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:
Not sure but sounded like the first line was “insha allah `ala jahannam” but subsequent statements sounded garbled. If that’s right he said something to the effect of “By God’s will you’ll go to hell.” I don’t know who the actor is but if he’s a native speaker I’d assume the subsequent lines I just didn’t get. If, like the other actors, he’s not then I’d assume he just flubbed the later statements. Maybe a native speaker will correct me or clarify . . . insha’ allah! -Anon.Z.Moose
I thought I heard ‘ allahu akhkbar’ (sp?) at the end of the prayer as well…. and the washing and rug …. are those Hebrew traditions?
Saul actually failed the first polygraph,before rushing out. Right? Hummm.
Upon watching it a second time, the razor blade scene bothered me….Brody didn’t know where he was going so he didn’t come prepared with the razor. Saul held the prisoner’s hands and said something in Arabic ??? what did he say?
and his holding his hands was the only time the razor could have been slipped to the prisoner
and yes, Saul’s polygraph was suspicious–