With momentum beginning to build from last week’s episode after a string of instalments that pushed Samaritan and the battle of the machines from the forefront, you’d have been forgiven for expecting at least some focus on the plot in this week’s outing. Instead, one mention was made of the malevolent AI, firmly putting the brakes on any momentum that had been built, as the episode focused solely on the procedural story of the number-of-the-week.
One of the things that makes Person of Interest the best show on television is its ability to shock an audience with big twists through brilliant writing. ‘Terra Incognita’ was a prime example of that as I was left stunned by the revelation that what at first appeared to be a simple flashback to one of Reese and Carter’s stakeouts was in actuality a dream-like fantasy sequence that played out in Reese’s head as he bled to death (Reese’s “What?” when Carter told him he was dying is a reaction I very much shared). It turned what was an enjoyable procedural episode into a superbly complex episode.
For the most part, however, it was the emotional character development of Reese that made this episode stand out. As TV’s number 1 threat to kneecaps, John Reese has always remained something of a closed book when it comes to his emotions. Lately, he’s been beginning to open up to Dr. Campbell, but seeing him open up to Carter was fantastic to see. My favourite part of that was hearing why Reese broke up with Jessica - “I figured if maybe I didn’t have a picture to carry around with me… that I’d be better at my job.” It almost brought me to tears.
Jim Caviezel had easily his best episode of the series this week as his portrayal of Reese’s emotions were coupled with his constant hesitance to open up - until his potentially final few minutes - was outstanding. Caviezel has often shown this in small batches - Carter’s death and the aftermath, flashbacks to after Jessica’s death to name just a couple - but not with this much depth. It was truly excellent to watch as Reese broke down about as much as he ever will, and Caviezel deserves a lot of credit for it.It was great to see Taraji P Henson back on the show nearly 18 months after Carter’s death. I really don’t think they could have done anything better with her return, because she was too influential a character to just be used in flashbacks (and Person of Interest is too smart a show to do that). Henson adapted to each of Carter’s different scenarios terrifically and really sold everything she was given. It’s a real shame to consider that we likely won’t see her again on the show because she brings so much both in her acting and character. The only consolation is that she will remain awesome on Empire, but unfortunately, it’s not quite POI.
Elsewhere, there was a brief few mentions of Elias and Dominic early in the episode. I don’t expect Dominic’s plot to carry over into season 5, so the lack of development with it this week frustrated me more than the lack of an AI plot. However, it was some nice set-up for the final two episodes with Dominic likely to be aggrieved with his men having been killed. Also, it was slightly worrying for a moment to consider that the Machine may be having issues, especially after Samaritan was searching for it.
Odds and ends:
- If you rewatch the first two minutes of the episode, there is some fantastic foreshadowing of the twist. The sound of the gunshot and the snow being moved on the opening black screen, Reese turning up the heat in the car and looking in slight discomfort rubbing the right side of his body. That continued throughout the episode with Reese turning the heat up even more and looking in more and more discomfort. I awe at the brilliance of the writing.
- The number-of-the-week storyline fell into the background somewhat given that Reese got shot, and it wasn’t anything too special. I never thought that Chase was the killer, and I liked the twist that it was his unknown half-brother that did it - though, the ‘if I can’t have him, no one can’ mentality of killing the entire family is a little overkill, no?
- Root’s entrance was amazing. The sheer shock and confusion on Finch’s face as Acker entered in a wedding dress was a definite highlight.
- “You forget your water bottle, Finch?”
- “You brought home a beast, I have to walk it, and water it, and feed it, lest it consume any more of my books.” The only thing better than a Bear appearance is early season 2 Finch’s frustrations with Bear.
- “Hot dogs aren’t dinner, Fusco. Not for normal people. Guess it’s the thought that counts.”
- “You sure you were an interrogator, not a drill sergeant?”
- Who’s there to save Reese? Fusco is my guess.
‘Terra Incognita’ halted the Samaritan momentum but it was completely worth it. The emotional aspects and smart storytelling counteracted the potential negative effects of halting the arc - though hopefully Reese’s injury will play out in the final two episodes in conjunction with the Samaritan and Dominic arcs. So, what did you think of the episode? Who is in the car at the end? Make sure you vote in the poll at the top of the page, and feel free to leave a comment with any thoughts you have about the episode. Below you can find our roundtable discussion about the episode. Thanks to all those who participated! Do feel free to answer any of the questions yourselves in the comments below too.
How did you feel about the twist that the Carter flashback merged with Reese’s dream-like visions?
Jimmy Ryan: I thought it was fantastic. The flow developed into its own thing, and the cross between past and present was done beautifully. It’s one of Person of Interest’s finest moments in its history.
Brandon Rowe: I liked it. It was artistic and definitely a surprise when you realized what had been going on the whole time.
Diana Mack: All the flashbacks put some revelations in Reese’s case and personal life.
Did you enjoy Carter’s return?Jimmy: Absolutely. The creative team have continually acknowledged Carter’s place in the hearts of Fusco, Finch and particularly Reese. The episode gave us the chance to see the unseen relationship Carter and Reese had, while revealing more about Reese’s past and why Carter’s loss hit him particularly hard. Carter was also featured constantly throughout the hour, which was both surprising and fantastic because bringing the character back only for a few moments wouldn't have done her justice. It’s been an all round fantastic move by the creative team.
Brandon: I actually didn’t really enjoy her return in this episode because I didn’t see the purpose in it. It just felt like the writers decided they wanted Taraji P. Henson back randomly. It wasn’t that it wasn’t well done, it just didn’t feel organic enough for me as a whole for the season.
Diana: Of course I enjoyed Carter’s return. When I watched her dying back in season 3, I was so upset because she was one of the main characters and gave Reese a reason to live again and save people. Carter and Reese have always shared a special bond, whether it was a romantic one or platonic one, it was important for him to have someone on his side who could have understood him better than anyone.
Were you surprised that there was no focus on the AI plot this late in the season?
Jimmy: Yes, this did bother me to an extent, but on balance, the amazing and powerful emotions the episode brought forward, along with the stunning acting performances by Jim Caviezel and Taraji P Henson made it a worthy sacrifice. It’s worth remembering Reese is still in a critical condition, so his fighting ability will be stunted in the final 2 episodes of the season.Brandon: Absolutely. For me, the last few episodes of a season should be a long run of wrapping up loose ends with big cliffhangers and the introduction of bigger storylines. This didn’t do a whole lot in that regard, and I didn’t enjoy it as much because of it.
Diana: Not surprised at all. I think the show needed some rest from the main plot.
There was a brief mention of Elias and the Brotherhood. Were you disappointed that it wasn't explored much this week, and do you think that story will play a big role in the final two episodes?
Jimmy: No and no, for the same reasons as my answer to question 3. Sometimes in television - but not often - a one-off detour is warranted but the execution has to be top notch. Person of Interest went above and beyond top notch. It blew my expectations.
Brandon: Elias is a fantastic character and the Brotherhood is a great storyline, but I can’t really say that I missed it a whole lot this week. I really missed more of the Samaritan story. Ultimately, I think Samaritan’s defeat is what could lead this series to its end though so I understand why they are dragging it out.
Diana: Elias was put in a corner for a while and I’m bit disappointed, but I trust in the writers. I hope they will bring us some new issues with Elias and the Brotherhood, as I’ve always loved those plots.
Did you like that the episode centred on Reese and scarcely used the other members of Team Machine, or did you miss them?
Jimmy: It was clear that this was Reese’s hour considering Carter returned. I thought the use of the other series regulars was well slotted in, and didn't intrude into the main storyline at all. This was another aspect of the episode that was very well done.
Brandon: I really missed the other members of Team Machine. Seeing Reese move around as a one man army is always entertaining, but it felt off balance with the rest of the season.
We ended on a cliffhanger. How do you expect that to play out in the next episode?
Jimmy: Reese has been injured numerous times but this is perhaps one of his worst yet. We still don’t know who turned up in the dying seconds to rescue Reese. It could be someone else we've never seen before. That’s the most important question at this stage.
Brandon: My expectation is that Fusco has arrived to save the day. I would love to see a new character introduced here though!
Diana: I don’t really know, but I hope Carter's words have given Reese a shake in his life. I hope he’s going to be more determined and open to people around him.
Any favourite moments from the episode?
Jimmy: Picking a single moment wouldn't do the episode justice, but seeing Root in a wedding dress has got to be up there. On a more serious tone, Carter encouraging Reese in spirit to get the car keys from the dead man in the snow was epic to watch, along with the moment when Reese was confused and thought he’d talked about the likes of Jessica with Carter, when in fact he hadn't.
Brandon: Carter telling Reese that he had never told her anything about his personal life was a good moment in my opinion. Reminded me of something we would have seen towards the end of Lost.
Diana: I liked every scene between Carter and Reese in the car. The interesting one was when she tells him that people change and he disagrees with her. Also, the last scenes were very intense. Finch and Root struggle to find Reese’s location, while he’s freezing in the car with Carter’s vision talking to him. He seems to surrender to his death, thinking he doesn’t have a reason to stay alive anymore; then he has a revelation: he’s never let people in, that’s why he couldn’t share his past with Carter. She keeps that photo with him and Jessica (his ex), waiting for the moment he was ready to talk about. Even if Carter is dead and Reese wanted to solve her cold case all alone just to have a sort of connection with her, she says to him he’s not alone; there are people who care about him (Finch, Root and Fusco). That was a very intense e deep scene, and it made me think about the movie “Life is wonderful”.Any final thoughts on the episode?
Jimmy: Not much other than to say Person of Interest deserves far more recognition from the various critics and award ceremonies. Nothing else on television is better than Person of Interest, and the level of quality in all aspects of this episode does not deserve to be ignored.
Brandon: I would like to see a big conclusion to this season with a lot of action, Samaritan doing evil things, and the Machine finally striking back. This season has been unbalanced for me, but I would really like to see a good closing!
Diana: It was a bit slow but a deep episode, like I said before, it felt like being in a movie. Also the music was superb.
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