I thought maybe Barry was referring to the corrupting influence of power and luxury with the coming home remark-and I was really disappointed that it appears that Jamal got taken out-I hope he is only temporarily disabled-a lunatic like him is needed as a foil for Barry.
The homosexual son is annoying-probably there for PC reasons, or to show how that aberration is regarded in the Middle East.
It did remind me of “The Sopranos” though, with the level of Jamal’s violence-also like the novela I mentioned-the narco/head of the family is unpredictably violent, too...
They have an opportunity with world events (Iraq) to make this show very thought provoking. I think a couple years ago people would have rooted for the hero to bring “freedom and democracy” to the country.
We see now that sometimes you do need a strong hand to keep tribal factions in line. Which is what the father said.
How will our hero “Barry” grow and in what direction?
Of course, if his reluctance remains his defining characteristic, I can see that getting old real fast.