“Homeland” wrapped up its third season in a state of disarray and demoralization. Story lines had spun out of control and the show was passed over for a Best Drama series Emmy nomination this year.
The Season 4 trailers, which Showtime released, display an attempt at damage control and a desire to move forward. In one scene, Carrie (Claire Danes) explains to her sister Maggie (Amy Hargreaves) that she has no choice but to leave her daughter behind to take an assignment in Pakistan. Jettisoning the Brody (Damian Lewis) baby story line is a smart move.
Hiring Corey Stoll (bearded, but without the bad wig he wears on “The Strain”) is another. There is the typical Howard Gordon (of “24”) scene of a mob of Muslims destroying a car containing well-meaning CIA employees, Carrie among them. Also joining the cast is “Smash” survivor Raza Jaffrey, who is playing a lieutenant colonel in Pakistan’s intelligence service (Michael O’Keefe and Laila Robins will also have recurring roles).
Check out the two trailers and see if you think “Homeland” has made the right overhaul. Season premiere is Oct. 5 at 9 p.m.