For a lot of this episode, I wondered why TPTB didn't end the season with the previous episode "Zero Day", which was a phenomenal episode that had ended with a terrific *gasp* moment. But that is when I realised that this was a conscious effort from the makers of POI- to not make this one a cliffhanger, but rather a chapter-closer of sorts.
For me, it largely worked. Despite a few absurdities which I have come to simply ignore or accept, it was a great fast-paced episode that did justice to its larger arc about the past of Finch and the future of The Machine. Some good writing and solid acting made it a very good one hour of television.
The best moments of the episode were in the Finch flashback - which was basically the point come to think of it. I don't want to divulge much but the scene towards the end with Finch and Grace was just heartbreaking; when I started watching the show, I never thought this procedural-like show would make my eyes well up but it did and how! hats off to Carrie Preston and Michael Emerson for that powerful moment.
I do have a few gripes about this episode. I wish this had been a two hour finale, it had too much content to be satisfactorily told in 42 minutes. Some parts seemed rushed - especially the Carter bits and the ignore to Fusco's character was surprising.
I am both excited and anxious about Season 3. Season 2 has been a massive improvement from season 1 if you look at the overall quality (though the last 6-7 episodes of season 1 were just as good). But the main reason for it was because this season was largely centered on the mysteries of the show's two best characters - Finch and The Machine. The backstory bits of Finch were just phenomenal throughout the season and now that it has been wrapped up (and very beautifully, I might add), I am a little concerned what will be that trump card that holds the next season together. Here is hoping that Jonah Nolan has a few more tricks up his sleeve because POI has been a great experience so far and we fans want it to remain that way for some more time to come!
For me, it largely worked. Despite a few absurdities which I have come to simply ignore or accept, it was a great fast-paced episode that did justice to its larger arc about the past of Finch and the future of The Machine. Some good writing and solid acting made it a very good one hour of television.
The best moments of the episode were in the Finch flashback - which was basically the point come to think of it. I don't want to divulge much but the scene towards the end with Finch and Grace was just heartbreaking; when I started watching the show, I never thought this procedural-like show would make my eyes well up but it did and how! hats off to Carrie Preston and Michael Emerson for that powerful moment.
I do have a few gripes about this episode. I wish this had been a two hour finale, it had too much content to be satisfactorily told in 42 minutes. Some parts seemed rushed - especially the Carter bits and the ignore to Fusco's character was surprising.
I am both excited and anxious about Season 3. Season 2 has been a massive improvement from season 1 if you look at the overall quality (though the last 6-7 episodes of season 1 were just as good). But the main reason for it was because this season was largely centered on the mysteries of the show's two best characters - Finch and The Machine. The backstory bits of Finch were just phenomenal throughout the season and now that it has been wrapped up (and very beautifully, I might add), I am a little concerned what will be that trump card that holds the next season together. Here is hoping that Jonah Nolan has a few more tricks up his sleeve because POI has been a great experience so far and we fans want it to remain that way for some more time to come!