Homeland

:

Season 3
  • Network: SHOWTIME
  • Series Premiere Date: Oct 2, 2011
Season #: 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
7.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 413 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 289 out of 413
  2. Mixed: 65 out of 413
  3. Negative: 59 out of 413
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  1. Thek
    Oct 31, 2013
    10
    This show has already proven to be epic; but Episodes 4 and 5 of Season 3 have really made it shine. Plot is steadily progressing on every direction, which makes the show even more interesting.
  2. Sebastien
    Nov 7, 2013
    10
    Disappointing to see that so many gave this season a low review after only a few episodes. They needed to create a transition, it has proved worth the wait. The focus is now less on Brody and more on a new story with the CIA, which has become as intense and interesting.
  3. WikileaksWho
    Oct 1, 2013
    10
    A strong start to new season. Now with Saul is chef, we see and more likely will see more CIA workers and that's a good thing for making the show real. Carrie, just kills it as always. We couldn't see Brody in episode 1 but I reckon he will stay as a mystery and reveal himself slowly. I love how the producers use the characters. I want to mention that there are lots of references to CIA.A strong start to new season. Now with Saul is chef, we see and more likely will see more CIA workers and that's a good thing for making the show real. Carrie, just kills it as always. We couldn't see Brody in episode 1 but I reckon he will stay as a mystery and reveal himself slowly. I love how the producers use the characters. I want to mention that there are lots of references to CIA. If you liked season 2, you're gonna like this, too. If you don't, Homeland is still the best you can find on TV.… Expand
  4. MikaelZ
    Oct 3, 2013
    10
    Even thought there wasn't as much action or intensity in this episode, it was a very strong season opener with wonderful performances and moving scenes, which allows the season to grow. Also, when Damian Lewis' character (Brody) returns, the season will just get better.
  5. Inmytree
    Oct 9, 2013
    10
    I honestly don't think the overall quality (which is excellent) of the show is any worse than in the first two seasons. I can see why people are making a fuss about this season. However, nothing has really unfolded yet, people are assuming the reasons behind actions of some of the characters and down-rating it based on that. Furthermore I think Quinn's character development has been greatI honestly don't think the overall quality (which is excellent) of the show is any worse than in the first two seasons. I can see why people are making a fuss about this season. However, nothing has really unfolded yet, people are assuming the reasons behind actions of some of the characters and down-rating it based on that. Furthermore I think Quinn's character development has been great and we haven't even seen Brody yet. I am not sure if the show is going to deserve a 10/10 by the end of the season but I am certain it is too early, with a show like this to make a good assessment/critique of the show. Let it play out before condemning it.… Expand
  6. thanasismsrls
    Sep 29, 2013
    10
    Not enough TV shows are almost perfect in their entire first two seasons.One of this few series is Homeland.This new season keeps up the tension and encourages us to discover new aspects of Carrie Saul and Dana.
  7. MyName
    Sep 29, 2013
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Homeland is back! Following the events of the season 2 finale, the show feels different, but it is still great. Claire Danes will win another Emmy and Golden Globe award for her performance in this season. I am interested to see how the Brody storyline will play out once he is back.… Expand
  8. danielhalak
    Sep 29, 2013
    10
    This show just keeps getting better. Season 3 doesn't disappoint at all. Dramatic, surprising and amazing actors and actresses. It's even better than season 1 and season 2.
  9. Jones9434
    Oct 13, 2013
    9
    Season 3 takes it's time to deal with the emotional fallout from the devastating ending of season 2. Despite the slower pace and more interpersonal bend, this represents a show attempting to confront the atrocities of aftermath (other shows do it better, such as Top of the Lake, and Rectify) instead of continually denying the pains and repercussions of war. So far, my hats off to anSeason 3 takes it's time to deal with the emotional fallout from the devastating ending of season 2. Despite the slower pace and more interpersonal bend, this represents a show attempting to confront the atrocities of aftermath (other shows do it better, such as Top of the Lake, and Rectify) instead of continually denying the pains and repercussions of war. So far, my hats off to an action show who shows a little humanity.

    (This review might display extreme bias, I really like this show.)    … Expand
  10. the5chord
    Nov 6, 2013
    9
    Wow! Don't write this season off too early. Just finished the 6th episode and the last three episodes were some of the best of the series so far. The only snag has been the Dana storyline. I have never cared for that character. I hope it keeps up this pacing until the end of the season.
  11. JUIKER
    Oct 27, 2013
    8
    Halfway through season 3 I would say this show has settled into being a fine spy vs. spy drama. There have been no big (questionably plausible) explosions and no big dramatic pyrotechnics just careful plot development, character development and slow, smart buildup to what promises to be more great drama. For all the complaints about the Dana storyline, people have to admit that MorganHalfway through season 3 I would say this show has settled into being a fine spy vs. spy drama. There have been no big (questionably plausible) explosions and no big dramatic pyrotechnics just careful plot development, character development and slow, smart buildup to what promises to be more great drama. For all the complaints about the Dana storyline, people have to admit that Morgan Saylor is excellent and she deserves to be watched. I still want to see what happens to everybody. Most of the bad reviews here are barely readable or comprehendable, so 'take it from the source.'… Expand
  12. Rorschach120
    Oct 22, 2013
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The first four episodes of this season of "Homeland" have taken a very different route than fans of the show are probably used to. On one hand there is the aftermath of Dana attempting suicide and on the other hand there is the aftermath of Carrie's relationship with Brody. Dana's story is one that continues on the very complicated relationship between her and her mother, while at the same time foreshadowing the consequences of her relationship with her new boyfriend. This story started really well, however in this last episodes there were too many filler scenes that didn't quite give enough foresight to make them worthy of existing.

    Carrie's situation is the one that has come to a confusing head in this recent episode, to much of the press's concern (as metacritic has headlined). I thought it was actually very intriguing and showed that the show was actually trying to put the viewer in the false world that Carrie was living in. Producer Alex Gansa told The Hollywood Reporter:
    "We started the year by talking about what had happened at the end of season two. Carrie and Saul are together, standing there with all of the bodies around them. Clearly, they are culpable for what happened Saul and Carrie together. As intelligence officers, the first thing that they would try to do is to turn this tragedy into something positive. That's what they went to work on the day after the bombing. How were they going to catch the guys responsible for this? A plan was hatched quite quickly in the aftermath of the attack on the CIA.

    .....I was an amateur magician when I was a kid, and for me, the best tricks were the ones where the magician convinces the audience that he's made a mistake only to prove at the end that he's been ahead of them all along. We've been leaning into that idea a little bit, and hopefully it will have paid off in episode four."

    With this in mind, it appears that the producers tried something very risky and kind of pulled it off. What was missing is one scene. A flashback to the planning that Gansa has mentioned. A 2 minute scene that would have really brought the payoff that fans were looking for.

    As for Brody the action hero gone terrorist gone idiot is still getting cloth bags put over his head and shot at. There is still much that is unknown about his plotline.

    Overall this show deserves a much higher score than 7.1 yet maybe not as high as the past 2 seasons. But there are still bad guys to catch, and Claire Danes continues to blow my mind with her incredible acting. It is yet to be seen whether the prestige is yet to come or not.    … Expand
  13. raviopatra
    Nov 17, 2013
    8
    I was hugely disappointed by how this season went on for the first four episodes. Obviously, it focused too much on the irritating Dana story arc and it felt like the writers were running out of ideas and were just trying to stall for a surprise. The "Tower of David" episode, in which most of the duration was spent on Brody was also a let-down. But it all changed when the twist came up.I was hugely disappointed by how this season went on for the first four episodes. Obviously, it focused too much on the irritating Dana story arc and it felt like the writers were running out of ideas and were just trying to stall for a surprise. The "Tower of David" episode, in which most of the duration was spent on Brody was also a let-down. But it all changed when the twist came up. Though I do feel like it was unwise to keep something like that for four episodes. From the "The Yoga Play" (episode 5) onwards, the show has been gaining back its momentum. But I gotta admit that this season is far from being nearly as good as season 1 let alone season 2. However, considering how great the show was for the last two seasons, I guess we need to understand that the show needs to have a "calmer" moments at times. And might I add, Claire Danes is the one keeping this show thrilling!… Expand
  14. DrOoohKillEm
    Nov 22, 2013
    8
    It's building and I'm sure will intensify to the feverish heights fans have come to expect. Some people are upset with the direction the story seemed to have taken in the first few episodes of the season, but be patient, allow the writers to set up the story and you won't be disappointed it takes time to shift given the end of last season. From an acting and cinematographic perspectiveIt's building and I'm sure will intensify to the feverish heights fans have come to expect. Some people are upset with the direction the story seemed to have taken in the first few episodes of the season, but be patient, allow the writers to set up the story and you won't be disappointed it takes time to shift given the end of last season. From an acting and cinematographic perspective this show is a member of the upper echelons of television and certainly worth watching for academic purposes.… Expand
  15. aggrippa
    Dec 24, 2015
    8
    I have to agree with the folk who say that she overacts and spoils the show. Sure, she is playing a conflicted and bipolar character BUT she has so many teenage mannerisms (twitching, moving her head from side to side, gurning, blatantly showing every emotion etc) that you just wonder how she could even grace the desk of an institution such as the CIA let alone be called 'best field agentI have to agree with the folk who say that she overacts and spoils the show. Sure, she is playing a conflicted and bipolar character BUT she has so many teenage mannerisms (twitching, moving her head from side to side, gurning, blatantly showing every emotion etc) that you just wonder how she could even grace the desk of an institution such as the CIA let alone be called 'best field agent that they have'. I am a latecomer to the whole 'Homeland' affair and I am into season three as I type. I do like the show, even giving Season 2's plunge into 'gung-ho'-isms but, as I work through season three and know that Brody will be no more, I am not sure that the fact that Saul will still be there will keep me watching.......I find Claire Daynes. acting style intensely annoying.......… Expand
  16. Felindie
    Jul 15, 2019
    8
    There are some things I don't get it in this season, but overall was a good one, the performances are still magnificent, ant the storyline was consistent.
  17. JCouch777
    Oct 19, 2013
    7
    Homeland has always been one of my favorite shows. Ever. The 1st and 2nd seasons were some of the best hours of TV I've ever seen. But this season has started to disappoint me. It's not horrible this season. Compared to other shows it's a great season. But compared to homelands usual standards im worried. I don't want this amazing show to start draining in quality.
  18. CPD98
    Sep 15, 2014
    7
    La tercera temporada supone un bajón tras la segunda, mucho mas rápida e intrigante. El fallo es que la emoción no llega realmente hasta el capítulo 8, lo que viene antes de esto son amoríos sin interés de Dana y poco más, me habría gustado que Brody saliera mas. Igualmente no merece calificaciones tan bajas por debajo del 5, sigue siendo una buena serie. La gente a la mínima que se aburreLa tercera temporada supone un bajón tras la segunda, mucho mas rápida e intrigante. El fallo es que la emoción no llega realmente hasta el capítulo 8, lo que viene antes de esto son amoríos sin interés de Dana y poco más, me habría gustado que Brody saliera mas. Igualmente no merece calificaciones tan bajas por debajo del 5, sigue siendo una buena serie. La gente a la mínima que se aburre le da un 2 y se queda tan a gusto... Tampoco es eso.… Expand
  19. Braydan
    Nov 21, 2013
    6
    I truly believe the team behind Homeland is brilliant. They know how to tell a compelling story. It's always a joy to watch Claire Danes at her best. Although, this season seems to be more difficult to watch than the first two seasons. I have a feeling it is going to have a climatic closer for the final four episodes. If not, than this season has really taken a downward turn from the previous.
  20. MovieMasterEd
    Mar 22, 2016
    6
    Third season begins seeking to right itself after the second's maddening narrative turns

    Few programs have experienced the explosive trajectory of “Homeland,” an Emmy winner for its first season before vaulting headlong into its second, wildly veering off course and, almost literally, blowing the whole thing up in the season finale. The third flight thus finds the series back on    Third season begins seeking to right itself after the second's maddening narrative turns

    Few programs have experienced the explosive trajectory of “Homeland,” an Emmy winner for its first season before vaulting headlong into its second, wildly veering off course and, almost literally, blowing the whole thing up in the season finale. The third flight thus finds the series back on somewhat more sober terrain in addressing the fallout from those events, while suffering from big absences initially. Smart, watchable and extremely well cast, “Homeland’s” creative roller-coaster ride ultimately illustrates the gap between a popcorn show like “24” — not a bad option, but more limited — and the tougher-to-execute hairpin turns of a “Breaking Bad.”

    For those who haven’t caught up (and spoilers will only apply to them), the explosion at the CIA has left the world assuming former POW Nicholas Brody (Damian Lewis, absent from these initial episodes) is dead, while the CIA agent who hunted and bedded him, Carrie (Claire Danes), must deal with the fallout, including congressional scrutiny regarding how this mess could have happened.

    Carrie’s mentor, Saul (Mandy Patinkin), is also trying to steer an agency decimated and devastated by the blast — eager for both answers and, perhaps less helpfully, revenge.

    Showrunners Alex Gansa and Howard Gordon, who adapted the original Israeli series and gave it an electric turbo-boost that made even President Obama a fan, have demonstrated this is a world where very bad things might happen, which is helpful in keeping the audience off balance.

    It’s also a place where alliances and friendships are fungible and moral clarity remains elusive. Although “Homeland” doesn’t traffic in moral equivalency necessarily, it does pointedly drive home the notion that the threat of terrorism has a way of leading those charged with thwarting it into questionable thickets, which generally come with unpalatable tradeoffs and distasteful choices.

    At the same time, the show hasn’t escaped some of the dead ends that arose and became groan-inducing during last year’s uneven ride, most notably the ongoing mini-drama surrounding Brody’s teenage daughter Dana (Morgan Saylor), whose plotline continues to command far more screentime than it merits.

    Danes, by contrast, has made the most of a character whose paranoia is often justified, and Patinkin’s beefed-up presence to start season three (with F. Murray Abraham also hanging around) adds welcome edge and gravitas to the antiterrorism crusade.

    “Homeland” has forged a strong enough bond with most of its audience — and built up enough prestige as Showtime’s first best-series Emmy recipient — that it can probably punch its own ticket, but what initially appeared like one of TV’s finest hours slipped several rungs as it aggressively (and to its credit, fearlessly) chewed through life-and-death scenarios.

    These latest episodes represent a tentative first step toward seeing whether the show can re-ascend to those heights or, conversely, plummet into an abyss of implausibility. Like so much else pertaining to “Homeland,” at this point, it could go either way.    … Expand
  21. drose70
    Dec 15, 2013
    5
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I have been watching the show from the very beginning. It had way too many unnecessary fillers i.e. the daughter, the son and now a new baby, please. Why wasn't abortion or contraception discussed when Kerry became pregnant. So the CIA gives its "heroes" any weapon or technology it needs but they don't have a few rubbers for them. Its time to tie a knot in the show and properly dispose of it.
    Thank you.    … Expand
  22. jack2059
    Dec 17, 2013
    5
    What a shame this show has become a victim to the network overlords. The third series was clearly never planned for.

    The first half of the series we have to watch episodes full of the leftover Brody family, they have absolutely 0 to do with the show now, but are stuck there and being used as episode filler. And when we finally get an interesting final 2 episodes, we see absolutely    What a shame this show has become a victim to the network overlords. The third series was clearly never planned for.

    The first half of the series we have to watch episodes full of the leftover Brody family, they have absolutely 0 to do with the show now, but are stuck there and being used as episode filler. And when we finally get an interesting final 2 episodes, we see absolutely nothing of the Brody family, whats there reaction to what there father/husband is doing/whats happening to him?

    And as if the third season clearly wasnt planned, the ending proves there was 0 intention of a 4th season which is being forced through.    … Expand
  23. Ravens1294
    Aug 16, 2014
    5
    Given the people at Homeland really didn't seem confident or have a concrete plan for season 3, they still crafted a pretty good season. It's the worst of the 3, but that doesn't mean it wasn't compelling or uneventful. Claire Daines and Mandy Patinkin once again knock it out of the park with their acting and the rest of the assemble delivered too. The story was still very compelling andGiven the people at Homeland really didn't seem confident or have a concrete plan for season 3, they still crafted a pretty good season. It's the worst of the 3, but that doesn't mean it wasn't compelling or uneventful. Claire Daines and Mandy Patinkin once again knock it out of the park with their acting and the rest of the assemble delivered too. The story was still very compelling and the pace got better as the season went along. Thankfully, the Mrs and Dana Brody story wasn't that bad compared to season 2. They weren't as important this season and they were used a lot better. It wasn't dragged out like season 2. Finally after 3 seasons, Brody has finally died and he died in peace. They should have killed him off in season 2, but he was not in that many episodes this season. At the very end of the season, it looks like the show has a new beginning. It starts fresh next season and hopefully we can get the beauty like we did in season 1 and in parts of 2.… Expand
  24. AGiantMidget
    Jan 26, 2014
    5
    Just started out waaaay to slow. They used the whole season to set up one event. I mean i like the long con and all, but come on. It seems like they had one good idea for the season and threw a bunch of crap in ther to fill time. I give it a 5 because in the end it really picked up, but i mean really in the END.
  25. JrAgujaIsAGleek
    Nov 4, 2013
    4
    The major story development and the performances of the cast didn't help this season's confusing new direction which could makes this season so inferior to its previous seasons.
  26. VF139
    Oct 1, 2013
    4
    Homeland could have taken the Breaking Bad route or the Dexter route. Seems like they have chosen the latter and the first episode is a disappointing confirmation of this. The quality the show had in its pilot season is, sadly, lost. It insults the intelligence of the average viewer, stretching credulity and trying patience. Hopefully this first episode is a minor distraction and thingsHomeland could have taken the Breaking Bad route or the Dexter route. Seems like they have chosen the latter and the first episode is a disappointing confirmation of this. The quality the show had in its pilot season is, sadly, lost. It insults the intelligence of the average viewer, stretching credulity and trying patience. Hopefully this first episode is a minor distraction and things will improve in the coming weeks.… Expand
  27. Nells
    Oct 8, 2013
    4
    Huge fan of seasons 1 and 2. Season 3: Carrie is crazier than ever, Saul is a bad guy??, Dana has taken
    her teenage angst and petulance to an annoying place!!!!! AND...where is Brody??? are you trying to kill
    the show?
  28. Jackmachinne
    Oct 27, 2013
    3
    So boring this 3th season. I am watching the 4th ep and stay angry with the romance of the daughter and his boyfriend. Mayba is the death of the Homeland!
  29. capeguy
    Oct 6, 2013
    3
    Season three is like watching a balloon slowly deflate. Where's the eminent danger? This season has turned an exciting story line into a melodrama train wreck. How many more Carrie meltdowns are we suppose to endure? Hey writers it's time to catch some bad guys. Get on with it!
  30. evilhorse
    Feb 12, 2014
    3
    This show has gone off the rails so badly it no longer remembers what rails are. It's become a joke, having steadily declined episode by episode since the end of season 1. I wish I hadn't bothered.
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Awards & Rankings

31
#31 Best TV Season of 2013
35
#35 Most Discussed TV Season of 2013
4
#4 Most Shared TV Season of 2013

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 23 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 23
  3. Negative: 0 out of 23
  1. New York Post
    Reviewed by: Robert Rorke
    Oct 3, 2013
    88
    The third-season premiere [of] Homeland delivers a strong episode that repairs much of the damage done last season to this excellent show.
    Read full review
  2. Entertainment Weekly
    Reviewed by: Jeff Jensen
    Oct 2, 2013
    75
    The business of powerful men demonizing a strong, if suffering, heroic woman makes for layered drama. As usual, Danes throws mind, heart, and jittery chin into making Carrie feel real.... For now, Homeland sans Brody feels too safe, too conventional.
    Read full review
  3. Baltimore Sun
    Reviewed by: David Zurawik
    Sep 28, 2013
    90
    Nowhere in the media has the moral question of such [government-ordered] kills been explored with the texture and depth that Homeland brings to [just] one little scene Sunday.
    Read full review
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