The Honorable Woman

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Season 1
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 94 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 77 out of 94
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 94
  3. Negative: 9 out of 94
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User Reviews

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  1. Pookster
    Sep 10, 2014
    10
    By far my favorite show -- mini series, excuse me -- this season. Thoughtful, dense, complex plotting, fabulous acting, thoroughly enjoyable. Best thing on TV at the moment.
  2. Maxaman5
    Oct 13, 2014
    10
    This is the type of show DVD collections were made for. And also for PVR'ing. Languid yet lush cinematography where nearly almost every scene is bathed in a type of eerie silence that seems coiled to burst with violence at almost any time. Dangerous relationships, secret passions and the unraveling of a mystery is perfect for "power watching" on DVD. In fact, recording is recommended asThis is the type of show DVD collections were made for. And also for PVR'ing. Languid yet lush cinematography where nearly almost every scene is bathed in a type of eerie silence that seems coiled to burst with violence at almost any time. Dangerous relationships, secret passions and the unraveling of a mystery is perfect for "power watching" on DVD. In fact, recording is recommended as the tension is taut, and you may want to watch a scene over again as a single inaudible word might be the difference in following the plot portents or losing it. Plus some parts just demand to be seen again, with excellent camera work, luxurious lighting and dramatic scenery and flawed characters with secrets to maintain while trying to 'keep it all together' in the midst of crisis and remaining warm and human meaning they come across as human and real. One gets the feeling one is in the middle of a feature length film by the time the ending of each episode arrives with a crashing cymbal sound inducing halt. Enough to stoke you for the next episode. It is a very well done series. Original, mysterious and sexy. TV never had it so good until 'The Honorable Woman' arrived on scene.… Expand
  3. FleshWorld
    Aug 13, 2014
    9
    The first episode was pretty fascinating and I'm definitely looking forward to seeing this eight episodes season play out. Maggie Gyllenhaal certainly can act and she's one of the more watchable actresses on TV or in the theater these days. And what a perfect time to set a plot in Israel and Gaza. I applied the Sundance Channel for really going for in terms of their original programming.The first episode was pretty fascinating and I'm definitely looking forward to seeing this eight episodes season play out. Maggie Gyllenhaal certainly can act and she's one of the more watchable actresses on TV or in the theater these days. And what a perfect time to set a plot in Israel and Gaza. I applied the Sundance Channel for really going for in terms of their original programming. I'm a big fan of rectify and I enjoyed the red river greatly.… Expand
  4. kandieamdany
    Aug 8, 2014
    9
    The series keeps you on the edge with all the pilling mysteries and little but tactical revelation of half truths.
    I particularly like it since it's touching on the sensitive issue of the politics in Israel, Gaza and West Bank which makes it relevant.
  5. ctspectator
    Aug 5, 2014
    8
    Maggie Gyllenhall and cast execute their roles perfectly in this political/spy thriller. The unfolding of events happen very quickly, almost too quickly, so you will want to be paying attention. The writing is masterfully done as not to be over-the-head of the average TV viewer, but still appealing to the more high-brow. Cinematically, this is one of the best shows airing at the moment.
  6. alx3000
    Feb 20, 2015
    1
    This is extreme pro-Israel propaganda, totally disconnected from the reality that the Israel is the perpetrator of an illegal, incredibly one-sided, murderous occupation in Palestine. It begins with the murder of the protagonist's father (a heroic "son of Israel") in front of his children. The callous, cold, clearly monsterous Palestinian murder then drops his weapon and raises his handThis is extreme pro-Israel propaganda, totally disconnected from the reality that the Israel is the perpetrator of an illegal, incredibly one-sided, murderous occupation in Palestine. It begins with the murder of the protagonist's father (a heroic "son of Israel") in front of his children. The callous, cold, clearly monsterous Palestinian murder then drops his weapon and raises his hand but is then shot anyway (never mind that he was no longer a threat).

    The pilot is filled with endless scenes mourning the loss of the murdered father while the now adult protagonist is revealed to be an idealist philanthropist who is constantly under threat from evil Palestinian terrorists just for being Israeli. Palestinians are depicted as ruthless thugs or at best stupid.

    The plot revolves around the heroic protagonist trying to bring peace by giving Internet access to the simple minded Palestinians. There's no mention of Palestinian telecoms, power and other utilities being routinely cut off by Israel, nor any reference to the fact that Israel has a policy of keeping all Palestinians on a diet (food is limited to ensure there is just enough to keep people alive but hungry). (If you don't believe this is the reality, just do a bit of research).

    The videography is adequate though tired. The lead performance is ok and the Palestinian thugs are laughable. The pace is very slow indeed. It's as if the director has grand delusions of making a modern-day Tinker, Tailor, but this is nothing of the sort - it's just dull.

    All in all the only reason to drag yourself through this familiar drivel is if you need to reaffirm your belief in the superiority of the west over the Palestinian dogs. A kind of Homeland for pretentious people.    … Expand
  7. dyrtyredd
    Sep 15, 2014
    0
    Boring. That's the best word to describe this show. There's not much going on except a personal secret s involving the two main characters who are siblings. If you want to watch a show about cheating, affairs, lies, and illegitimate children that moves at a snails pace, here's your show. I made it through 6 hour long episodes of which there were probably 20 minutes worth of watchableBoring. That's the best word to describe this show. There's not much going on except a personal secret s involving the two main characters who are siblings. If you want to watch a show about cheating, affairs, lies, and illegitimate children that moves at a snails pace, here's your show. I made it through 6 hour long episodes of which there were probably 20 minutes worth of watchable material in total. Won't be surprised to see it cancelled.… Expand
  8. doooofus
    Aug 15, 2014
    2
    Maggie, as always, is lovely. And one of the world's best, Stephen Rea, seems well cast.

    It seems to have everything, except: 1. Lighting for the scenes, and 2. A frikkin' PLOT It works out to be leCarre on Seconal I was TIVO-ing it to avoid Sundance's horrid intrusions.....but find it best suited as an insomnia cure. Trendy....you bet. Artsy....I guess.    Maggie, as always, is lovely. And one of the world's best, Stephen Rea, seems well cast.

    It seems to have everything, except:

    1. Lighting for the scenes, and

    2. A frikkin' PLOT

    It works out to be leCarre on Seconal

    I was TIVO-ing it to avoid Sundance's horrid intrusions.....but find it best suited as an insomnia cure.

    Trendy....you bet. Artsy....I guess. Pretentious....abso-foookin'- lootely.

    But watchable.....nah........    … Expand
  9. BogKid
    Aug 2, 2014
    9
    A brainy thriller with just enough action to keep things moving along. Superb writing and acting -- Maggie Gyllenhall fits the part perfectly and wears it with dignity and a high level of realism. This show appears on the Sundance Channel. Go looking for it right away.
  10. bruceylegs
    Aug 1, 2014
    10
    Faustian pacts, Shakespearean tradgedy and a Game of Thrones-sized cast of characters all wrapped in a conspiracy that will have the NSA reaching for their notebooks. You have to wonder at the horrible symmetry of the storyline and ongoing events in Gaza. I don't know how it will will twist and turn next but you can be sure the small man/woman probably won't come out on top. A classic inFaustian pacts, Shakespearean tradgedy and a Game of Thrones-sized cast of characters all wrapped in a conspiracy that will have the NSA reaching for their notebooks. You have to wonder at the horrible symmetry of the storyline and ongoing events in Gaza. I don't know how it will will twist and turn next but you can be sure the small man/woman probably won't come out on top. A classic in the making.… Expand
  11. foxgrove
    Aug 11, 2014
    9
    An enthrallingly dense and topical political thriller which rewards attentive viewers. The writing is intelligently complex and doesn't show its hand too soon enabling the 8 part drama to sustain interest right up to the end. Occasionally one has to pause to make sense of key scenes but generally this is quality adult entertainment. The Performances are great, but if Maggie GyllenhaallAn enthrallingly dense and topical political thriller which rewards attentive viewers. The writing is intelligently complex and doesn't show its hand too soon enabling the 8 part drama to sustain interest right up to the end. Occasionally one has to pause to make sense of key scenes but generally this is quality adult entertainment. The Performances are great, but if Maggie Gyllenhaall doesn't win a cabinet full of awards for her career best turn then there will be no justice. She has never before given such a dynamic performance and this will certainly put her on the map. With an impeccable English accent she is FANTASTIC!! If this was a film the Oscar would be hers.… Expand
  12. mani8kgm
    Jan 7, 2015
    8
    I give it all its marks for how it compels. For how it rivets. But it's simply too much. I wasn't dtelighted it was over, more like relieved! It's not a must-watch, but it'll grab your attention if you do!
  13. podaddy
    Sep 18, 2014
    9
    Excellent show. Great story, and it's a tad puzzling that a few naysayers claimed THW is plotless. It's a rich story line, smarter than 99% of tv shows these days, and the acting is top notch. Definitely a slow burn sort of show, but well worth devoting your couch potato time to.
  14. BillJustBill
    Aug 12, 2014
    9
    High end stuff all the way. The pilot is a little slow on action, gets a little confusing, but I have every confidence it will sort itself out. I'll be watching.
  15. ericolsen
    Sep 8, 2015
    9
    Amazing photography builds up a ground breaking atmosphere never seen before on a television series. Amazing acting, and increasingly intriguing plot.
  16. RogerE
    Feb 28, 2016
    8
    This mini-series takes some time to build up the tension, but in the end, delivers results. Focusing on the highly contentious relationship between Israel and Palestine, Maggie Gyllenhaal accurately captures the frustrations of those desperately trying to build bridges and bring some stability to the region. Even though the central protagonist is Israeli, The Honourable Woman does not takeThis mini-series takes some time to build up the tension, but in the end, delivers results. Focusing on the highly contentious relationship between Israel and Palestine, Maggie Gyllenhaal accurately captures the frustrations of those desperately trying to build bridges and bring some stability to the region. Even though the central protagonist is Israeli, The Honourable Woman does not take a biassed political stand. Even though there are some gruesome scenes, the storyline does get predictable along the way. However, the ending was fairly traditional and captivating.… Expand

Awards & Rankings

26
#26 Best TV Season of 2014
88
#88 Most Discussed TV Season of 2014
64
#64 Most Shared TV Season of 2014

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
82

Universal acclaim - based on 24 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 24
  3. Negative: 0 out of 24
  1. Hitfix
    Reviewed by: Daniel Fienberg
    Aug 1, 2014
    83
    The Honorable Woman is really a thriller and, at its best, it's on a level with something like "Homeland" at its best.
    Read full review
  2. New York Magazine (Vulture)
    Reviewed by: Matt Zoller Seitz
    Jul 31, 2014
    80
    All in all, this is an impressive piece of work, absorbing provided that you're willing to meet it on its own storytelling terms.
    Read full review
  3. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
    Reviewed by: Rob Owen
    Jul 31, 2014
    80
    A smart, deliberately paced, closed-ended miniseries.
    Read full review
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