The Homeland series came to an end on Channel 4 last night. Having watched the entire gripping series in one sitting a few months back, I can imagine that some Homeland fans are feeling a little sad it’s over.
Well, fear not. Firstly, Channel 4 has announced it will be showing series two. But, more immediately, the Israeli series Hatufim , which Homeland was based on, will start showing on Sky Arts this Thursday. If anyone who has seen Hatufim can tell us what to expect from it – without plot spoilers please! – that would be lovely.
Meanwhile, I’m loving this season’s Britain’s Got Talent. My favourite finalists are Loveable Rogues and Pudsey the dog, though I really enjoyed the now eliminated ‘Humptay Dumptay’ Geisha. I’m going to see one of the live shows later this week. Looking forward to seeing Simon Cowell.
ha ha finally we’re getting U.S. TV before you guys. it ended here weeks ago.
I wouldn’t waste my time with “Hatufim” though it was lame especially now that I can compare it to “Homeland”
That’s a blow!
How can you say hatufim was lame? It was fantastic, not the same as Homeland, a much more personal, less explosive series, but still excellent.
Ha ha Humptay Dumptay Geisha gave my children nightmares. Blow Simon a kiss from me and tell David to stop teasing him. It’s not nice.
I was there for the Humptay Dumptay Geisha audition on the day. She was even more terrifying – and cool – live!
This post isn’t so passionate about Israel, but it’s the recent one so I decided to thank you. I’m writing from Israel and I just discovered your blog. It’s nice to get an occasional hug from abroad once in a while!
Hugs on offer anytime!
I loved the first episode of Hatufim!
Funnily enough I discovered this blog while googling various aspects of Hatufim.
I’ve really enjoyed it( your blog that is). I’m an English Christian with a special place in my heart for Israel and the Jewish nation. It’s so refreshing not to read the usual anti-Israeli garbage that’s so fashionable in our media. Speaking up for Israel is seen as treason it seems to me.
Anyway, re Hatufim. I think it’s marvellous and look forward to each episode. I’ve preordered the box set, because I know I will watch it a few times.
I adored Homeland, watched it over a weekend, having stored it up as I prefer to watch in large chunks. I didn’t think it could be bettered.
But, for me, Hatufim is on a different level. It’s slower, less commercial, but much more compelling. Brilliantly written and acted I think the fact that an Israeli Jew converts to Islam ( That’s not a spoiler, it was published before the series started) must have had a far greater impact on its’ audience than Brody’s conversion, gripping though that was.
I dont think the first poster watched the same programme as me. It’s simply unmissable in my book. I’d thoroughly recommend it.
I’ve bookmarked your blog, Chas as it’s fascinating.
I’m a Brit in the UK who loved Homeland but am thoroughly enjoying Hatufim which is being televised here now and I thoroughly agree with Cari Westwood that Hatufim is a completely different show and to my mind far more atmospheric ,and way more realistic than the usual glossy stuff the Americans always come up with – too slick and not identifiable to average viewers at all. Hatufim is far more compelling and interesting, more frightening and more thoughtful. Excellent stuff, but it’s only now where I can see that Uri is ready for that conversion that there are really obvious parallels between the two shows (he’s been taken from his cell to meet the child is as far as we’ve got)so far… Comments gratefully accepted but please don’t tell me what happens next (tho i think I can guess) !!
If anyone understands Hebrew, here is the original Israeli version where you can watch all the episodes of Hatufim: http://www.mako.co.il/mako-vod-keshet/hatufim-s1
One of the strengths of Hatufim over Homeland is the strength of the characters.There is a more realistic interaction between the players of the drama . The children’s adjustment to the new addition to the family – a father, is particularly poignant. The craving (having lived without a father) , by the adolescent daughter to sleep with older “father” figures is well observed, is just one example. Homeland’s strength is its focus on the vulnerability of a dedicated CIA agent and the turned POW Brodie. Other characters move from foreground to background to move it on as a thriller, but it is a good piece of drama too.
I dont understand hebrew but I downloaded 10 episodes of this show. I think there is 11 though? It ended with their “torturer” dying…I am describing him as such so as not to ruin it for anyone else that has not watched it yet….an arm goes around the son who says hes now with Allah….and we are left shocked…..IS that the end of season one OR is there one more episode after this?