“Homeland”, which first hit the small screen in October of 2011, has millions of Americans taking notice, including the president of the United States himself. The political thriller starring Claire Danes and Damian Lewis appeals to a wide variety of people with its fast-paced plot and enticing action scenes.

Soon to finish its second season, “Homeland” follows Carrie Mathison (Claire Danes), a mentally disturbed CIA operations officer, as she struggles to balance her love life, psychological problems and stressful career. Her love interest, Nicholas Brody (Damian Lewis), is a marine sergeant who was kept as a prisoner of war for eight years in Iraq. When he returns home to the United States, Mathison is convinced he has been turned and is plotting a terrorist attack. We later find out as the first season continues that Brody has been convinced by Abu Nazir (a fictional leader of Al Queda) to join his mission in taking down America. Later in the show, Brody goes against Nazir and turns in helpful information to the government.

Brody’s character is a constantly evolving lead. He is never the protagonist nor antagonist, but caught somewhere in between.

Along with Brody, the show’s plot line is an ever-growing chain of events, always political and always slightly romantic in a risqué way, yet consistently delivering a serious array of action scenes that could keep anyone on the edge of their seats.

Junior Nicole Phillips said, “I love how the show is constantly changing because I never know what is going to happen. The mix between romance and action is a good balance and it’s always a good show.”

The first season ends with a surprising twist that leaves viewers asking for more, and season two is looking to end in a similar fashion. But other than the constantly twisting and turning plotline, the show also supplies a good look into an interpretation of the US government and Homeland Security, along with the country’s relationship with the Middle East. Many are interested in the show specifically because of the political accuracy and realistic feel regarding international affairs.

Junior Natalie Dolan said, “I look forward to watching “Homeland” every week because it gives a unique perspective on America’s conflict with the Middle East.”

Some have found the interpretation of America’s relationship with the Middle East in “Homeland” to be offensive, along with their portrayal of the Muslim religion, but this has not stopped the show from taking home a number of Emmy awards and receiving high praise from many.

The season two finale airs Sunday, December 16 on Showtime, and season three will premier in the spring of 2013.