The Honourable Woman

Set in the middle of one of our era's most tragic and polarizing conflicts, it is perhaps understandable that reviewers here jump to the conclusion that it's propaganda for one side or the other. But it isn't. Using a family's internal struggle with the background being the Israeli-Palestinian conflict the writers almost can't win. But the preposterous claim that the series is justification for the current conflict when the shooting schedule began in July 2013...to say nothing of script writing, finding producers, and casting which would reach back into 2012 if not longer, demonstrates how explosive the setting is. As Nessa says, "It's the Middle East. Enemies is what you make." Therefore, it was brave of the project to chose that setting, but it shouldn't be seen as taking a stand for one side or the other.

The pace may be slow, but it's dreamlike point of view, for me, made it all the more transfixing. The cast, particularly Gyllenhaal's performance, is splendid, and the trap of being a mediator, whether is World politics or family dynamics demonstrates that hazard. ("You're either for me or against me.") This may be a series to watch all in one sitting, void of weekly waits and commercials. For me, it's the years best television series.

I'm not a big fan of mini series; however, Honourable Woman is the exception for me. From the very first episode, I was drawn into this fast action drama as if I were there. Not only is this one of the best action packed mini-series I have ever seen, but the acting is over-the-top. Maggie Gyllenhaal does an amazing acting job portraying Nessa Stein. Her demeanor, style, and sensitivity to the part, to me, puts her in the stratosphere of acting with all the other great actresses. She's so good, that I couldn't help but feel everything she was going through in this well-played role. And Lubna Azabal portrays Atika Halabi in a way that makes me love her, and hate her. She was great in this role. And Stephen Rea played the part of Sir Hugh Hayden-Hoyle as I would expect a good spy does. His soft spoken demeanor, and his inquisitive mind really helped to make him a believable character. I would say that all the characters were believable, and made this mini-series what it is...fantastic.

Throughout the eight episodes of The Honourable Woman the viewer is treated to a relevant, gutsy, challenging television experience. If you ever dismissed or plead ignorance over the Arab - Israeli conflict, you now have an emotional stake in the conflict. The characters are complex, the actors are skilled artisans. Ever since Maggie Gyllenhaal was slinking around in Secretary she has established a reputation for conquering the challenging, controversial roles. Maggie has conquered once again. The Honourable Woman will win a lot of trophies once the awards season has arrived. Amongst the superior cast is one actor who may have placed an exclamation point on his heretofore fine body of work. The trophy engravers should get a jump on etching Stephen Rea's name on the hardware from the Golden Globe, BAFTA, Emmy and Blockbuster(sic)awards. Rea simply owned every scene in which he appeared. His star rose with the release of the feisty film, The Crying Game whose plot twist remains one of the great and respected spoilers that is kept mum to this day. His efforts were rewarded with an Oscar nomination to go along with his Tony nomination. Twenty plus years later, it is time for this native and resident of Northern Ireland to get his due. Will The Honourable Woman return for another season? Hugo Blick and company drained every ounce out of the script and characters. Perhaps the dawn should best be left unsaid.

Nessa Stein (Maggie Gyllenhaal) is trying to use her family's business to construct a telecommunication connection to the Palestinian territories. She has high ideals promoting a policy of reconciliation between Israelis and Palestinians. Part of that is to seek out a Palestinian partner for the venture. Her father's killing in front of her is still a major pain for her and her brother. However, she is hiding a secret from 8 years ago when she ventured into the Gaza Strip. It is secrets upon secrets as world politics and personal struggles collide.

The first thing about this series is that it is well written. It is not just what's on the surface. Everybody has a secret. It is an intricate web of lies and double-cross. There is no need to spoil anything. Gyllenhaal gives a very solid performance as do so many of the actors. This is simply smart television. I'm fine with a limited series because it allows for more intense storytelling.

well i had originally planed to watch it in a day after 4 episodes i got caught up in other things and later I just did not care very much for the show.Because for me the show was going no where and early 4 episodes were too slow paced.But after 2 months i thought of giving it another chance.And I have to say if you can get past the slow paced beginning the later episodes are wonder treats.This is one of the best modern spy thriller in years. best thing about the series is,it knows what it's doing and takes us in the territory of modern political spy thriller with some strong writing and directing.it gives us every angle of it's story.Apart from being a well written spy thriller it's also human drama with unbiased storytelling which has no theatrical heroes and villain.We see from different angles that,every character have their own faults and virtue,every side have there own story which leads to a gripping but very humane conclusion that makes this show a worthwhile.