Claire danes gives in my opinion one of the best performances in entertainment history. Carrie mathison is probably the most polarizing protagonist I have seen yet. I find it amusing how fans can hate her so much but continue watching when the show is so much about carrie.. especially in later seasons when she really becomes the focus. Personally I love carrie.. i find claire danes intensity really impressive and I actually am anxious watching her. Carrie's crying does not bother me. I actually think it makes complete sense. Part of bipolar disorder is having those strong emotions and to some that may seem exaggerated but I think it fits her character being a bipolar CIA spy .. thats gotta be one of the most stressful jobs to exist. Of course thats not the case for everyone but it makes sense for carrie. Homeland is a very tense show and I can understand it's not for everyone. Horror is my favorite genre but I find this show about terrorism scarier than most any horror. It is probably the most depressing show I've seen.. honestly it could have used some occasional comedic relief. I really don't know anything about the CIA and this is the first show/movie in the spy genre I've watched so I really can't speak on how realistic this series is but i'm guessing it isn't always and they probably exaggerate some stuff for entertainment. I'm middle eastern and I appreciate that this show doesn't seem to take sides to show not everything is so black and white. The american side and CIA are shown to be corrupt as well. Danes portrayal of bipolar disorder is shocking and sometimes seems too real to be acting. I probably would not have watched this show with out her and I can't wait to see what she does next.