'Homeland' Season 3 Premiere: 5 Burning Questions

The Season 3 premiere of “Homeland” focuses on the show’s original couple: Carrie and Saul.  This duo shares more tragedy, angst, tension, and twisted love than Brody and Carrie ever could. If you haven’t yet watched this Brody-free episode, watch it before reading the semi-spoilers below.

Did Saul really betray Carrie?
Saul, or maybe it’s Mandy Patinkin, always looks pensive. He’s a reluctant CIA member who feared being set up last season. Why would Dar Adal’s knowing glances nudge him to ambush Carrie? Is Saul secretly working on a noble mission?

Carrie has a newspaper subscription!?
Despite being a fan of the printed word, it’s jarring to see the newspaper play such a pivotal role on “Homeland.” A subscription doesn’t jibe with Carrie’s tech-savvy and chaotic lifestyle. Does she call in for vacation hold when she goes ‘round the bend or travels for missions? On second thought, she may need the paper so she can plaster the walls with elaborate theories.

Is Jessica the new Dana?
Dana 2.0 is far more likeable and sympathetic than the previous version, but it looks like Jessica may adopt her annoyed/annoying persona. During a chat with Dana’s doctor, she blankly rattles off the many problems facing the family. Jessica’s obviously not herself.

Her mom’s lending financial and moral support, or her version of it. She grumbles about Brody’s decisions, suggests a lawsuit against the Marines, and offends Dana. Jessica looks as though she is ready to erupt, or implode, at any second.

What will follow “The Wizard of Oz” strike?
So what if the agency killed six people linked to the bombing?  Don’t they have cohorts and underlings ready to take their places? Between Saul’s showboating in front of the media, and the committee's assertion that he authorized the assassination of civilians, he surely riled some unseen enemies.

How is Brody eluding authorities?
He is a famous POW, U.S. congressman, vice presidential candidate, and terrorist suspect. Although that combo may win him some resourceful allies, it's hard to fathom how such a famous and memorable person remains on the lam. 

"Homeland" airs Sundays at 9 p.m. on Showtime.