11 Best Episodes Of Homeland Ranked
"Homeland" continues to overshadow most modern entertainment thanks to its fast-paced action, alluring drama, and incredible acting. Starring Claire Danes, Damien Lewis, Mandy Patinkin, Rupert Friend, Morena Baccarin, and Morgan Saylor, the Showtime original series burst onto the air in 2011, capturing all the awards and garnering critical accolades. It faced challenges in its second and third seasons but made a triumphant return, steadily improving over the next four years.
Created by Howard Gordon and Alex Gansa, who happily incorporate elements from their other prestigious TV series, such as "24," "Homeland" follows CIA Agent Carrie Mathison (played by Claire Danes) as she attempts to uncover a dangerous secret held by Sgt. Nicholas Brody (played by Damien Lewis), who may or may not be a terrorist. The premise is clever, the writing is smart, and the storytelling is brilliant. "Homeland" goes beyond that and earns points for tackling important current political issues, effectively capturing and reflecting the harrowing reality of the late 2000s.
There's a reason we're still talking about the series all these years later, from its highs to its lows, its best characters to its worst characters, and more. While "Homeland" occasionally pushed the boundaries, straining credibility at every turn, it also captivated us with dozens of quality episodes that hold up well, even by today's standards.
So pour a glass of white wine, and check out this list of the best "Homeland" episodes ranked from good to great.
11. The Litvinov Ruse (Season 5, Episode 9)
"The Litvinov Ruse" offers everything that "Homeland" fans could desire — action, suspense, exceptional acting, clever plotting, and shocking twists. While it may not be the best episode, this Season 5 chapter sufficiently justifies its presence on the list. I vividly recall watching it upon release and experiencing a guffawed reaction to the ending, where poor Quinn (Rupert Friend) is exposed to sarin gas, convulsing violently in response. As an avid Quinn fan, this unexpected turn took me by surprise. Placed strategically in the season (specifically Episode 9), it led us to believe that Quinn's luck had ultimately run out.
In another storyline, Carrie's ethical dilemmas resurface (in a compelling manner) as she persuades Saul (Mandy Patinkin) to bug the cell phone of the enigmatic Allison Carr (Miranda Otto). We are consistently uncertain about the outcomes of these setups, but we follow along, hoping that our heroes know what they're doing. Naturally, when Allison realizes she has been deceived, she flips the script and adds an entirely new layer of intrigue to the narrative. While Season 5 may have had its ups and downs, this episode stands out as exceptional.
10. Redux (Season 4, Episode 6)
By Season 4, the Nicholas Brody dilemma had become a thing of the past. The character met a tragic end in Season 3, and the show continued without him, shifting its focus toward Carrie's quest to protect the world from dangerous threats. Despite Brody's absence in the latter half of the series, his presence still lingers, and Carrie's pain from losing him often resurfaces during emotional outbursts or moments of personal struggle.
In "Redux," Carrie's grief intensifies as Brody is brought back in a hallucination sequence. After discovering her Clozapine pills have been swapped with others containing a mysterious powder, Carrie breaks down, realizing something is wrong, and decides to take a nap. During her slumber, she comes face-to-face with Brody in a bittersweet reunion that evokes tragic tears. Carrie openly confesses. "I was willing to let you die," she says.
Carrie undeniably adored Brody, but this particular moment epitomizes her true love — protecting the innocent from individuals like him. It serves as a solemn reminder of all the losses Carrie has experienced throughout the first four seasons. As she snaps out of her emotional state, we see our heroine lying in the arms of ISI Colonel Aasar Khan (played by Raza Jaffrey), with a curious expression on his face. He repeatedly asks, "Who's Brody? Who's Brody?" before the scene fades to black.
9. 13 Hours in Islamabad (Season 4, Episode 10)
Sometimes, "Homeland" relies on intense action to captivate its audience, providing adrenaline-fueled mayhem that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. "13 Hours in Islamabad" picks up immediately after an ambush nearly takes the lives of Carrie, Saul, and Haissam Haqqani (played by Numan Acar). Haqqani leads his forces into a nearby embassy filled with American personnel, and while the preceding episode sets up a clever ruse that left viewers stunned, "13 Hours in Islamabad" wastes no time and plunges into heart-pounding action and incredible tension. At one moment, Haqqani methodically shoots a group of hostages one by one, using their deaths as leverage to obtain vital information. Even after accomplishing his mission, he callously executes them before giving the order to slaughter as many Americans as possible.
Fortunately, Quinn arrives to engage in some heroic action and (mostly) save the day. Nevertheless, the damage is done, leading to a few shocking deaths of supporting characters and generating enough tension to leave the audience overwhelmed. While "13 Hours in Islamabad" may not possess the intellectual depth of "Homeland's" finest episodes, it still delivers explosive sequences, dramatic moments, and precise direction.
8. The Vest (Season 1, Episode 11)
While I appreciate the later seasons of "Homeland," none comes close to reaching the dramatic heights of Season 1. The show's first 12 episodes perfectly align, including the gripping finale where Brody, influenced by his daughter, ultimately decides against carrying out his terrorist attack. This pivotal moment resonates so strongly because the preceding episodes are skillfully executed, guiding Brody toward his choice.
In the second-to-last episode, "The Vest," Brody takes his family to Gettysburg for a moment of togetherness before his anticipated suicide. As they wander the renowned battleground, Brody shares tales of war heroes with his children, and the internal conflict etches itself on his face. Later, he visits a clothing store to collect his suicide vest from a tailor, revealing Brody's darker side. He somberly remarks, "I read that part of the blast goes upward, toward here, so that the head is cleanly severed and normally found intact. Everything else isn't." It serves as a stark reminder of the gruesome fate that awaits Brody, undoubtedly one of the factors influencing his last-minute decision to abort his mission.
While "Homeland" often relies on action and plot twists to satisfy its audience, the quieter moments hold the most significance.
7. There's Something Else Going On (Season 4, Episode 9)
At its finest, "Homeland" delivers a remarkable blend of action, intelligence, astute writing, political intrigue, and captivating characters. A prime example of the series operating at its peak and encompassing all these elements is the Season 4 episode "There's Something Else Going On." This episode skillfully intertwines high-stakes drama with a captivating array of twists and turns, resulting in an enthralling 47 minutes of television that will leave you astounded.
Centered on a prisoner exchange with Saul, "There's Something Else Going On" initially entrances us with its main storyline — only to abruptly pull the rug out from under us in the final moments. Following the exchange, Saul and Carrie's convoy comes under attack while en route to the embassy. Guards rush to their rescue, but we later discover that the assault is a diversion orchestrated to provide Haissam Haqqani (played by Numan Acar) an opportunity to infiltrate the embassy through an underground tunnel, which Dennis Boyd (portrayed by Mark Moses) had revealed to him. Credits roll.
It's a clever maneuver. Despite the signs, our attention remains fixed on everything except the actual threat. The climactic action sequence serves as a stark reminder never to take anything at face value in this show. You might believe you have everything figured out, but there's always something else going on right under our very noses.
6. Prisoners of War (Season 8, Episode 12)
The latter half of "Homeland" proves to be a somewhat turbulent ride, as the show readjusts following Brody's demise at the end of Season 3. This isn't to say it lacks entertainment value, but all too frequently, the writers prioritize extravagant action and plot twists over the intricate storytelling that made the first season such a delight.
The final episode of "Homeland," titled "Prisoners of War," neatly ties up Carrie's narrative, offering a satisfying resolution for everyone's beloved spy. While grappling with her personal struggles, Carrie manages to find her place in the complex realm of politics, espionage, and global dangers.
In a surprising twist, Carrie defects to Russia alongside Yevgeny, where she pens a book titled "Tyranny of Secrets: Why I Had to Betray My Country." She sends a copy to Saul, and we discover that she has assumed the role of his new Russian asset. The concluding scene features Carrie at a jazz concert, finally at peace while engaging in what she excels at.
The finale may be straightforward, yet it proves effective in delivering the only plausible outcome. The world will always be plagued by global threats and emerging terrorist organizations, but that's not the point. After enduring this wild, often exhilarating journey, the paramount focus lies in Carrie finding a sliver of happiness. She continues to fight the good fight until someone else steps into her shoes.
5. The Star (Season 3, Episode 12)
The initial three seasons of "Homeland" center on Nicholas Brody, his endeavors to carry out a terrorist attack on American soil, his romantic entanglement with Carrie, and his eventual path to redemption. The concluding episode of Season 3, titled "The Star," brings his narrative arc to a close and could serve as a satisfying series finale, should viewers choose to conclude their journey there. (However, my advice would be to continue watching, as the show only improves!)
In this episode, Brody meets a tragic yet noble demise, marking one of the most significant moments in the series. After being captured by Iranian military forces, Brody undergoes a swift trial and is sentenced to hang in a public square. Amidst a ravenous audience and in the presence of Carrie (who carries his unborn child), Brody's neck is placed in a crimson noose. He's hoisted into the air by a crane. Serenely, Brody accepts his fate but manages to exchange one last gaze with Carrie before his death, accompanied by composer Sean Callery's poignant score.
It is a sorrowful demise for our conflicted hero but a fitting progression for "Homeland." While Season 4 carries forward the various plotlines established in the preceding years, it also embodies a rejuvenation, venturing on an entirely different path. Nevertheless, I will forever cherish the memory of Brody and the captivating charisma brought to the show by actor Damien Lewis.
4. The Choice (Season 2, Episode 12)
"The Choice" stands out as one of the finest season finales in the history of "Homeland." The episode presents several intimate moments between Carrie and Brody when they express remorse for past misdeeds and the difficult choices they have faced in recent years. The narrative is filled with drama surrounding Quinn's attempts to eliminate Brody to assist the captured Saul. Additionally, it features the customary explosive climax, with a car bomb causing significant casualties among crucial supporting characters.
The title "The Choice" either alludes to Quinn's decision to spare Brody's' life or Carrie's actions in the concluding moments of the episode. Carrie chooses to believe that Brody is innocent of the car bombing and sets him free on the Canadian border, pledging to vindicate him. Regardless, this episode delivers a mind-blowing impact that leaves viewers reeling in astonishment. The feared terrorist Abu Nazir triumphs yet again, skillfully framing Brody for the attack by utilizing the video he recorded for his planned assassination a year earlier. This conclusion to Season 2 effectively reshapes the narrative landscape, paving the way for future captivating adventures.
3. Q&A (Season 2, Episode 5)
"Homeland" Season 2 initially struggles to establish its footing but reaches an unparalleled pinnacle with the classic episode "Q&A." In this gripping installment, Carrie and Brody engage in a fierce interrogation that unveils dark truths. While primarily relying on her skills to manipulate Brody into divulging crucial information, the execution of the scene and the exceptional acting by all involved make it an exhilarating television experience.
The episode reaches its climax when, after enduring an emotionally intense onslaught, Brody finally succumbs and confesses his alliance with Abu Nazir, his role as a double agent, and his willingness to carry out a terrorist attack. Carrie employs shrewd dialogue ("I loved you, and you broke my heart. Now you question my heart? Brody, it doesn't work like that!") and a combination of psychological manipulation, empathy, and strategic questioning to extract the truth from him. Her tactics are nothing short of brilliant, albeit painful to witness, as she utilizes insights gained from their close relationship. The ploy takes its toll on her, yet she manages to maintain composure and withstand the immense pressure.
In many ways, this marks the turning point where Carrie triumphs in the battle for Brody's soul. While he admits his treacherous ways, he also starts to recognize the goodness within himself. Undeniably, this is exemplary television that captivates viewers.
2. The Weekend (Season 1, Episode 7)
"The Weekend" signifies a pivotal turning point in "Homeland." In this episode, Carrie and Brody embark on a CIA retreat and delve deeper into each other's lives. Their connection intensifies, heightening the already soaring stakes and infusing the storyline with a profound emotional dimension. While Carrie continues her investigation of Brody, including planting a bug in his room and subjecting him to a lie detector test, she also develops empathy for him upon learning about his harrowing experiences as a prisoner of war.
"Homeland" excels in immersing viewers in a whirlwind of emotions, crafting a love story between two fractured individuals drawn together by personal anguish. In this instance, their relationship surfaces, further complicating matters, especially when Walker returns and unveils significant details about Brody. We find ourselves torn, uncertain of whom to support, and it is a testament to the exceptional performances of Claire Danes and Damien Lewis that we are left emotionally conflicted, vacillating between endorsing this new romance or urging Carrie to flee. This is where "Homeland" shines — toying with our emotions until we are left shattered on the floor, yearning for a glimmer of happiness in this somber and desolate universe.
1. Pilot (Season 1, Episode 1)
It's unfair to label the first episode as the best, as that implies that the series peaked early and declined afterward. While several episodes on this list could contend for the top spot, it's worth highlighting the exceptional quality of the pilot episode. The pilot garnered widespread critical acclaim and captivated millions of viewers due to its superb writing, compelling plot, and outstanding performances.
The audience is introduced to Carrie, a unique character in the history of television. She possesses intelligence, cunning, and determination. And she is also bipolar. Working alongside her is Saul, her astute but skeptical boss at the CIA. He questions Carrie's methods but ultimately trusts her instincts, creating a captivating dynamic between them. Nicholas Brody is equally intriguing, complex, and enigmatic. Through fleeting glimpses into his past, we begin to suspect (as Carrie does) that he is a hero-turned-terrorist with sinister intentions.
You know that feeling when you read an enthralling first chapter of a book that immediately hooks you? Well, that's precisely the brilliance of the pilot episode. While many TV shows start a bit rough and gradually find their footing, "Homeland" hit the ground running, confidently establishing the foundation for a thrilling, twisted journey that enthralled viewers for years to come.