However, it's a different story for Saylor's character, who became more prominent as the series continued. The absence of Damian Lewis' Nicholas Brody from all but two of the first eight episodes shifted focus of the Brody family to Dana.

"Because Brody was not onscreen and not part of the story in those first couple of episodes, we really wanted to tell the aftermath of the bombing in a more personal way," Homeland showrunner Alex Gansasaid of the decision to focus on Dana, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

"The relationship between Dana and her father is very strong. It's stronger than his relationship with Jessica and certainly stronger than his relationship with [son] Chris [Jackson Pace]."

Homeland's third season finale airs Sunday on Showtime.