The Season 3 finale of Homeland was shocking in a multitude of ways. Nicholas Brody's covert mission against the Iranian National Guard is successful. He assassinates high-ranking Iranian official Danesh Akbari while on a CIA mission. However he is captured after a conversation between Saul (Mandy Patinkin) and the President of the United States is intercepted. Brody is then captured by Iranian Military Forces who are taking orders from Majid Javadi (Shaun Toub). Javadi then orders that Brody be tried, convicted and hanged for his crimes against the Iranian government. All Carrie (Claire Danes) can do at this point is watch as Brody is strung up.

While Brody goes out a hero, how will his death affect the next season of Homeland?

Here's some news on the fourth season:

When does the show return?

Homeland is scheduled to return in 2014. The announcement was made by Showtime back in October of this year.

What direction will the show go in without Brody?

Killing off a series regular is tough. But when writers kill off a main character usually that means a show is coming to a close. Homeland will now have to change focus now that Emmy winner Damian Lewis's character has died.

It's up to showrunners Alex Gansa and Howard Gordon to try and guide Homeland back to its season 1 glory days. Homeland is still a commercial hit for Showtime, but its critical praise has largely cooled off since.

What cast changes can we expect?

Morena Baccarin who plays Jessica Brody and Morgan Saylor (Dana Brody) will not be back as series regulars in Season 4. This doesn't mean they are off the show for good though. Just use this as an example: Diego Klattenhoff who plays Mike was a series regular for the first two seasons. This past year he made recurring appearances as a guest star. Apparently it's up to Baccarin and Saylor to decide on whether or not they want to return.

Where does the Brody Family go from here?

The Brody family's importance to the show has seemingly run its course. Perhaps they will appear in flashbacks in Season 4. Expect the majority of the series from this point on to be anchored by Carrie Mathison.

Where do you want to see Homeland go in its fourth season? Do you want Carrie to move on to Istanbul? Should she keep her baby? Let us know in the comments below!