily in a secluded cabin in the woods. Carrie, the show's protagonist, and Brody, the former prisoner of war who she believes has been turned into a terrorist, have left the city behind for a weekend alone together. With no agenda and no surveillance, they're free to spend their time talking and getting to know each other.

This episode is a departure from the tense, fast-paced action of previous installments. Instead, it's a slow burn, with long scenes in which Carrie and Brody discuss their lives, their hopes, and their fears. We get a glimpse of what Brody's captivity was like through his flashbacks, and we see Carrie struggling to understand how someone could be turned into a terrorist by the people who were supposed to protect him.

Despite its slower pace, "The Weekend" is full of tension. Carrie's motives are always in question, and Brody is wracked with guilt over his secret mission to assassinate a high-ranking official. As they grow closer, both characters become more vulnerable, and their interactions become more fraught. The weekend is a test of their ability to trust each other and overcome their own insecurities.

One of the most interesting aspects of this episode is the way it delves into the psyche of a post-traumatic stress disorder sufferer. Carrie's experiences in the CIA have left her deeply scarred, and she uses her job as a way to numb herself from her feelings. Brody, too, has been traumatized by his captivity, and he struggles to fit back into his old life. Their interactions are fraught with tension as they try to navigate their shared background of trauma.

Despite the fact that much of "The Weekend" is spent in a single location, the director manages to keep it visually interesting by playing with the changing light and the natural beauty of the surroundings. There are moments of silence and stillness, punctuated by scenes of intense emotion. The chemistry between Claire Danes and Damian Lewis is electrifying, and we can feel the tension simmering just beneath the surface.

Overall, "The Weekend" is a slower, more introspective episode of Homeland that offers a fascinating look into the interior lives of its characters. It's a testament to the show's writing and acting that it can sustain tension and hold our interest even when there's little action happening on screen. This is definitely an episode not to be missed.