8 things we know about Homeland season 3

After the fiery finale of season two, we spent a good week wondering how we would fill the Homeland-shaped gap in our lives. While we avoided making more episodes ourselves, set in the street starring us and "people who walked by", it's been a tough few months.

The light at the end of the tunnel is here and the third season begins in mere months. To fuel our excitement, we've assembled a list of what we already know about the upcoming episodes. If you want to remain completely in the dark then look away now...

(Images: All Star)

1. BRODY WON'T TURN UP UNTIL EPISODE THREE. MAYBE

Last time we saw Damian Lewis's character, he was on the run and the start of the season will see him as "the most wanted criminal in the world". It's been confirmed that he won't be in the first two episodes but the exact point at which he will re-appear is being kept secret. Expect a dramatic entrance.

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2. CARRIE IS IN A DARK PLACE. AGAIN

Okay so this won't come as a huge surprise to anyone but our beleaguered heroine is going to be battling her demons yet again as the new season kicks off. She's off her medication and will be in isolation from the CIA for most of the season. Danes claims it'll be "pretty bleak" for her character at the start.

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3. IT WILL START 200 DAYS AFTER THE LAST SEASON

The explosive finale caused a fair few ripples on and off screen and the new season will take a closer look at the aftermath, but with a few months in-between for the dust to settle.

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4. CARRIE AND BRODY WILL BE COMPLETELY ESTRANGED

While the central dynamic between Carrie and Brody has driven the two previous seasons, we'll be seeing their relationship in a new light with season three. For once, they'll have absolutely no idea what the other one is doing or where their loyalties lie.

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5. SAUL WILL BE THE NEW HEAD OF THE CIA

Back in their good books, Saul will now be acting CIA director when the season opens. Some of the decisions he'll be making will have serious ramifications for Carrie.

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6. WE CAN EXPECT A LOT MORE DANA

One of the most divisive characters on the show, Brody's sullen teenage daughter will be taking a larger role in the upcoming season. Last season we saw her suspicion over her father's motives increase and there'll be even more dogged curiosity on the horizon.

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7. THERE WILL STILL BE A LOT OF INSANE TWISTS

The writers are keen not to bore the viewers so will be focusing on more unpredictable twists and turns. They were also aware of some of the criticism aimed at the show's more unbelievable elements last season but claim that this has not affected the new episodes. In other words, expect more madness.

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8. CARRIE AND BRODY MIGHT NOT MAKE IT TO SEASON FOUR

That's right. The president of Homeland's US network Showtime claims that "anything is possible" and he wouldn't rule out a cast turnover by the end of this season. He believes the premise and the brand could outlive the characters.

You can also see the new trailer here: