Person of Interest 5×08: “Reassortment” Review

Samaritan is the worst and it’s actually the best

Samaritan is an evil ASI. Short, simple, and to the point. It wants to take over the world and be in control of everything that is going on. So why then, is it so entertaining to watch it be bad? In the latest Person of Interest episode titled: “Reassortment,” Samaritan created a super flu with the goal of killing off a doctor and nurse who found some suspicious activity that would point to them in the records data system. Reese (Jim Caviezel) and Finch (Michael Emerson) happen to get stuck at ground zero and fight to help everyone survive.

For a few POI episodes now we’ve seen the character of Jeff Blackwell (Joshua Close). Former felon with what appears to be a glimpse of a heart under his rough exterior. Not really knowing why Samaritan chose him to be their latest operative, we finally figure it out when he makes an appearance in “Reassortment.” Blackwell was chosen by Samaritan because he’s immune to the strain of flu they’ve unleashed. With that knowledge, Samaritan sent Blackwell into the hospital under the guise that he was going in to deliver a cure. Blackwell fights his own moral views and agrees to the kill plan only because Samaritan threatened to send him back to prison.

Why did Samaritan want to unleash this super flu? To get the citizens of the world to be okay with an extended government presence in their lives. The outbreak led people to be tested by the CDC in order to find out who would need a vaccine if it happened again. Thereby, leaving Samaritan to collect thousands of samples of DNA data.

Elsewhere, Sameen Shaw (Sarah Shahi) FINALLY and heroically fights her way out of the facility she’s been held captive in. For over a year fans of Person of Interest have been waiting for Shaw to make her way back to Team Machine and it appears she’s actually on her way. After receiving the (adorable and perfect) “4A” message from Root (Amy Acker) in the previous episode, Shaw found the hope she needed to create a hole in the wall behind a sink, fight through guards, shoot Lambert (Julian Ovenden), and steal the keys to a get away vehicle. When we last see Shaw, she’s rocking an army helmet, and driving off into the night, hopefully on her way to Root.

Meanwhile, after putting in a little elbow grease to investigate at the hospital, Fusco goes back to the precinct. When Reese (Jim Caviezel) returns, he realizes that Fusco has asked to be assigned to a new partner. All together now… NOO.

Guess who busted out?

Sameen Shaw: What an insanely brilliant, strong, feisty, powerhouse character. For over a year we’ve waited. We’ve wondered. We’ve even complained. But mostly, we’ve held on to hope that Shaw could and would find her way back to Team Machine. Person of Interest gave us our wish in, “Reassortment.” Okay, so Shaw may not “technically” be back with Team Machine yet, but she’s working on it. She busted out of the facility Samaritan and it’s operatives were keeping her in and she even killed Lambert in the process. You go girl. Her insane drive to escape was in large part thanks to her love, Root. The message Root sent gave Shaw the push she needed to know she wasn’t alone. The love story between these two women, no matter how it plays out, will go down as one of the most important relationships, not only on this show, but in all shows.

Finch Vs. Elias

While it’s always nice to see Elias (Enrico Colantoni) alive and well after being shot last season, it’s even nicer to see him interact with Team Machine. One of the standout moments of this episode was when Finch went to visit Elias in the safe house. Elias questions Finch and judges him for not filling Fusco in on what is really going on behind the numbers. Elias, as calm and cool as ever, looks at Finch and says:

“War requires sacrifice. You know what your problem is Harold? Underneath all that intellect, YOU are the darkest of all of us. It’s always the quiet ones we have to be afraid of.”

Finch down plays Elias’s words, but it’s clear he was stung by them. Is Elias right? Is Harold so dark under his exterior that he’s afraid of what The Machine could be under his guidance? Is that why he battles Root every time she suggests opening the system? Perhaps Finch is afraid of what he’s capable of. He’s hinted at it in the past. What will become of this revelation that Elias pointed out? So many questions. So few episodes to have them answered.

POI continues to make us laugh

It’s a known fact that Person of Interest is best described as a drama. In its fifth and final season however, the completely subtle and genius moments of comedy have amplified this already perfect show to another level. While this show has always had moments of comedy and levity, mostly brought to us by our beloved Root, our deadpan Shaw and one liners from Reese and Fusco. This season seems to stand out. In “Reassortment,” a mostly serious episode, one instance of comedy gold stuck out. In a completely matter of fact way, while Reese and Finch are fighting the outbreak in the hospital, Root is speaking to Finch and says:

“Harry make sure to wash your hands often… and Bear’s paws.”

It’s such a clever, subtle joke, but it stuck. Bear is such a well-loved character and seeing Team Machine treat him as such an important member of the group, it melts your heart. Root also says the simplest things that leave you smiling and laughing well after the episode is over.

Final Verdict: The episode we’ve been waiting for

Overall, “Reassortment” was a home run of an episode. John and Finch working together to fight the outbreak at the hospital. Root working with The Machine to help them in their own way. Shaw FINALLY breaking free. (If that turns out to be another simulation, I’ll riot.) Bear getting in on the action. Fusco’s chance to be more emotionally invested in scenes that don’t include him just using his humor, and more of Samaritan’s plans were laid out. “Reassortment” had it all. It was intense, sharp, funny, and exciting. With only 5 episodes left, we’re heartbroken, but we’re buckled in and eager to enjoy the last few rides.

Person of Interest Questions/ Comments:

• Are they hinting at a darker future for Harold?
• When will Shaw reunite with the team?
• Will Fusco bet old the truth?
• CBS wanted the number of the week episodes, so now we know why they’ve had to do them this season.