‘Homeland’ season 5: Will there be any changes after Pakistani officials object to season 4?

While the fourth season of “Homeland” may be perceived by many out there as a significant comeback for the series, there are definitely some who do not necessarily feel the same. Specifically, we are talking here about some officials within the government of Pakistan, who feel like the show went out of their way to make the region appear war-torn, and have many officials be corrupt and at odds with American interest.

Per the New York Post, Pakistan Embassy spokesperson Nadeem Hotiana made it clear that the show’s portrayal of its standing with America was largely inaccurate:

“Maligning a country that has been a close partner and ally of the US… is a disservice not only to the security interests of the US but also to the people of the US.”

Meanwhile, another source took issue with a variety of things on a significantly larger scale:

“Islamabad is a quiet, picturesque city with beautiful mountains and lush greenery. In Homeland, it’s portrayed as a grimy hellhole and war zone where shootouts and bombs go off with dead bodies scattered around. Nothing is further from the truth.”

Ultimately, we feel like what is going on here is a mixture of issues. Obviously, “Homeland” has a story that it has to tell that is grim and difficult, and we feel like they did a better job of presentation than the officials give them credit. Did they do a good enough job? Hardly, but they are not going to focuses on the positives when you remember that this is a drama.

Also, Pakistani officials are understandably going to be protective of their own homeland, and it probably does not help matters that show producers opted to film the series in South Africa, which is not always an accurate representation of real terrain.

Will this change before season 5? Ultimately, it is hard to say given that we are so early into the process right now. It is not entirely clear what the setting will be, let alone where the show will be filmed.

Do you sympathize with the officials here, at least in the context of how their city is being presented on a popular show? Share below, and head over here to see the first season 5 “promo” (though it is barely that). Also, sign up for some additional TV updates right now via our CarterMatt Newsletter. (Photo: Showtime.)