The fifth season of the American television series
HOMELAND was shot entirely in Germany. Most scenes were filmed in the German capital, see
Berlin, Germany. In episode 7, Carrie Mathison (Claire Danes) goes to Amsterdam. The 'Holländisches Viertel' (Dutch Quarter) in Potsdam was chosen to represent the Dutch capital.
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| Holländisches Viertel, Potsdam, 2 July 2019 |
For production values it must have been easier to film the few scenes that are set in the Netherlands in Potsdam, from Berlin it is only half an hour by train. The Dutch Quarter was commissioned by King Frederick William I of Prussia, who admired Dutch architecture. Between 1733 and 1742 a total of 134 houses were built, divided into four residential blocks. An important reason to build this neighbourhood was to invite Dutch workers to Germany, hoping they would feel more at home in these houses.
When Potsdam became part of East Germany, the Dutch Quarter fell into disrepair. However, after The Wall came down the houses were restored. In one them is a museum about Jan Bouman, the Dutch architect who designed the 'Holländisches Viertel'.
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| 'Dutch' licence plate |
Although the houses with their clock gables and red brick look very Dutch, small details such as street signs, licence plates and road signs had to be adjusted. This was not entirely successfully done, although I doubt if most non-Dutch viewers will not notice it. The number plates of the cars have more than six numbers and letters, which is unusual in the Netherlands. There are some strange directions on the signpost, 'Eensteried' and 'Duinkelaap' are no Dutch names.
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| 'Dutch' signpost |
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| Corner Mittelstraße-Benkertstraße, Potsdam, 2 July 2019 |
The streets of 'Amsterdam' are seen briefly. In one scene Carrie, disguised with a black wig, walks through Benkertstraße. In the series, the street has been given the curious name 'Botweg Betimmerd', which Google translates as 'Bluntly Timbered'. No street in the Netherlands has that name.
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| Homeland, season 5, episode 7, 0:34:33 |
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| Mittelstraße, Potsdam, 2 July 2019 |
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| Homeland, season 5, episode 7, 0:38:32 |
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| Benkertstraße, Potsdam, 2 July 2019 |
Screenshots and publicity photos © Showtime
The fifth season of the TV series Homeland is considered excellent for several reasons:
ReplyDeleteDisconnected Narrative: The story of the fifth season is completely disconnected from the fourth season. This allows the plot to focus on new events and characters, moving away from the previous arc. Although this may leave some loose ends, it also creates a sense of realism, without perfect resolutions, as in the “real world”.
Berlin Location: The action is moved to Berlin, Germany, which provides a fresh and interesting setting. The change of environment revitalizes the series and offers new opportunities to explore geopolitical themes and espionage.
Magnificent Performance: Claire Danes, in the role of bipolar agent Carrie Mathison, continues to deliver a magnificent performance. Its intense emotions and psychological complexity are captivating.
Very Current Issues: The series addresses very current issues, such as the actions of intelligence agencies (CIA, Russian and German) and Islamic terrorist cells. The camera places us at the center of these operations, creating an engaging suspense.
Suspense and Performances: The suspense worked throughout the season and the performances of the entire cast are hat-off. The series still manages to balance dramatic elegance with thriller elements.
"Homeland" was nominated for the Screen Actors Guild award for outstanding performance by an ensemble in a drama series for Season 5.
The season sports an 88% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes and built upon the previous season's resurgence, with critics praising a slower burn.
The season is especially effective for the indefatigable Saul being compromised and Carrie dealing with real-life consequences for her actions.
In short, the fifth season of Homeland maintains the quality of the series, even when it faces narrative challenges and seeks innovation. The combination of brilliant performances and relevant themes makes it an unmissable choice for fans of thrillers and espionage.