The Jack Bauer Sendoff
It’s no secret that Homeland is often times viewed as the complement, or sobering counterpoint, to 24. Executive producers Alex Gansa and Howard Gordon were two of the creative forces behind the 2000s network drama and are the creators of Homeland. But whereas 24 was an often sensationalistic and enthusiastic about the War on Terror during the Bush Years (some might even say jingoistic in its depiction of torture and insta-results), Homeland was a more measured and self-reflective series, beginning during a new decade and a new presidential administration that saw the death of Osama bin Laden and a desire to move on.
Considering Homeland is now ending where it began, with the scars of disastrous Middle East foreign policy following Carrie Mathison home, it seems in some ways a repudiation of Jack Bauer’s superhero antics on 24. Be that as it may, the last time we saw Jack, he had turned himself in as a prisoner of Russia due to a previous rampage at the United Nations left many Russian nationals in body bags. Essentially black bagged, Jack was to be transferred to Moscow and parts unknown to answer for his crimes.
Could Homeland mirror this? It’s quite possible, in a way, that Carrie winds up a prisoner by the end of the series. However, this does not mean she would be sent to Russia like Jack. Nay her version would she’s scapegoated for President Warner’s death and winds up behind bars in America, even after saving the country. Unlike 24, Carrie doesn’t a network of allies beyond Saul Berenson at the CIA or in the White House. Instead she gives more and more to the CIA and time and again, they leave her with nothing but maybe a slap on the back.
Considering at the midpoint of season 8, Carrie was being recognized as an American hero by President Warner, it would be ironic to an operatic degree if her story ends with a lifetime prison sentence for his murder—or at least aiding Russians in order to prove Warner wasn’t murdered. This pessimistic ending would be in line with Carrie’s continued sacrifice for country. In season 1, she seemed to lose her career and grip on reality due to Brody’s lies, but even when she recovered in season 2, she still lost Brody, the father of her child. In season 4, she lost her love of spy games, and in season 7 she gave up Franny and her freedom. Perhaps she will now be asked to give her last full measure, or at least her future, in order to prevent a war with Pakistan?
To Russia with Love
All of that is possible… but I find it too bleak and redundant. She allowed herself to be imprisoned by the Russians in season 7’s finale. Repeating that narrative beat for the series finale, except now it’s her own country that wants to throw away the key, seems needlessly cynical. However, Homeland could still echo 24 by having Carrie sent to Russia, but not as a punishment; it could be an unofficial clemency.