Claire Danes as Carrie Mathison in Homeland (Season 4, Episode 8). – Photo: David Bloomer/SHOWTIME – Photo ID: Homeland_408_0035.R
After last week’s tense, even shocking “Homeland” episode, the series had no place to go but quieter this week. Diplomatic talks make for less dramatic viewing. But wait! There’s a bizarre catch at the end — no spoilers here.
Backing up, there’s no doubt in my mind Saul Berensen (Mandy Patinkin) would have advised Carrie Mathison (Claire Danes) to “take the shot” last week when the prime target was in the drone’s sight, after the slaying of young Aayan (Suraj Sharma). Carrie backed down at the urging of Peter Quinn (Rupert Friend). In the real world, emotions would not have played into the decision. Quinn would not have been allowed to get in the way of the operation. Saul, despite his status, would not have been a factor. But this is a drama and that was dramatic license.
Now, Saul remains captive, protesting all the while that he is of little value to the enemy. Dennis Boyd (Mark Moses) has drugged Carrie, triggering a psychotic break. She hurts Quinn for trying to help.
“Homeland” viewers are continually bumping up against the impossibility of the entire situation and tonight was no exception. “You could have just left us alone.” “After you hit us on 9-11?” The dinner conversation between prisoner Saul and terrorist leader Haissam Haqqani (Numan Acar), about Islam and war, seemed particularly absurd as table talk. Perhaps it made for interesting dramatic dialog, but how credible was that scene? Again and again, it’s better not to question and just enjoy the ride.
And then the whopper. “Is this so hard to believe?” asked a certain figure from Carrie’s past. She wants to believe. Viewers may not. Count it as some very clever if not believable plotting, a buzz-worthy cameo with a side of poetic license.
