“Dead Reckoning,” the stunning conclusion to the latest ‘continuing’ episodes of Person of Interest. These latest four episodes covered the spectrum: ‘run of the mill’ PoI (“Shadow Box”), all members of the team working the job ; “2 pi R,” Finch and Fusco doing the legwork while Carter breaks laws to free Reese (who was sidelined) ; “Prisoner’s Dilemma” with its cast of old enemies and new and some of the most intense character moments in the series to date and then that stunning ending that sent us to our collective ‘happy places’ for three weeks; and “Dead Reckoning” that was heavy on the mytharc, but if you looked, you saw the weekly PoI as well.
“Dead Reckoning,” like “Bad Code,” had a PoI. Finch got a new number right at the beginning as he was talking to Carter. Whereas “Bad Code” allowed Root to escape, I’m convinced Stanton is dead. Why, you ask? Notice the ending, the time is rewound and we see the Machine’s perspective as Stanton gets into her car and it explodes. Yeah, Stanton and Snow are goners…but more questions and deeper mysteries are birthed.
We have the setup for one of the major stories for the ending of Season 2, just what did Stanton upload, what does it do, and who is her mysterious ‘benefactor’ and how does he come by his information that Harold Finch sold the laptop to the Chinese? Misdirection? Perhaps. Remember, Snow told us (through Carter) that Reese had killed his partner (“Number Crunch”); it was ten episodes later that we learned the truth.
I do wonder if there is a deeper meaning behind Finch’s comment to Reese: “I’d prefer later as I’m responsible for you being here.” Is that because he recruited John? Is that because he did have something to do with John being sent to Ordos? What does that mean for John, after all, it was that mission that prevented John from coming to Jessica…we all know how that ended. Is there more to Finch’s heartfelt and sorrowful “I’m so sorry” at the end of “Many Happy Returns?” So many questions.
The moral dilemmas explored in this show are fascinating to watch. Agent Donnelly, the upright FBI agent started out trying to bring down a vigilante, rogue CIA agent (well, he was half right) ended up going off the rails himself in his quest for the man in the suit. The actions he took in “Prisoner’s Dilemma” showed his determination, his keen intellect but also his vulnerability…too much focus on one goal led to his downfall, even as he had it in his grasp. Even if he had managed to take Reese and Carter in prosecute the case, he had comprised himself; putting a prisoner in the yard alone with the intention of allowing an attack to occur is the act of a man who has lost his moral compass, despite his good intentions.
I enjoy the moral ambiguity of our four main characters; however, getting to watch the secondary characters that populate this universe have their moment to shine is equally fascinating. Watching Snow’s turn was interesting. At first he was this nasty guy who stalked Carter trying to get to Reese, all to kill him. But in the end, Snow had a bit of redemption to him. Watching that scene at the end at the elevator we see the shift in Snow’s eyes when Reese said the only thing waiting was the black hood…ooh! In that moment Snow’s demeanor changed. That is when he decided where and how he’d make his stand. He’d retire not only himself, but Stanton as well.
With Snow and Stanton out of the way, enter Carter and Fusco. I love that none of the respect between Carter and Reese was lost from “Prisoner’s Dilemma” to here. Since he was dead man walking , it wasn’t a joyous reunion and the emotions between all of them played for real. I love that Reese appealed to Fusco by calling him Lionel…and not the usual droll way of saying that name and dragging it out slightly as if adding some smarm to it…no, this was an appeal of colleague to colleague. Fusco came through as he always has.
As for the Reese and Finch reunion, it worked on all levels. (I’ll totally ignore the improbability of how Finch got up to the roof of the building surrounded by law officials save this brief acknowledgement of it…I truly don’t care about those details – just keep an eye on the timelines, so far so good.) John didn’t give up in “Bad Code,” appearing in Maryland to rescue Finch, why would Finch not appear right where he knew Reese would be.
I was waiting for some technological miracle…in the end it was just a random guess. Harold had a one in three chance and it was pure chance. Trite? Too easy? No. The message: If John was going to die on that rooftop, Finch was going too. See, John, in the end you aren’t alone and somebody is coming to save you.
As for Bear…the balance to all the stress of these last episodes. Seeing John Reese bowled off his feet while Bear smothered him with affection was priceless. And the look of pure joy was rewarding. While John is no doubt a bit battered from his five-day or so ordeal from “Shadow Box” to now, he hasn’t lost all the happiness. Dogs are great at teaching us to enjoy the moment.
The writers once again show their courage; they ended three characters in two episodes and closed down the FBI’s hunt for the man in the suit and removed two dangers from John Reese. Good moves. The FBI hunt had played itself out, hanging it on Snow works for he was a rogue CIA agent operating on American soil. The FBI’s hunt for the man in the suit has added great suspense and backstory (“Many Happy Returns,” “Firewall,” “Prisoner’s Dilemma”), but it needed to end because the noose was tightening.
Let’s not dwell on the stories that ended but instead look to the new ones that opened. Who is Greer (played by John Nolan, according to TVFanatic, Jonathan Nolan’s uncle) and what did he have Stanton upload for him? We have another shadowy government organization moving onto the board.
So many questions, some answers, some movement forward for all characters and their relationships and so many more avenues to explore.
Next week is a return to what appears to be the ‘norm’: Finch and Reese protecting a person of interest. The wonderful Jimmi Simpson (loved him in Breakout Kings!) With no recurring cast on hand it should be myth-light; fair enough, these last episodes have been and a little breathing is good. Don’t fear though, the episode after though brings several recurring characters on multiple fronts…I won’t spoil it here, FutonCritic has the cast list; you can look for yourselves.
Things I loved:
- Reese showing the difference between him and Kara. The flashbacks in “Prisoner’s Dilemma” were meant to show Reese’s descent into the ‘monster’ as he frequently saw himself in Season 1. However, here he showed how far he’s come back from that which Kara tried to make him. He wasn’t going to be her doormat anymore. “When I fight back, you’ll know.”
- Snow’s reassessment of John from damaged goods (which he still is) to altruistic do-gooder.
- Fusco being given the chance to shine as protector of Carter, both in finding her earring and in dragging her out of the building at Reese’s insistence.
- Both Carter and Fusco staying to await Reese’s death. They may have been on the streets, but they didn’t leave him alone…not in spirit at least.
- Finch sitting in Times Square so he could hack the DOD in cyber anonymity.
- The fact that we have four Thursdays in a row with new episodes of Person of Interest!
As always, thanks for reading!
Loved your very insightful review. This was a great episode although I was sad not to see more one-to-one interaction between Reese and Stanton after the long build-up the past 1 1/2 seasons. Wouldn’t it have been great if she found out who he was working for before she died? I suppose they had to wrap that story up sooner than expected when she got the Following gig.
I too am very curious about Finch’s actions – Corwin and Ingram will in fact be in next week’s episode so maybe we’ll get a far more scraps then… The Nolan character had a white box so it doesn’t look like Finch sold the machine to the Chinese (which I wouldn’t have a problem with as to him it’s a life-saving system).
Thanks for writing!
Hi, Katie,
Thanks for the comments. I had forgotten that Ingram and Corwin were in the next eppie…thanks for reminding me about that. The story of Finch and his connection to Reese gets a bit deeper, and I’m intrigued by the seemingly accidental connction with Corwin, perhaps they’ll peel back a few layers for us on that as well.
I do notice that next week’s promos show the PoI (the eccentric billionaire) to have a yellow box around him. Knowing how careful the special effects team is, I don’t think that’s accidental.
Also check out Bear’s twitter feed…perhaps we’ll see Stanton again (as Nolan said in an interview at the beginning of this season, someone may die in real time, doesn’t mean they can’t be seen in flashback)
🙂
I often find the “myth-lite” episodes letdowns after an arc like this. Here’s hoping I’m better prepared this time.
I loved how Fusco was one step ahead of Carter at the accident investigation scene. Fusco has always been a skilled cop — something that was not inherently obvious (to me anyway) in the beginning of the series. His role in this story arc was small (compared to the other major characters) but so significant. I feel like Fusco has their backs. Always. I like that.
I’ve cried each time I’ve watched that roof scene (like you I chose to ignore the improbability of Finch getting up there — the greatness that is this show makes it easy to do that). To me that scene sums up why I love the show. With these lines:
Reese: This is my past catching up to me. It doesn’t concern you.
Finch: [b]But this moment does[/b]. I’m not leaving you here John. So can we please stop wasting time.
THIS MOMENT. All any of us really has is [b]this moment. [/b]I’ve learned this (sometimes the hard way) in my own life the past 12 months (sure was glad when the calendar turned over to 2013).
That and the way all of these characters put everything on the line. I so admire that. The roof scene was brilliant. Simply brilliant. I’ve watched it at least four times (and will watch it again).
Thanks for the review Elle and for the forum to discuss!
Hi, Stef,
I really enjoy the Fusco character. I like how he has continued to grow, from the beginning of this season (just by way of example) when he was whining about his assignments versus Carter’s and here he was simply protecting Carter and on board with doing what needed to be done to save Reese, and when that seemingly was impossible, he did what needed to be done, for John, he saved Carter.
That roof scene is brilliant. We have such great character moments that go back to the Pilot, suicide and the idea that sooner or later they’d both end up dead. I also love how Finch teaches John things and John teaches Finch things. Here, Finch taught John that He. Is. Not. Alone. so critical.
The ending in the library also is perfect, with Finch giving the faintest twitch of a smile as John and Bear reunite while JOhn gives a full-on smile. We realize how much of this character is held in check all the time, kudos to Jim Caviezel’s excellent portrayal.
I love Finch’s calm and somewhat closed off comment in reply to Reese’s thank you…Please don’t mention it. Well, it’s similar to how they were reunited in Bad Code. Finch really struggles with ‘human interaction’ but that doesn’t make him any less loyal or caring.
Yeah, all we have is this moment and the choices that we make in ‘this moment’.
I’m hoping 2013 becomes a wonderful year for you!
As long as we’re able, we’ll keep the PoI fires burning here. we can thank Alice Jester for that!
Hi Elle, great review for a great episode. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. I hope Stanton is really dead, and yes, from looking at the video rewind, it sure seems like she is. I was happy that Snow redeemed himself at the end. John’s words finally got through to him. If he was going to die anyway, might as well take the bad guy with him.
Loved the rooftop scene between Finch and Reese, it had me tearing up and biting my knuckles at the same time! 😥
[quote]The writers once again show their courage; they ended three characters in two episodes and closed down the FBI’s hunt for the man in the suit and removed two dangers from John Reese. Good moves. The FBI hunt had played itself out, hanging it on Snow works for he was a rogue CIA agent operating on American soil. The FBI’s hunt for the man in the suit has added great suspense and backstory (“Many Happy Returns,” “Firewall,” “Prisoner’s Dilemma”), but it needed to end because the noose was tightening. [/quote] I was very happy that they chose to close the man in the suit aspect. Now John won’t feel so vulnerable to detection everytime he works a case.
I’m reading for a mytharc light episode now. There is only so much my poor heart can take! 😆
Hi, Sylvie,
Thanks for your comments! Yeah, a little levity in between all the mytharc isn’t a bad things…Jimmi Simpson is up to the challenge I am certain. I am reminded that we will see a bit of backstory with Ingram and Corwin gracing the recurring characters listing. Also, I have rewatched the eppy several times and do note one curious moment when the Machine is givin us its POV on the car blowing up just after Stanton gets into it…there is a flicker. Now, that could just be the camera’s normal activity, or it could be something else. I’m going to wait an see on that. You just never know.
Like you, I was on the edge of my seat for this one..it was worth it.
🙂