Person of Interest Review: Double Trouble

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Person of Interest loves its twists and turns.

A lot of times those sharp changes in direction or dramatic reveals can prove to be predictable, and yes, its happened in a few episodes. For the most part, however, the show has managed to escape any sense of cheesiness or rolling-of-the-eye moments when those twists do happen, allowing for the intriguing plot lines to pull you forward, even if at the back of your mind you were getting ready to suspect one character was really the so called bad guy.

In the case of "Identity Crisis," the discovery that Jordan Hester wasn't one person living a double life but rather two people living one life was played out early on. There was no dragging on of the situation and instead it was more enjoyable watching Reese and Finch figure out who was the real Jordan.

Studying The Machine

It was easy to assume that the the male Jordan - with his leather jacket and bar tending skills - would be the criminal rather than the sweet pretty lady. If there's one thing Reese and Finch need to learn, it's to never underestimate a woman. One moment she can be cute and coy, the next she's manipulative, threatening and putting ecstasy in your drink. Now that's just plain wily.

Except it did give viewers the chance to see an entirely different side to Finch. From singing to smelling the flowers to just being overly chill, Finch was a riot to watch. Even Fusco's reactions to the drugged computer whiz were hilarious.

I know that a lot of shows somehow manage to make their straight-laced character become accidentally under the influence, usually to comedic effect, but you can't help but laugh at the situation. It worked for the moment without becoming too overdone and Michael Emerson could have certainly further exaggerated the scene to where you couldn't take the situation seriously.

What was interesting was Reese's desires to not invade Finch's personal life when he had the chance. It was almost as if he felt like learning any information while Finch was on drugs would be like cheating. I know the two have become closer because of their constant interaction, but I'm petty sure that Reese still wants to know a lot about Finch and the Machine. I guess Reese has some moral code when it comes to being Roofied.

The latter episodes of the season have really done a fantastic job in weaving together the particular arc for the episode with something that spans for a few more. Additionally, giving all the characters something to do is a huge plus.

I'm a huge fan of Lionel Fusco, mostly because he's caught in the middle and the way his character has to deal with everything. He's very sympathetic in nature because he wants to do good, but his dirty cop life never seems to fade into the back. I think he likes doing good as you could tell when he was there to see the wrongly convicted prisoner released. His obedience to the task and sincerity to the situation make him fun to watch, and his sarcastic comments are sometimes sharper than his observation. I know the guy means well and I can only hope that he is able to pull himself out of the deep deep hole he's put himself in.

As for Detective Carter, she was actually not involved with Reese or Finch's case. Was it because she was still upset with Reese? Maybe, but it did allow us to see that she does work other homicide cases. It even revealed a deeper conspiracy between the FBI and CIA.

Who knew the FBI wanted to expose the CIA? The concept is certainly interesting and what an important asset Carter would be with all her intel on Reese. It was rather funny seeing all of the blurry photos of Reese. It kept reminding me of some bad photos of Big Foot. Oh, to be the elusive John Reese.

Will Carter return to saving people with Reese and Finch or will she join the FBI in bringing them down?

The guest cast was certainly fun to watch as well. From The Wire alum, Seth Gilliam, to Entourage actor, Rhys Coiro, its clear to see that even the smaller parts to the larger puzzle can be just as entertaining and bring a solidarity to the overall piece. The show continues to improve in making each part of the show from the smaller arcs to the side characters to the action, not overlooked.

Once again, Person of Interest garnered another interesting case of the week, giving its characters all something important to do, and allowing the show to feel like it moves forward on a grander scale. And watching Finch do a little dancing and microwave watching is just entertaining.

Identity Crisis Review

Editor Rating: 4.2 / 5.0
  • 4.2 / 5.0
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User Rating:

Rating: 4.6 / 5.0 (211 Votes)

Sean McKenna was a TV Fanatic Staff Writer. He retired in May of 2017. Follow him on Twitter.

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Person of Interest Season 1 Episode 18 Quotes

Reese: Last one in pays for lunch.
Finch: I'm in the mood for Indian.

Fusco: You ever work an identity theft case?
Carter: Every arrest I ever made. They all say I got the wrong guy.