There's no such thing as a risk free life.

The winter finale of Person of Interest Season 2 was just another of example of what makes this a hit series, as it allowed all its main characters to be actively involved, provided a mystery worth following, made us chuckle with witty lines and dared to take risks with the story and the pieces connected.

There's a reason to holiday cheer for "Shadow Box."

The cases that have a personal impact on the characters are always the most intriguing because they really capture those moments that further expose who they are. And with Reese, we've been getting bits of pieces of his past, but having the main case of the veteran charity scandal was a great way to show something he cared about.

Sure, he wanted to stop Abby and her boyfriend from killing people or blowing up buildings, but after he learned that Campbell was corrupt and a bad guy? All bets were off and he was willing to put himself on the line to capture the man when the police couldn't.

It was great seeing Finch take similar risks in stepping out of his comfort zone and track that boyfriend. Without his willingness to go above and beyond, he might never have known how exhilarating motorcycles were.

But truthfully, if Finch and Reese never took risks and always followed the book, they would never make those great saves or discover that much-needed clue.

It only makes sense that the show itself would take risks and never settle for standard, which enhances the quality of the each hour. You never quite know what you're going to get, even if you think you do.

Because even with that main case, Carter and Fusco both had chances to not only be connected, but take part in their own stories.

Fusco, who has clearly taken cloning phone cues from Finch, has gone to tracking Carter's new boy toy. Which begs the question, is he looking out for her or himself?

Either way, it's an interesting revelation that Detective Beecher is the godson of the HR boss. So is he further connected than we know?

And on top of that, Simmons seems to be sneaking around himself, but he's still taking cues from the HR boss. It's certainly looking like HR is trying to rebuild with an alliance from the Russians.

So, will there be a war against Elias? If so, who would Reese and Finch side with? Or would they at all?

Of course, Carter got a chance to play both sides (although, really she's still loyal to Reese and Finch.) It was hilarious that she kept learning that Reese knew everything right down to Beecher and that if he was bad to her, Reese would be there to deal with it. These two have great chemistry and I've been noticing a more brother/sister relationship lately.

But I do wonder if she ever would take on a full FBI position. As it is, it's great to see that the FBI is still trying to hunt down the "Man in the Suit." It's rather fun when Reese's enemies aren't completely incompetent. Which made the ending of the episode so incredibly cool.

I expected Reese to escape and when they turned around the guy, I wasn't surprised it wasn't him. Yet, what made me smile and shocked at the same time was the reveal of Reese and the other two men in suits.

Yes, Reese was captured with no way out, but there's no way the FBI can figure out which one is the guy they were looking for.

Plus, with an iconic song like "Gimme Shelter" by the Rolling Stones to close it all out, I can't help but acknowledge how much this show knows how to finish out an episode with cool, entertaining, and top notch quality.

It's great to see the last Person of Interest episode of 2012 conclude on a high note and I can't wait to see what happens when the show returns next year.

Will Reese escape? Will Root return? Will Fusco face off with Simmons? Will Bear learn to sit when taking a bath?

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