Homeland – Where did the razor blade really come from?

Wow. This week’s Homeland couldn’t have moved more slowly, but in this case it worked by creating an unbelievably suspenseful hour. At no time, did it seem obvious what was coming next. Though, I couldn’t figure out why they kept showing us Afzal Hamid’s shoes….

Are we to believe that the razor blade was in his shoe because we saw them taken from his home and then throughout his captivity? I find it hard to believe that the CIA wouldn’t have given him new clothes after he was searched. Don’t they remember the shoe bomber? Despite my slight irritation at that plot point, it does lead to some doubt that the razor blade was slipped to Hamid by Brody or someone else.

Regardless, Brody’s visit to Hamid seemed to spark his decision to commit suicide — either through the transfer of information or the razor blade. Why wouldn’t he have killed himself at the first opportunity? I can’t believe he would scarf down his food from hunger instead of just killing himself. So, the question is why did he wait? Was it because he didn’t have the means, he needed to pass along information or both?

Now that Saul and Carrie know that Brody went to see Hamid, they better be looking very closely at that tape to hear not only what Brody said, but even more crucial what Hamid said at the end. I wish I knew Arabic, so I could know now! If anyone knows, please share it in the comments.

Part of the reason, I love this show is that we, as viewers, are like CIA spies. We have to watch closely and interpret people’s words and actions. Where the shoes a clue that the razor blade was in them? How about Brody shaving before his visit to Estes? What did you notice while watching that could lead to finding out the truth?

Perhaps we will be able to figure out the leak by following these little clues. Even if Hamid had the razor blade the whole time, there is still a leak. Someone tipped off Aileen and Faisal such that they left the house. Last week, Aileen told Faisal they were to “sit tight” and then something changed and they disappeared. Was it a leak — Brody? Saul? Someone else? Or, did the CIA show its hand through the capture of Hamid and/or the email they sent?

I have to credit the writers, they have put together a well-crafted and suspenseful story. Each episode builds on the intrigue and at no point have I been bored. I’ve shared some of my theories, what do you think?

Other stuff:

• Brody now has Carrie’s contact information, I can’t wait to see them together again. They have amazing rapport, will that connection sway Carrie from her distrust of him?
• Instead of a pen or pencil, Hamid was given a crayon. Never thought about it before, but that makes a lot of sense. It can’t be used as a weapon. Why don’t we see that on cop shows?
• Brody made an impassioned plea to Estes about seeing Hamid. I almost believed it was for closure … almost.
• On Twitter there was some speculation that Saul’s prayer was in Arabic. According to closed-captioning, it was in Hebrew. That makes more sense, but in this crazy Homeland-world you never know. Updated: a reader said it was the Mourner’s Kaddish in Hebrew.
• The family lives of both Saul and Carrie are messed up. Their jobs definitely take a toll on them and their families. The ending scene with Carrie and her niece showed just how much pressure they put on themselves to save the country.
• Brody’s home life isn’t much better, except that he has a loving wife and kids waiting and praying for him at home. Jessica cut her hair short for Brody? Really? That just is crazy. A clear sign that she just doesn’t know what to do anymore. Out of everyone, I think I feel the worst for her. After Brody blowing up at Mike and his son, Brody ended up doing right by his son. That was a touching moment.

Clacked by Carla Day
on Oct 31, 2011 @ 21:30 EST5EDT