When Showtime’s “Homeland” first debuted, it was one of the most widely discussed shows on television, capturing audiences with its fast-paced storytelling, breakneck twists and compelling characters.
Its lead character, Carrie Mathison (Claire Danes), was especially captivating — a CIA operative working with classified intelligence while also secretly dealing with bipolar disorder. In an era of complex television protagonists, it was refreshing to see a character with such a real flaw — one shared by millions of American adults. Not to mention how her character flaws heightened the stakes for an already intense spy thriller.
However, three seasons into the hit series and Carrie’s diagnosis has become somewhat of an excessive gag, as evidenced by parodies on not only NBC’s “Saturday Night Live,” but also PBS’s “Sesame Street” segment “Homelamb.” Both parodies rely on the joke that Carrie displays unstable behavior — obsessively trying to prove that Nicholas Brody (Damian Lewis) is a terrorist one minute, then falling in love and sleeping with him the next. Neither parody addresses the fact, however, that she suffers from bipolar disorder — to do so would take away from the comedy.
For the first season, and half of the second season, Carrie’s manic phases were likened to part of her mad genius qualities. This season, however, Carrie’s character has been completely reduced to her disorder, with all of her bad choices being seen as an extension of her condition instead of being seen as choices she would make as a person. One particular scene in the season premiere showed Carrie storming into a restaurant full of politicians in an angry frenzy — only because she’s not in her right mind, not because she’s actually upset. Shortly after, Carrie is committed to a mental hospital.
“Homeland” has been successful with its extravagant storytelling and plotting, but sadly, it comes off disastrously in regards to Carrie’s diagnosis. In this particular facet of the “Homeland,” the writers and producers must show nuances — otherwise, they turn the show’s most realistic elements into punch lines.
Nivea Serrao is a contributing writer. Email her at [email protected].
