Dealing with the emotional fallout of Franny's removal, Homeland Season 6 Episode 8 plunged Carrie into deep depression. Her despair began to dissipate when Saul gave her a purpose – helping him bring Dar down.

Peter Quinn followed the opposite trajectory. He began with a purpose – investigating what Dar's true intentions were in cloistering him in the boondocks – and ended up defeated. Almost.

More Mangst for Quinn

Ugh, did they just pull the old “disposable woman” trope on Astrid?

In my review of Homeland Season 6 Episode 7, I noted Astrid’s appearance felt random. I naively hoped her return would serve a worthy purpose. Well it sure looks like they brought her back just to die for the sake of Quinn’s arc. Not cool.

I’ll bet you five dollars Quinn’s gonna go into full-blown action mode to avenge Astrid’s death…predictable much?

And they couldn’t just let her die in dignity – a cool,...