Reese and Finch are probably the only two characters that are relatively the same as before. Their banter is continually flowing (although usually from Reese), mainly shown by the two scenes where Reese and Finch discuss Fleet Week, and when Reese introduces Finch to a boilermaker. Their hilarious discussions are a serious high point of the show, and I severely doubt that the level of banter will subside at any point in the near future.
Shaw's addition to the team, although preventing Finch from having to go out on missions, causes much of a problem for our favourite geek. Not only does she not carry a phone, but her ability to listen to her counterparts' instructions of not killing suspects has the potential to wane. Despite holding true to her word here, I doubt that she won't disobey orders in the future.
Brilliant to see that Fusco's ever changing mentality of not deciding whether or not he's working with the
Carter's story is likely to result in serious consequences. Her demotion hasn't affected her determination to find the people behind HR, but her rescue of Elias may prove catastrophic for the quintet of crime fighters, the NYPD, and the entirety of New York. The reveal of Elias's bodyguard stealing the box from the Russians could lead to some deja vu style battles between Elias and the Russians.
It was somewhat confusing that neither Finch nor Reese even mentioned Root, despite her almost chilling scenes. Supposedly, she is in contact with the Machine, and that the two are having an argument. If it wasn't for the knowledge of previous episodes, I'd have agreed with the doctor's implied assessment that she is crazy. Her truth reveals form for an epic cliffhanger, one which we're not guaranteed a conclusion to next week.
I rather enjoyed this episode. Despite my anticipation for it having been trumped by other shows over the past few months, it didn't disappoint. A lot of storylines were set-up in this episode, and should make for a brilliant season. 9/10.
Promo for 3.02 - Nothing to Hide:
15 year old in England. Love Hawaii Five-0, NCIS, NCIS LA, Person of Interest, Elementary, Criminal Minds, Nikita and Arrow, and the upcoming The Tomorrow People. Aside from TV, a keen cricketer.
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Thanks for the review Bradley, great to see POI back on our screens. Very strong episode that really sets up the rest of the season. Root was very chilling in the interview with the doctor.
ReplyDeleteGreat Review! It IS nice to have POI back!
ReplyDelete"Shaw's addition to the team, although preventing Finch from having to go out on missions, causes much of a problem for our favourite geek. Not only does she not carry a phone, but her ability to listen to her counterparts' instructions of not killing suspects has the potential to wane. Despite holding true to her word here, I doubt that she won't disobey orders in the future."
I agree. I think she could continue to be a problem, simply because the writers worked to hard to make it comedic in this first episode and because she's now a series regular, which means they have to tell a meaningful Shaw story...For Finch it def is a problem, but Reese too should see red flags, given what his former partner, Stanton, was like.
"It was somewhat confusing that neither Finch nor Reese even mentioned Root, despite her almost chilling scenes. Supposedly, she is in contact with the Machine, and that the two are having an argument. If it wasn't for the knowledge of previous episodes, I'd have agreed with the doctor's implied assessment that she is crazy. Her truth reveals form for an epic cliffhanger, one which we're not guaranteed a conclusion to next week.."
I find it curious and probably a great writing technique, more than confusing. It's the idea that they don't acknowledge her existence that is probably what will make what ever comes next with her highly effective, because the lack of other characters mentioning her and events from last season heighten that fear...
Thanks Andy. Think Root will be a problem as the season progresses. Will be interesting to see if she does actually kill the doctor or not.
ReplyDeleteShaw is like Reese in the first season. Hopefully she'll get some control.
ReplyDeleteI think that Root will get out at some point soon and we'll probably get a two parter with her.
I don't think we know that yet. Reese has always had something self more controlled about him. It shines through in his voice and body language. IMO Shaw exceeds him greatly. Besides her introductory episode, we have yet to see another ounce of humility, as right now she's on "machine mode". I'm sure though we'll get to a good place with her, eventually, but I think it's going to be a rocky start.
ReplyDeleteI think she's what Reese had the potential to be after he killed that guy who killed his wife (I can't remember her connection to Reese).
ReplyDeleteThe show keeps gaining in complexity and characterization, which is unheard of for a procedural. Kudos to them for keeping the momentum from the amazing season finale while going back to the routine of the "save a guy" episode. I even liked the Root scenes although by not mentioning her even in passing, they have disconnected them from the rest of the episode a little too much. I must say the big "reveal" with the shrink was a miss for me though because they had her say "I'm having an argument with God" a little too often and knowing Roots, what kind of argument could she have with the Machine if not that of preserving life?
ReplyDeleteSolid 9/10
Some notes to the review:
ReplyDelete1) "(Root) Supposedly, she is in contact with the Machine" - she isn't just in contact with the Machine, the Machine identifies her as the "analog interface" on the evaluation screen before Root's first interview scene. This is definitely a new development: the Machine now has her own goals and agenda beside providing the numbers to both parties as before.
2) Shaw will very likely be a problematic asset and I wouldn't consider her the extension of the original duo - at least not more than Carter or Fusco is. I know that her character is criticised by many people, partly her badassery partly the mere existence. I think those who do it, overlook the concept of the show. Bringing in another "muscle character" was a necessity both casewise and storywise. Reese alone simply couldn't handle certain situations and the Carter/Fusco duo is bound by both their job and their ethics. The ethical side is also a reason in case of Reese: the writers always stresses his reluctance to kill - very likely to make the case more important when he'll step over this line. But there are situations when we the viewers "want more blood", so they needed a tool for this.
That was the necessity, and from that point the characteristics of "Shaw" were pretty much determined by the previous cast. The existing "muscle" was a man and there was 3:2 for men, so Shaw had to be a female. As she needed to do the tasks which neither the cops nor Reese wouldn't do, she needed to be ruthless and without scrupules. That kind of mental state can be depicted either as a sociopath or a totally disillusioned one, but the show already has a sociopath. And here she is, the disillusioned female badass, who is badass enough to not obey even to the super good guys.
How badass is her is a YMMV topic, I agree that some of her antics (like chewing the steak from the tip of the knife) is a little too much - but those who blame Sarah Shahi for this please remember, that she is an actress, she doesn't write her role. At the same time I like her constant poking of Harold and John. It's not only because she is a "tough one". IMHO it's at least as much for herself: she is a lone wolf, it's against her instincts to commit herself (even temporarily), so she needs constant reassurence she doesn't make a fool of herself.