Homeland is the story of a veteran who returns home to his family after years of being kidnapped by terrorists. He reunites with his wife and two children, a daughter and son. Embarking on its third season, Homeland’s YA aspect is stronger than ever, thanks to daughter Dana Brody (played by Morgan Saylor).
At the beginning of Season 3, Dana lands herself in a psych ward where she is hospitalized after an attempted suicide by cutting. Afterward, she desperately tries to navigate life in her father’s terrorizing shadow, trying to live the life everybody wants her to live.
When Dana’s feelings start becoming apparent she decides to take matters into her own hands and sets out on finding that one thing that could make her feel something again. And that one thing happens to be a boy. He goes by the name Leo Carras, played by Dexter cast member Sam Underwood.
Leo is another patient at the ward whom Dana met while she was there. The scene is set up brilliantly; when Dana sends Leo a text telling him she’s outside, Leo races for his life, making her the most important thing in the world. Not wanting to set off the alarm, he kicks a broken outdoor fan to avoid using the door and rescues Dana from the cold wet rain on the outside. Leo embraces her and lifts her up onto a table with folded towels and the next we know they’re taking off their shirts and it’s the morning.
Later, after Dana’s mother picks her up and takes her home, Dana drags her mom to the spot where she cut herself, explaining exactly how she felt. “I wanted it all to be over, and I wanted to die because I could not stand it anymore, but now I can. Now I want to be alive, and the reason for that is Leo. I was happy last night for the first time since I…I don’t even know when and I’m not going to do this anymore. …at this moment I want to be alive.” The scene was brilliant, with everyone exchanging tears.
Dana and Leo, or should I say Morgan and Sam should have many more scenes together – their chemistry is electric to say the least, and it’s just one more strong element on a show that is full of excellent acting, sharp writing and true emotion.