By Mark Hallum
Oakland Gardens saw the filming of the hit Showtime series “Homeland” last week. The Golden Globe-winning drama started shooting in the early morning hours at 210th Street and 67th Avenue where signs were placed informing residents to remove vehicles from what would be used as the set.
“Homeland” follows the life of CIA operative Carrie Mathison, played by Claire Danes, who may be the best in her field, but struggles with bipolar disorder making her volatile and unpredictable. Coming back for a sixth season, Danes stars alongside Mandy Patinkin, who plays Saul Berenson, a longtime friend of Mathison.
The show begins with Mathison being reassigned to the CIA’s Counterterrorism Center in Langley, Va., after an operation in Iraq goes bad. As season five rolls around, the protagonist finds herself no longer in the employ of the national intelligence apparatus and applying her skills to the private sector in Berlin.
Season six will see Mathison a few months after the last episode living in Brooklyn and working for a foundation providing aid to Muslim immigrants.
“Homeland” has won five Golden Globe Awards, including two for Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series – Drama for Claire Danes’ performance; one for Best Television Series – Drama; and another for Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series – Drama going to Damian Lewis.
The series also took home Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Writing in a Drama Series and Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series.
Reach reporter Mark Hallum by e-mail at mhall
