Forever A Fangirl

DEXTER & Homeland TONITE! Death SPOILERS Promos - 'Homeland' Extras VIDEO PHOTOS @SHO_Kareem @SHO_Dexter @SHO_Homeland

 
With the spoiler-questions below answered we know that contrary to speculation, Professor Gellar (Edward James Olmos) is indeed quite real--human (unlike the character he was being compared to, Dexter's ghostly dad).  He is therefore susceptible to death--perhaps taking Quinn's bullet after "Quinn (Desmond Harrington) gets a little too close' in this episode.

Dexter Epsode 5 'The Angel Of Death'  SPOILER:

From this week's DEXTER buzz we learn that a season 6 new-cast member is being offed!

The reason I have no trouble believing this is that when EJO was cast it was NOT for the entire season and since he's been in every episode of season 6 and we are going into episode # five...

 

SYNOPSIS: Dexter Season 6 Episode 5 - The Angel Of Death:

With the help of his new-found friend Brother Sam, Dexter wonders if there is light within him to counter the darkness, while the search for the Doomsday Killers takes him in a new direction; Batista and Quinn pay a visit to the university where Professor Gellar taught; due to departmental regulations following the shooting, Debra is forced to begin therapy.

Q: Is Edward James Olmos' Professor Gellar on Dexter real?

A: He's real, all right—just ask that guy whose body parts took a pony ride through Miami traffic.

Never fear: Lt. Morgan (Jennifer Carpenter) and her team are closing in on the Doomsday Killer—and while Quinn (Desmond Harrington) gets a little too close to the naughty professor, Dexter (Michael C. Hall)  targets his creepy protégé, Travis (Colin Hanks).

Read more: E!Online

Q: Is Dexter moving kind of slowly this season?  
A: (Maybe but) things start cooking in a big way over the next two episodes.

"You know how the show usually kills off the guest stars at the end of the season? Well, one of this season's new characters will meet his or her maker much sooner than that."

Read more: MegaBuzz

Q: Who’s getting the ax on this week’s Dexter? '

A: I can tell you it’s someone who was new to the cast this season — and it’s not under the blade of an ax. Not enough? Let me narrow it down a bit more. For now, I can tell you Harrison’s new babysitter stays out of death’s crosshairs, but too bad she finds herself on the receiving end of Deb’s wrath during a screaming match! Personally, I’d rather tango with death than Deb’s temper.

 Next on Episode 5 'Blide Spot' of Homeland, Brody confronts his sole surviving captor and torturer:

Should be interesting to see what reaction the 'reunion' of Brody (Damian Lewis - above in a sneak peek still) and his former captor elicits for Brody. The guy is still very much an enigma, IMO.

Claire Danes as "Carrie Mathison'  in "Homeland' on SHO Sunday nights after Dexter (10E/9C).

Carrie meets with Brody so he can identify one of his captors.

Q: Homeland?

Sunday’s uber-intense new episode, which centers around Brody (Damian Lewis) confronting the lone surviving insurgent that held him, will lead to a blow-up between Saul (MandyPatinkin) and Carrie (Claire Danes). And on a less crucial note, Morena Baccarin’s Jessica will also debut a new, shorter ‘do.

 SOURCE: InsideTV

DEXTER and HOMELAND Sneak Peeks LINKS and Screencaps!: After the jump:

 

TRUE BLOOD - Season 5 - Casting News (10.26.11) #trueblood #castingnews

"Salome' -with the head of John The Baptist

The character is to be featured in True Blood Season 5

 

The fifth season of True Blood promises to be a hairy one — the show is hunting for actors to play werewolves galore, including one who sounds suspiciously like he could be Alcide’s father!

The lycanthrope in question, J.D., is said to be a hard-bodied fiftysomething who isn’t likely to share a water bowl with the new pack leader anytime soon. And since 1) that sounds a lot like Alcide to begin with, 2) his pop features prominently in Charlaine Harris’ fifth Sookie novel, and 3) our resident werehunk was last seen being growled at by an unidentified wolf… well, you can do the math!

EDIT/ Wait! Wasn't it Sam (Sam Trammell) not Alcide (played by Joe Manganiello) who came upon a none-too-friendly-looking wolf in True Blood's season 4 finale?/End EDIT

My picks to play the part? Maybe Andy Garcia? Mitch Pileggi, who just took another recurring role in the Dallas reboot… or what about Mr. Intensity himself, Vincent D’Onofrio?

 

EDIT/ I'd like to see Ron Perlman get the part.

 

We’ll also be meeting: former pack leader Marcus’ mother Annie as well as a hot young she-wolf named Rikki who’s determined to sniff out the deceased’s fate;

 

EDIT/"Marcus,' who was killed by Sam and Alcide was in his thirties. His mom will probably be in the age range of  Alcide's dad (see above). It's possible that "Rikki' will be the late Marcus' sister.

 

...a couple of beta dogs charged with interrogating someone (my guess? Sam);

 

EDIT/ This is quite possible and is more in line with the snarling wolf that was facing off with Sam when last we saw him.

 

'Holly’s teenage sons, Rocky and Wade'

 

EDIT/ I actually have come to like Holly or more correctly, the actress Lauren Bowles who plays her. Bringing in her sons sounds to me like Holly will continue to get some decent face time-- which makes me happy.

 

"... a corrupt judge (aren’t they all?); a humorless vamp named Cat (to… balance out the canine/feline ratio?); and a couple of sexy spoilers for Jason and Jessica’s romance.

Add all that to what we already knew — that Salome*** (yes, the Salome) will feature prominently in the season, and so will Eric’s vamp sis, Nora — and it’s obvious that we’re in for another jam-packed season."

Source: TVLine

I am super-curious to see 'who'  True Blood will cast in the role of Eric's maker's other sire, Nora. She's got to be someone who is going to get on Eric's last nerve.

Now that I've read the description of Salome, it should be a hoot to see who lands that role, too.

***Christian traditions depict her as an icon of dangerous female seductiveness, for instance depicting as erotic her dance mentioned in the New Testament (in some later transformations further iconised to the dance of the seven veils), or concentrate on her lighthearted and cold foolishness that, according to the gospels, led to John the Baptist's death.

A new ramification was added by Oscar Wilde, who in his play Salome portrayed her as something of a femme fatale. This last interpretation, made even more memorable by Richard Strauss's opera based on Wilde, is not consistent with Josephus's account; according to the Romanized Jewish historian, she lived long enough to marry twice and raise several children. Few literary accounts elaborate the biographical data given by Josephus.

Asteroid 562 Salome is named after her.

Via Wikipedia

The Season 5 Premiere of True Blood will be called "Turn! Turn! Turn!" Filming starts at the end of November, 2012.

Pretty amazing to think that True Blood season 5 news has begun begin trickling in (out?) the month following the Season 4 finale!

Kathryn Stanley as Salome (1926, photo by Edwin Hesser)

“Thou rejectedest me. Thou didst speak evil words against me. Thou didst bear thyself toward me as to a harlot, to me, Salome, daughter of Herodias, Princess of Judaea! 

Well, I still live, but thou art dead, and thy head belongs to me.”

-Oscar Wilde, Salome

DEXTER & HOMELAND - Previews - Sneak Peeks - Interview! @SHO_Kareem @SHO_Dexter @SHO_Homeland

Michael C. Hall as 'Dexter' - Showtime Sunday nights @ 9 p.m.:

NEXT on DEXTER - Disturbing events cause Dexter to have a serious crisis of faith:

Dexter Episode 6.04 Sneak Peek: 'Imagination' - Dexter finds himself at a bizarre crime scene.

Homeland Sneak Peek: Smile for the Cameras - Carrie watches as Brody gets ready for a speech.

It's hard to believe but both DEXTER and HOMELAND are heading into their 4th episodes already!
The story-lines are well underway and things are heating up. To say tension is building, though a bit cliche-sounding is precisely what's going on in these two fine offerings from the Showtime network.
Here's a idea of what to look forward to on Dexter and Homeland this week:

HOMELAND - Episode 1.04: 'Semper I' Synopsis: 

The political powers that be make big plans for national hero Brody, but his increasingly erratic behavior threatens his media darling status; Carrie grows desperate for evidence linking Brody with Abu Nazir, as Saul directs her to focus on Nazir's money trail.

Episode 6.04: 'A Horse Of A Different Color' Synopsis:

Much to his own surprise, an emergency with Harrison and a new tableau from Gellar and Travis has Dexter leaning on Brother Sam and an unexpected winged messenger for support as he questions the idea of faith; with proof of a religiously motivated killer, Homicide hunts for a zealot, with Debra giving her first official press conference.

A lot is happening on both shows so don't forget to tune in this Sunday starting at 8C/9E for DEXTER and 9C/10E for HOMELAND!

I saw a fun tidbit in this week's EW magazine. Claire Danes, who stars as Carrie Mathison on Homeland was interviewed about her role and it was mentioned that some people have made the leap that Carrie is supposed to be Danes' previous television series incarnation going way back to 1994 as Anglea on the critically acclaimed "My So Called Life.'  Danes seemed truly incredulous: 'No, no! It's just my voice, it's just my face!', she says. It is sort of astonishing that though Danes was just 14 when she landed that role her appearance has not changed very much. She's got a very accessible, girl-next-door look, don't you think?

Dexter - Interview with Jennifer Carpenter (Oct 17)

Congratulations on the show's best season-premiere ratings yet.
Oh, wow, thanks. I don't really pay attention to that, but I'm glad it's doing well. I sort of enjoy the fact that we're in a bubble when we're shooting it. I feel like if I were imagining people really watching it, or the pressure of numbers, that maybe I wouldn't work as well [laughs].

What was your reaction to learning that Deb was going to be promoted?
It's pretty unbelievable. I mean, only on TV would I skip so many levels and shoot straight up to lieutenant. But my insecurities about the fictitious promotion were exactly where I needed to be with the character. So it all sort of worked. It's odd to be Batista's boss, when I feel like he really did earn it and has been a mentor; it's awkward. But she's really taken the lead on every major case that's come through the office.

Although she's missing the one obvious thing, which is that her brother's a serial killer.
Exactly. That is a very good point [laughs].

Source: Full interview @ Vulture

Official DEXTER Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/dexter

Official DEXTER Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/sho_dexter

 

Official DEXTER Series Site: http://www.sho.com/site/dexter/home.sho

 

Official HOMELAND Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/HomelandOnShowtime

 

Official HOMELAND Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/SHO_Homeland

 

Official HOMELAND Series Site: http://www.sho.com/site/homeland/home.sho

 

After the jump: More Previews and Sneak Peeks from DEXTER and HOMELAND!:

True Blood - Season 5 - Casting & Character News - 10.17.11 [PHOTOS] #trueblood

Somewhere between the beginning of season 4 of  HBO's True Blood and now--True Blood lost me:

I still find many of it's characters compelling but a significant number over the last two seasons were not remotelyso . They include the deceased 'Tommy Mickens', shapeshifter and brother to the owner of the local 'Cheers'-type-establishment Sam Merlotte (Sam Trammell). Let's not forget their trailer park-stereotype parents (mom was a shifter, dad just an abusive drunk) were mercifully were given little screen time  i season 4 and better, were swiftly killed off.

Anytime they were onscreen I was drifting off:

Jason Stackhouse (Ryan Kwantan) and Crystal, the werepanther and the entire 'Hot Shot' storyline. It seems that the producers of True Blood figured out in Season 3 to not take this cringe-worthy story much further so they didn't. Unfortunately, they dropped the story like a hot potato at the very beginning of season 4 after a big season 3 build-up so it felt very abrupt. Literally, it felt dropped--though the ultimate goal was met quickly which served the story despite it's other flaws.

They did the same to the "Fae' storyline, pretty much. The audience was not really receptive to the faery godmother thing and the rest so--poof! Gone. (And, they killed off Claudine, those bastards! She was so cool in the books.)

The witches' invasion was OK. Certainly casting Fiona Shaw in the lead was a good choice  but the outcome of the witches' Bon Temps takeover was so that Eric would lose his memory and embark with a clean slate, in an affair with Sookie Stackhouse. Beyond that,  did anyone really fear Marnie/Antonia or care all that much except for Eric getting his memory back?

And that is probably NOT the worst of it about things not-great in season 4. After so much hype about Sookie and Eric the romance just went pfft. Though I thought it impossible, beyond flirtation Alexander Skarsgård and Anna Paquin don't have the chemistry that makes for a believably hot, intense romance. I don't know why--or maybe that is exactly why but their lovemaking scenes never came near the hotness of some of the 'Sookie and Bill in love'-action.

Finally, they still haven't figured out what to do with poor Tara (Rutina Wesley). The season-ender of  True Blood had Tara getting her brains literally blown out.

 

 Too bad this scene (above) never happened. It looks like it has potential.

EDIT/Oh yeah. This too. The reconciled werewolf couple Debbie Pelt and Alcide Herveaux. Except when Joe Manganiello as Alcide has his shirt off, this was another wasted effort that show a complete lack of...IDK, caring? on the writer's part. It made no sense whatsoever that Debbie attempt to murder Sookie as she and Alcide have not even made it beyond hugging. Just the same, true to form Debbie tried to kill Sookie in her own house only his time she got both herself and Tara shot. (Tara's brains spattered so far that if she comes back as anything but a ghost I may-- though I almost never threaten this--I may say to hell with the show.)

Tara's (Rutina Wesley) brains in True Blood - Season 4 Episode 12

Sookie (Anna Paquin) reacting to Tara's sacrifice, screams  for help (guess who will respond first? The list is ever-growing).

So where will the series pick up next season? Right after this moment? Would you feel cheated if it didn't pick up on this moment if somehow Tara still 'exists?' I think I would.

Vampires have feelings, too:

Pam (Kristen Bauer van Straten) shown with 'Ginger' (Tara Buck) is as upset as we've seen her, again for the same reason--her maker, Eric. This time in disgust (and still bedding Sookie) he ordered her away after she disobeyed a direct order (and said screw the safety of the humans, essentially). But he and Sookie (and Bill) are kaput so I'm thinking it will be easier for Eric and Pam to resume their very smooth relationship as boss and the boss's 2nd in command. Let's hope so!

Despite my numerous quibbles I am curious about season 5 True Blood so read on about some of  the first tidbits of True Blood Season 5 info. spilling forth as the TB writers 'break' season 5.

So far, we have had official confirmation--as well as duh! the big hole where Russell Edgington used to be in episode 12, that Denis O'Hare will return to season 5 True Blood as the former King of Mississippi. I'm sure his story of escape will be intriguing. I'm guessing one of Russell's other 'progeny'  finally found him(?) due to the signal of 'maker in trouble' getting through--but truly, I have no idea.

 

 

True Blood Season 5 NEW Character Announcement and Descriptions:

As the producers promised, True Blood is introducing several new characters in season 5 — and EW got the early word on two of the roles.

Creator Alan Ball and his team of scribes have put out a casting call for someone to play Nora, a beautiful and intelligent 25-to-35 something who plays a double agent within the Vampire Authority. What’s even better than that? She’s got a big history with Eric (Alexander Skarsgård) because she too is a progeny of Godric(!). Nora will be a series regular role that may (or may not) involve a little nudity...

Meanwhile, Co-Executive Producer Raelle Tucker told EW that they’ll include a “very significant, strong, mysterious woman at the center of one of our main stories next year … a very familiar and compelling character. It may be someone you’ve heard of before.” Especially if you’ve read the Bible: The True Blood team also put out the call for someone to play Salome, as in THE Salome, daughter of Herodias.

She’s a powerful ancient vampire (hmm, don’t remember that part from the New Testament) and a world-class seductress who’s also a little mad. So she’ll fit right into Bon Temps.

Any suggestions for Ball and his team?


Source: EW

DEXTER & HOMELAND - Dexter Look Ahead - Meet the Characters of Homeland [VIDEO] @SHO_Kareem @SHO_Dexter @SHO_Homeland

 

Showtime has just released an intriguing Dexter 'look ahead' video which I've screencapped so you can better enjoy all the gory details:

...and there are quite a few of them. 

Though not all the scenes are 'looking ahead,' as hopefully you've now been able to enjoy episodes 1 & 2,  the video contains scenes through at least episode 4 which makes them all the more worthy of perusal.

I admit, the religious-based storyline with the iconic Edward James Olmos in the lead and Colin Hanks as his partner-in-crime has already gotten under my skin partly because I suspect that their 'sacrificial' acts will only grow more grandiose. Also, I feel pretty awful about what they are doing to poor, innocent folks randomly selected for sacrifice. Scary stuff.

Meanwhile, Dexter is mulling over whether "Brother Sam,' played by the surprisingly great Mos (I'd not seen his acting work before), is 'worthy' of going on Dexter's table. Is Brother Sam truly repentant for his murderous ways or as Dexter has reasoned, has he only gotten better at not getting caught? Seems like the conclusion that Dexter draws will quite literally be a matter of life or death (Brother Sam's).

Sneak Peeks for DEXTER & HOMELAND Episode 3! (Below) :

Dexter 

Tooth Fairy

 

Believe What You're Saying

 

Homeland

Scars

 

Welcoming Gift

 

I've also got  some links to some great new interviews with the Homeland cast [VIDEO]:

You simply must view each of these videos as the actors fill in some very interesting back-story on their characters that may--or may not be revealed in the show (they have not yet done so through episode 3).

One revelation in particular is going to have me watching two characters on Homeland with a completely different mindset and it has nothing to do with whether or not the character of ex-POW 'Brody' (Damian Lewis) has been turned(!)

Meet the Characters: David Estes

Meet the Characters: Saul Berenson

Meet the Characters: Carrie Mathison

Meet the Characters: Nicholas Brody

 

Official DEXTER Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/dexter

 

Official DEXTER Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/sho_dexter

 

Official DEXTER Series Site: http://www.sho.com/site/dexter/home.sho

 

Official HOMELAND Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/HomelandOnShowtime

 

Official HOMELAND Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/SHO_Homeland

 

Official HOMELAND Series Site: http://www.sho.com/site/homeland/home.sho

 

 

 

 

 

DEXTER & HOMELAND - Watch TONITE @ 9 ET/PT & View FULL Season Premieres Here! @SHO_Homeland @SHO_Dexter @SHO_Kareem

 

Claire Danes as 'Carrie Mathison' in Showtime's new series "Homeland':

Hey there!

I finally got a chance to view episode 101 of Homeland and holy cow, if you thought the pilot was intense, wait until you see episode 101!* And you won't have to wait very long--this Sunday, October 9 at 10 p.m. ET/PT  right after Dexter is the time to tune in.

Meanwhile, why not  get comfy and re-watch the Homeland pilot (episode 100) here or heavens forbid, if you missed it catch it for the first time! I have the full episode of Dexter 6.01, 'Those Kind Of Things'  embedded both in this post and at the bottom of this blog--but hurry, because they both are available only for a limited time!

So back to Homeland, episode 101 entitled 'Grace,'  which airs on Showtime this Sunday.

Firstly, I came to the show already loving the work of  Homeland co-star Claire Danes but this is one role unlike any other she has taken on and she is really running with it! I have a whole new level of appreciation for the onetime breakout teenage star of  'My So-Called Life.' She is is all grown up now (with among other accolades, a 2010 Emmy to show for it) and this role has really given Danes a deeply complex, multi-layered character who is impossible to take your eyes off.

 

Damian Lewis as "Nick Brody'  in Showtime's new series "Homeland':

What is really surprising me though isn't how great Danes as CIA agent Carrie Mathison is but Damian Lewis as 'Nick Brody', the deeply scarred, both psychologically and physically, former POW of 8 years that Carrie is certain has himself been turned into a terrorist. What a revelation! I have no idea how I missed this fine actor's performances in the past but one thing I know for sure, from now on I'll be watching for his name in the credits of any of his future endeavors! He is so skilled at bringing this character to life. Two episodes in and my heart is breaking for him...but should it be? That's the rub. And SMALL SPOILER when the former Sgt. Brody does indeed 'draw solace from his pain in the most unexpected way' it is a complete mind-blower. Seriously.

There's much more to episode 101 but I'm saving the rest of my comments for after the audience at large gets a chance to enjoy it. I'll be watching, too. I've had to restrain myself from watching it a second time on my screener as I think it's best to watch it  as it is being broadcast--then watch it as many times again  as I please. Please you know, there's the little matter of my spouse who is watching the show as it is broadcast. This is the kind of show that we --and you will be be talking about afterwards.

*Previously, I made a slight 'oopsie" in the numbering sequence of Homeland: the first episode, the one embedded here, is entitled Episode 100 "Pilot.'  The second episode is 101 'Grace.'

Check out the newest behind-the-scenes videos for both DEXTER and HOMELAND!:

"Dexter Writer's Room" http://youtu.be/1ODc-FPlPsY

"The Joe Walker Kill Room" http://youtu.be/DcJtmFlAsVE

"Dexter Fan Questions" http://youtu.be/BqMIluN22EA

"Scott Buck on the Season Premiere" http://youtu.be/EQ74ynDej2o

"With the Creators: Homeland" http://youtu.be/-4kSJl4ut1k

I just love the behind-the-scenes interviews--they almost make me feel like I'm part of the process of the show's creation. I've gained many fascinating insights by listening to the creators be they writers, set, or makeup as well as the actors share their thoughts on their respective series. Love the extras, Showtime. Keeep 'em coming!

Homeland Ausiello Spoiler Ahead:

Q: Loved the premiere of Homeland on Showtime! Got any scoop for me?

A: There’s a death coming that, while not entirely surprising, still depressed the hell out of me. And if the chilling final shot of Episode 3 means what I think it means, the looming terror attack will involve *** *****l.

 

SOURCE: Ask Ausiello: Spoilers on Bones, Gossip Girl, Vamp Diaries, Walking Dead, Glee, SVU and More!

 

Official DEXTER Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/dexter

 

  Official DEXTER Twitter: http://twitter.com/SHO_dexter

Official DEXTER Series Site: http://www.sho.com/dexter

 
  Official HOMELAND Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/HomelandOnShowtime

Official HOMELAND  Twtter: http://twitter.com/#!/SHO_homeland

 

Official HOMELAND Series Site: http://www.sho.com/site/homeland/home.sho

 

After The Jump: Dexter: Season 6 Premiere Full Episode & Homeland: Series Premiere Full Episode

Merry Thanksgivoween! #thanksgiving #holidays

Let the non-stop consuming begin!

Dexter - Season 6 - Set Photos - October 4 2011 - EJO Interview - Sneak Peeks [VIDEO] #dexter

Some nice HQ shots  are out from Showtime's Dexter filming at and in the ocean on Oct 4.

you can very clearly see Michael C. Hall (Dexter) in the photos fully soaked both in and out of the ocean along with...four people we've not seen prior to now.

This is episode 6.12, I think. (Maybe?)

I've been chatting with a fellow Dexter fan about the shots and am mulling about, based on the physical similarity to 'Jamie Batista' (baby Harrison's sitter) could we be seeing M.C. Hall pictured with stunt people?

So intriguing to wonder just what is going on here!

These shots raise about a thousand questions especially when you consider that they may be part of the season 6 finale of Dexter!

Via SpoilerTV

Dexter - Interview with Edward James Olmos

Who are you going to be playing on Dexter?
 

Edward James Olmos: I’m playing a professor of theology and it’s quite interesting....

What kind of theology is it and how does it apply to Dexter?
 

EJO: Most of the work that I’ve done is ancient, so it’s the roots. We ponder a lot of the roots of the basics about existence.

Is this professor of theology an equal match for Dexter?

E.J.O. : No, he outdoes him in almost every way. It’s really very dark. You mix religion and homicidal tendencies, you’re going to get into a dark space, he darkest of the five years.

Source: Full interview @ Crave Online

Official DEXTER Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/dexter Official DEXTER Twitter: http://twitter.com/SHO_dexter Official DEXTER Series Site: http://www.sho.com/dexter

After the Jump: Two Sneak Peeks for Dexter Season 6 Episode 2!

Two Sneak Peeks for Dexter Season 6 Episode 2!

 

Dexter: Season 6 Episode 2: 'Once Upon A Time':

 Dexter meets a minister he realizes is a fellow serial killer.

'The Good Shepherd'

Dexter follows Brother Sam.

'I am Worthy'

Travis begs Professor Gellar for forgiveness.

Watch Dexter then Homeland on Showtime Sunday Nights Starting Tonight at 9! @SHO_Kareem @SHO_Homeland #homeland #dexter

Every Fall TV season I get excited for returning shows like my favourite on Showtime, Dexter, as well as a choice couple of others on premium cable.

This year I was over-the-moon to be able to watch the first three episodes of Dexter before they aired and I looked forward to viewing the show that airs immediately after it, "Homeland", starring Claire Danes, Mandy Patinkin and a new discovery for me, the British actor, Damian Lewis.

I'd seen promos for Homeland and it looked really good. I've loved Claire Danes forever and Mandy Patinkin can always be counted onto turn in a solid performance.

I wasn't prepared however, for the amount of emotional clout that the first episode would carry nor the level of anticipation for MORE that it would generate. I feel truly lucky that I can watch the next few episodes of Homeland ahead of time to better talk about it here. In the meantime, trust me, if you want a edge-of-you-seat, wonderfully executed, grounded in reality drama of our times, NOW is the time for you to stay put after viewing Dexter. I promise, you will be glad you did.

Here is a bit of background on Homeland followed by a few critical reactions from near and far from others who have started watching this new, after-Dexter offering from Showtime.

 

 Damian Lewis, Claire Danes & Mandy Patinkin star in Showtime's "Homeland', Sundays at 10 ET/PT

Claire Danes stars as CIA agent Carrie Mathison who is haunted by what she considers her personal failure to recognize clues that might have prevented the Sept. 11 attacks. Even now, Carrie’s failures continue.

When the show opens, she is in Baghdad, rushing to a unauthorized meeting with a condemned Iraqi prisoner. Just before Carrie is discovered in hushed conversation with him, he whispers a spine-chilling secret: An American POW has been"turned' -- converted into a terrorist. Carrie's cover is blown and she's got no proof whatsoever so she is demoted to desk work back at Langley in D.C., under the skeptical eye of a deputy director, David Harewood (David Estes), who doesn’t think Carrie has any business being part of the Agency.

Then comes the news that a U.S. Marine sergeant captured at the beginning of the second Iraq war has been rescued. After a raid, the man is found hidden away in deplorable conditions, disoriented and filthy. It’s Sgt. Nicholas Brody (Damian Lewis) who is brought home to a hero’s yellow-ribbon welcome.

Even before his debriefing, Carrie is convinced Brody is the terrorist her source warned her about.

“Homeland” comes to us from Howard Gordon, Alex Gansa and Chip Johansson, all longtime writer-producers on “24.” It stars Claire Danes (“Terminator 3,” “Temple Grandin”), Morena Baccarin (“Firefly,” “V”), Damian Lewis (“Band of Brothers,” “Life”) and Mandy Patinkin (“Chicago Hope,” “Dead Like Me,” “Criminal Minds”).

Official DEXTER Twitter: http://twitter.com/SHO_dexter 
Official DEXTER Series Site: http://www.sho.com/dexter 

Official HOMELAND Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/HomelandOnShowtime

 

After the jump - What the critics are saying: