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Virgil Piotrowski
Virgil
Status: Alive
Nationality: Flag of the United States American
Affiliation: CIA
Profession: Surveillance Operator
Sibling(s): Max Piotrowski (brother, deceased)
Marital status: Married
Played by: David Marciano
Season(s): 1, 2, 3
First episode: "Pilot"
Last episode: "One Last Thing"
  • Virgil Piotrowski: Maybe the daughter [Dana Brody] is the terrorist.
  • Carrie Mathison: Fuck you, Virgil.

Virgil Piotrowski used to work for the CIA but is now self-employed. He is a specialist in wiretapping techniques and is occasionally hired to shadow people. His company is called "Ballard Home Communications," or at least that's what it says on the small van he uses as a mobile observation center.

Background[]

Carrie met and became friends with Virgil in Beirut in 2006, when they both worked for the CIA. The plot shows the establishment of parliamentary democracy and formation of a new government led by Shiites; the emergence of a significant insurgency, the rise of al-Qaeda in Iraq; the civil war between 2006 and 2008. (Homeland: Carrie's Run Novel )

In 2009, Virgil assists Carrie in a CIA operation in Iraq to prevent the resurgence of a significant insurgency that could lead to the rise of al-Qaeda in Iraq amid a civil war between Sunnis and Shiites. (Homeland: Saul's Game Novel)

Season 1[]

Carrie Mathison hires him to get information about Nicholas Brody. When he returns to the USA after being a prisoner of war, Virgil bugs his house, allowing Carrie to always keep an eye on him from home and listen to his conversations. He also stands in for her when she has to go to work. Virgil usually works with his team Nick and Eddie, but in Nick Brody's case, his younger brother Max helps him because the budget of $1,000 a day is not enough for his actual team of specialists (Nick and Eddie).

Even though at first glance Virgil and Carrie only have a working relationship, you quickly realize that the two share a relationship of trust. They spend a lot of time together during the surveillance, which is why Virgil also wants to know if Carrie is okay when Max finds antidepressants in her bathroom cabinet. Virgil briefly fears that Carrie is imagining that Brody is a terrorist defector, but he continues to support Carrie. However, Carrie is annoyed that Virgil didn't think about installing surveillance cameras in the garage. After the surveillance permit expires, Virgil has to remove the microphones again anyway.

Season 2[]

After Carrie is suspended from the CIA, she turns back to Virgil and tells him her suspicions that something will happen at Vice President William Walden's speech. Since Brody's plan doesn't work that day, it will take some time before Carrie is finally proven right and David Estes also realizes that Brody is a terrorist. Carrie, Virgil and Max then move into a new office from which they monitor Brody again. They are supported by Carrie's mentor Saul Berenson and a strange man named Peter Quinn, who claims to have been working in Langley for six years. Carrie is suspicious of him because of this statement and asks Virgil to keep an eye on him.

Season 3[]

Some time later, Virgil and Max break into Peter Quinn's apartment. There you will find cleaning materials for a sniper rifle and a photo of a woman with a baby. While Saul learns more about the woman, Virgil keeps an eye on Quinn in the office. Ultimately, the apartment search leads to Saul finding out that Peter Quinn is no ordinary CIA employee.

After Carrie is released from the psychiatric hospital a few months later, her first port of call is Virgil. She asks him to borrow his car, since the CIA, now under Saul's direction, has blocked her credit cards and removed her car. Virgil agrees, but immediately warns her in secret because he is near other CIA employees during the phone call.

After Saul and Carrie work together again, the latter still wants to secretly meet with FBI agent Hall to help Jessica Brody find Dana again. So she meets at a yoga class as a disguise and disappears through a back exit together with Saul and Max. Quinn also supports them in their plan, which they can implement successfully.

Soon after, Virgil helps find a bug in Saul's apartment, through which Senator Lockhart, with the help of Alan Bernard, was able to learn the secret information about Brody's whereabouts.

Biography[]

Virgil Piotrowski is one of Carrie's few friends. Virgil trusts Carrie and says he loves her, despite whatever issues she might be going through.

Now, Virgil is a former employee of the CIA who went freelance a surveillance expert. He frequently runs operations alongside his younger brother Max, also a freelancer with relatively less field experience but formidable technical skill.

Carrie hires Virgil to put "eyes and ears" into every room in Nick Brody's house and to observe the audio/video feeds for her while she's at work. Because she is paying only $1000 a day, Virgil performs a bare bones job with his younger brother Max Piotrowski instead of with his normal team. Virgil, Carrie, and Max eavesdrop on what they thought was a suspiciously clandestine meeting for Nick, but actually turned out to be a private discussion with Tom Walker's widow, Helen. Virgil confronts Carrie about the anti-psychotic medication Max found in her bathroom.

Character profile[]

Homeland, the gripping and intense television series that captivated viewers around the world, boasts a remarkable ensemble cast. Amongst the memorable characters that have left an indelible mark on audiences is none other than Virgil, a colleague and friend to the enigmatic protagonist, Carrie. As he works alongside Max, their collective expertise in surveillance becomes an invaluable asset in the world of counterterrorism. In this article, we will delve deep into the complexities of Virgil's character, examining his role within the narrative and the wider theoretical framework of surveillance.

Virgil, portrayed brilliantly by actor David Marciano, brings a unique blend of competence, loyalty, and wit to the table. His character serves as an immediate draw for viewers, not just because of his exceptional skills in surveillance, but also due to his unwavering loyalty to Carrie. Virgil embodies the devoted friend who is always at Carrie's side, standing tall during times of uncertainty and danger. Their camaraderie provides solace and emotional grounding in a world plagued by the constant threat of terrorism.

The efficacy and proficiency of Virgil's surveillance expertise is nothing short of extraordinary. Through the course of the series, we witness his ability to navigate the labyrinthine world of technology, using his knowledge to monitor and gather intelligence without leaving a trace. The level of technical know-how that Virgil possesses positions him as an indispensable asset to the team. His skill set allows for an unparalleled level of insight into the workings of the enemy, particularly the elusive terrorist network central to the plot.

Surveillance, as a concept, plays a significant role in Homeland's overarching narrative. It serves as a tool for both the protagonists and the antagonists, blurring the lines of right and wrong and raising ethical questions. Virgil's expertise in this field brings into focus the intricate relationship between surveillance and power. One cannot help but reflect upon the pervasive nature of surveillance in our own world. Issues of privacy and security are ever-present in contemporary society, and Homeland expertly taps into these concerns, presenting them through the multi-dimensional character of Virgil.

Furthermore, Virgil's presence in Homeland amplifies the importance of trust and reliability in a world where loyalty can often be compromised. As the series progresses, we witness the depth of Virgil's unwavering support for Carrie, even against his own personal safety. His character embodies the timeless trope of the trusted companion, the person you can always count on, no matter the circumstances. In a world filled with uncertainty, where trust can be easily shattered, Virgil becomes a symbol of steadfastness and unwavering loyalty.

As we unravel the layers of Virgil's character, it becomes evident that he is more than just a surveillance expert. He is the personification of dedication, loyalty, and reliability. But he also prompts us to reflect upon the societal implications of surveillance, the balance between security and privacy, and the nature of power dynamics. The series Homeland, through the character of Virgil, presents us with a microcosm of the complexities of our own world, raising questions that linger long after the final credits roll.

In conclusion, Virgil, the surveillance expert and trusted friend, is a vital component of Homeland's compelling narrative. Through his unwavering loyalty to Carrie, his unparalleled expertise in surveillance, and his embodiment of complex ethical questions, Virgil's character contributes to the show's profound impact. His presence on screen forces us to confront the intricacies of surveillance and its implications in our own lives. Virgil, like Homeland itself, is a testament to the power of thought-provoking storytelling and the enduring influence of well-crafted characters. [x]

Quotes[]

  • Virgil: [about Brody]  The guy's got game.
  • Nicholas Brody: What are you playing?
  • Mike Faber: Hearts.
  • Nicholas Brody: Hearts? Watch out for this guy, kids. Back in the day, he used to double his paycheck playing this game.
  • Dana Brody: Hearts, which the Marines call "Hunt the Cunt".
  • Jessica Brody: Dana!
  • Virgil Piotrowski: [watching the surveillance feed]  Maybe the daughter is the terrorist.
  • Dana Brody: Don't blame me, mom, blame the Marines.
  • Carrie Mathison: [snickering]  Fuck you, Virgil.
  • Virgil Piotrowski: [entering Carrie's house]  You know, the whole reason I left the company and went freelance was so I could have a life. You're becoming my wife's least favorite person.
  • Virgil Piotrowski: [entering Carrie's house]  You know, the whole reason I left the company and went freelance was so I could have a life. You're becoming my wife's least favorite person.

Trivia[]

  • It was Virgil who suggested she wear a wedding ring when she went out to bars if she didnā€™t want to attract unwanted male company (Carrie's Run).
  • Virgil performs his services under the guise of a business named "Ballard Home Communications".
  • Since he is the brother of Max, we learn in Season 6 that his last name is Piotrowski.
  • Claire, Gansa, Cuesta, and David Marciano came up with a personalized backstory for Virgil (never mentioned, of course) one day on set. (Homeland Revealed)

Background information and notes[]

  • David Marciano Departs ā€˜Homelandā€™ As Regular, Preps Cable Prison Drama By Nellie Andreeva

Behind the Scenes[]

Appearances[]

Season 1
Pilot Grace Clean Skin Semper I Blind Spot
"The Good Soldier" "The Weekend" "Achilles Heel" "Crossfire" Representative Brody
"The Vest" Marine One
Season 2
"The Smile" "Beirut is Back" "State of Independence" New Car Smell Q&A
A Gettysburg Address "The Clearing" I'll Fly Away Two Hats "Broken Hearts"
"In Memoriam" "The Choice"
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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