As if fighting terrorists isn’t enough, Homeland on-screen lovers, Carrie Mathison and Sgt. Nicholas Brody, have found new nemesis in online pirates. It has been estimated that the opening episode of the Season 3 for Showtime’s hit series has been downloaded approximately 100k hours it was leaked online.

According to The Age, hundreds of thousands of fans were able to download the leaked material from various Bit Torrent networks. With only the opening credits and some special effects missing from the leaked episode, the video is believed to be similar to the preview copy given out to reviewers at the Television Critics Association tour in late July 2013.

But Torrent Freak insists, the leaked video is a “workprint” which means an unfinished copy that has yet to be rendered and needed to undergo final editing before public consumption.

Citing the statement by the Web site, The Age noted that the source of the video could be someone involved in the post-production for Showtime’s hit series.

"The source of the leak is likely connected to a post-production studio," the source said, according to The Age.

The leak has been met with mixed reactions. For some, it’s going to be a big blow to the show. But for others, the leaked episode could very well have done more good than harm to the highly-anticipated show.

Variety said, “While the early sampling could conceivably eat into the audience that might otherwise subscribe to Showtime, another school of thought dictates that such a sneak peek has promotional power, spreading the word in advance of the premiere.”

Torrent Freak Web site believes that Showtime remains unfazed by the online leak. The network may even use it to their advantage.

The Web site noted, "Showtime hasn't officially responded to the leak thus far, but it could be that they're not too bothered by the free publicity. In recent months several TV insiders have gone on the record stating that piracy may actually help TV-shows, because of word-of-mouth promotion it generates."

Homeland Season 3 airs on Showtime on Sept. 29, 9 pm.

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