CliqueClackPerson of Interest keeps rennovating its formula
‘Person of Interest’ continues to renovate its formula by admitting that John CAN’T tail everyone, adding more fan service shots and incorporating more cinemagic.
I love that the writers maintained the growth in the Carter and Reese friendship even with Zoe thrown in. They did an excellent job balancing Reese with his multiple women this episode. Reese maintained his sexual tension with Zoe and his crime reliance on Carter without taking away from either relationship. I like that. I feared that either Fusco or Carter might get the Reese short shift once they found out about each other. But, that hasn’t happened. I’m glad the same goes for Zoe and Carter. Although the CaReese-shipper in me wished that calling Reese “John” stayed special to Carter, John has two women. He has to treat them equally. So, I’ll deal.
Just as Nolan innovates his character, I’ve changed my perspective towards Zoe. Although I’m not a Zeese fan, I’m still a Zoe fan. Last year, I didn’t want her to romantically bond with Reese because I thought she cared more for John than he cared for her. I feared she might get hurt. But, this episode, I didn’t fear for her that much. It would’ve made logical sense to take advantage of the lull if they sexually connected. During the poker game, they felt like two people who would return to work the next day, after a one-night stand, without viewing the event as something requiring overt discussion. Let’s be honest, two hot people stuck in the suburbs who are utterly bored aren’t going to play poker, they’re going to knock boots. Admittedly, we didn’t see what happened AFTER the poker game ended. While Zoe and Reese have chemistry, I didn’t like Reese’s initial proposal. It reminded me of his relationship with Carter last season where he flirted with her while maintaining the upper hand in the relationship. Luckily, once Zoe and Reese arrived in the suburbs, Reese started treating her equally. On a side note, I like that Carter pulled the high road with Zoe, but I’m surprised that Zoe tried to stake her claim with Reese.
Either way, the show continues to do a nice job innovating its formula and developing character relationships. I love that Finch’s first tech friend, introduced him to his first love, giving us a taste of computer dating. In fact, I also love that Nolan collects my favorite actors into one place. I loved seeing David Denam as the week’s victim. He’s come along way from his beginnings as the Office jerk. Overall, I’m glad that Person of Interest continues to renovate their formula, not just character-wise, but costume-wise. I like when every single element of the show comes together while offering new developments on old plots. So, keep it up, Person of Interest, you have my vote.
21 Comments on “Person of Interest keeps rennovating its formula”
I agree! I “think” I agree with the whole assessment. I like that Zoe tried to stake a claim to Reese and Carter looked to Reese for an explanation and he felt obligated to explain it to her later. Uh, why? I thought Reese and Zoe was so boring together like a old couple who stayed together because of convenience. It felt like it was one of those relationships that lasted way past their curve of relevance and Carter was the thrill on the side. Reese and Zoe fake relationship in this episode remind me of my fear in any relationship–(I’ve gone and stayed too long) –you gotta to know when to move on!! With Carter, he could be himself…Has anyone notice how Carter no longer chastise Reese like he’s a child, but now she uses the female most prevalent skill –“the art of persuasiveness” to subdue him.
Excellent review of a rather mundane episode. I liked the progress in Reese’s long-term relationship with Carter: he listened to her and followed her advice when she talked him out of simply knee-capping the baddies. I liked also that they obliquely brought up the road trip to Texas again. Nice continuity. She was even dressed in a variation of his iconic uniform: black suit, white shirt.
I thought Alicia Witt was underused as the number’s wife. I was hoping for a plot twist that would have given her some shades of red treachery, but alas, it was not to be. The threats in the subburbs are just as vanilla as Reese feared. The number really was a saint.
The poignant and powerful Finch flashbacks were a lovely counterpoint to the blah in the ‘burbs.
Oh, An. I think it was a homogeneity thing; I think he wanted to blend in, so he could watch the POI not be subjected to sideways glances and having to defend his fake relationship. Where I live, if you are not in an interracial relationship then you are in the minority. I also think Carter would have made an interesting component of the fake relationship…which still could have change the dynamic from the one’s who are watching to the ones who are being watched. Reese did breakup with Zoe in the end and she wanted more time, but Reese allowed the pretty journalist lady to breakup with him in the previous episode.
Just read that Grace is Finch’s real wife–cool. Poor Zoe she can’t seem to catch a break with Reese. Loved Reese in the black tshirt. I wonder who the machine will pair with Reese. My bet is Carter. Listen to how the machine described Grace. Much like Carter. Guess we’ll have to wait and see. Cant wait for next week with that beautiful doctor.
Love the show–it just keeps getting better and better. Liked the review. If it keep going as it is, I can see it knocking another of my favorite scripted shows off its perch–NCIS, and that woujld be something.
Just read that there is a love interest on the horizon for Carter in episode 8 by the name of Roland Brown aka Cal Beecher. He will play a narcotics detective. another nail in mr Careese coffin.
By the way An great review.
I think a potential love interest is just that: potential. I don’t think it will kill Careese but it will cause a delay. I will love to see what episode 8 brings. I really hope this is not the case of token black male for TBF.
Nolan loves to keep us guessing. In the episode a week ago, did Reese kill that guy in the end or did he ship him off to Mexico. Also in last week’s episode, did he or didn’t he with Zoe. Guess we’ll never find out. loved the way Zoe told Carter that she was Reese’s wife. Women just know and Nolan played to that emotion. was Carter a bit jealous–YES!!!!!!
Zoe, the Great White Hope, has been developed as a temporary roadblock. And the same is true for the Token Black Detective coming along next month. Patience, a faithful belief in the long distance run, and a healthy sense of humor are required to make it through these trials, heh!
An looks like you’re leaning towards Zeese even though you claim not to be a fan. Zoe is a great actress and i like the fact that she’s not a twenty-something barbie, but Im sticking with Careese until the final episode and Nolan has the last laugh. You see Carter still has that photo of Reese and Jessica. Nolan didn’t put that scene in just to fill air time. That photo is going to bring Reese and Carter together in some way. Just can’t seem to figure out, however, why Reese is so nervous and clumsy around Zoe but so comfortable and relaxed around Carter.
An, Psudeo, and others,
I think the reason Reese did not ask Carter to pose as his wife is because he’s trying to maintain a clear professional relationship with her. He does not want to blur the line.
It’s probably also the reason he calls her “Carter” and not by her first name. If you notice, he’s only called her Joss once, and that was after she had been shot. He has called Finch “Harold” and Fusco “Lionel” numerous times. Why the difference?
I disagree and I doubt if Reese gives a damn about lines. I think Reese and Carter relationship is not just a working relationship…she is everything to him–a friend, a partner, a confidante, and a lover if he desires it. I think Reese would prefer Carter’s company better than any other woman, but Reese isnt writing the show. Plus, everyone calls her Carter and I am sure her new love interest will also call her Carter. Maybe he calls her Carter because she wants to be called Carter.
“I think Reese would prefer Carter’s company better than any other woman, but Reese isnt writing the show. ”
What do you mean by “Reese isn’t writing the show”?
I think the “not blurring the lines” thing is more important to Reese than not asking Carter because the New York suburbs may have a problem with a black woman / white man married couple. Something like that probably would not be at the forefront of Reese’s mind.
It would be odd if Carter’s new love interest called her by her last name. Most likely, he will call her Joss after they start dating.
see my latest post up under Taber, who agreed with you, who I also disagree with.
Well, he should have left her in New York and taken someone else to Texas. She was way out of her jurisdiction too. According to the writers she is good for Texas and not for the suburbs.
I think the suburbs scenario with Zoe was strictly to make some fans happy.
I think him calling her Carter after calling her Joss was to slow down the momentum of their increasing relationship.
I have to disagree with you psuedo. Reese calls her Carter because for now the relationship is professional and calling her Joss would probably cause him to look at her differently than he wants to. But i find it interesting that she calls him John and he calls her Carter. He’s never even seen her in a dress. And although he cares for her as a friend calling her Joss would send a mixed message which Nolan is not ready to explore.
I disagree with both Taber and Gab–I am ex-military, the guy I was dating seriously and dyfunctionally was calling me by my last name, while at the same time asking me to marry him– which is what we (ex and current)military people DO–call eachother by the last name…maybe Carter calls John by his first name, because she knows his real last name–so as a precaution she only uses his first name.
So, why does Reese call Finch and Fusco by their first names some times? I know that they are not ex-military like he and Carter are, but it’s not as though he knew Carter when she was in the armed forces.
So, why the distinction between how he refers to her versus how he refers to the guys on their team?
I think you answer the question yourself…they are not ex or current military. The point I was explaining is that it is typical that ex and current military people to call eachother by their last names. I do not think Reese is calling Carter by her last name because their relationship is just professional. I agree to disagree with you.
It’s quite obvious why Reese did’nt ask Carter to be his wife. He needs her on the outside. She is a cop. also let’s get real–an interracial couple? Wouldnt have been an easy fit for this undercover scheme. Nolan made the right call.
An, do tell us more about the double entendres! Now I need to rewatch just to get the jist of it!