After An Epic Season 8, Homeland Fans Want The Iconic Thriller To Continue

In the telly world, as in life, all good things come to an end. Fans of the celebrated Showtime series Homeland are grappling with this truth, as they wait for the season 8 finale airing this week.

Word is that the TV’s favorite bipolar CIA agent won’t be returning after April 26 as the show is likely to be wrapped up after running for 8 successful seasons.

Homeland Popularity 

Homeland has not just won 8 Emmys and 5 Golden Globes but also over a million hearts around the world. Its accurate and refreshing depiction of what remains one of the most debilitating mental conditions in its lead character is definitely one major reason.

Additionally, terrorist plots are being sabotaged, international schemes hindered, and American democracy saved more than once. 

The thriller series first premiered on Showtime in 2011, introducing viewers to CIA op Carrie Matheson (Claire Danes) and her mentor, Saul Berenson (Mandy Patinkin).

Carrie was bipolar and volatile while being brilliant and capable of spotting things most overlook. Through 8 seasons, fans saw her lose close friends and lovers and also give birth to a baby girl and learn to be a mother.

Why is it ending?

While there are at least half a dozen plot points the Homeland could continue with, this season is unfortunately, its last.

As reported by TV Line, Showtime president David Nevins confirmed that the eighth season would bring Carrie’s story to a wrap. 

“Alex Gansa (Homeland’s executive producer) will be bringing this show … to its proper conclusion,” said Nevins. “I cannot say enough about how much Homeland has meant for the acceleration of our brand, not to mention to me personally.”

Nevins also clarified the reason for the show is ending. Claire Danes (who is also a producer) and Gansa were the ones to first decide that it was time to say goodbye. “I asked, ‘Are you sure? Let’s think about it.’ But when they were resolved, it seemed like it was the right time,” Nevins said.

Farewell Carrie!

Fans of Homeland remain almost in a denial the show is ending. This especially at a time when the corona pandemic has given them all the more time to obsess over their favorite shows and films.

Ever since Nevins’ announcement, fans have been taking to Twitter to express their disappointment.

“Only two episodes left? Forever? We have been riding with the #Homeland crew for a long time. I may speak for everyone in saying we are sad to see an end to such an amazing group of storytellers,” one of the fan-tweets read. 

“It meant so much to me to see such a flawed, strong, powerful woman, wallowing in all the grey areas of life and politics. Carrie Mathison is an amazing character,” another tweet said.

The Last Gift

Even though at its end, the show is all set to depart with a bang. The final season, specifically the final episodes, have been some of the team’s best work, agree fans. 

“I am getting season 5 of 24 vibes from this season of #Homeland,”” another Twitter user wrote. “It has been THAT GOOD. I know the reveal coming up will be major. I’m so sad this show is ending!!!”

In the penultimate episode, the show revealed a ghastly twist wherein Carrie is faced with the choice between literally world peace and her mentor Saul’s life.

Titled ‘The English Teacher’, the second-last episode ended on the verge of a war breaking out between America and Pakistan unless Carrie disposes of her close friend Saul.

In the sneak peek for Sunday’s grand finale, Carrie wrestles with the impossible decision. “We’re one hair-trigger away from annihilation,” she exclaims. Moments later, we hear a cryptic Saul ask Carrie, “What’d you do?”