What I’m Watching: Person of Interest

Person of Interest: Season 1, Episode 9 “Get Carter” (B)

Involving one of the show’s primary characters who works in a different sphere than its two main protagonists so directly in the central case is an interesting ploy so early on in the show’s run, and it’s one that works moderately well. Yet what it can’t help but expose is one of this show’s central flaws, that the police precinct business always seems hopelessly one-note and mundane. It’s intriguing to learn that Carter was once an army interrogator, though her experience appears to have been awfully squeaky-clean up until the point that she realized how things actually went down and abruptly decided that it wasn’t the career for her. It’s decently impressive to see Reese manage to protect her without ever getting too close, though saving her life by shooting her assailant and then standing in the shadows so that she wouldn’t see his face was considerably closer than they’ve ever come before. If nothing else, I’m pleased that this episode has inspired Reese to go after the criminal that deceived and eluded him, Elias, and put him out of business for good. Leaving Carter flowers and a note essentially promising that she’d be taken out was not a nice move, and as the show’s opening monologue promises, if someone’s number comes up, they’ll find them. Reese is coming for Elias, and though he’s one hell of a target, Reese is sure to be able to take him down, which should make for a fine sendoff before the show goes off the air for a few weeks.