Homeland Preview: Season 1, Episode 7 - The Weekend

This Sunday, Showtime's Homeland kicks-off the back half of their debut season with "The Weekend" and, after the events that unfolded last night during "The Good Soldier," anything can happen. The show prides itself on being unexpected and unconventional without coming across as having twists purely for twists' sake. Last night was a perfect example of how the writers so effectively structured the episode, with the set-ups and payoffs, that each revelation feels completely earned not forced. That doesn't mean there weren't a few shocks that left my stomach in knots and next week, things escalate even further. Pepto-Bismal anyone?

"The Weekend" seems to take place over the course of (shockingly) a weekend, where a lot of different character and narrative developments are unfolding for all of the major players. In the first preview clip, we see Jess and Mike getting a little quiet time together after the incident at the BBQ, you know, where Brody finally confirms their prior relationship, then punches Mike in the face several times and storms out. Jess is probably the character in the toughest spots and I genuinely feel bad for her and Mike and what seems like a nice relationship stunted in the early stages of development.

The second clip is a little more exciting as it picks up right where "The Good Soldier" ends, with our leads driving off into the sunset together. The clip is amazing, both in the way that the writers are handling the 'affair' and the absolutely natural chemistry between Danes and Lewis. The actors are superb and it goes a long way in making you believe that these two actually have something despite the incredible complicated backstory. Their scenes together always crackle, whether in a boardroom-interrogation setting or post-bar banging in the parking lot. Where are they headed? According to the official synopsis and episode preview below, Carrie and Brody are going to spend the weekend away together. How cute? Check out the clips.

Oh, and those in the right region can watch the aforementioned preview...

Last, in a bit of fun, Showtime and Homeland are doing a little bit of viral marketing by allowing viewers to experience a lie-detector first hand. You can either take a 'voice-based polygraph' on their website or find out if one of their portable polygraph vans are coming to a city near you. Hello, Larry!

Homeland airs on Showtime, Sundays at 10 p.m. ET/PT. It stars Claire Danes, Damian Lewis, Mandy Patinkin and Morena Baccarin.

Official synopsis via Showtime's website,