| Astrid | |
|---|---|
| |
| Status: | Deceased |
| Birthplace: | Germany |
| Cause of death: | Shot dead |
| Nationality: |  German
|
| Residence(s): | Berlin, Germany |
| Affiliation: | Bundesnachrichtendienst |
| Profession: | BND intelligence officer. |
| Marital status: | Single |
| Significant other(s): | Ex-lovers: Peter Quinn |
| Played by: | Nina Hoss |
| Season(s): | 4, 5, 6 |
| Episodes: | 12 appearances |
| First episode: | "Krieg Nicht Lieb" |
| Last episode: | "Alt. Truth" |
- “You idiot. Don’t you know anything?” - Astrid to Peter Quinn
Astrid is an employee of the German Federal Intelligence Service(BND). She used to date Peter Quinn, which is why he seeks her help in Islamabad.
Early life[]
Astrid shares a common past with Quinn: she is his ex-girlfriend, but often does her favors even after their relationship. In season four, she helps Quinn hide and meets Carrie along the way, repeatedly referring to her as Quinn's "girlfriend". Astrid gives a confident, understated performance and her sense of humor is much needed in season fifth. In season six, she has unrequited romantic feelings for Peter - the love of her life.
Background[]
Pakistan[]
Astrid is a self-confident employee of the German Federal Intelligence Service, who works for the German embassy in Pakistan. She is a German intelligence officer stationed in Islamabad used to date Peter Quinn, which is why he seeks her help. Astrid is initially surprised to see him, but then agrees to help him. Quinn wants to get to him via a certain type of cell phone that Haissam Haqqani and his men use. Astrid can use her sources and obtain satellite images. She not only helps Quinn in terms of content, but also covers for him by claiming to Carrie Mathison that she hasn't seen Quinn in a long time. By tracking the cell phones, Quinn then has a concrete idea of where Haqqani will be and now sets about putting his plan into action.
Shortly afterwards, Astrid has to deal with a visit from Carrie again. She tries to get rid of Carrie, but Carrie threatens to report her collaboration with Quinn to the BND, so Astrid has to let Carrie into her apartment. They talk about Quinn and his frequent plans to leave the CIA. Meanwhile, Astrid's car was searched by Carrie's people, so they now know about Quinn's plan. Astrid angrily throws Carrie out of the apartment. (Krieg Nicht Lieb)
Germany[]
30 months later, Astrid is working again in Berlin at the BND and meets Allison Carr and Saul Berenson with her boss to discuss cooperation regarding the data theft. However, they do not want to accommodate the CIA because they are primarily disappointed that the trust placed in them was abused. As she leaves, Astrid makes it clear that the CIA should under no circumstances leave any traces behind in its next steps. You yourself are also following developments extremely closely. When Laura Sutton appears on a talk show, they take the opportunity to search her apartment, but get no further, so Astrid orders Laura to be arrested.
A little later, Astrid interrogates Laura and demands to reveal the name of the source. However, Laura resists her arrest and argues with Astrid about methods and rights. Astrid tries to be resolute and emphatic, but doesn't get anywhere. When Laura is finally taken out by her lawyer, she threatens Laura that she should not publish any more documents because she would endanger the country and could then be deported. But Laura continues to be combative.
Astrid is once again visited by Carrie Mathison. But this time because she needs help herself and no longer knows who else to turn to in confidence because they want to kill her. Astrid wants to see Peter Quinn, who has been shot, but Carrie ignores this. For his sake, Astrid still wants to help. When she tries to find out who shot Quinn, she is caught by her boss, but he knows the man and reveals it to Astrid after she admits that she is trying to help a friend. It's Vasily Kovas, which means Carrie now has a lead on Russian intelligence.
Astrid and Carrie's paths cross again when Carrie and Saul inform the BND that Allison Carr is cooperating with the Russians and that they now need their help again. Adler is initially skeptical, but agrees, so Astrid and Adler call a meeting with Allison and Dar Adal. There they tell them that they can get a man from the Russian secret service to pass on insider information. Dar Adal and a slightly hesitant Allison agree to cooperate with the BND on this matter. Astrid finds out that Allison's possible contact was also with her. She meets Allison alone and sets a trap for her again when she claims that her contact doesn't want to meet her in Berlin. Allison becomes nervous because of the details and goes to Ivan Krupin with several diversionary tactics, but after her explanations he realizes that Allison has been tricked.
However, Allison comes up with a new story that should explain her innocence. However, Carrie and Astrid agree that this is far-fetched and therefore not credible. Carrie asks Astrid to look for Quinn, who, despite serious injuries, did not end up in the hospital or the morgue. Astrid finally contacts Carrie and asks her to turn on the television because there is a threatening video showing the effects of poison gas on Quinn. She meets with Astrid immediately afterwards because Carrie hopes to find clues to Quinn's location via the full video. Astrid tries to help her and has her feelings under control a little better. She finally explains to Carrie that Carrie shouldn't blame herself because Quinn has always done what he thought was right. Together they investigate further and find one of the possible locations of the terrorists. It is abandoned, but they find Zahir's body and the almost lifeless Quinn. Astrid immediately sends for medical help and, like Carrie, she is relieved that Quinn is still alive.
The investigation continues and Marvan can be questioned. But he is very intimidated and knows little. When Saul asks Astrid to give him a friendlier room and some tea, she follows the advice. But she takes Saul out of the room for an interview with Laura. Marvan takes the chance to kill himself. Meanwhile, Allison is at university and calls Astrid. She claims she was shot. Astrid is with her shortly afterwards and has the almost unconscious Allison tell her that the attack should take place at Schönefeld Airport. Astrid relays this information immediately and has Allison taken to the hospital. After the attack is thwarted, Laura is to be arrested and deported. Astrid immediately goes to her and arrests her.
Four days later, Laura is still being interrogated. Astrid explains to her that Faisal Marwan is dead and immediately denies her intentions. Nevertheless, this leaves them in need of explanation. But they also have Numan in the cell next door and now have all the documents back in their possession. But Laura hasn't been expelled yet because she could do them and Numan a favor. Numan is facing deportation to his home country, where the death penalty awaits him. Astrid makes it clear that what will happen is up to Laura. Laura is back on the talk show under Astrid's supervision and explains that the evidence against the BND has not been confirmed. She apologizes for her mistake. For Astrid, the case is closed.
New York[]
3 Months later, Dar Adal contacts Astrid after Peter Quinn is transferred to the psychiatric ward. She should take care of Peter because he is not feeling well. In a cloak-and-dagger operation, Astrid picks Peter up from the psychiatric hospital and drives him to a remote house.
Astrid has to endure Peter's distrust and catch him again after he escapes. After a good conversation, they begin to trust each other. Astrid even goes jogging and takes Peter shopping in the next town because she needs some decent coffee. However, Peter begins to become suspicious again because Astrid cannot answer Peter's questions satisfactorily. Astrid says that it was because of him that she followed Dar Adal's call when he said that Peter was in bad shape. She didn't need more information because she saw Peter as a friend or something more and that's why she came. Accordingly, Astrid is offended when Peter says that they aren't friends just because they sleep together out of loneliness. Astrid finds herself increasingly in need of explanation because Peter doesn't believe her that she doesn't know anything. She is finally hit hard in the stomach by Peter, so that she cannot stop Peter from escaping again. She is left alone in the house. When Peter returns a few hours later, he is happy to find her. But Astrid wants to have the car keys and leave immediately. Peter apologizes for his behavior and begs Astrid to stay because he needs her. When Peter even talks about friendship, Astrid is convinced.
Suddenly a shot is fired at Peter. Astrid wants to help Peter immediately and goes to her gun in the car. When she has this, she aims at the attacker and shoots, but there are no bullets in the weapon because Peter suspiciously removed them in an unobserved moment. Before Astrid can really realize this, she is hit by a bullet. Shortly afterwards, the attacker stands over her and kills her with a second shot.
Character profile[]
Astrid is a compelling character in the television series Homeland who portrays the role of a German intelligence officer collaborating with the CIA on various operations. Her character is an embodiment of professionalism and expertise in the world of intelligence and espionage. Throughout the series, Astrid's character development is showcased through her analytical thinking, intricate problem-solving skills, and unwavering dedication to her job.
One of the notable attributes of Astrid's character is her ability to maintain a high level of professionalism in the face of challenging and high-pressure situations. Her calm and composed demeanor enables her to approach each task with a rational and level-headed mindset. This professionalism not only helps her to make sound strategic decisions but also plays a significant role in her interactions with the CIA and other intelligence agencies.
Astrid's expertise in her field is evident through her thorough understanding of intelligence operations and her ability to navigate political landscapes with finesse. She possesses an exceptional analytical mind, which allows her to dissect complex information and extract valuable insights. This analytical approach is rooted in theories and concepts from the intelligence community, providing her with a solid foundation for making informed decisions.
Furthermore, Astrid's character consistently showcases a theoretical approach to her work, which contributes to her success as an intelligence officer. She employs high-minded concepts and theoretical frameworks to analyze and interpret information, giving her a unique perspective on the complex world of global intelligence. This theoretical mindset allows her to uncover hidden connections and patterns, facilitating successful operations and enabling her to stay one step ahead of her adversaries.
Although Astrid embodies high-minded concepts and theoretical thinking, the way her character is portrayed in the series is down-to-earth and easy to understand. Her character's relatability stems from her ability to explain complex ideas and strategies in a manner that the audience can comprehend. This approach helps to demystify the world of intelligence and espionage, making Astrid's character accessible and relatable to viewers regardless of their familiarity with this realm.
Astrid's character in Homeland is an exceptional representation of a German intelligence officer collaborating with the CIA. Her professionalism, expertise, analytical thinking, and theoretical approach contribute to her success in the field of intelligence. Despite the high-minded nature of her work, Astrid's character is portrayed in an accessible and down-to-earth style. Through her character, viewers are given a glimpse into the challenging and intricate world of global intelligence, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for the complexities of this field.
In conclusion, Astrid is a compelling character whose portrayal as a German intelligence officer collaborating with the CIA showcases professionalism, expertise, analytical thinking, and a theoretical approach. Her character's development highlights the challenges and complexities associated with intelligence work while maintaining an accessible and down-to-earth style. Astrid's character serves as an inspiration and a reminder of the dedication and commitment required to excel in the field of intelligence.
Reviews[]
“This German intelligence officer is my boo. My homegirl. My theatre buddy who smokes by the vending machines and always wears eyeliner and snarks that nobody at our stupid school can even pronounce ‘sashimi,’ let alone enjoy it like a civilized person. She’s just so goddamned cool, is what I’m saying, and I practically whoop every time she’s on screen.” –Mark Blankenship
“Astrid’s such a great character. She’s funny and doesn’t take everything as seriously as Carrie, but she’s also written in such a way that I could also flesh her out and bring my own ideas to bear on her.” –Nina Hoss
The word “tragedy” gets tossed around pretty often in Homeland, since it’s among the building blocks of speeches about terrorist attacks and the deaths of complicated patriots, the types of things that happen all the time in this show. But even for a show with tragedy so deeply woven into it, there’s something especially brutal about Astrid’s death. - By Joshua Alston
Quotes[]
- "She doesn't matter if the world goes down since she gets her Pulitzer". - about Laura
- You and your Volkswagen!
- “…I know I am”
- "...or a wig as the case may be''.
- “She’s a German spy woman!” - Quinn
- “You idiot. Don’t you know anything?” - Astrid
- He killed Astrid. - Quinn
- "well slashing my tyres isn't the way to ask for help."
- You're so worried about him, why don't you help? - Astrid
- A month ago, he wanted out. He was done with the Agency, all of it. - Carrie
- And six months ago. And a year. And two years. Christmas of 2008, we drank the bar of a small hotel in Copenhagen completely dry, just the two of us, toasting his retirement. He will never get out. But every so often, it makes him feel better to say he will. And then he goes back to doing what he does best. - Astrid (Krieg Nicht Lieb)
- You know, he thought you'd have more faith in him than this. - Astrid to Carrie (Krieg Nicht Lieb)
Appearances[]
| Season 4 | ||||
| "The Drone Queen" | "Trylon and Perisphere" | "Shalwar Kameez" | "Iron in the Fire" | "About a Boy" |
| "From A. to B. and Back Again" | "Redux" | "Halfway to a Donut" | "There's Something Else Going On" | "13 Hours in Islamabad" |
| Krieg Nicht Lieb | "Long Time Coming" | |||
| Season 5 | ||||
| Separation Anxiety | The Tradition of Hospitality | Super Powers | "Why Is This Night Different?" | Better Call Saul |
| "Parabiosis" | "Oriole" | "All About Allison" | The Litvinov Ruse | New Normal |
| Our Man in Damascus | A False Glimmer | |||
| Season 6 | ||||
| "Fair Game" | "The Man in the Basement" | "The Covenant" | "A Flash of Light" | "Casus Belli" |
| The Return | Imminent Risk | Alt. Truth | "Sock Puppets" | "The Flag House" |
| "R for Romeo" | "America First" | |||