‘Homeland’ season 5: Showtime boss on Pakistan criticism, more

While there may not be too much when it comes to “Homeland” season 5 to discuss at the very moment, you can still very much talk about what could be, and what sort of mindset the writers have at the moment following the end of season 4.

One question that is on the minds of many at the moment is this: Should the writers be acting in a reactionary way to the criticism the fourth season received by Pakistani officials? Many were upset with the depiction of Islamabad as a terrible, dangerous place, which they contended was not always the case. Our response to that is that Pakistan is probably correct, but if you watch “Hawaii Five-0,” then you will think that Hawaii is a place where people are probably murdered all of the time. Shows take license to ensure their creative needs are met. Things are not anywhere near as entertaining any other way, such as if there is nothing bad breaking in the Pakistani city.

Speaking about this at the Showtime TCA panel this week, Showtime head David Nevins said that he “hopes” that the criticism is “not considered at all” for the fifth season, as he does not want the writers to feel limited in any way by what a country is upset about. He also added that “they’ve never shied away from anything difficult,” and we assume that they will tackle the story moving forward with a similar mindset.

Writing will be underway shortly on the fifth season, which premieres on Showtime at some point this fall. Filming should begin at some point in May.

We are, as always, going to have more updates as they come out. If you want to get more scoop on all things TV via email, sign up now for our CarterMatt Newsletter. (Photo: Showtime.)