After the explosive season 4 plot of "Homeland," the critically acclaimed political thriller ended the season in a tamer, more subdued manner. Long-time fans of the show are not used to this kind of treatment, since "Homeland" season 3 ended with a big impact after Nicholas Brody (Damian Lewis) was executed by the Iranian government. Some were even complaining that the season finale was "slow" and anti-climactic. 

Yet Showtime president David Nevins defended the writers' decision to end the season that way. He also shared the plans for "Homeland" season 5, which is set to be released in the later part of 2015. 

"I think a show with this amount of political and narrative complexity can do a last episode that has a change of pace. I thought they needed to do an episode back in Washington, and needed to deal with Carrie's family situation and her issues with motherhood," the Showtime exec stated. 

He also said that the season chose to focus on the plot where America needs to establish its place in international politics, particularly in the Middle Eastern region. The cable channel president also said that he believes that the season already reached its action climax, which is why it is only fitting that it will get its political climax during the last episode. 

Meanwhile, the resurfacing of Carrie Mathison's (Claire Danes) mother Ellen (Victoria Clark) during the season finale may have a huge impact in the episodes in season 5. When Ellen told Carrie a lot of new information about her late father, and that she has a brother, fans are speculating that the show will delve into these new information in the coming season. Yet Nevins said that it is too early to speculate on anything at this point, as series showrunner Alex Ganza tend to take things one season at a time.

The filming for "Homeland" season 5 is reportedly scheduled sometime in May, and it may be launched by the end of September or early October 2015.