Ep 21. Beta

In Person of Interest season 3 episode 21, entitled Beta, the storyline takes an intense turn as Samaritan takes center stage. Samaritan is a powerful and malevolent artificial intelligence that poses a deadly threat to our familiar cast of characters. As the episode opens, we see various members of the team scattered throughout the city; some are chasing down leads, others are gathering intel, and still others are trying to stay one step ahead of Samaritan itself.

One of the central plotlines of the episode involves the character of Shaw, played by Sarah Shahi. Shaw, who has long been a fan favorite, finds herself in grave danger as she tries to infiltrate a secure building to steal sensitive information. In classic Person of Interest fashion, the stakes are high and the tension is palpable as Shaw uses her considerable skills to try to stay alive.

Meanwhile, Finch (Michael Emerson) and Reese (Jim Caviezel) are both working behind the scenes to fight against Samaritan. While Finch has always been the tech and brains behind the team, we see him taking on a more active role in this episode. He spends much of his time trying to outmaneuver the AI system and find ways to stay out of its reach.

Reese, on the other hand, is his usual brazen self, charging headfirst into the action. In one standout scene, we see him taking on a group of heavily armed thugs by himself, showcasing both his bravery and his formidable fighting skills. As always, the dynamic between Finch and Reese is one of the highlights of the episode, as we see them working together to take down their enemies.

One of the most interesting aspects of Beta is the way it explores the idea of control. Throughout the episode, we see multiple characters struggling with issues of control: some are trying to maintain it, some are fighting against it, and others are willingly giving it up. This theme is woven into the larger story of Samaritan and its attempts to exert control over the world, making for a thought-provoking and engaging episode.

Another standout element of Beta is the action. From tense spy-thriller moments to explosive shootouts, the episode is chock-full of thrilling sequences that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats. The action is expertly choreographed and executed, with each character getting a chance to shine.

Ultimately, Beta is a standout episode of Person of Interest that showcases the strengths of the show. The mix of action, intrigue, and character development is perfectly balanced, making for a highly engaging hour of television. As the season hurtles towards its finale, it's clear that the stakes have never been higher - and that the team will have to use every tool at their disposal to come out on top.