| Otto Düring | |
|---|---|
| |
| Status: | Alive |
| Birthplace: | Germany |
| Nationality: |  German
|
| Affiliation: | Düring Foundation |
| Profession: | Businessman |
| Marital status: | In a relationship |
| Significant other(s): | Former: Carrie Mathison (affair before season 6) |
| Played by: | Sebastian Koch |
| Season(s): | 5, 6 |
| Episodes: | 11 appearances |
| First episode: | "Separation Anxiety" |
| Last episode: | "Fair Game" |
"You think you’re better off alone. That your sins require it, but they don’t." - DÜRING, Otto
Otto Düring is the head and namesake of the Düring Foundation, a foundation based in Berlin. He works closely with various diplomats. His closest colleagues include Carrie Mathison, Laura Sutton and Jonas Happich.
Early life[]
He uses the money his family made through affiliation with the Nazis to help struggling people around the world, including in volatile regions of the Middle East. As well as Carrie Mathison, he also employs Jonas Hollander and Laura Sutton.
Season 5[]
Otto Düring is the director and namesake of the Düring Foundation, a foundation based in Berlin. He works closely with various diplomats, including the Lebanese ambassador Jamil, with whom he discusses a trip to a Lebanese refugee camp. He then wants Carrie Mathison to develop the security concept for this trip, which is scheduled to take place three days later. He emphasizes to Carrie how important his appearance in the refugee camp is in order to draw the media's attention back to the problem and thus get more donations in the long run.
After arriving at the hotel in Beirut, Otto Düring throws a party to strengthen his good contacts with the government and the local economy. He then discusses with Carrie what to do next during his visit to the camp. Carrie explains to him that Hezbollah approves of his visit, but that he should limit it to one hour, which Düring considers ambitious, given all the hands that will be shaken and speeches that will be given. However, after Carrie's intense look, he agrees that the whole thing shouldn't last longer than an hour. When suddenly shots are fired, Düring is frightened, but Carrie reassures him that it is probably just a wedding. He then wants to know a little more about her and she tells him about her time in Beirut in 2004.
The next day, Otto Düring gives his speech in the refugee camp. However, he goes over the agreed hour, which makes Carrie very nervous. Then a suicide bomber with an explosive vest shows up and Mike Brown has to shoot him while Carrie quickly gets Otto into a safe vehicle. Düring was shocked to see a bomb go off in front of his convoy just a few minutes later and was still completely confused when Carrie dropped him off safely at his private jet shortly afterwards. He reacts with surprise when she wants to stay in Lebanon to clear things up. As he says goodbye, Otto assures her that he will never forget that she saved his life.
Back in Berlin, Otto receives a visit from Saul Berenson. Saul wants to know who could be behind the attack and whether Carrie's collaboration with Hezbollah could have anything to do with it, but Otto knows nothing and refers Saul to her. A discussion breaks out between the two men, but Otto does not comply with Saul's wish to know Carrie's whereabouts. He makes it clear to him that she no longer works for the CIA. Düring later meets Carrie and Jonas at a small private airport, from where Carrie's daughter Franny is flown to safety in the USA. Otto has organized everything for this and gives Carrie the time to clarify the matter. He also tells her about Saul's visit. When Carrie disappears shortly afterwards, Otto, like Jonas, is very worried about her.
A few days later, Carrie wants to meet him in an underground car park. She asks Otto again for help and for him to provide her with a plane, but doesn't want to tell him where she's going. When she tells him a little about what happened and that she can't trust Saul and that Jonas doesn't support her anymore, Otto is surprised. The next day, Otto Düring is intercepted at his club by Saul Berenson, who wants to talk to him about Carrie. He had the documents for her and would now believe her. He wants to send it to her via Düring, but emphasizes that no one other than Carrie is allowed to look at it. Then a few CIA men show up and search Saul and also want to search Otto, but he then makes a scene so that everyone present notices what is going on. He then allows himself to be searched and then expects the men to apologize because they can't find anything. Saul is then taken away. As he leaves, Otto finds out that the Minister of Justice wants to meet with him, but he cancels because he doesn't have time. In his coat pocket he finds an envelope that Saul had secretly put in his pocket. He goes to the airport to see Carrie before she leaves the country and gives her this envelope. He then offers her the opportunity to go through the documents undisturbed at his home. When she takes a break, they talk for a bit, and Otto hears that Carrie would like to lead a normal life. When he finds out that Carrie and Jonas have broken up, Otto explains his side of things to her.
The next morning, Otto is in a small chapel that is part of his property. When Carrie joins him, they talk a bit about Otto's youth and how difficult it was for him to come to terms with his religion. Then Carrie asks him to bring Laura Sutton in to do further research with her, which Otto has no problem with. When the two women later argue about whether the CIA documents should be made public, he is on Laura's side, but then helps Carrie when she needs to get to Amsterdam to follow up on a lead by lending her one of his cars.
The day after Carrie leaves, Otto is returning from a ride when Jonas shows up and asks about her. The two talk a bit about Carrie and how they are both worried, not only about her safety, but her condition as well. Otto also explains to Jonas that he cannot work with such an unstable person in the long term.
Shortly afterwards, the worried Otto asks Carrie by phone whether she has accomplished everything she planned to do in Amsterdam. She asks him to reconnect with Numan because she needs access to Ahmed Nazari's laptop hard drive. When Carrie asks about Jonas, Otto denies having spoken to him. Shortly afterwards, Jonas gives Otto a list of possible people who could replace Carrie at the foundation. When Laura arrives, Otto learns that she and Jonas want to interview one of the prisoners released by the publication of the CIA documents. The two hope that he will file a lawsuit against the government. Otto agrees that the foundation will cover all of his expenses so that he can work with them. The next morning, Otto is informed that the client named Faisal Marwan knows something about the possible impending attack in Berlin. He listens to the discussion between Laura and Jonas about whether they should tell the police or not. He finds out that the client is in the building. Otto then asks for a moment alone and calls Saul to inform him about the client, but wants him to be treated fairly and always have a lawyer at his side. When Saul promises him this, Otto wants to take the man to the CIA, but is then intercepted by the BND. Düring then calls Saul angrily and demands that he clarify the matter so that he can continue to trust him. Otto then talks to Laura about his attempt to help the client and that the terrorist attack is imminent, so she should be careful about publishing information. Later he has to watch Laura appear on a television show and report the day's events and accuse the BND and the CIA. Although Laura emphasizes that her actions have nothing to do with the Düring Foundation, Otto is still not enthusiastic. Shortly afterwards, the BND shows up to arrest Laura. Otto warns them and then stands in the way of Astrid and her men, but he can't stop them for long.
A few days later, after her separation from Jonas and the averted terrorist attack, Carrie lives with Otto and the two talk about the job offer that Saul made to her, which she doesn't want to accept. Then he makes her an offer. He wants to have her by his side, not only professionally but also privately. However, she can take her time with her decision.
Season 6[]
A few months later, Otto visits the New York office of the organization that Carrie Mathison works for and finds out about their work. She partnered with the lawyer to start and run the law firm, but Otto is funding the operation. That was the scene where he said he’d already written the check. [To be fair, Carrie was having sex with Otto not more than six months ago. This is the embrace of two people who used to have sex but don’t anymore.]
Later he wants to go to dinner with Carrie, but she refuses. He then makes criticize of her work because she was made for greater things, which makes Carrie angry. He finally tells her that he has met someone, whereupon Carrie asks him to leave. He leaves a present for Franny and says goodbye.
Biography[]
Otto Düring is a German billionaire philanthropist who founded the philanthropic organization the Düring Foundation, which is headquartered in Berlin.
Having made Carrie his head of security, he offers her his home after an attempt on her life, and gives her a copy of classified CIA intel passed to him by Saul (which allows her to discover Allison Carr's double agent status). For her trip to Lebanon, where she wants to visit a refugee camp, Carrie must develop a concept of security. He wants to attract media attention and collect donations. The latter saves him after an attempt is made on his life and he eventually proposes to her after offering her joint partnership of the foundation. However, she does not give him an answer.
It Is revealed in the Season 6 premiere that she moved back to New York. He also provided seed funding for Carrie's philanthropic organization providing legal support to Muslims in the city.
Character profile[]
In the popular television series Homeland, Otto Düring, played by Sebastian Koch, emerges as a fascinating and complex character. As a wealthy philanthropist, Otto wields his resources and influence altruistically to make a difference in the world. He hires the enigmatic Carrie Mathison, the show's main protagonist, to work for his foundation, an act that not only propels the plot forward but also provides a lens through which we can explore Otto's values, principles, and internal conflicts.
At first glance, Otto's character appears to be a portrayal of the benevolent billionaire archetype, a philanthropic figure aiming to reshape the world for the better. This characterization aligns him with real-life figures like Bill Gates and Warren Buffett, who have dedicated substantial portions of their wealth to various causes. Otto's genuine commitment to humanitarian efforts allows viewers to perceive him as principled and virtuous, setting him apart from the potentially corrupt and morally ambiguous characters often depicted in the world of power and wealth.
However, Otto's persona extends beyond his philanthropic endeavors. Despite his noble aspirations, he harbors undeniable feelings for Carrie Mathison, the complex and troubled CIA agent played by Claire Danes. This underlying romantic tension complicates his character and raises questions about his motivations. Do his feelings for Carrie compromise his pursuit of a more peaceful world? Or are they a reflection of his vulnerability and desire for a meaningful connection amid the chaos of the world he seeks to change?
To better understand Otto and his character arc, we can analyze his actions through the lens of several high-minded concepts. The first concept that comes to mind is the philosophical idea of utilitarianism. Otto's relentless pursuit of his vision for a more peaceful world seemingly aligns with the utilitarian principle of maximizing overall happiness and minimizing suffering. By employing Carrie and directing his resources toward various humanitarian causes, he aims to create the greatest good for the greatest number of people.
However, as Otto's feelings for Carrie become more apparent, we see a conflict arising between his utilitarian goals and his personal desires. This internal struggle echoes the philosophical tension between utilitarianism and deontology, another moral theory that emphasizes duty and adherence to principles. Otto's actions and decision-making process become a battleground, where the desire for personal happiness clashes with the broader objective of creating a better world. This dichotomy injects depth and complexity into his character, showcasing the inherent human struggle between self-interest and altruism.
Another lens through which we can examine Otto's character is the psychological concept of cognitive dissonance. As a philanthropist, Otto sees himself as a force for good, working diligently to alleviate suffering and promote peace. However, his undeniable attraction to Carrie introduces a conflicting belief or desire into his mindset. This dissonance creates a state of tension that Otto must reconcile, either by dismissing his feelings or finding a way to integrate them into his worldview.
What makes Otto's character particularly intriguing is the way his internal conflicts mirror the external world of Homeland. While working to dismantle global power structures that perpetuate violence and unrest, Otto also faces the harsh reality of navigating a complex landscape fraught with deception and danger. Just as Carrie's professional duties often bring her face-to-face with moral dilemmas, Otto's personal struggles underscore the inherent challenges when attempting to effect change on a grand scale.
In conclusion, Otto Düring, portrayed by Sebastian Koch in Homeland, functions as a captivating character whose philanthropic endeavors, principles, and hidden desires provide the foundation for a thought-provoking exploration. Through an analytical and theoretical approach, we've delved into the high-minded concepts of utilitarianism, deontology, and cognitive dissonance to better understand the complexities of Otto's character. Balancing the pursuit of a more peaceful world with personal longings, Otto embodies the universal struggle between self-interest and altruism, giving viewers a multifaceted depiction of a wealthy philanthropist with a vision and a heart. [x]
Quotes[]
- Carrie Mathison: Things got pretty crazy there for a while. We broke up.
- Otto Düring: I'm very sorry to hear that. You know, Jonas is my friend and he's a good man, but...
- Carrie Mathison: What?
- Otto Düring: He-he's a lawyer. Keeps both feet on the ground.
- Carrie Mathison: Yeah, he does. That's one of the things I love about him.
- Otto Düring: My first wife was like that. Earthbound.
- Carrie Mathison: Earthbound, huh?
- Otto Düring: Most people are. You're either born with wings or not.
- You think you’re better off alone. That your sins require it, but they don’t. - Otto to Carrie
- Otto tells Carrie: "if it's not me, let it be someone."
Review[]
Mr. Gansa said today: "Otto Düring is not just a normal person — he’s something entirely different. Her decision of marrying him wouldn’t be based on a romantic decision — that he’s some sort of Prince Charming — but it would be a calculated move in order to have some sort of financial independence, and not have to worry about a weekly paycheck. So she’s exploring whether to pursue that relationship and also moving into a more proactive engagement with her former employer."
Really interesting article.
- Gansa wants to shoot next two (hopefully final) seasons abroad.
- Carrie’s law firm is apparently all funded by Otto.
- Claire on her NYC childhood: “we never went to Brooklyn”
Trivia[]
Why Otto was in the opening episode of Season 6? Because him being there for all of 4 minutes?
He was there to convey to us that he and Carrie had a brief affair between 5.12 and 6.01. In other words: It was Gansa’s personal middle finger to the fans who believed in Carrie being at Quinn’s side all the time throughout his recovery. They opened that storyline with the misplaced and icky proposal in 5.12 and that needed some kind of closure. Carrie and Otto having sex, “I mean, they didn’t have sex in an episode, but it definitely happened.” That’s so funny, but it definitely happened.
The background score of the scene where Otto tells Carrie "if it's not me, let it be someone" is same as the one played in 6.12 when Carrie sees a picture of her in Quinn's belongings/book: The score that plays after the “why” scene is the one that plays when Carrie draws Brody’s star on the wall.
Otto seemed suspicious. Lied to carry about Jonas and to Jonas able Carey but then nothing ever came of it. So what exactly was he trying to do? The inconsistency in Otto's storyline might be due to change and rewriting applied to the end of season 5: What happened to 'Our Man in Damascus'?
[SPOILER ALERT]
Here’s the full text:
I was a consultant with show runner Alex Gansa on seasons 4 and 5 while a field agent in Berlin.
Many of us in the IC were consultants. Gansa really wanted to tap into the sociopolitical global thread and much of what was written and shot was done a year before a season aired. I remember in season 5 in Berlin the main story arc and climax included attacks on numerous European cities, not just Berlin and Quinn (Rupert Friend). It was written and filmed in 2014/early 2015. Then came the Paris attacks in November 2015 and CBS/Showtime met with Gansa, Danes, and a few of us to discuss what should be done as the show paralleled exactly what was happening and it the material would have aired right after the attacks. We had to rewrite the ending and removed Paris, Brussels - numerous EU capitals and cities - and changed the climax for the season. Otto’s attempts at discrediting Carrie (Danes) were not due to romantic interests - he was secretly funding Syrian‘s fighting al-Assad in Syria to atone for his past families associations with Nazi Germany and thought his financial and other support was to overthrow Assad and stop his Russian funded war against those who opposed him (Putin has his own interests in the Middle East - the only warm water naval port Russia has in the Mediterranean requires the Ukraine and access through the Middle East hence Russia’s support of middle eastern princes and nations). That all came back to haunt him as they attacked Europe instead.
The entire ending had to be scrapped and reshot within weeks. We removed everything but the attack on Berlin and focused on Quinn and Carrie and the aftermath and made Otto’s intentions of removing Carrie as she was getting too close to his organizations work in Syria as a love interest.
Rupert Friend wrote the letter that Claire Danes reads to him on a flight back for reshoots at Alex Gansa’s request. He put it in an envelope and no one read it until the scene was shot. Before the scene was filmed, production located an abandoned hospital outside Berlin and padded the walls of a room with used mattresses for a quick makeshift recording studio and Friend read the letter that was to be played during the scene.
Danes read the letter while production played Friend‘s recorded audio on set - it was the first time anyone read/heard what Friend wrote. The reactions from Danes was her actual response to what Friend wrote for his character. They only did one take.
So what you’re seeing in the hospital scene with Claire reading Quinn’s letter was one take and Danes’ actual emotional response. I remember the set was so quiet for a minute afterwards you would hear a pin drop.
Quinn was supposed to have died in season 5 but fan response brought him back. I wasn’t involved in seasons 6 on.
That always stuck with me.
As for some who claim Danes isn’t a good actress - far from it. She was and is brilliant. She was very invested in the series as she is very sociopolitical active in life. The series finale with Danes’ character living in Moscow and looking over the wall of articles - those were all actual articles from countless newspapers and released documents of events since 9/11. A poignant commentary on real world events and wars that the series perfectly addressed.
I’m very interested in Danes’ next project. I know it will be excellent and recommend everyone give Homeland a watch.
I had to read the bit about their original plan with Otto and Syria a few times to understand… that certainly does make the title “Our Man in Damascus” make so much more sense. From the comment it seems like the last two or three episodes needed to be reworked, but even without that rework, and going with something more simple, the season was too complicated. A spaghetti plot season, albeit one with an emotional core (Carrie/Quinn) that was rendered so completely moot by Quinn not dying.
Keeping Quinn alive for season six is the single biggest mistake this show ever made and I will never understand it. There is something intensely cruel about bringing him back because of “fan response” but in this totally altered way that no fan wanted. I don’t even like the guy all that much and I can say it’s messed up. But we’ve exhausted that conversation over the years.
I think we knew everything about the letter – except for maybe the mechanics of how it was shot. Is it wrong that I don’t have much of a recollection of Claire’s emotional reaction and instead I just remember how amazing her hair looked and her cream-colored cardigan? Her Grim Reaper ensemble in the final scene is an all-time Carrie Mathison LOOK. She was serving.
Behind the Scenes[]
Appearances[]
| 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" | |||