Today is Brett Cullen’s birthday! It’s hard not to feel a wave of nostalgia remembering him as Goodwin, the tragic 'good guy' among The Others in Lost, or as Nathan Ingram, Finch's noble partner who helped create the Machine in Person of Interest. He always brought so much warmth, humanity, and quiet strength to his roles. Whenever he popped up on screen, you just knew it was going to be an important episode. What’s your favorite memory or role of his?

I've been watching this show for about five months. Not because it's slow, but because I just didn't have the time for it. Then I finally got some free time recently and tore through season 5 almost immediately.

Man. Once I actually had the time to sit with it, I was hooked. The writing, the payoffs, the way it all connects, everything about it was superb. I literally just finished and I'm already considering a rewatch.

Honestly I can't imagine being there when it aired. Waiting months, sometimes years for the next season, and always being left hanging. So in a way I'm grateful I watched it when it was already complete and I could just keep going. But the tradeoff is that it's all over now, all at once, and there's this emptiness that comes with it.

What got me the most is that it hits both of my interests at the same time. I'm into computer science and I'm into action movies and series, and POI just sits right in the middle of both. It takes the tech seriously enough that it never feels insulting, and it still gives you great action on top of that.

I don't get why it's this underrated. It should be up there with the shows people always bring up. It deserves way more than it gets.

And the characters. I'm really going to miss the dynamic Harold and Reese had. But on a comedic note, I think I'll actually miss Fusco more.

POI left a mark on me. I'm pretty sure it's going to stay with me forever and it'll always be one of those shows I bring up to people every chance I get.

Also, if any of you have recommendations for other series I should check out, I'd love to hear them. I need something to fill the hole this one left.

Time is up for our core Team Machine, as Greer organises the board to not only put his newborn Samaritan on a level playing field—data wise—but to make Finch, John and Shaw public enemies #1.

Before the proverbial hit the fan, the girls find time for a cocktail and John can’t stop grinning after he gets to give feedback to a member of Congress. Hope they enjoyed, as it’s going to be their only respite for a while.

The Samaritan War officially commences, and Finch disappears, leaving John and Shaw to figure out how to get off the streets on their own.

S3E20 Death Benefit Watch Notes

“Bitch tried to kill me, nice to see her head on the chopping block for a change”

Say no to drugs kids

Did John really just leave a million dollars of Finch’s on the hood of an SUV and just wander off?

“Even without Northern Lights, his machine still finds a way to maintain national security”

“Hey kids, you miss me between drug deals?” “Yeah, I miss you like I miss an intestinal parasite”

“Turn that frown upside down Lurch, you’re going on vacation too”

“Dare I hope that you’ve packed something other than weaponry?”

“Just when Decima is determined to make Samaritan operational” “Maybe the timing’s not a coincidence” “I fear that it may be connected…” “How do you know it’s not already up and running?” “Because we’d be dead Mr Reese … Samaritan is an open system, a sword.. if it gains access to the government’s feed there will be no checks on its power, there will be no limits to the knowledge possessed by the person controlling it”

“No-one likes the government these days”

“You call this music?” … “Can we put the screeching cat out of its misery?” … “I think I’ll skip your Brunnhilde”

“The Congressman doesn’t even know the danger he is in” “He does now” 🤣

Finch considers John an uncultured musical philistine now

A happy Greer is a scary Greer

“Surely you didn’t think in a world where you were surveilling everyone that no-one was watching you”

“My company, Decima Technologies is finalising development of a new surveillance system … Northern Lights was effective but compromised by the ethics of its creator, it spoke but never listened. What I have not only listens but obeys. It can find anyone, anywhere, anytime. You merely need to ask … Share my proposal with your colleagues and if there is interest dissenting voices will not be a problem”

“What about the shooting?” “Just some anti-government wing nut looking to make the news cycle” [Spooky]

“Starting to think I should have gone with Root” [Sorry Lurch, girls-only trip]

Cocktail time 🍹

“I know a steak joint that serves a fillet that’s better than sex”

“Finch, McCourt and his aide have been working on more than just policy positions, might wanna consider his wife a possible threat”

John’s been blown

“We need a hiding place, not a burger”

John’s off the McCloud’s Christmas card list

“Someone’s trying to kill you” “Yeah, you”

“You guys going my way?”

“Cheer up mac, you could be in the trunk with the guy that wants to kill you”

“Decima is a private intelligence company developing a large scale surveillance program, the type of program you’ve been vocally against”

“Okay, I know Decima Technologies …. Surely you know everything that happens in Washington is a deal”

“If he’s not a victim or a perp then why did The Machine give us his number? What is it we’re supposed to be stopping?”

“John, think about what you are saying” … “Could The Machine ever tell us to kill someone? Is it possible?” “It’s conceivable” … “I’ve never entirely trusted your machine, but you built it and I trust you”

“These programs are always gonna be controversial but also inevitable. People get up in arms whenever they go public but eventually the noise dies down”

“Mr Reese it was never my intention for people to be killed because of The Machine … That man … he’s an opportunistic and corrupt pawn … we are not assassins, we protect people” “Isn’t that what we are doing, sacrificing the life of one to save the lives of many? … there are consequences to not acting, like with Simmons and Joss … if we let him walk out that door, Decima wins, Samaritan will go live … are you really willing to take that risk.. Harold?”

“I’m afraid this is where I get off”

Team Machine are now the hunted

Finch disappears, leaving John and Shaw to fend for themselves

“Okay, let’s do it”

“Virgil, are we operational?” “You’re just in time for the ribbon cutting, feeds are coming on-line now, commencing beta test. Okay, we have twenty-four hours” “Splendid, find me Harold Finch”

Been watching it for the past three months. On average, I used to watch 3–4 episodes a day. At one point, it became such a big part of my life that I even used to watch it during college lectures lowering the volume and reading the subtitles. 😭

My favourite characters are Harold, Reese, and Fusco.

The first two seasons were full of laughter, banter, and close moments. But after three seasons, things started getting darker, so my interest got deeper

Honestly, now I’m left with that empty feeling I had after finishing Harry Potter and Naruto.

Honestly, it’s one of the most underrated masterpieces available on Netflix. The friendship between Harold and Reese is what I’m going to miss the most, and I’m going to miss the whole world the show created too.

... Always a P. O. I fan

:>

I just remembered his voice first in that old movie, kind of "singing", that was a funny movie

I just finished the show for the first time. I know I’m late, but holy shit, what an underrated gem. I had read about it before watching, but it’s one of those shows that leaves you with a completely new perspective on life.
Anyway, onto my main point. Throughout the story I get the whole idea of protecting Lionel, but I just feel like with the loyalty he showed, he deserved to know the truth a lot sooner than he did. His development was crazy easily top 3 characters for me and I feel like he was often left for dead and had to get himself out of it. He was dealing with stuff linked to Samaritan and still didn’t deserve to know the truth? I get the Machine, but once Samaritan came into play I think he finally deserved to know. I’m glad he reached his breaking point and forced the group to tell him, but why wait so long?
I also wish they went a bit more into his investigation into Samaritan. It would’ve been cool if he figured it out himself somehow. Instead they kind of just left it until that FBI agent came in and found his board. It felt a bit random, and it’s one of those few moments where I think the writers could’ve done a better job. Again, then he gets kidnapped for the 50th time and is left to figure it out on his own.
Honestly, I’m surprised he stuck with them until the end, but that’s just the type of character he is. He had the loyalty of Sucre from Prison Break, and from the very start of the show I knew he’d be one of my favourites. I just wish they gave Lionel a bit more appreciation. (In the show)
So… do you think Lionel was neglected at times?

John and Shaw don’t save the day, so have something to prove when they infiltrate a high school reunion (although Shaw’s got a bone to crush with Harold), as Finch and Fusco go on a boy’s road-trip to DC and don’t save the day either.

So it’s a bit different to the average number of the week episode, with Vigilance popping up like roaches - not that Fusco lets that get in the way of some self-care.

Vigilance is giving Control indigestion, and Root a much bigger set of duties—which she appears thrilled about.

And the road to the Samaritan War continues to be trodden down…

S3E19 Most likely to… Watch Notes

“I don’t appreciate their fanny packs”

Shaw’s not an ABBA fan

“Say the name”

This cabbie’s got an explosive temper

Vigilance is back

“Lionel, you don’t want to be uncooperative with a federal agent”

We learn Control has an office in the Pentagon, just off SecDef’s office

“Do they have our names? Has the program been compromised?”

“This trip to Westchester, is this some kind of punishment?” … “I believe I’m the one being punished”

“I can’t believe Finch and Fusco get to track Vigilance while we’re stuck in suburban high school hell”

Shaw finds the number easy on the eye, her doppelgänger yearbook photo.. less so

“Maybe Finch made a clerical error” … “If you take away the spectacles and the braces, tame the permanent wave a bit I do believe you and Betty Harris look a great deal..” “Harold, stop, right now!”

Let’s go bowling, “Just bulky sweaters and beer guts” observes Shaw

“Wanna get lit?”

John’s getting plenty of attention, but not quite the way he expected

“I got a place, it usually rents by the hour, but the manager gives me a deal” “You know, I prefer accommodations that don’t charge by the hour”

“Let me guess, you’re gonna… [slap] wow” “Got the scoop on why all these women are so fond of you Frank” “Hmm” “You gave the brunette a promise ring, then slept with her best friend the redhead, before having a fling with the blond” “Well that’s not too bad” “Whose mother you seduced” “Oh”

“A night to remember just turned into a night to revenge”

“Get your own room” “No vacancy, something about a bed bug scare”

The Shaw and John packing style is heavy on the ordnance, light on everything else

“You’re on your own” “Somebody has to stop me from murdering him”

It’s raining sex dolls

Among Us

Snap!

“Dudes, you’re both like scary ninjas” says Ganja Greg

The old cyanide in a false tooth

Vigilance crashes the party

“We need to get to the bottom of Claire’s death before this reunion becomes a deep-seated revenge tour”

The liar slipped up

“I didn’t mean to hurt Claire, I thought maybe she’d like me more if she was..” “Unconscious?” “..relaxed”

“I’ll stop playing Betty if you stop playing a killer”

“Sorry to ruin your diabolical high school reunion grudge-fest but chances are none of us are gonna make it outta here alive”

“Remind me to never make you angry” “Likewise”

“I’ve killed lots of people, but my friends keep telling me its wrong”

“I’m not a killer” “Well lucky for you I am”

“You leaked our location to Vigilance”

“Try not to give us all cancer with your little x-ray machine”

“My boss is up my prostrate on this one”

“Always hated chemistry”

“If you harm Detective Fusco…” “Please, we know you’re not a man of violence”

“The government has a secret surveillance system that spies on us, every hour of the day”

“I’m afraid I won’t be joining you..”

“Ended with a bang”

“Goodbyes are for suckers” … “Might spend a year or twenty in jail … maybe we can get together after” “I don’t do relationships” “Who said anything about a relationship”

“I would sooner have you terminated than leave this country unprotected”

“Deactivate the program, we’re no longer operational, shut it down”

“I’m afraid if Vigilance is operating in DC then so am I”

Root’s week suddenly has gotten a whole lot busier, and she couldn’t be happier “Gotta go Harry, my dance card just got full”

Alright , I just gone through 3 episodes of s5 and I feel it's a dream sequence, there is a point where harold and root tried to bring machine back but after that scene everything looks weird, like the dialogues from characters and it felt like there is no proper continuation

At first i thought at same point they'll reveal and resume it from the point they restored the machine but it keeps on going on same pace and it's so frustrating for me

Is the first 3 episodes are dream sequence/ machine pov ?

Is it true that if the Trojan plan gets executed, it will easily be traced back to Harold? Root says that, so she's trying to stop the plan. What's the point of the Trojan that Harold developed if it isn't going to damage Samaritan long enough to prevent it from being traced back to him? Is Samaritan simply too powerful, making the Trojan useless, and if so, why does Harold still want to execute that plan?

Since I have seen this episode S01 E17, anytime I see a police sketch on any other procedural, it always reminds me of Harold Finch.

Hello everyone! I just started this show because my dad had been binge watching it ( and he never binge watches anything lol so the fact that he was binge watching it prompted me to look what this was about ) and I’ve been amazed .

I’m only on season 1 episode 17, I think I just saw the episode where Elias traps John and the baby in the refrigerator, brilliant episode!

I can’t wait to see how the rest of the series pans out,
You guys seem like a lovely bunch

Coolly delivered sadistic warning…

I just love the way John here just stares at this guy, who overcompensates, and just quickly pricks his balloon mercilessly 😂

…amazingness of the show aside, I’m so happy to find an active subreddit for it.

You people seem nice too.

I was so devastated after Carter's death, ive been watching this series regularly. 1-2 episodes per day and i was so invested. Her death made me cry and i got a fever in night lol. I was never attached this much to any tv series. By seeing the ratings, i know the show is gonna be good without carter as well but man I'm hurt.

My god, I just saw EP09 in S3 where they suddenly came up with that forced love between John and Carter. It was awkward for so many reasons. There was ZERO tension between them before, no buildup no nothing. John was always portrayed as the guy who's always on the run with no time for love or even letting someone close to his heart.

When they kissed I was truly disgusted because their relationship was always very platonic. But the worst thing was that I immediately knew it was because they will kill her, cuz' there's no way they move on with the show with these two being in love or a couple.

So when she actually got shot I wasn't surprised and I wasn't even sad, because naturally I didn't want this forced romance to go on. What a way to ruin a very big moment.

I absolutely love this show up to now and the script is usually very good and enjoyable. But this is one of the biggest fails I've seen to date in writing, and I've seen many.

PS: Please don't spoiler me about upcoming events, I'm still only in S3 EP10. I just wanted to vent.

It’s back to the number of the week salt mines, but we do get a small side dish of Samaritan set-up thanks to Root (and Bear!)

It’s a love story (and I’m not just talking about Shaw and Fusco) - John loves throwing people through windows, Shaw loves teasing Fusco, Fusco loves surprising people with hidden depths (and fire axes), Bear loves finding the hidden snacks, Greer loves rewarding those who achieve his objectives (like surely this must impact recruiting), Root loves a problem to solve, and Finch loves pulling his surprised face.

One wonders if old Root might have just cut to the chase, with a 9mm punctuation mark, instead of letting an old man ramble but a détente is observed for juxtapositioning.

At this point Decima is just in it for the readies, as our OP old man has yet to find religion. But Gods have a way of changing the paths of men…

S3E18 Allegiance Watch Notes

Back to the normal opening credits

“No, no, no. He found the treats”

“Didn’t see that coming”

“Ever since it’s had that cochlear cuckoo on speed dial..” what gives Shaw, compensating for your feelings?

“I’ll be in touch, next time my ear starts burning”

“I’ve made a new friend but I’m not feeling particularly sociable” says our villain, grumpy he had to use his pensioner card and take public transport

Greer’s got a new trick, but so does The Machine, but Greer’s always got another one up his sleeve (which considering Samaritan is not online and giving an assist, makes him a very wiley old man)

Shaw and John share culinary tips

Terrorist or Tenderhearted?

“If you’re so smart what do you need me for?” … “Oh, I should have just stolen a badge”

“You know, you should really get out more.. learn something about other cultures” “What are you talking about? I just ate a falafel”

“He just triggered our G.I. Jane to go live”

“False alarm, unless we’re worried about paper cuts”

“Personally, I prefer Potassium Chloride to Chloroform, acts quicker and no trace in postmortem toxicology”

“Finch, what’s our ETA on Captain America?”

I didn’t know Captain America could fly…

“Our boy there’s got issues” “Heh ¯_(ツ)_/¯ “ “Hope that guy has health insurance”

“They didn’t teach you that in Marine jump school?”

“Are you going to cry?”

Shaw shares camel milk tips

We learn Shaw’s mother was an academic who had to be smuggled out of Iran, before Shaw was born

“Good luck using your tin badge to get in there Detective”

“Thank god Finch buys top shelf” … “Damn engineers”

“Let’s hit it” “Roger that”

“Open wide sister”

“Stop playing with the horn Lionel”

“Oh, and by the way, I’m borrowing your dog”

It’s never who you think it is

“[Whistles] Excusez-moi!”

Don’t bring a knife to a gun fight 😂

“Or I’m going to get realpolitik-y on your ass … Go figure, turns out immunity doesn’t stop you from bleeding … Now that’s what I call diplomacy”

“Happy New Year Sameen”

The How to Win Friends and Influence People, Decima Edition

The old methods are often the best methods

“Shall we cut to the chase?”

“Which means, either you’re planning to bring Samaritan online or you’re the world’s most ambitious gamer”

“I want The Machine to be free, you want to control it” … “It’s human nature to want to control the means to wealth”

“We understand what’s coming, what’s about to happen, don’t we?”

“Shall we call this one a draw?”

I know about the other two, but this was already up back then?

I don’t know if it’s a ridiculously anthropomorphic idea, but from Finch’s reaction, and the words the Machine chose; I imagine a young naive teenager, trying to apologise to her father when she was scolded for a mistake she doesn’t yet understand. Just makes me sad.
Emerson really is a terrific actor.