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POLL : What did you think of Person of Interest - A House Divided?

May 7, 2014

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93 comments:

  1. SnapeJJSMay 7, 2014 at 3:58 AM

    this show just keeps getting better and better, 10/10.

    ReplyDelete
  2. DebraFanMay 7, 2014 at 3:59 AM

    EPIC! OUTSTANDING!! AMAZING!!!! MIND BLOWING!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Leo BartletMay 7, 2014 at 4:03 AM

    OMFG

    Only thing I can think of that is fairly important is who or what sent the text messages to Collier

    ReplyDelete
  4. SHIELDNCISfanMay 7, 2014 at 4:08 AM

    so Vilgilance the bad guy for the SF? will Reese, shaw, root, helsh go save Control, Decima, and a US senator?

    ReplyDelete
  5. Death of HallyuMay 7, 2014 at 4:08 AM

    Perfection.

    ReplyDelete
  6. JimmyMay 7, 2014 at 4:11 AM

    Excellent episode. I honestly didn't expect Vigilance to play this big of a role in this episode or next week's. Their mock trial will be a sight to see.


    I also loved Hersh, Reese, and Shaw working together. Their banter was hilarious. It's amazing how the creative team have managed to make multiple enemies into allies for the greater good.

    ReplyDelete
  7. DebraFanMay 7, 2014 at 4:13 AM

    I was reminded of the trials in Dark Knight Rises. Nothing good is going to come out of this. Someone is going to die. Definitely

    ReplyDelete
  8. Death of HallyuMay 7, 2014 at 4:15 AM

    Vigilance is like Anonymous, but smarter

    ReplyDelete
  9. AlexanderMay 7, 2014 at 4:18 AM

    Blown away. 11/10.


    This episode felt too short, like it could have stretched over ninety minutes instead of sixty (commercials included). There were so many plot threads and story dynamics constantly shifting from scene to scene, that it almost seemed like every character wasn't receiving enough screen time.


    Is it next week, yet?

    ReplyDelete
  10. DebraFanMay 7, 2014 at 4:22 AM

    Quick question: When Root said in the final scene: "Boys, meet Samaritan" what exactly is housed in that building? It cant be a fully functional Samaritan? That requires 6 hydro generators to power it and those generators that were stolen by Decima some episodes back. Or does the building have the servers that were in the ship in the previous episode and Samaritan is running in some reduced capacity?

    Anyone? Thoughts?

    ReplyDelete
  11. DebraFanMay 7, 2014 at 4:24 AM

    I didn't worry about the screen time but I was surprised when the hour just flew by and I was so engrossed that I didn't even notice it.

    One thing I like about this show is that it elicits total concentration from the viewers.

    ReplyDelete
  12. steve2013May 7, 2014 at 4:25 AM

    There clearly running in some reduced capacity as its online where are root etc going to great lengths to hide from camaras etc & also Greer provided senator ross garrison with test results

    ReplyDelete
  13. phnxgrlMay 7, 2014 at 4:26 AM

    There are no words! Just Awesomeness!

    ReplyDelete
  14. João PauloMay 7, 2014 at 4:29 AM

    POI and an outstanting episode, just amazing.


    One of my favorite and one of most intelligent episodes I ever see on TV.


    Vigilance are the real threat, but I think Greer have some cards in the pocket.


    The writing here was top note.

    ReplyDelete
  15. cheewinMay 7, 2014 at 4:52 AM

    I think it's invisible man when 911 lady was a number.

    ReplyDelete
  16. DarqueModeMay 7, 2014 at 5:00 AM

    Good table setter for the finale.


    I figured for a while that Vigilance was the big bad of the season, but never knew their endgame. The trial idea is interesting and unexpected.


    My biggest question from the episode is who is the head of Vigilance? Who recruited Collier? Will they be the judge at the up coming trial of the American government?


    There are very few players that we know of THAT connected....

    ReplyDelete
  17. Death of HallyuMay 7, 2014 at 5:04 AM

    server racks

    ReplyDelete
  18. DarqueModeMay 7, 2014 at 5:08 AM

    My unlikely to ever happy, completely off the wall wild guess with no evidence to support it whatsoever...
    Will Ingram.

    ReplyDelete
  19. LeonMay 7, 2014 at 5:12 AM

    Godlike.

    ReplyDelete
  20. LeonMay 7, 2014 at 5:14 AM

    My first guess was The Machine, developing/trying different 'approaches' and then later The Machine realises it made a mistake with Collier and severs all contact.

    ReplyDelete
  21. DebraFanMay 7, 2014 at 5:17 AM

    He's the Keysor Soze of the POI Universe. :)

    ReplyDelete
  22. DarqueModeMay 7, 2014 at 5:20 AM

    And like that, poof. He's gone.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Daniel WalshMay 7, 2014 at 5:30 AM

    What if it's Decima?

    ReplyDelete
  24. DarqueModeMay 7, 2014 at 5:34 AM

    That would be a nice twist and a total slap in the face of Vigilance who looks at Decima, Northern Lights, and Team Machine as all part of the same problem! XD

    ReplyDelete
  25. Leo BartletMay 7, 2014 at 6:51 AM

    That's totally weird because I was thinking it might be Nathan Ingram who apparently died in the ferry bombing that finch was injured in.

    ReplyDelete
  26. magnutudeMay 7, 2014 at 6:53 AM

    amazing ep that sets the stage for the finale.... so much goodness and the big query that everyone has.... who is the head of Vigilance? It's gonna be a fun ride...

    ReplyDelete
  27. DarqueModeMay 7, 2014 at 6:54 AM

    That was my first thought as well, but then I thought if Nathan is dead for real his son would have a reason to hate the government and the program that got him killed.


    Not something I expect, but I think either could be fun.
    Regardless of who it is, it appears we could have a new big bad for next season unless the leader of Vigilance dies in the finally or is already dead.

    ReplyDelete
  28. László HarsányiMay 7, 2014 at 7:10 AM

    "I think we are getting off topic"


    Just a side moment but to me this is what good writing means. When the suspense doesn't rely on gritted theeth, it comes from knowing the consequences of the possible wrong moves and without lessening the stakes they manage to infuse humour into it. Up till now Justified was pretty much the etalon on that to me, but PoI in this season at least equaled with it.

    ReplyDelete
  29. CanadagraphsMay 7, 2014 at 8:33 AM

    I am honestly tired of the storyline(s) they have going right now.
    Decima/Vigilance/Sammaratin - all boring & repetitive. They are the Shaw of storylines.

    Hopefully season 4 gets back to the Reese/Finch helping people, with assistance from Fusco. I am not sure how to fit Root into the equation, but shes worth keeping around.
    Shaw & the rival machine stories, kill them. They are exhausting, repetitive & boring.

    ReplyDelete
  30. TheFuscoMay 7, 2014 at 8:38 AM

    So you want it to go back to straight procedural? Talk bout boring.

    ReplyDelete
  31. DarqueModeMay 7, 2014 at 8:49 AM

    Different strokes...
    I'm the opposite to a large degree. I love the serial arc with the rival machines, vigilance and Decima, and I like Shaw as well.... It's Root I would lose in an instant.


    I do agree though, I would like getting back to the basics a bit more with Reese and Finch getting more time along with Fusco. However I would want some overarching serialized story going through the season as well.

    ReplyDelete
  32. CanadagraphsMay 7, 2014 at 8:49 AM

    That is what the original premise was.

    If I wanted a show with a complex never ending list of bigger, badder mystery organizations that get in the way of the heroes objectives, I would have started watching a different show.

    This show was great when it was just Reese, Finch, Fusco & Carter. Those episodes worked well. Didn't hear people complaining about the show back then, did you?

    With Carter out, I could accept Root filling the lead female role in some warped frienemy way with the guys, not sure how it would work out yet, but shes an entertaining piece.

    Yes, I want a more procedural based program. Since that's what was sold to everyone, and it worked FAR better than this tired "mystery enemy" crap we've been force fed the last while. With the exception of the 2 episodes where Carter dies, and the fallout after it, I cant really recall a single episode from this year. They are very VERY forgettable, and that's mostly due to the fact many of them have literally been 1 long drawn out story that's had no quality pay out or development. They are all the same, you cant tell 1 from another, because its no longer the guys handling a unique case each weak, its storyline driven tale of group A vs Group B Vs Gruup C VS Group A or something like that.

    ReplyDelete
  33. CanadagraphsMay 7, 2014 at 8:59 AM

    What made you 1st get into this show?

    It certainly wasn't an A VS B VS C VS A storyline. I suspect it was a couple of guys going out & doing good in the world, under the radar, with some back up occasionally from their allies. Correct?
    Does that sound like the show they are selling you now? Whens the last time Reese & Finch helped ANYONE?

    This is too much like 20 other spy shows on TV now. It used to be more unique. Honestly, they are writing themselves into a corner they will never get out of now. How can the guys go back to working in anonymity without dropping A LOT of bodies now? They cant. So the premise & reason for the show, is now dead. They have literally killed their original concept.

    ReplyDelete
  34. Death of HallyuMay 7, 2014 at 9:08 AM

    The show is about computers, if you don't like it then watch soaps or dumb teen vampire dramas instead

    ReplyDelete
  35. DarqueModeMay 7, 2014 at 9:09 AM

    I think this year has been the worst as well, but for different reasons.


    I never thought the show was a procedural and am not sure hwy you think it was honestly. It was sold as a hybrid that walked the line with weekly stories AND a serial seasonal story. Most of the interviews I read suggested that the plan was to have more serialized elements as the series went on.

    However, I do completely agree on this being a lackluster season with few memorable episodes. This year the Cases of the Week have been short changed by having two many players doing separate things in most episodes.

    I don't think it is the serialized elements themselves as much as the show suffers from having too many regular cast members taking up time. Even when it was the original 4 I felt at times it was too crowded with Carter and Fusco tended to rotate episodes in the background.

    Adding Root has taken that to a whole new level. As it happens most of Roots scenes were dealing with the season's serialized plot with Decima and Samaritan so I can see why you dislike those parts.

    To me the COTW plots have been minimized because of having to give screen time to Root. I liked her as a villain and even as a recurring guest star, but as a regular I find her snark takes me out of the episode and breaks any dramatic build up.



    I hope they can go back to having memorable COTW episodes that fit the bigger picture instead of trying to jam a COTW A-plot, a individual character B-plot, and a serial C-lot all into one episode! It makes for much weaker episodes in my opinion.

    ReplyDelete
  36. Death of HallyuMay 7, 2014 at 9:09 AM

    A show about an evolving AI system and you didn't think it would get complex?

    ReplyDelete
  37. Death of HallyuMay 7, 2014 at 9:11 AM

    And it's Samaritan dammit. This is a well-known word - "The Good Samaritan". You're not helping your case here, you seem unintelligent.

    ReplyDelete
  38. Death of HallyuMay 7, 2014 at 9:18 AM

    I think Root's going to die.

    ReplyDelete
  39. DarqueModeMay 7, 2014 at 9:18 AM

    I actually did wonder about that when I saw the promo for next week with the trial and Finch seemingly letting the world know he created the Machine.


    If that transpires it ruins the premise of the show. I agree.


    I got into the show for the fun stories and action, but also because I knew there was a bigger mystery to it. The mystery and seiral elements are wha really drew me in. If it was 100% procedural I would not have wathed it probably.


    I find straight procedurals series boring after a few episodes usually. Some I make it through a full season or even few seasons, but it is rare.

    ReplyDelete
  40. DarqueModeMay 7, 2014 at 9:20 AM

    Let's hope!


    My thought on her from the first mention of her being upgraded to a regular was that she would be needed to fight the season's big bad... and then die. A one season recurring role basically.


    I'm still thinking it could be that... hoping!

    ReplyDelete
  41. Death of HallyuMay 7, 2014 at 9:22 AM

    Yes, root needs to be rooted out. As for this Canadagraphs person, why bother speaking to them? This person doesn't even know the word "Samaritan" despite it being part of a well-known expression in English. People like this are hopeless and should be watching something more suitable for their intelligence levels.

    ReplyDelete
  42. ragulMay 7, 2014 at 9:26 AM

    Every TV show seems to go through this transition from normal procedural to serial type but this show stands tall cuz they deal with normal security measures in day to day life not over the top just to make it real

    ReplyDelete
  43. DarqueModeMay 7, 2014 at 9:30 AM

    Some people like procedural shows. I won't fault them for their opinions just because I don't agree. I don;t think it makes any less intelligent.

    As for the "Samaritan" typo as an insomniac I get a few mental blocks and brain farts myself,...Thankfully spellchecker catches most of them!! XD
    I try not to judge. Sometimes I fail, but I try! xD

    I want the show to be more streamlines like Canadagraphs does, just different reasons. I have said all year that many episodes felt crowded and mediocre to me.

    I jus want to enjoy the show like I used to and this year has left me wanting.
    *Shrug*

    ReplyDelete
  44. ragulMay 7, 2014 at 9:31 AM

    I think she is gonna connect it with the machine sorta make it like A step child to the machine

    ReplyDelete
  45. Death of HallyuMay 7, 2014 at 9:35 AM

    Because of my interest in intelligent computer systems this show never disappoints for me. The drama is top-notch as well in my opinion. I would have thought that people would try to learn while watching the show, they use many actual IT words and expressions that you can just Google. However you have this unintelligent minority that whines about the show not being the way it used to be. How can a show about a system that is constantly learning and expanding, possibly remain the same? I have great interest in a system that can learn from the data it is fed from all different media sources. Anyway I shouldn't ramble.

    ReplyDelete
  46. Death of HallyuMay 7, 2014 at 9:36 AM

    nice idea

    ReplyDelete
  47. DarqueModeMay 7, 2014 at 9:39 AM

    Oh no, you're right. I think the show needs to grow and get bigger. That's how it was set up from the beginning.


    I prefer deep serials to light dramady or procedural shows honestly. I just miss the more streamlined episodes I guess.

    ReplyDelete
  48. Death of HallyuMay 7, 2014 at 9:46 AM

    I think we will have more "streamlined" stuff again soon, but of course things will change a bit. Person of Interest is a show about the present aand fuuture. Think about this, in less than 20 years almost everything we own will be "smart". Our cars already park themselves. Soon it'll be commonplace to have internet connected toilets, mirrors, windows, walls, lighting systems and every type of household appliance. Drones will be flying everywhere in the sky.



    Black-hat hackers are going to have a ball, controlling everything in peoples' houses. And you'll have people who actually saw a show like Person of Interest and neever expanded their computer knowledge beyond Facebook/Twitter, and they'll panic since they can't begin to understand what is going on. Why someone is blackmailing them with video recorded from their bedroom mirror. Why their toilet keeps flushing and closing itself erratically. Get into computers, you will make money off ignoramuses like the Canada person - this person will remain clueless until everything goes south.

    ReplyDelete
  49. RiddickMay 7, 2014 at 10:30 AM

    There is no such thing as procedural in POI, from episode 4 onward they started referencing Elias, why did they do that? why force CIA subplot? why force Stanton subplot? Why show flashbacks of early evolution of Machine? So why can't they reference Decima or Vigilance? Episode 1 had POI, 2 had, 3 had,4 had, 5 had ,6 had, 7 had, 8 had, 9 also had......tell me which episode they didn't focused on saving lives? I can only remember Althea where no number came up and Devil's share which had different setting.


    The show is same as always, nearly every episode Machine has given number and they have saved people. Instead of plot intertwining with HR,Elias, Russians, now that seems to happen with Decima and Vigilance, nothing has changed except villains (its natural escalation).


    If you think something like Machine exists without any consequences then you are just wrong. 1 country had nuclear power, other countries tried to hijack it, the same goes for powerful entity like Machine and that's what they are exploring.


    And please nothing is forced on you, you can bail out, switch to some other network because there are numerous channels which you can watch. And if you care about characters ends then just watch series finale, The End.

    ReplyDelete
  50. CanadagraphsMay 7, 2014 at 11:29 AM

    OMFG. Seriously? I incorrectly spell 1 word by ONE letter at 1 AM and suddenly my POV is irrelevant to you? How do you expect ANYONE to take your POV seriously based on that idiotic statement?

    You know what, even at 3 AM, with this keyboard, and my vision impairment, I am sure I could competently spell most complex words better than you. We'll never find out sadly, but I am pretty confident of the probable outcome.

    I have edited the horrific & offensive error. It is adorable you think sitting on the internet trolling boards for a spelling mistake someone may have made makes your opinion more valuable. I cant wait to see the post showing your Mensa credentials. Then we'll REALLY know how "smart" you are.
    I've now wasted 5 minutes of my very late night replying to this instead of 1 of the many ACTUAL posts by people who I respect more than you, even if their opinions are wrong in my eyes, because they did not sit around for the last week hoping to catch someone on a spelling error to over inflate their low value in the world. Now go whine to your mom about how someone made a spelling error at 1 AM & how you were so smart to catch it. I'm sure she'll be impressed. Most people here, are not.

    ReplyDelete
  51. CanadagraphsMay 7, 2014 at 11:38 AM

    Even regular procedurals have storylines that run in the background. But they still, for the most part, rely on the procedural format till the last 2-3 episodes when the background story arc rises up to a finale cliff hanger of some type. I'm fine with a story arc. But not a season long one. Its exhausting & has completely deviated from the shows premise, two guys going around helping people.
    Heres my thing with Root (and actually Bear too). A show can not stand tall & succeed with 2 main cast. It needs a strong supporting cast (Fusco, Root, Elias... they have killed off several others) They essentially need a 4 person unit to be fully efficient for what they get into week after week, plus because for filming purposes its hard to work 2 people 8 straight filming days without burn out. The options are Root, or Shaw. IMO, I'd take Root, hell I'd take that Asian guy they have save d acouple times over Shaw.
    The show has abandoned its original format in lieu of being another predictable spy vs spy show, which theres already 20 of out there.

    ReplyDelete
  52. CanadagraphsMay 7, 2014 at 11:45 AM

    Not every show. Some do, but not every single one. Some do it far better too.
    Its 1 thing to have a story arc working in the background that escalates for 2 o3 episodes at the end of the season. It is entirely another thing to abandon what the shows premise was, for a season long serialized story arc.
    As I asked in the question you replied to. Whens the last time Reese & Finch helped anyone? They've been too busy playing political war games to save people. Its become tiresome & boring. Its been probably 1/3 to 1/2 a season or more since they have had a number that wasn't directly connected to the political war games they are in.

    ReplyDelete
  53. CanadagraphsMay 7, 2014 at 11:50 AM

    As I said earlier post, procedurals have story arcs too, they just aren't so forced through every episode thick as this has been.
    I have felt a decline as well in the shows quality, but I have felt that for more than a season now. Still a good show. don't get me wrong. I don't hate the show. I just feel, it used to be a 10, now its a 7.
    If the show they have going NOW had been sold to be at the beginning, I'd actually watch it too. But it wasn't. I was sold a different concept than we have now, and that's the show I want back.

    ReplyDelete
  54. CanadagraphsMay 7, 2014 at 11:59 AM

    This right here, is adorable.
    In 20 years, I have no doubt much of what you just stated will be in place. The world cant keep up with the technology we have now. That being said, in 20 years, the current generation growing into adults, and the next generation will have lived in these times & will be perfectly aware of how the world is & will be for the most part, adept at avoiding such problems. Perhaps some over 80 year olds will be baffled, but 80 yr olds now are baffled by what there is today, and same 20 yrs ago by what there was then baffled 80 yr olds.
    You would be quite amused by what this ignoramus knows. Actually, amused is not quite the word. Blown away would probably be more accurate. But, what do I know. I couldn't even spell Samaritan right once on the internet at 1 AM.

    ReplyDelete
  55. laura3341May 7, 2014 at 12:41 PM

    Wow,are you a snot.

    ReplyDelete
  56. Mudpie411May 7, 2014 at 2:16 PM

    You're right and this is a procedural, but instead of bad guy of the week, it's bad guys next move of the week. At any rate, it's still boring as hell.

    ReplyDelete
  57. laura3341May 7, 2014 at 2:22 PM

    I'm curious,what exactly is it that are people suppose to 'learn' while watching this show?

    ReplyDelete
  58. mrotherMay 7, 2014 at 2:32 PM

    Go watch NCIS then. Or another s.it.

    ReplyDelete
  59. Panos NestorasMay 7, 2014 at 2:37 PM

    Amazing episode!! Like every episode this season this was genius, intense and brilliantly acted.. Everyone was in top form, especially Michael Emerson with very limited time on screen.

    By the way, for fans of Michael Emerson, he appeared on Arsenio Hall yesterday and in a hilarious moment, he performed live in the same way that Shatner did Rocket Man many years ago.. Here's the link for his performance

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4serYwCDuWY

    ReplyDelete
  60. Bradley AdamsMay 7, 2014 at 3:04 PM

    That just cannot happen. I love Root.

    ReplyDelete
  61. Bradley AdamsMay 7, 2014 at 3:07 PM

    If Nathan is still alive that would be one of the bigger shocks the show has done.

    ReplyDelete
  62. Bradley AdamsMay 7, 2014 at 3:08 PM

    That'd be kinda ridiculous since Vigilance has spent the past season trying to fight against surveilance, and Greer, who is in charge of Decima, has spent the past season and a half trying to acquire an AI to use for mass surveilance. And Collier just kidnapped Greer and is putting him (and the other four) on 'trial'. That'd be a disappointment.

    ReplyDelete
  63. alperezMay 7, 2014 at 3:14 PM

    Ok i had to post after reading

    Canadagraphs posts and the assertions regarding how POI has changed and how it's moved away from what it once was and why couldn't it have stayed a simple procedural.

    Basically this show was never a simple procedural, from early on the mythology of the show was put front and center, from the first season when we were given pieces of the backstory of Finch, Reese and how the machine came to be, it began establishing itself as something more than a procedural.

    We were introduced to elements like Elias, Like HR, Like the CIA and were shown glimpses of what happened to Ingram and what made Finch seek out Reese all done to show us that we weren't simply dealing with your basic everyday CBS procedural.

    This is a show created by Jonathan Nolan again not your basic procedural type writer or producer.

    From pretty early on comparisons to Batman were drawn, settings and setups were introduced which showed that beneath the surface something bigger was always going to be part of the show.

    We've seen the relationships between key characters change and evolve over the course of the 3 seasons, we've seen the machine itself change and because of that change we've been introduced to new factions, new alliances, new elements that all in some way possess a threat to both the main characters and the world they live in.

    This is evolution, not revolution, nothing they've done this season or last are radically different than anything they've done in season 1, whats changed is the characters and situations have evolved.

    Some people may not like Root or Shaw and may feel that they take too much focus away from Finch and Reese, but a lot of those same people would be complaining now about how this show needs fresh characters to shake things up.

    If you want basic simple procedurals which simply focus on cotw and a 2 or 3 part season finale where an arc most of us have already forgotten about is suddenly places front and center in order to make it seem like it was important all along, then CBS have many shows that fill this criteria.

    POI was never one of them, if you thought it was then maybe something was lost in translation and you've been missing out imo.

    Very few shows can feature complex storylines and always manage to bring all the plots together as well as POI, even fewer can do it while at the same time managing to wrongfoot it's audience and continually surprise them, POI does this almost on a weekly basis.

    We've seen character growth, backstories fleshed out and the lines between friend and enemy not just blurred but at times obliterated and yet not once has this been accomplished cheaply, not once have we thought that's just stupid, instead it's been well thought out and at times been incredibly thought provoking.

    Again not something that a simple procedural brings to the table.

    So while Canadagraphs may feel the premise they bought into has changed, i and a lot of others feel completely differently, while they may feel this season or the last few episodes have been boring, i and others have been on the edge of our seat.

    If they don't like the direction then they're perfectly entitled to say so and if they want to they can move on, again i and others feel completely different.

    Most simple procedurals never evolve, they simply remain static, POI is a show which at its most basic premise is about a machine which is constantly evolving, knowing that how can anybody be upset that the show itself adapts and changes, that characters and circumstances must evolve just to keep up.

    ReplyDelete
  64. Alexandra DevereauxMay 7, 2014 at 3:14 PM

    The show can't be that top notch if it's bleeding viewers and not liking the new format has nothing to do with intelligence jackass. There is no way that someone who has watched the show from day one can honestly say the show today is the same one we watched 2.5 years ago. Even the showrunners themselves have referred to it now as POI 2.0 and they've also admitted that they marketed the show originally as a "cyber punk PROCEDURAL." I'm not saying I want it to be a straight forward procedural (it never was) but it's format has changed drastically. Season one focused on the POIs of the week with the HR arc as plot B and the machine mysteries as plot c. In season 3, ever since the HR story wrapped up (finally) which was 13 episodes ago, the story of the machine has been plot a. It has completely taken over the show. Even most of the POIs of the week are related to it. Yes, the computer systems aspect is well written and interesting but I never would have watched a show that focuses entirely on that. Season one did a great job with character development-both the main cast and the weekly POIs. That seems to have been thrown completely out the window. It's one thing for a show to evolve but not to completely change its premise. The writing this season is atrocious-from Shaw's cheesy lines to Root's snarkiness, Harold being OOC, Reese following Shaw like a puppy dog and poor Jim looks absolutely miserable in all his BTS pics. I used to love this show and I'm hoping season 4 gets back on track but if the interviews from Nolan/Plageman are any indication this ship has sunk.

    ReplyDelete
  65. talkingmoviezMay 7, 2014 at 3:16 PM

    Great Episode

    ReplyDelete
  66. ragulMay 7, 2014 at 3:35 PM

    Sorry dude I like this season and I heard vigilance arc comes to the end next ep. I m not an u.s viewer but after watching this show I got addicted to u.s. shows.I think u will see some life saving mom in next season certainly not in this season

    ReplyDelete
  67. João PauloMay 7, 2014 at 4:01 PM

    Person of Interest is not this type of tv show, they not will be back to simple premise of season 1, this show evolves each season, the threats are getting smart and unpredictable, the arcs are complex and not boring. I'm telling you, I watch NCIS: Los Angeles and that show is fine, but never changed, the cases are all the same, the character development is very slow, the enemies are predictable and you always know how things will ended, but not POI. Jonah Nolan and Greg Plageman like to change things and not get static all the time.

    For me season 3 is the best so far, more dangerous, more complex and a very different format of the previous seasons. Think about it, season 1 was just a simple premise who had a lot of mithology and than in season 2 the story simple grow more and change the format for better, season 3 did the same, season 4 will do the same, everything will change.

    If you're not into this show anymore go find another one, because POI will never be just a simple tv series.

    ReplyDelete
  68. laura3341May 7, 2014 at 5:16 PM

    What a great episode,cannot wait for next week!!

    ReplyDelete
  69. RL202020May 7, 2014 at 6:05 PM

    It is a great discussion about an awesome show.
    I work in IT so the story sure opens my eyes to the possibilities of what the show talks about.
    If you take a look about how they progressed the show (and I marathon the show TWICE) every season was the same except for the beginning which progressed the show so that you will have a POI of the week plus arcs to the finale.
    This show has made me very quickly a fan and I LOVE tv shows. It keeps me on my toes every week and I quite frankly don't know what to do until next season. This episode just showed me that the writers do their job very well.
    I just hope that when we watch the finale everyone that said that the show has gone south (so to speak) will say OMG how did I even think it went that way and run to see the whole season just to see how much they were wrong...

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  70. TheFuscoMay 7, 2014 at 7:19 PM

    It sounds like you are the definition of a simpleton. Plot advances and you fail to be able to keep up. You want everything spoon fed to you and laid out simply. Sorry, but a show about a super computer was never going to be straight case of the week. You messed up deal with it. You can't keep up deal with it. The episodes are not forgettable you just are not bright enough. Reviews for this show are better than ever with critical praise lol. Most people who start the show say "I'm intrigued but the first 10 or so episodes havn't pulled me in". EVERYONE is pulled in by the end of S1 when the arcs get rolling. Obviously episodes like "witness" and "number crunch" pull a lot in but guess what??? Those are the more serialized plotted episodes of the first season.
    Go watch CSI.

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  71. SetherielMay 7, 2014 at 7:30 PM

    Stick to NCIS man. I would drop POI in a heartbeat if it went back to the bland case of the week crap. And the show always had an overarching storyline behind it. It most certainly was not a case of the week procedural from its inception. I get different strokes for different folks and all, but it never ceases to amaze me why people keep watching shows they obviously don't like anymore. Change the channel.

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  72. PaxnosMay 7, 2014 at 7:44 PM

    They never cease to amaze me. PoI delivers week after week, and I keep saying since Season 2 that they become better each week. And they do.

    It is just so damn good! The amazing plots and also the topic of our time, right? Thinking about PRISM, Tempora and all that stuff going on... like Finch, I sympathize with Vigilance, because they are right (but doing horrible things for their goals :/).

    I'm so glad that show doesn't limit itself to simple Case Of The Week Episodes, because that would simply be a waste of potential. They do awesome standalones, but the extremely complex storylines are what make it so unique. It is a rare thing these days, with more and more simple shows hanging around for season after season.

    Other than many, I don't dislike Root and Shaw. I think each of them adds something special - Root the analog machine interface with an awesome mix of being smart and mad. Shaw is the ex-hitman for Northern Lights, who we see experiencing actual character development. Just compare Root now and when she was introduced. You see her caring about Finch, about what they're doing.. despite her serious psychological condition.

    Not to mention the rest of the cast - PoI is amazing and unique in every single point. And I just love it for that.

    So, what was my actual point I wanted to write about? I don't even remember.. :) Being flashed by an episode does that to me... :D

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  73. rickdeezMay 7, 2014 at 7:47 PM

    If you don't know what to do until next season then check out all 5 season of Chuck. You will like it if you are in the IT field.... that is if you have not already watched Chuck over and over again.

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  74. RL202020May 7, 2014 at 7:49 PM

    Watched it and loved it POI is WAYYYY more amazing than chuck :)

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  75. RL202020May 7, 2014 at 8:04 PM

    To emphasize your point and this is by no means criticism on Candagraph:
    the only times you really need finch or reese full time on an episode is when it is when the show needs to address something to move the plot - the aftermath of carters death for example "C4" was a great way to show that but if reese was an all time episode kind of character would you really enjoy his shrug after he fell out the window?
    Another thing that I saw is how they develop a character. Normally on other shows you'll see old flames, Army bodies and what not pop up for a 1 episode thing so that we can get the character. POI uses those flashbacks so that we will have a timeline to connect to. Correct me if I'm wrong finch was checking reese from even before the car bombing do we know why?
    No one is expecting everyone to love a specific show but my advice to those who have a problem with it's direction - Watch the episode twice before deciding if it was good or bad. This show is all about the little details , you can't get it all on the first time.

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  76. Cor MalumMay 7, 2014 at 8:28 PM

    Wow, some serious infighting here! I like shows that are somewhat procedural, but also have an underlying serial arc that develops over several seasons. At this point, however, I am somewhat concerned that POI's writers may have painted themselves into a corner with their current storyline. Given the current state of world affairs, Vigilance should probably actually be seen as the good guys and not one the big bads of this story. After all, we DO currently seem to be on the fast track towards a society such as the one described in Orwell's "1984." So, it'll be interesting to see where they can possibly go with the story in season 4. I don't think they can "return to the basics", in which Finch and Reese swooped in from nowhere to save some desperate person's life. There will be too many people who know about them (and the Machine) after this.

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  77. PaxnosMay 7, 2014 at 8:28 PM

    Warning: A long comment with some reflection about the show and the specific comment(s) by Canadagraphs.



    While I respect your opinion, I seem to disagree in every single point. I thought the show was like a 7 when it was mostly based on standalones, but during Season 1 they put the overall plot elements in and following that the show really started to breathe.

    I also wanted to add my opinion about the show's premise, which I think is not a simple "Good guys receive a number and save some people" (you know what I mean).

    From Day 1, the Machine was probably "THE" main character. It is and has always been the center of the show. We see things through its eyes, which no other character in PoI sees.

    The basic mechanics of the Machine were introduced very early, well, basically in the pilot (which is what a pilot does, obviously). And what we see now is mostly just every single question whe had to ask ourselves.

    How can they know when someone is in trouble? What system determines that and how? Who created such a thing and why doesn't everybody know about it? Are there other people knowing about it and are they a threat? Who "is" Mr. Finch, who are the other people? Is X's (X = every character) past going to be a problem?

    So, in my opinion, the show has changed their focus. That can't be denied and is what shows with strong, long plots do. They have to, because "story line" means there is a line of story and you follow the line.
    But the premise is the same and a logical conclusion of what was introduced at the beginning. We still follow the machine, the threats we know it would face one day, our characters still save lives almost every episode (it even happened this episode, and another dealt with Finch's killing-for-the-machine-no-go, which is basically a variation of the saving-people-thing).

    Other than that, I loved the plots and standalones this season. I remember almost every person who was saved, because I loved the way they did these episodes. For example, this is the only show I know which took the PRISM scandal and worked with it. They gave us some answers, gave us some sub-plots many were wondering about ("Was Finch the only one to create such a system?") but still gave some standalones.

    So no, for me this is not "mystery crap", not "1 long drawn out story that's had no quality pay out or development. and I think the show does better with more mythology" (were you serious about that?!).

    "Didn't hear people complaining about the show back then, did you?" YES, I DID. Don't believe it? Go back and read! There were as many people complaining about specific cases, characters, missing substance (Procedural can become repetetive, you know? Show didn't really get me until they gave us more plots) and so on, and so on.



    Don't get me wrong. I really am ok with your opinion. But I "hate" how you declare this and that as bad, just because you don't like it. I love it, many others do, too. We don't think PoI threw itself away for boring storylines. We don't think it was better when it had less plot. Please don't claim your opinion as a fact, because it sounds like it. I don't think it was your intention,though..?

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  78. PaxnosMay 7, 2014 at 8:32 PM

    Love your comment, alperez. I feel very similar (and wrote a comment, too). In the end, it is hard to please every kind of viewer. I think that is the core of this discussion. :)

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  79. PaxnosMay 7, 2014 at 8:41 PM

    I have thought about that aspect, too. I could not wrap my head around how they would do Season 4, if things go as we think they might.
    BUT there is this one tiny episode "Deus Ex Machina" left, and I'm sure they'll shake the situation up. It is the finale, after all. :) I don't think thinks will go as linear as we always think they'll go. :D

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  80. laura3341May 7, 2014 at 9:04 PM

    What is your freaking problem? Everyone has a right to there own opinion,and they don't have to coincide with yours. It doesn't mean you have the right to be disrespectful. Oh, and you never spelled a word incorrectly,please..

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  81. gladiusMay 7, 2014 at 9:55 PM

    It was really bad...
    the machine did not know that vigilance wanted to create blackout but knew that shaw nededs satelite phone...
    the machine has no idea where grear (or what that ugly old guy's name is) where but vigilance found him with no problem...
    the episode would be awesome if it wasnt for...vigilance part.
    They know too much...more than machine team. Do they have their own machine...really bad written bad guys. Or maybe they are good, poor people who wanna expose bad government...I dont buy this story, that suicide and terrorist-turn-innocent. Just so-so.

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  82. gladiusMay 7, 2014 at 10:02 PM

    I like the show is no longer a procedural because I hate procedurals...they can last for ages with no evlution. Boring shows about nothing. So I'm glad this show evolved but vigilance is really bad written part of this evolution.

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  83. DarqueModeMay 7, 2014 at 10:19 PM

    Yeah I don't know how Vigilance can be 2 steps ahead of two AI systems that monitor everything!


    It seems like a fairly big logic hole to me.
    There have been more of those holes in this year's episodes I think... Many times the team did not know important info that the Machine should have known and would have given them in the past.

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  84. WiseOldMotherMay 9, 2014 at 11:19 PM

    I thought this was another awesome episode!! This television show has evolved much like the machine on the show has. I have no problem with vigilance being the instigators on these final episodes since we still do not know that much about them. TPTB gave us the story behind the gang leader this week but I know there is someone else much more powerful behind this whole organization.

    Lot's and lots of great scenes this week. The whole dialogue between Greer and Finch was fantastic and Emerson brings it as usual. He is such an amazing actor! I love when Root is in control and she guided our favorite duo of John and Shaw perfectly. The bond between John and Harold was so apparent this week as John would not stop telling them that Harold needed to be found....NOW! Each of these characters on this show have such a vital chemistry and when you see them interact, there is no mistake that this show has great writing to control the storyline so well. TPTB have taken all of our main characters to such a high level of development that is hard to see on many other drama series that have been on TV as long as POI.

    I still worry about Root and her future on the show. She tells her band of hackers that they are done now and gives them their freedom. Then she tells them that her chances of survival are better alone, but not much, so I'm not sure if this will be her final act of devotion to the machine or not. Maybe it will play out into next season for the premiere episode but I don't see her being a regular after the machine is finally saved from Decima.

    Can't wait for the big season finale!!!!!!!!!

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  85. Jim 108May 11, 2014 at 6:37 PM

    I agree with this. I'm absolutely loving the serialized aspect of the show, but Root just annoys me now whenever she's on-screen. Besides her being all-knowing and seemingly indestructible because of the Machine's orders (which takes away a lot of the drama and got repetitive fast), her snarkiness towards Reese and Shaw, well, also takes away the drama. Everything is so matter-of-fact when she's around, and I don't like that. I like Reese because he's so intense (and dry!).
    I'm hoping Root dies in the finale, like you. It's what her storyline seems to be leading up to, so it might make it worth it in hindsight. I found myself comparing the Greer/Finch scenes to the Root/Finch scenes from season two, and almost felt like those were less interesting now than they seemed to be back then. Hersh had only two minutes of screentime in this last episode, and I loved those scenes with him. With some characters, less is just more. I think the show might benefit from giving Shaw less to do as well. Her role in season 2 was fine. There was no need to expand it, IMO.

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  86. Jim 108May 11, 2014 at 6:41 PM

    Vigilance was the number one argument for ''buying'' Samaritan, though. If Greer wants the government feeds for a world ruled by Samaritan, he'll need the government to WANT to use a system like that. Vigilance is a group of terrorists who could outsmart Northern Lights, but might not outsmart Samaritan. So there's a reason why Greer might be behind Vigilance.


    That being said... I don't think it's him. :p There's someone else who we haven't thought of in a while, like Nathan or the boring ''Bad Finch'' villain from earlier this season.

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  87. tsavonglah08May 14, 2014 at 4:55 PM

    Well, now that this mystery was revealed, in hindsight you could have guessed the source correctly.

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  88. tsavonglah08May 14, 2014 at 4:56 PM

    Congratulation!

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  89. BonesForeverMay 14, 2014 at 5:25 PM

    top notch is the phrase.

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  90. BonesForeverMay 14, 2014 at 5:26 PM

    Good call! (after watching the season finale)

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  91. BonesForeverMay 14, 2014 at 5:33 PM

    If you find it boring, why watch--just so you can badmouth it? I don't understand why you watch, then. I stop watching shows when I cease to enjoy them.

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  92. Mudpie411May 14, 2014 at 5:41 PM

    And if you don't like my comments, you don't have to read them and respond to them.

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  93. playdocMay 16, 2014 at 2:40 AM

    This episode's series of steps, leading up to Vigilance grabbing so many important people to national security, was really thrilling. The great thing about the dialogue and overall writing, is that as a viewer, I actually can sympathize and understand each major character's perspective. I get why Collier is who he is, and why he's part of Vigilance. I get the perspective of Control when she says that people lament the spying, but depend on the security it provides. And of course, I totally get our heroes' point of view. This show has excellent writing.

    My only caveat to this episode not being perfect, is that it was starting to grate on me how Root was ordering the team around, even if it's necessary since she has The Machine's voice in her ear. I get that Root is the closest thing to the embodiment of this major character, The Machine, that's been part of the show since the beginning. I'm sure it gives the writers more creative room to work with. Still, her character was starting to annoy me, until Vigilance started its Revolution. That "The Court is in session" scene already makes me anticipate the finale so much. Can't wait!

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