Note: I've embedded some optional mood music at the bottom of this page to go along with the story: XX's "Intro," which was the driving theme of the episode.
Person of Interest has thrown the kitchen sink at us in its first five episodes. We've seen tense showdowns (remember the awesome elevator scene in the pilot?), unexpected humor (Finch's personal life full of push-ups and incognito cubicle life), dazzling action (smoke grenade launchers!), and moral ambiguity (last week's cut to black), but what's really working for me are the show's two main characters. One's a mumbling, hardened killer who isn't too fond of actually killing people and squished by an immense amount of guilt, the other is a socially dysfunctional billionaire who's just trying to do right and get some Eggs Benedict.
Reese and Finch are a joy to watch because let's face it: They're total weirdos and unlike most other leading men on television. And now that we're past the unusual circumstances of their evolving friendship, we can enjoy watching it grow. In baby steps. How great is it to see Finch slowly dropping his guard and letting Reese in? Their relationship is almost like the one between the old guy and the Asian kid in Up. Reese is constantly wondering who Finch really is, and using investigative means to find clues—as Finch has rightly accused him of doing. Finch is too smart for that and will thaw out when he's ready, and when he passed the menu to Reese at the end of the episode without the next case inside and with the verbal, friendly advice to "try the Eggs Benedict," it was perfectly representative of the moments Person of Interest does so well. Cheesy and sweet.
This week's episode, "Judgement," was successfully built on one of the series' stronger cases so far. Screw it, let's just go ahead and call it the strongest. A judge (guest-star David Costabile, Breaking Bad's Gale) got word that his son had been kidnapped, and the perps wanted him to throw out a drunk driving case against one of their cohorts in a big money-laundering operation. Of course it wasn't presented that simply, with the details trickling in at the speed of a limping slug. And even though we quickly learned the answer to the question of whether or not this week's Person of Interest was the good guy or the bad guy was, the ride-along with Reese as he cracked the mystery held my attention. Maybe I'm just a sucker for Eastern European gangs and drunk-driving blondes, but the case itself was an eyeball magnet.
However, that begs the query: How do you like your Person of Interest? Do you want to see the person attached to the number spit out by the computer instantly outed as a good person or a bad person? Or do you prefer that question to be the main mystery of the episode? The latter worked very well in the pilot, when Natalie Zea appeared to be the victim at first but turned out to be the criminal. And last night it worked well, even though it was a bit too traditionally "procedural," when the judge was immediately identified as the victim. Personally, I like the back and forth. Person of Interest works best as a grab bag that we head into each week not knowing what to expect. And that calls back to what I opened this story with: The show can attack us from so many different angles, but really, it's Reese and Finch—the two constants—who are the main draw. Everything else revolves around them, and so far, that's working well.
But if I have one complaint (okay, I have two; I'll talk about the other one in the "Surveillance Notes" section), it probably has something to do with the lack of backstory on the magical computer program that sets everything in motion in the first place. Thankfully the rest of the series is entertaining enough that it's not a glaring problem... yet. But Person of Interest is going to need to drop some clues soon to appease those of us who eager to hear some of its serialized stories. It will come, but right now, the show is working on strengthening the relationship between Reese and Finch (which is just as important) while maintaining its Interesting People of the Week formula. I'm willing to be patient.
"Judgement" was another solid installment of Person of Interest, and in some ways its best one yet. The series has become a few different shows in one (a vigilante cop action show! A story about two weirdos becoming buddies! A paranoid look at surveillance technology!), and so far, I like them all.
Surveillance Notes:
– Reese's Interrogation Trunk? AWESOME! I love how he threw a burger on the tied-up guy's chest and said, "You'll figure it out." And the two cats in a bag metaphor? Genius. And fun.
– Least favorite line of dialogue in the episode: "You've got two questions: 'Who are you?' and 'Where is my son?' Which do you want to focus on?" Sometimes this show can't avoid being a little too cheesy, but whatevs. It's Reese, dammit. That's how he rolls.
– Pairing Lionel with Detective Carter is working, so far. We're starting to get an idea of how Carter will fit into things. In her pursuit of Reese, she's gone from snarling pit bull to curious cat, and I think the show's better for it. Will Carter and Reese ever work side-by-side? Or will they always be at arm's distance?
– Wow! A rare instance of filming a scene in real rain! I don't know why that stood out so much, but it was great to see.
– Michael Emerson does deadpan so well. He makes lines that shouldn't be anything of note ("Guess that's why they didn't need the money.") actually funny.
– Let's start a petition to make David Constabile's judge a recurring character. The show certainly left the option open.
– More solid music choices. If you're going to use played-out music, at least use good stuff. And that last instrumental song used in the closing moments by that band I couldn't remember the name of was an effective choice for a wrap-up theme.
Follow TV.com writer Tim Surette on Twitter: @TimAtTVDotCom
Also, since episode one I have been dying to know what is up with Finch's limp... I cannot wait until the show either slowly lets us in on the secret, or slams it in our face. I'm wondering if it has something to do with his former partner, who now only remains as a 'bust'.
I think this was the best episode since the pilot so far. We now know a little more about the characters and watching Reese question Finch "What's good here?" was so spot on for their relationship. As usual Michael Emerson was amazing, and especially at the end with the 'Eggs Benedict' suggestion... I definitely got a little emotional knowing that Finch might slowly let Reese in. And Reese's reaction to it was priceless!
Again, many have said that Caveizel is 'phoning in' the performance, but I think he is just skilled at playing a man with so many layers. He is using subtlety right now... and it works.
And another great Episode. This show is getting better and better! So glad it got picked up for a whole Season.
PS: Who spotted the Observer? ;)
Carter is like Commissioner Gordon.
Let's start a petition to make David Constabile's judge a recurring character. The show certainly left the option open.
I could not agree more! This is by far the best new show of the season and I would love to see David Constabile's judge included in future episodes. Excellent episode!!
this was indeed a great episode, I feel that all episodes since the series has started have been strong and consistent on ever level. I look foward to Thursday nights when this show will air, and that's rare these days. I so cannot wait for the word that his series will be pick up, I am hoping that they don't get exposed to early. I would like to see Carter and Reese maybe get a little closer, it be cool having the two work side by side. I like the relationship that his building between Finch and Reese I am sure that the two will have a strong bond as the series continues on.
Great episode! While other episodes have had strong moments/facets, this is the first episode that's been consistently strong overall.
Loved the ending, with our guys bonding oh so quietly (as is their way) yet oh so sweetly. <3
And yes, I like the idea of the judge as a recurring character - he'd be good for the occasional tip off or delayed warrant, which I'm thinking they're going to need sooner or later.
And I like Mr. "Dirty Cop" proving that he DOES have a different side - showing him with his son last ep was the first step, having him asking for a chance to help out in the kidnapping case was another step in the right direction. :)
The Observer as the bad guy = Awesome!! Great Show so far.
My favorite new show of the season. I LOVE Reese. I adore Finch. The episodes just keep getting better, it's picked up speed and really doing wonderful. It's the new highlight of my Thursday night.
I still really want to know what happened to Finch's back. We kind of know, but not really. WHAT HAPPENED TO FINCH'S BACK?!?
So far this is my favorite new show of the fall season. I kind of wish Alcatraz had started around the same time because it would have been a difficult choice between the two I bet.
I love this show.... And i am too lazy to say why... ;)
It was a great episode. I agree it was the best yet. I would also like to see the judge come back. I like the formula they're using to show if the person of interest is a good guy or bad guy. It would get boring if we always had to wait for the end (or always found out in the beginning) of an episode to see if the person was good/bad.
This was a good, solid episode.
Ya I like it when its a mystery if the person that got their number in the machine is a protagonist or a antagonist.
Best episode so far in my opinion as well. Loved Gail as the Judge and The Observer as the bad guy. Talented actors, the both of them, and you can add my name to the petition list. I am also hoping to see more about the computer, and I wouldn't mind seeing even more about Carter, too.
On the topic of the computer, though, I pose a question to those who have the time (and inclination) to pore over the first four episodes to discover, because this is the first time I paid any attention, but--- when it has those quick 2 second cutaways to the current scene as the "computer" is seeing it (e.g. surveillance cameras with dotted line squares over the people), is there a change in the colour used when identifying Reese? I noticed that in this episode everyone was outlined with a white dotted line box (even this episode's bad guys) except Reese whose box colour was yellow? I haven't paid enough attention, but if it started off as white and is now changing to yellow, we could be getting closer to one the two instances to which I said I was looking forward from the very first episode:
- What happens when one of their numbers comes up on their list?
- What happens when one of their numbers comes up on the government's list?
Because their actions, to a computer, could be decidedly misinterpreted, especially as Reese, while not a lover of violence, does not shrink from it.moreless
ok, I feel like I may be on an island here, but....are we supposed to know what happened to Andrew last week (did he die, or did Reese let him live)?????
Redemption Island!!
i guess it was an "open ending".
a couple of days ago I wrote a comment of the last episode of the Homeland, that Person of interest should seek to create an similar atmosphere or at least put a little more ''soul'' in the story . Well this episode has done better than my expectation. I think that this was the best episode so far.
Indeed the best episode so far, and that little moment in the end with the menu and the smile from reese was just perfect.
I agree I am loving PoE - best new show of the fall easily. Both leads are excellent - the writing is great - and even though the premise is a bit hard to believe, it still turns out quality episodes every week. Very entertaining and doing well for a Thursday drama in the ratings. A back 9 has been ordered bringing the total episodes of season one to 22. Can't wait to see where it goes next for Finch and Reese - as well as the weekly cases. A real winner from Jonathan Nolan and JJ Abrams (shocker I know right - lol).
This is my favorite new show so far. I love how they're handling Reese and Finch's partnership, along with every number put out by the machine. Truthfully, the not-knowing whether each person is the perpetrator or the victim is what keeps me tuned in every week. Not only that, but the fact that this show operates like a procedural, but its much different from one, also keeps me coming back. These good guys are true vigilantes, not cops, CSI's, CIA, etc. They're just trying to make a difference and I love watching them do it.
I agree totally .. this was the strongest episode of the series so far .. and it was really fun to watch. Can't wait for next week's episode.
PS. Thanks for putting up the instrumental song at the end .. the last few scenes were made great by the background music.
@Tim
Youre not even going to mention those horrible accents? Or was that just me :D
I let a lot of stuff slide. But i still think it's a great show. You gotta in shows like this, right?
"we head into each week not knowing what to expect. " This for me is the draw. Not knowing which side of the fight we're watching.
You're right,IMO, that this was the best episode so far. The emotional draw was there, the conflict was there, the ancillaries were sidelined just enough, and the outcome was in question long enough to hold my interest. This is quickly becoming one of my new favorites.
Those of you who want to know more about the number machine are going to be hugely disappointed. It's a fictional machine that just can't be explained, and it shouldn't ever be explained because its an impossibility, just like how many things were in LOST. If you want answers, then maybe you should write the script and try to explain those answers yourself. You'll find it impossible.
I wonder why nobody already talked about the OBVIOUSLY awesome guest-star Michael Cerveris in that episode, August, the main Observer in Fringe, the boss of the incredibly rich, powerful and dangerous Eastern European gang... This is SO great to see play that role with that accent. I want him to come back one day with a vengeance or something.
I did talk about him.... ;)
Oh you're right... your last line in "more".
The writer, Tim Surette, should have talked about it, I don't understand why not... he is the the reason why I'm here everyday on this site, for his reviews of all my best shows, Fringe, Supernatural, and many others but also my worst shows like Terra Nova, Falling Skies and others.
Damn! I jumped from my bed the moment I saw Michael Cerveris! I was waiting for this review to read a joke or something about him.
Meh! nothing... this review deceives me for this reason.
And I would have talked about the smile/laugh of Reese at the end. totally in contrast with the last episodes. anyway.
I agree with you. I was hoping something from Tim as well about that guest star ;)
Maybe, did he miss it ? I sure did not recognize him immediately..
WOW i didn't realize it was him. That's insane! This is why I rely on you guys to fill in the holes... great catch. Makes me respect the actor that much more...
holy crap .. i just went back to see .. it was him! I didn't recognize him at all.
I loved it, the fact that each case si different and the format doesn't always work out the same is great. Emerson and Cavaziel are both fantastic!
Well, Tim, I could not agree more with your review.
It was with no doubt the strongest case of the show. A big thanks to Dave Costabile who is one of my favorite actors since I loved to hate him in Damages (he was so creepy and ruthless) and I loved him as Gale Boeticher in Breaking Bad.
I was one of those who couldn't wait knowing more about the machine so far. But now, I really want to know more about Finch, Reese, their relationship (loved the first scene !) and their respective pasts than about that machine. Actually, what's obsessing me is knowing more about Finch's past : what we saw in the second ep about his former partner and friend really intrigued me.
Like I said last week, Fusco + Carter is a really good duo and it's interesting to see how fusco is becoming more and more a good guy and less and less the crooked cop that he was. I really wonder how this will turn out because Carter is definitely a smart lady and does not fully trust Fusco.
What a good procedural. We can see things setting up slowly. I'm sure we're heading somewhere great for the mid-season.
Last thing : It's nice to see an Observer having some feelings (and expressing them) ^^.moreless
I hear ya.... Finch's past is going to be awesome... and it's great how it's set up so Reese is poking around trying to figure out Finch's past, because Finch knows about Reese but Reese doesn't know about Finch. We'll learn as he learns...
what a good show and the two main characters are perfect!
dude thank you very much , you spare me the time of searching for this awesome theme :D
I loved the Equalizer and much less known "Vengeance Unlimited" and it is the latter that POI is reminding me of. The Judge and bad cop can be used for favors now, by reese when he needs them, which is what Mr Chapel did.
I reallllly like this show.I love how every epsiode bings something new and fresh unlike other tv shows this calibar that are pretty much the same.
I enjoyed this episode, even though we're getting slightly less action as the series goes on, it's definitely doing well with the character development. I love watching the conversations Finch and Reese have, each trying to learn more about the other.
With regard the not knowing whether the number they get is for the victim, or the shooter, in this one I though it might have a twist where the kidnappers were going to make the guy kill someone. But then I suppose they would have chosen a normal dude rather than a judge...... Hmm. I do like the not knowing though.
I like the show, its a different take on what might be a regular procedural drama. And I agree the relationship between Reese and Finch is definitely what makes the show. I DO wanna know more about the machine that gives them the names. But I am willing to wait it out for a bit.
This series is getting worse now i think im gonna give it one last episode which is next weeks episode and if its not good im gonna stop watching and judging from the promo i will stop watching this series.
Your loss.