When you tune into Homeland season 3, episodes 1 and 2 this September, you may be surprised to see that one of your favorite characters is completely absent.

Mild spoiler ahead!

Select media who attended an event with the Homeland season 3 cast last night were treated to the first two episodes of the new batch, and they found that Brody played by Damian Lewis is completely absent.

When we say “completely,” we mean 100%. The character does not appear once – unless you count the opening credits.

Asked last night why this is, showrunner Alex Gansa explained that it wasn’t due to a problem with the actor. Rather, as fans know, Brody ran off at the end of season 2 and it’s “about where the story was taking us.”

The media then asked if they should report on Brody being completely absent, Gansa said that would be appropriate “but it would be a betrayal to actually say when he’s back in the show.”

Deadline points out that it is odd for the character to be missing given he won an Emmy last year for his role.

Those who’ve been following Homeland season 3’s development should know that this isn’t too big of a surprise. A June 18 report indicated that the third outing of Showtime’s drama would have less Brody.

This means that the spotlight will turn back to Carrie, Saul, and perhaps even Peter as they try to crack Brody’s cast and head onto other problems.

One concern about Homeland during season 2 was that the show felt like it needed a plot reboot (another enemy), and season 3 looks to be heading in that direction.

The new season of Homeland premieres Sunday, September 29.

Thanks to Deadline for the quotes.