"Shotseeker" is slightly stronger than the prior four episodes in season 5, in my opinion. Every plot thread, every scene, and every character felt solid (with minor exceptions, described last). And THINGS set in motion earlier spin faster (ep 3 Truth Be Told).
Team Machine is in fine form, working together with intelligence, energy, and optimism, watching each other's backs with guts and stubborn determination, despite the risk. Even the Fusconator and La Machine feature strongly in this one. (Poor Shaw is still probably in Samaritan hell.)
A new number comes up. POI Ethan Garvin is a "shotseeker" for the NYPD — a guy who identifies the sound and location of gunshots via microphones installed across the city (potential ears for an ASI). His objectives collide with one of Samaritan's secret operations. He is stubborn about getting the truth. This makes him an obstructionist. (We know what that means.)
Root has a few brief words with Jeffrey Blackwell, the ex-convict erstwhile house-painter who unknowingly signed on with Samaritan in episode 2, SNAFU. Their exchange might lead to something promising. (Joshua Close does confused well. Mobile expressions.)
There is also a baby battle between Samaritan's code and La Machine's code. Finch shines in this intriguing plot development. I was delighted by his interactions with Root. She is a superb counterpoint to him here. Both are extremely intelligent, but one is cautious, the other bold. They've learned to listen to each other. Still, Finch is wary of Root. Wisely so.
Everyone is brilliant in this episode, but Fusco shines the brightest. His character development has been incrementally crafted across the five seasons. Here the "dirty cop" becomes a credible leader and mobilizer of men. He's a shrewd detective and a staunch friend to the innocent. Most heartwarming is his determination to rescue Reese. (I also loved Root's determination to save Reese. And John's appreciation to Fusco.)
Fusco knows all is not right in the world. He demands to know what is going on. Why has the murder rate in NYC dropped so steeply? Why increasing reports of suicides and missing persons? Samaritan's interference with Fusco's protection of Ethan Garvin raises more questions. But he's still in the dark. (When will Finch fill him in?)
There is someone else who wants to know what's been going on. Elias's old friend Bruce demands to be told what happened the night Elias died. Demands to know who killed him. A big surprise is in store for Bruce.
No specific spoilers, but I wonder how they pulled it off, given that they were on the lam that night, escaping from Samaritan's hordes? How is this new revelation even possible? Why wasn't the warning to Bruce to "stay in the shadows" given with more urgency and conviction? That's my only concern with this episode, and it's a minor one.
Team Machine is in fine form, working together with intelligence, energy, and optimism, watching each other's backs with guts and stubborn determination, despite the risk. Even the Fusconator and La Machine feature strongly in this one. (Poor Shaw is still probably in Samaritan hell.)
A new number comes up. POI Ethan Garvin is a "shotseeker" for the NYPD — a guy who identifies the sound and location of gunshots via microphones installed across the city (potential ears for an ASI). His objectives collide with one of Samaritan's secret operations. He is stubborn about getting the truth. This makes him an obstructionist. (We know what that means.)
Root has a few brief words with Jeffrey Blackwell, the ex-convict erstwhile house-painter who unknowingly signed on with Samaritan in episode 2, SNAFU. Their exchange might lead to something promising. (Joshua Close does confused well. Mobile expressions.)
There is also a baby battle between Samaritan's code and La Machine's code. Finch shines in this intriguing plot development. I was delighted by his interactions with Root. She is a superb counterpoint to him here. Both are extremely intelligent, but one is cautious, the other bold. They've learned to listen to each other. Still, Finch is wary of Root. Wisely so.
Everyone is brilliant in this episode, but Fusco shines the brightest. His character development has been incrementally crafted across the five seasons. Here the "dirty cop" becomes a credible leader and mobilizer of men. He's a shrewd detective and a staunch friend to the innocent. Most heartwarming is his determination to rescue Reese. (I also loved Root's determination to save Reese. And John's appreciation to Fusco.)
Fusco knows all is not right in the world. He demands to know what is going on. Why has the murder rate in NYC dropped so steeply? Why increasing reports of suicides and missing persons? Samaritan's interference with Fusco's protection of Ethan Garvin raises more questions. But he's still in the dark. (When will Finch fill him in?)
There is someone else who wants to know what's been going on. Elias's old friend Bruce demands to be told what happened the night Elias died. Demands to know who killed him. A big surprise is in store for Bruce.
No specific spoilers, but I wonder how they pulled it off, given that they were on the lam that night, escaping from Samaritan's hordes? How is this new revelation even possible? Why wasn't the warning to Bruce to "stay in the shadows" given with more urgency and conviction? That's my only concern with this episode, and it's a minor one.
