3 Shows You Should be Watching, But Aren't

Image Credit: Showtime

Homeland: Many have called it last season's best new show. Many have not even heard of it at all, but with its recent Emmy buzz and post 9/11 connections, it has garnered more attention over time. Starring Claire Danes as the CIA operative Carrie Mathison, who is racing to prove that a United States Prisoner of War (played by Damian Lewis) is really a terrorist, Homeland serves up a fascinating drama revolving around Carrie's crazed, obsessive mission and Sergeant Nicholas Brody's painful return home after eight years in captivity. Everyone has his or her own secrets on the show, as even Carrie is hiding her manic depression from the CIA, or else she'd be unemployed immediately. While the American people, as well as many powerful political figures, see Brody as a hero, Carrie is the only one who does not. Danes delivers a profound performance through her cat and mouse chase with Brody, as a series of secrets, lies, and deceit unravel into drastic consequences throughout the first season. Each episode leaves its viewers hanging, yearning for more. Homeland's cast, including well-known stage actor and former Criminal Minds star Mandy Patinkin as Carrie's mentor Saul Berenson, helps mold an emotional connection for the viewers with its characters. After seeing the shocking conclusion of the finale, viewers will still be questioning the ethics and motives of each of its characters. It's one show you definitely need to catch up on, before Emmy night (9/23), and before the second season premiere (9/30). Pilot episode currently available on www.sho.com.

Image Credit: USA Network

Political Animals: Elaine Clinton? Or Hillary Barrish? With their backgrounds quite similar, their names can be easily confused. Political Animals, the politically correct miniseries drama on USA Network starring Sigourney Weaver has acquired much buzz over the past few weeks, as four of its six episodes have aired. Some of Animals' central narratives circle around feminism, sexuality, diplomatic relations, and the fight for power, which are all vastly debated topics in the contemporary world. Cunningly, this series whispers at the proactivity many politicians should, but unfortunately do not, possess in a society where personal gains of those making the most important decisions is placed as a priority before the well-being of the American public. And Sigourney Weaver's character is the embodiment of that much-needed zeal. Secretary of State Elaine Barrish is level headed, well opinionated, but speaks her mind, and is not afraid to back down for what she stands for. Her personality is focused on helping America, and even in the midst of her ex-husband, former President Bud Hammond's infidelity, her love for the country did not waiver, and she continued serving as the First Lady. In politics, there is often a clash of one's public and private lives, and Political Animals speaks to that ongoing clash one must confront in order to be successful in the the world's limelight. Even if you're not a advocate of politics, this is one drama about politics worth trying. Currently airing Sundays, 10pm USA Network. First four episodes available at www.usanetwork.com/series/politicalanimals.

Image Credit: BBC One

Luther: Luther, a crafty, dark police miniseries drama produced by BBC One, stars Idris Elba as dedicated, yet psychologically disturbed Detective Chief Inspector John Luther. Every case brings Luther to the edge of darkness; his occupation forces him to delve into the psychologically ravaged mind of the killer in order to stop homicides and crimes from occurring again. There's a certain moral ambiguity and complexity to Elba's character that one can only understand by watching. His unconventional crime solving is coupled with his stunning analytical and intellectual capabilities, which drives his passion for bringing justice to the streets of London. Even after successfully ending a case, Luther lives in the past, bothered by the cloud of evil he's fought. He's been referred to as "dirty" for the lines he's crossed during his cases, and is often frowned upon for his irrational outbursts and fiery temper. Even his wife has left him, since she's haunted by exactly what torments Luther, his obsession with solving crimes and the despair he's uncovered. Luther's a troubled, suicidal hero, one to definitely offer ten hours of sympathy towards. With a vote of confidence, I urge you to explore the grim, disturbing abyss seeping through the Luther's core. You won't be disappointed. Series One and Two currently available on Netflix.