Ep 3. Standoff

In Homeland season 7 episode 3, titled "Standoff", the tension heightens as Carrie (played by Claire Danes) and Saul (played by Mandy Patinkin) are held captive by the FBI in a standoff at the Keane administration's bunker. The episode opens with Agent Johnson (played by Costa Ronin) interrogating Carrie about her involvement with the Russian agent, Yevgeny. This sets the tone for the rest of the episode as the FBI officials become increasingly suspicious of Carrie's intentions.

Meanwhile, the President's Chief of Staff, David Wellington (played by Linus Roache), is trying to negotiate with the FBI to release Carrie and Saul. Wellington knows that if Carrie is not released, the Russian attack on the U.S. capital will proceed as planned. However, the FBI seems to be more interested in getting answers about the attack from Carrie than releasing her.

As tensions rise, Carrie's past mental health issues start to resurface. She begins to experience hallucinations of old colleagues who have died, including Peter Quinn (played by Rupert Friend) and her mentor, Saul's predecessor, David Estes (played by David Harewood). These hallucinations add another layer of complexity to the situation, as Carrie's mental stability is questioned.

Meanwhile, Saul is trying to convince the FBI of the imminent threat of the Russian attack. He is aware that time is running out and that the President's safety is at risk. However, his efforts are hindered by the FBI's refusal to believe him without sufficient evidence. As the standoff continues, a breakthrough comes when an unlikely ally steps in to help Carrie and Saul.

Throughout the episode, there are also glimpses into the personal lives of the characters. Wellington's marriage is on the rocks, and he confides in his wife about his struggles with the pressure of his job. There are also hints of a romantic relationship between Carrie and Yevgeny, which complicates things further.

Overall, "Standoff" is an intense and gripping episode that leaves viewers on the edge of their seats. The characters are pushed to their limits, and the stakes are higher than ever before. The episode also sets up the rest of the season, hinting at the political maneuvering and espionage that will take place in the coming episodes.