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Leland Bennett
Leland Bennett
Status: Alive
Nationality: Flag of the United States American
Profession: Lawyer
Played by: Martin Donovan
Season(s): 3
Episodes: 2 appearances
First episode: "Game On"
Last episode: "A Red Wheelbarrow"

Leland Bennett is a lawyer and a partner in a Washington, D.C. law firm who represents a bank that has ties to Iranian terrorists. Bennett attempts to convince Carrie to inform on the CIA for a client of his (who turns out to be Majid Javadi), which she agrees to in order to lure Javadi out.

Background[]

Leland Bennett is a Washington D.C. attorney whose firm represents some individuals and companies doing business with countries in the Middle East. He and his colleagues ensure that, for example, financial transactions are concealed in order to avoid embargoes. When he learns through the media that Carrie Mathison is at war with the CIA, he hopes to use this for his own purposes. He asks his colleague Paul Franklin to ensure that she is released from the psychiatric ward and agrees to have a conversation with him. When this finally comes about, Bennett tells Carrie that he needs some information from her about the CIA's plans for Iran. While Carrie initially refuses to work with him and help Iran in any way, Bennett has the right leverage to convince her to cooperate. However, he has no choice but to agree that Carrie can meet his client Majid Javadi.

When the CIA learned a short time later from Majid Javadi that the Langley bomber was still in the USA, Dar Adal contacted Leland Bennett to warn him that the CIA was investigating him and his clients. However, this is just a plot by Dar Adal to get Bennett to uncover the bomber's hideout. The plan works and Bennett asks Franklin to speak to Carrie again to find out exactly what the CIA has on him. When Carrie confirms the CIA's investigation, Bennett instructs Franklin to ensure that the bomb maker is taken out of the country. However, Franklin then decides to kill the man, which the CIA cannot prevent. This means they miss out on the evidence to exonerate Nicholas Brody and Bennett no longer has to worry about being harassed by the CIA.

Character profile[]

Bennett, a lawyer representing individuals accused of terrorism, is a fascinating character in the television series Homeland. As he delves into the murky world of terrorism and national security, he becomes entangled in a complex web of CIA operations and intrigue. His journey offers a unique perspective on the legal ramifications of counterterrorism efforts and highlights the ethical quandaries faced by those engaged in the fight against terrorism.

Through Bennett's character, Homeland explores the delicate balance between individual liberties and national security. As a defense lawyer, he is committed to upholding the rights and principles enshrined in the constitution, ensuring that even those accused of heinous acts are afforded a fair trial. In doing so, he acts as a voice for due process and the rule of law, challenging the prevailing notion that in times of crisis, civil liberties must be sacrificed for the greater good.

However, Bennett's involvement with the CIA opens up a whole new world for him. He quickly learns that the fight against terrorism requires a different set of rules and tactics. As he navigates this unfamiliar territory, he grapples with the moral and ethical implications of his actions. Does the end justify the means? How far is he willing to go to protect innocent lives? These questions strip away the black and white notions of good and evil, replacing them with shades of gray that force Bennett to confront his own beliefs and principles.

One of the central themes explored through Bennett's character is the tension between security and freedom. Homeland portrays the conflict between the need for surveillance and intelligence gathering to prevent terrorist attacks and the potential encroachment on individual privacy.

As Bennett becomes entangled in the CIA's operations, he is confronted with the reality that sometimes personal liberties must be compromised for the sake of national security.

This struggle exemplifies the broader societal debate on striking a balance between security measures and maintaining individual freedoms.

Furthermore, Bennett's character provides a lens into the world of intelligence agencies and their sometimes questionable tactics. As he delves deeper into the CIA's operations, he uncovers the extent to which agencies are willing to go in order to protect the nation. This exploration shines a light on the often shadowy practices employed in the name of counterterrorism, raising questions about accountability and oversight. Bennett's journey forces viewers to critically examine the role of intelligence agencies within a democratic society and encourages us to consider the potential dangers of unchecked power.

Bennett's character also highlights the complexities and challenges faced by those on the front lines of the fight against terrorism. As a lawyer representing individuals accused of terrorism, he confronts the difficult task of defending clients who may be guilty of plotting against the very nation he seeks to protect. This conflict of interest creates a moral dilemma, forcing him to question his own loyalties and the limits of professional responsibility. Homeland masterfully depicts the internal struggle faced by individuals who bear the weight of safeguarding the principles they hold dear while simultaneously defending those who may seek to undermine them.

In conclusion, Bennett's character in Homeland offers a captivating exploration of the legal and ethical complexities surrounding counterterrorism efforts. Through his experiences, viewers are exposed to the blurred lines between justice and security and are challenged to grapple with the difficult decisions faced by those entangled in the fight against terrorism. Bennett's journey prompts us to critically examine the delicate balance between personal freedoms and national security, compelling us to question our own beliefs and values in the face of an ever-evolving threat landscape. [x]

Behind the Scenes[]

Appearances[]

Season 3
"Tin Man Is Down" "Uh... Oh... Ah..." "Tower of David" Game On "The Yoga Play"
"Still Positive" "Gerontion" A Red Wheelbarrow "One Last Thing" "Good Night"
"Big Man in Tehran" "The Star"
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