Homeland (TV Series) In Memoriam (2012) User Reviews

Closing in on Abu Nazir

[Tweekums · 9/10 · 17 December 2012]

After the events of the previous episode Carrie can't accept that Abu Nazir might have escaped from the site where he had been holding her but several searches suggest that must be the case. When she finally accepts that he has got away she is convinced that he must have had help from somebody on the search team; the fact that one of them has driven off on their own suggests she was right but when they find the man it becomes clear that he is innocent. Once back at Langley it is time to interview Roya Hammad to see what she knows; it appears that Carrie's questions are getting nowhere but something Roya says suggests that Nazir may not have left the site at all and merely evaded the searches; Carrie will have to return for another look. While all this is going on Saul is being questioned under polygraph about various incidents that could end his career; it is clear CIA Director David Estes wants to get rid of him for looking into his plans to have Brody killed.

As we approach the final episode things are pretty tense and Carrie appears to be losing her grip on reality somewhat as she obsessively demands further searches; of course she could be proved right! With the net closing around Nazir the threat to Brody from Estes and his assassin Quinn rises again and if Brody is in danger perhaps others who know about Estes' plans could also be in danger. This episode had a bit less drama than the previous one but there was still enough action which leads to the death of a character I was certain would last till the end of the season… I still think there is enough drama left to give us an exciting season finale though.

my last episode of homeland: should have been the ending to brody's storyline.

[alexisbessonmackain · 9/10 · 5 April 2019]

Homeland for me has been a diificult show to review. While i highly enjoyed its first season which was both well written and well acted, season 2 has been slightly tougher for me to review as I feel like the show is beginning to strain itself in terms of its plausibility.

but anyway, the reason why i consider this one the definitive end to the show is because it settled the big storyline question posed in season 1 about whether abu nazir would totally succeed in getting brody to destroy america's system but satisfyingly and not without showing grave consequences, brody does not. This works extremely well to Damian Lewis' performance. One i would also like to mention is claire danes who I have to admit does not always work with her character as an actress but still does an excellent job almost all of the time with just a few slight bumps in the road in terms of her storyline.

I know what some of you are going to say to me what does the ending mean for brody and carrie. I would say use your imagination to fill the gaps. on one side, one could say the cliched ending of carrie and brody living happily ever after but in reality, quinn would probably have killed brody at some point which will prompt an investigation into his death and therefore reveal the treason brody committed against his country. you can make up your own ending, skip past season 3(which i have not seen) and maybe move on to the next seasons which is what i am debating right now whether to do or not.

This is a powerful episode that highlights the emotional and psychological costs of the war on terror

[fernandoschiavi · 9/10 · 11 July 2024]

"In Memoriam" is a poignant and intense episode that deals with the aftermath of Abu Nazir's actions. The episode opens with Carrie and the CIA racing to capture Nazir, culminating in a dramatic and emotionally charged confrontation. The narrative is tightly focused on the hunt for Nazir, creating a sense of urgency and high stakes.

A standout scene is the final confrontation between Carrie and Nazir, where Carrie's determination and resolve are put to the test. The intensity of the showdown is heightened by the personal animosity between the two characters, making for a gripping and satisfying climax. Another key moment is Saul's discovery of the mole within the CIA, which adds a new layer of intrigue and sets up future conflicts.

Themes of justice, revenge, and the personal costs of the war on terror are central to this episode. Carrie's relentless pursuit of Nazir, driven by both professional duty and personal vendetta, adds depth to her character. The episode also explores the impact of Nazir's actions on the broader CIA team, highlighting the personal sacrifices made in the name of national security. The direction by Jeremy Podeswa is precise, maintaining a high level of tension throughout.

The cinematography uses stark contrasts and shadows to reflect the psychological states of the characters, adding a visual depth to the narrative. The editing is seamless, transitioning smoothly between the various plot threads to maintain a cohesive and engaging story. The pacing is brisk, reflecting the urgency of the hunt for Nazir. Overall, "In Memoriam" is a masterful episode that combines action with deep emotional stakes.

In conclusion, "In Memoriam" is a powerful episode that highlights the emotional and psychological costs of the war on terror. The direction, writing, and performances create a tense and emotionally resonant narrative. The episode's exploration of justice and revenge adds depth to the plot, making it a pivotal moment in the series. This episode continues to build on the season's themes, setting the stage for the finale.