MiniCap: Person of Interest

Recaps

By vallegirl | Friday, April 6, 2012 | 6:00 am | 27 Comments
Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in: MiniCaps, Person of Interest, Recaps

Wow. That was awful  To be honest, I was dreading this episode. Like waiting for STD test results dread. And, somehow, it was actually worse than I feared. Genuinely bad, yet not so bad you enjoy laughing at it, just bad enough to feel sympathy embarrassment for all involved. Especially Chapman and Colantoni because they’re better than this.

Ostensibly, the episode is about the heads of the five Mafia families turning up as numbers. While the five dons meet and talk like Edward G. Robinson in that one Bugs Bunny cartoon, Reese and Finch quickly decide, with no leg work whatsoever, that Elias is planning to kill them all. Reese suggests letting the trash take out the trash, but he and Finch are now too good for that, so Reese decides he’s going to use the healing power of the Caviezel to convince them all to just follow him to safety. But he’s been looking way rough lately so it doesn’t work and the first don gets blowed up real good. After that, Reese and Finch are just kind of…there.

Meanwhile, homicide detective Carter gets a call from SID regarding Elias’ scheme from Risk. This does not involve an actual homicide, just questionable bank transactions, so now, in addition to being a lousy homicide and organized crime cop, she’s also a lousy fraud cop, too. And she’s enlisted about half of NYPD to help with her operations that never, ever involve actual homicides, the task force for which she works.

But once the first don gets killed, she decide to take it upon herself to kidnap the remaining dons into protective custody, first one at a time, but when she almost gets her ass killed, only to be saved, again, by Reese, she decides to force Fusco into her felonious plan and kidnap the last three together. Because she’s an officer of the court and kidnapping is legal when it’s an NYPD detective doing it.

So, Elias is all “fuck this,” and kidnaps Carter’s kid. He wants to trade Taylor for the dons. Now, original recipe Reese would understand that you just let the trash take out the trash, like he said earlier, and make the trade. But they’ve cut off his balls since the winter break and now he just lurches around like zombie-Reese promising to get Taylor back so Carter can cry pretty over how sad, yet noble, she is. But not noble enough to trust Fusco when Fat Don tells her about how dirty he is. Unfortunately, the don is right about Fusco’s old habits.

Then there was some dumb scene where Finch deus ex machinas away the HR problem by just sitting with Simmons and telling him “Elias is bad and he took these pictures of your family.” Simmons actually remembers to question Finch but Finch obliques some bullshit before telling Simmons HR is not working with Elias anymore. Surprisingly, Simmons listens. Whatever.

A bunch of other dumb shit happens, including old Don Moretti putting on the most HIGH-larious wig for a flashback to 1991 and meeting young Elias for the first time. Elias, criminal mastermind, also leaves old Don Moretti and Taylor in some wine cellar so he cand personally blow the doors off Finch’s safe house just in time to be arrested because Fusco was smart enough to follow proper procedure and call for backup on their kidnapping.

Oh yeah, and heretofore brilliant, resourceful, cool, little Finch practically sobs that he’s not big and butch like Reese so Reese can condescend to him that “It’s okay, little man. You can be the get-away driver.”  I think I threw up in my mouth there. But I definitely threw up when Taylor’s all “That guy you sent to save me was a real bad ass, Mom!  But who’s the guy in the glasses?” like five minutes after being rescued from being kidnapped.  Trauma?  What trauma?  Then they danced all over  Nina Simone’s grave and used one of her saddest, most beautiful recordings as a cheap emotional manipulation.  Because nothing says vigilantism like a desperate woman begging her lover not to leave. What?

I know this minicap is all over the place, and yet…it makes more sense than the actual episode. It’s like they had all these cut scenes from other episodes that they wanted to use, so they gathered them up, did a lot of blow, stayed up for three days straight then wrote this episode.

Full recap in a few days, but be forewarned. This was me being nice. Until then, you can catch up on the last recap here. I liked that episode.

To get the funniest quotes from TVgasm recaps as they’re posted, follow us on Twitter or like our Facebook page! You can post your favorite lines right back at us.

To follow my personal tweets, click here.

Thanks for being here!

vallegirl
About

Vallegirl has never actually lived in a valley, has a lot of time on her hands and likes to yell at kids about how things were in her day.  Currently in LA, she's also spent a lot of time in the great states of  New York and Florida so she's not crazy, it's just a cultural thing.

27 Comments

  1. 1
    42E8
    Posted April 6, 2012 at 8:02 am

    Hmm. I’ve noticed that we tend to disagree on the eps with baddassery in them. Under analysis, this could probably tell us each something about ourselves, but I’m too shallow for all that.
    I enjoyed this episode. It was the right combo of funny, exciting, and it also had flashbacks from Elias’ background that helped flesh out his character somewhat.
    My favorite of his lines? “If you’re up to it, that would be extremely helpful.” So breezy, so polite, and he’s talking about killing three people in cold blood. Great stuff.
    I found the scene wherein Finch offered to use a gun was nicely played by Emerson, but I was a bit disappointed by Caviezel’s response, which came across as condescending to me, so we’re sympatico, there.
    As for the rest of it, well, suspension of disbelief is part of enjoying scripted TV, right? Of course, I’m from the “Fantasy Island” and “Charlie’s Angels” generation, so POI is practically reality TV compared to my childhood.
    Breathe deeply, try for perspective and remember that all too soon it will be over for the season.
    Well, too soon for me. Perhaps not for you.

  2. 2
    CattyFan cattyfan
    Posted April 6, 2012 at 8:52 am

    The actor playing Elias is fascinating. He’s terribly cold in this show (especially at the end of this episode,) and that’s so different from the understanding, kind SWAT commander/hostage negotiator he plays in Flashpoint.

    Many things on TV make no sense. That doesn’t make them any less enjoyable. I think the recapper needs to lighten up a little.

  3. 3
    Fan-Ann
    Posted April 6, 2012 at 10:26 am

    Thank you for pointing out Nina Simone’s gorgeous singing of “Ne Me Quitte Pas”. But, why on earth was a French love song used in this context? I actually expect lyrics to have at least a vague connection to the storyline, but I’m lost on this one. However, I do love how Elias as played by Colantoni delivers his chilling lines in that gentle tone. I certainly hope we see more of him.

  4. 4
    SavhCaro
    Posted April 6, 2012 at 11:15 am

    I truly think I’m giving up reading POI reviews on this site. The out right MEANNESS of the reviewer has reached epic proportions in this review. I understand these reviews ARE the reviewer’s opinion…but the unbridled maliciousness has crossed the line one time too many.
    The reviewer almost sounds like a jealous x-girlfriend. I’ve heard many people on many POI sites becoming disgusted with the vitriol spewed out with increasing regularity by this reviewer.
    I’m really sorry too, cause I use to enjoy these recaps and had a wonderful time giggling over descriptions……but I will forego that now because the reviews have begun to leave a very bad taste in my mouth. Count me as one fan who has lost INTEREST in this site.

  5. 5
    maryedith
    Posted April 6, 2012 at 11:52 am

    vallegirl, I haven’t watched the episode yet so I just skimmed over the minicap to see what these negative commentors are on about. I saw “The numbers of 5 mafia dons come up,” “Carter decides to kidnap them into protective custody” and “Elias kidnaps Carter’s kid.” I don’t see how this episode can escape blowing, and I’m sure I’ll be backing up your negativity.

  6. 6
    Classy Drunk classy drunk
    Posted April 6, 2012 at 12:22 pm

    Because of one recapper’s style you have lost interest in the ENTIRE site. A little dramatic don’t you think?

  7. 7
    Cooper
    Posted April 6, 2012 at 12:26 pm

    This particular review is actually surprisingly on the money. The amount of WTF, stupid writing and giant plot-holes in this POI episode was just overwhelming. I don’t see any “meanness” at all, just the truth.

  8. 8
    Fan-Ann
    Posted April 6, 2012 at 12:53 pm

    I don’t consider vallegirl to be mean, I consider her to have high standards. She is a fan, she likes this show, the characters and the cast. (except for Carter, and I agree) This episode attempted a story arc comparable to the Godfather, but in 40 minutes….attempt a coup, assassinate the heads of the five families, kidnap a cop’s kid, have cop kidnap the dons, wrap it all up, cap it off with a French love song. It was rambling and overblown. Personally I enjoy a recapper who is invested enough in the show to want the writing to improve.

  9. 9
    janna
    Posted April 6, 2012 at 1:01 pm

    New to the Internet?

  10. 10
    Mella
    Posted April 6, 2012 at 2:48 pm

    Glad I’m not the only one who felt this way about this ep. I love a girl with a big gun but Carter was totally off the rails IMO. If the whole point of the conflict between her and Reese is that his methods are against the law and too extreme, not the best idea to have her kidnapping people at gunpoint with no authority and no backup. It’s like she doesn’t actually care what the methods are as long as a “good cop” is the one doing it, never mind that there should be an IA department and a LEGAL SYSTEM two steps behind her.

  11. 11
    Jo
    Posted April 6, 2012 at 6:52 pm

    Get this person some help. Standards, my ass. This “reviewer” – and I used that word lightly – doesn’t have standards. If she did, she would at least half way attempt to be somewhat professional.

    She does, however, possess alot of hatred and jealously. I almost feel sorry for someone with so much bitterness. Her real life must really sucks.

  12. 12
    Herbert
    Posted April 6, 2012 at 8:07 pm

    It’s interesting how the recaps with a more negative outlook get more comments and the recaps that are more positive barely get a few. Hm.

  13. 13
    Amanda
    Posted April 6, 2012 at 9:18 pm

    No problems with the recaps. I sit back and enjoy the show. The next day I check out differing opinions of the episode. Time for folks to chill. About the specific episode, it was all over the place. The show needs to learn how to do a proper two-parter instead of the rushed 40 minute movies. I’m entertained still but nothing has beaten the first 10 episodes without network interference.

  14. 14
    Robin Robinez
    Posted April 6, 2012 at 9:22 pm

    Aside from handing you a mint, there isn’t much anybody can do if you keep putting yourself through the unbridled maliciousness and vitriol of epic proportions that you continue reading about with increasing regularity.

    There are 51 shows hotlinked/listed on the front page and over 51 recappers within those reviews. I am sure that there is at least one recapper on the list that you can agree with all the time and who won’t bother your sensibility’s or cause you any angst about any subject.

  15. 15
    Bigfoot
    Posted April 6, 2012 at 10:16 pm

    IDK, is it still mean if she’s right? I mean, I like the show too, but there were a lot of issues with this episode’s plotting, characterization, and logistics, and I don’t think it’s over the line to point that out. That doesn’t mean you’re banned from enjoying it in spite, or even because of those issues.

    People are going to dislike things you like. And that’s OK.

  16. 16
    maryedith
    Posted April 6, 2012 at 10:34 pm

    Yeah, it’s not like the show’s fate lies in vallegirl’s hands.

  17. 17
    Flo
    Posted April 6, 2012 at 10:49 pm

    Well you can’t please all of the people all of the time. For me, this episode was one of the most enjoyable viewing experience I’ve had in awhile watching T.V. or seeing a movie. I simply loved the Carter and Fusco moments.

    As this is the first season of the show, it is deciding what it wants to be. I have no problem with the latter half of the season. With the addition of millions more of viewers during the second half, I don’t doubt the show will keep its current formula.

  18. 18
    DianaRita
    Posted April 7, 2012 at 4:17 am

    First off, I do not understand why valid criticism needs to be met with personal attacks. I find it more telling about the ones who use that method of disagreement, then the person they use it against.

    I also agree with those who thought this episode was wanting to be a movie, even if it’s already been done, and done really well, or at least I and II were done really well. They had so much stuff going on, all they could squeeze into the 40+ minutes they had were plot points. They never bothered to write any exposition that made some sense of the myriad of plot points we got, or to be more accurate, like Cooper said, plot holes. Then like vallegirl said, they tried to fill the plot holes with stuff they already had.

    Lastly, thank you vallegirl for the cartoon link. It brought back found memories of my dad with the over 160 IQ, who would laugh his head off at a Bugs Bunny cartoon. They never got old for him.

  19. 19
    Pikey
    Posted April 7, 2012 at 4:33 am

    I have always thought that a good recapper gives the details of the show being watched with the added bonus of giving their opinion of said show. Vallegirl does just that – gives HER opinion. I may not always agree with what she writes but fully support her right to say what she really thinks about the show.

    I didn’t hate the episode but did find it very weak when compared to previous ones. As Amanda said, the writers should learn when something should be treated as a two part show – they can then flesh out the material and make it better. Elias was too big and important a character to be dispatched so quickly and easily (and his dad’s wig was laughable).

    Vallegirl, please keep writing what you believe. Trust me, your analysis and insight is very much missed on another recapping website that I frequent!

  20. 20
    snowshoecat snowshoecat
    Posted April 7, 2012 at 4:59 am

    Well said, Pikey. Been missin’ lots of tv lately and don’t know what I’d do without the recaps. Won’t wait for this one to be rerun.

    Don’t think I’ve ever read such controversy about a recapper before. Good job!!! Appeal to the masses– pander– and you aren’t doing your job.

    Love your verbs. “deus ex machinas” away the problem cracked me up especially. You write well and are entertaining as well as informative, which is why we tune into TVgasm in the first place. I’m way too thin skinned to be a recapper– at least an honest one. *sigh*

    Keep it up.

  21. 21
    CattyFan cattyfan
    Posted April 7, 2012 at 7:43 am

    And your odious critique about a singular recap written by someone of whom you have no personal knowledge is filled with bile. What does that say about YOUR real life.

    You can disagree with the recap (which I do,) but don’t heap nastiness on the recapper.

  22. 22
    stephanie
    Posted April 7, 2012 at 8:18 am

    I thought this ep was inane and only sat through it due to a pre-existing condition, that being my fondness and affection for Finch, Reese, Fusco, Elias and Scarface. There were a few fun moments, but it was embedded in the overly used “child in peril” storyline coupled with the odd “dons in peril” storyline.
    They made progress on making Carter more tolerable, especially with Fusco, but I kept waiting for her to have an over the top reaction to the dons saying he was a dirty cop. I saw a wee bit of a struggle from her on that, but not much and they have conditioned me to expect an overly dramatic reaction from their Academy Award Nominated actress.

  23. 23
    maryedith
    Posted April 7, 2012 at 8:37 am

    I keep trying to watch this ep, but turning it off at the beginning when Carter is talking to her kid in the car. The numbskullery of that dialogue insults me into reaching for the remote. She says, “Big test today, huh? I always hated Algebra. All those letters…” OH MY GOD. And he sits there and listens instead of saying, “Uh, Mom, if you knew I had an Algebra test today, surely you would have expressed your dislike of Algebra to me at some point before this. If we talked to each other at all. If we knew each other at ALL.” They could try just a little harder than that.

  24. 24
    miche
    Posted April 7, 2012 at 5:06 pm

    People still read this nonsense?! At least they giving Carter a season of no criticism. Marydeth, obviously that scene stressed you out! Relax and enjoy the show and please don’t take it so hard.

  25. 25
    maryedith
    Posted April 8, 2012 at 5:56 pm

    I don’t know what “nonsense” you mean. I mean, I really don’t. Do you mean the recap? Then, yes — people still read recaps. Do you mean the comment thread? I assume that people do read the comment thread. Because they like to see what other people think about the show. There are weird people out there, like me, who can’t relax and enjoy it when a really good show does boneheaded things. And these weird people like to read recaps and join in comment threads. If you have a problem with these activities, why are you reading this “nonsense” and why are you commenting on it?

  26. 26
    Pegster
    Posted April 9, 2012 at 5:47 am

    OMG vallegirl how can you not think that this is the best episode of the best teevee series in history!?

    NO OPINIONS COUNT EXCEPT MINE.

    /sarcasm

  27. 27
    leslilly
    Posted April 14, 2012 at 7:46 am

    I agree, Fan-Ann. Thanks Vallegirl for referencing the music played by song title and artist. I’m impressed w/the detail you came up with – I also read the full recap. Keep up the good work, Valle!

Post a Comment

Your email is never published nor shared. Required fields are marked *

*
*

You may use these HTML tags and attributes: <a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <cite> <code> <del datetime=""> <em> <i> <q cite=""> <strike> <strong>

Human Verification: In order to verify that you are a human and not a spam bot, please enter the answer into the following box below based on the instructions contained in the graphic.