The Debriefing: The murder of Javadi’s wife is being investigated and the first clue is a security cam pic of Quinn (Rupert Friend). Carrie (Claire Danes) has to try and defuse the situation but local PD doesn’t want to play ball. Quinn must meet with them and fall on the sword in order to make the murder go away in order to save the mission…but will he? Saul (Mandy Patinkin) forces a reluctant Javadi (Shaun Toub) to become a CIA asset in order to “change things.” Fara (Nazanin Boniadi) is extremely distraught that she was left out of the loop in the whole Javadi situation as she’s pissed over what Javadi has done to her home country. Saul meets with Lockhart (Tracy Letts) and Dar Adal (F. Murray Abraham) to let the know about the whole scenario.
America’s Most Wanted (Best Overall Performance): It’s a definite tie between Saul (Mandy Patinkin) and Javadi (Shaun Toub). Their interaction throughout the first half of the episode was awesome. It was literarily like watching a game of human chess. Both men know each other so well and they’re both so damn smart that it was really intriguing to see who would come out on top.
The Sleeper Cell (Best Supporting Performance): Rupert Friend continues a string of performances. Quinn has evolved into such a great character this year, the real moral center of the season. When you think about that it’s almost comical that the guy who’s killed more than anyone in the series is now doubting the ethics and morality of the CIA. He’s 100% right in his doubt and that’s why his evolution is so engrossing. This guy was/is a stone cold killer, now he’s the voice of reason.
A “BOO” Nazir (The Worst Part of the Episode): Two things about the episode I was less than enthusiastic about. One, I’m still not feeling the pregnancy angle at all. Second, I thought the whole Mira (Sarita Choudhury) infidelity thing a little “meh.” I thought Choudhury’s acting in this episode was a bit stilted which is very unlike her.
The Key Evidence (Best Part of the Episode): The scene between Dar, Saul and Lockhart ended in probably one of the funniest moments on the show. Lockhart is such a blowhard and to see Saul, who has been brow-beaten by Lockhart all season, finally put this guy in his place, even for a moment, was great.
The Analysis (Overall Thoughts on the Episode): Despite some minor quibbles this episode was excellent. The confrontation between Javadi and Saul was taught and intriguing and really drove the first half of the episode. Then Javadi’s “wrench in the works” letting Carrie in on the secret of the CIA bomber really added a new shade and new wrinkle to the season. This new addition to the season is going to really kick things into high gear. “Gerontion” is a damn good episode and is definitely a stepping stone into the meaty, exciting part of season three.
