Reviews

This is how a finale should end. And POI writers knows how to deliver a punch to the gut and emotions.

I was thinking they were going to do the obvious choice of Machine integrating itself into the Samaritan and both become as a single entity, in Root and Greer terms "The One true god". But it didn't happen and I love it.

The scene between Finch and the Machine in the end was the first time I cried for a POI episode. Not even Carter's death fazed me, but this was intellectual sadness of the top order. And, signifies the true pain and horror of a creator and inventor.

And Greer's speech to Control is so true and I so want him to be dead. A bad guy with ideals is terrifying and so impossible to shake. As they say, the most gruesome villains believe what they do is always correct and is better for the society.

Reese's bad-ass level spiked and shattered the bar this ep. Reese was becoming complacent this season but when cornered and he thinks all is left to fate and just smashes forward, he shines. His God mode utilization is awesome.

And POI Music time. "Welcome to the Machine". Another song to my playlist.

So many threads dangling, but the most important Q?

Who is feeding Bear when all the team is neck deep in trouble? He will starve to death in that subway

The Good: Finch and Root duo is always a welcome addition on small screen. They have this elder brother and jealous younger sister relationship which makes their chemistry and scenes richer even though there are some plot holes. Finch's humanity is both his major strength and weakness. This episode signified how Root, our friendly sociopath has humane feelings only to the team or say the family of The Machine. She doesn't care about anyone else.

The Bad: I don't know why, but POI has been on a very bad streak of procedural elements since S04E14. They are nailing the serialized part. Frankie Wells character was spunky enough and had great chemistry with Reese which made the initial scenes super fun to watch. Then it got bogged down by unnecessary twists and extra characters. Harper, I don't hate her but I don't like her either that much. She's too smug for her own good.

The not so Ugly: I am in two ways about Reese+Iris relationship. I understand why they have to do something with Reese's character because his back story is dried out and he can't offer any technical expertise when it comes to fighting Samaritan. But the way they build it up, doesn't feel natural. Have to wait and see if they make this plot thread interesting enough.

So, overall a very good first half from both sides but mediocre second half due to the procedural elements I give this a 8/10.

I liked this episode. Its not what you expect after the amazing "If-Then-Else". This wasn't an end of trilogy but rather setting the stage for the next half of the season. And we get to know what goes on the other side of the POI Mythos, the relevant side and it is being kicked around by Samaritan badly. Control and Senator Garrison are finally suffering for working with (more for) Samaritan. You reap what you sow. Blind faith is always dangerous. Only the Paranoid survive.

The only backside is, we see the team machine very less. So many people might be disappointed that they don't get to know whether Shaw is alive or dead, but for me I am happy to leave that thread hanging. The emotional side due to this constant pain, adds another layer to Amy Acker's portrayal of Root which is amazing as usual. Overall a nice set-up episode and what can I say, I never felt bored even for a second.

This episode showed what happens when two AI's play a game of rapid chess, where the pawns are puny humans. One player, even though heavily experienced couldn't catch up with the pace of the young player. Both are highly philosophical, extremely complex and intelligent beyond reason. What goes on in their minds? Who the hell knows!! When Samaritan asked what right did the machine had to decide its fate, that I almost forgot these both are nothing but 1's an 0's. The show is able to retain the allure and mystery of these AI's even though they are humanized by their analog interfaces. The Kid Whiz was creepy but I would have liked Claire from 'Nautilus'. There would have been more impact. Greer's flashback was good but I would love to see the Sunset over hail of bombs which he saw as a child during WWII. Finch is now on the brink of belief vs principle idea and in next episodes, I hope we will know which side he will tip.

Sometimes Person of Interest tries to go the subtle way to show danger to our faces. This episode didn't have that many kneecappings, one liners from Reese or Fusco. This was Elias's episode. You may be the King of the city, but even kings are human. It was good to see Elias in this light. Scarface a.k.a. Anthony was masterful. Dominic was OK for most of the episode, but by the ending, we understand that he's no Elias, but just an extreme case of Machiavellan mentality. And, that he was able to portray just perfect. On the other hand I am eagerly waiting for Shaw to suffocate Root. The war has begun. Pawns are going to be used and thrown away. Empires will collapse. But who will rise from the ashes?

I liked the movie. I enjoyed its entire run time except the finale. It spoiled the entire build up of the story. If the Villain killed some of the Home Depot employee's it would have ended spectacularly but we get too much of Deus Ex Machina vibe in the end. One man can't save everyone. Sometimes when a war's started there will be casualties. Denzel may be calm, precise and deadly but he too can't kill 10 people with a single sniper shot. Chloe grace's acting was good but I liked the actress who played Chloe's friend. She really looked the part. This is not a full blow by blow action movie. I realized when I saw the trailer that I have to savor the silence and enjoy the mayhem. Becacuse silence increases the violence level.

Man! What a finale.the first half of the episode Meh...The second half kicked and the last 10 min made me realize to never underestimate POI writers.Villains turned out to be just misguided heroes. If Season 4 is anywhere near Season 3 POI is gonna be a severe contender for several Emmy awards. And they might have to open a new category for "Best Villain in a TV show" :P It's indeed going be a long summer...

Spoilers:

My reaction to the episode as it progressed: Collier wtf shotgun Rivera dead.. aah..boring flashbacks.... How to get a cycle during blackout By Mr.Hersh... Fusco the least intelligent but the most adorable cop...really "What machine" :) and the second half started.. Whoah...wait wait..wth I just watched.. Everything makes sense now... Uncle Nolan...as next James Bond Villain... Root ....Its not abt winning...its abt surviving...True True cyborg :P Exit Music..Thanks POI for another song to my play list...