‘Homeland’ season 3 spoilers: Mandy Patinkin talks Saul’s story, strategy

With “Homeland,” Mandy Patinkin has achieved something that we did not think was possible right now: Being tied for being the best character named “Saul” on TV. He’s a smart, capable, and a loyal man who fights for the truth, even when the stubborn way in which he does so does often create a number of problems for himself and the agency.

In the video below, you can hear Patinkin explain some of his thoughts about why this is such an interesting character for him to play, and also why he is continuing to stand by Carrie’s side despite how this is not always a particularly easy thing to do. After all, remember that she has put her own interests and her feelings for Brody before the agency at times, let alone what happened at the end of last season.

But moving into season 3, Saul is going to have even harder decision to make than ever before. Specifically, he is going to need to figure out whether or not he can really keep himself from potentially throwing Carrie under the bus, all for the sake of trying to get the CIA out of the bind. If there is not a scapegoat, it could look as though there is a mass institutional failure that could cause the entire government to lose faith in the agency. One person making terrible mistakes can be dealt with on a much smaller scale.

Whatever happens with Saul, remember that this is a 12-episode season. Anything that happens in the premiere is merely a stepping stone, as there is a much larger story to tell once the dust is finally cleared.

Do you think “Homeland” is a major Emmy threat this year? Then take a look here at our latest Emmy article all about it.

Photo: Showtime