Homeland belongs to the thriller genre but has elements of politics. Conventions of thriller dramas are the narratives as they tend to include secrets and cover ups. The knowledge of the genre affects the audiences expectations as you assume they'll be the antagonist at the root of a political scandal and the protagonist who has to pursue the truth.
In the first episode you are introduced to Carrie, in the opening section you see her talk to her boss in a disrespectful manner as she tries to get what she wants, she then goes behind her boss's back to get information from an Iraq prisoner and causes a diplomatic incident. Her character is represented as determinded and strong. Carries character challenges Laura Mulveys theory 'the male gaze' as you don't view Carrie as an object of desire. The audience have respect and trust for Carrie as she's to protect her country however the audience are positioned to not see Carrie as reliable because we're not sure of the lengths she'll go to prove her theory. She also challenges the stereotype appearence of blonde hair and blue eyes due to the fact she stands up to authority and the audience like her as she's represented as the underdog when David tries to shut her down in Iraq yet she speaks to the prisoner anyway and has the power to save his family. 
Carrie's boss David is the Director of Counterterrorism at the CIA, he is represented to have alot of power due to his occupation which isn't a streotype of a young black male. However his authority is often undermind by Carrie so he tries to restrain her, as the audience we don't like his character especially when we learn the reasoning behind his punishments on Carrie is because he blames her for his divorce suggesting they had an affiar. David is represented as weak contrasting with his powerful occupation. 
Brody was found being held captive as a prisoner of war in Iraq after 8 years of being missing. At first he's represented as a hero who's undergone a traumatising experience therefore he's quiet and nervous. Brody returns home to his family but is jumpy and defensive when his wife touches him because of the beatings and scars he recieved in Iraq. As the audience you watch a sex scene with Brody and his wife through the eyes of Carrie therefore you experience the same emotional response as Carrie, the sex scene is awkward, agressive and lacks passion. The audience is cautious of Brody due to Carrie's informant saying an American officer has been turned. We soon learn that Brody lies about his interegation and that he beat the other missing marine to death. 
Try to make stronger connections between the theories and the texts. You mention Mulvey's theory, but don't explore an example of it at work (or not working) to support your point. The same is true for your other points. If you make a point, always look for some evidence to support it:
ReplyDeleteThe audience is given 'privileged access' to Brody's darkest nightmares; they are allowed to see important pieces of the story that the other characters do not know. During the nightmare sequence Brody appears stressed, and even terrified as he remembers being forced to beat his friend to death; we are invited to see how bravely he clung to his patriotism and how completely he fell apart. The audience is invited to feel sympathy for Brody, which is a powerful way of positioning an audience to start rooting for a character.