starting Person of Interest

[kindkit]

I've watched the first four episodes of Person of Interest. I'm liking it so far--it's not badly written and its sympathies are in the right place--though I'm looking forward to it acquiring more depth. I like Finch as much as I hoped I would, which is nice, and I also really like Carter the homicide detective. Reese, on the other hand, is as expressive as a plank of wood and just about as engaging. Occasionally the scripts turn Caviezel's one-note-ness and his absurd Christian-Bale-as-Batman growl into an advantage, as in his conversation with the bad guy at the end of 1x04, but overall I would like the show to have less Reese and more Finch, please.

On the other hand, I can't help thinking that the backstory I can imagine for Finch at this stage is probably 200% more interesting than what canon will eventually give him (and, not coincidentally, 200% less heterosexual). I almost want to stop and not know more. Not that this is preventing me from eagerly awaiting the next episodes, although those won't arrive from *sigh* Netflix until Wednesday.

Discussion welcome if it's possible on the basis of so few episodes, but please no spoilers past 1x04.

Comments

[frayadjacent]

Reese, on the other hand, is as expressive as a plank of wood and just about as engaging. Occasionally the scripts turn Caviezel's one-note-ness and his absurd Christian-Bale-as-Batman growl into an advantage

Hee, that is exactly how I felt. Glad you're enjoying it; I thought it was a pretty fun show. (I haven't stayed current on S3; hence the past tense.)

Finch and Carter were also my favorite early characters. Carter completely stole my heart, which was unexpected because I usually can muster up reluctant sympathy at best for cop characters.

[kindkit]

I really like what they're doing with Carter so far. She's the antagonist in a sense, but she's not made to seem stupid, villainous, or vengeful; she's just trying to do her job and uphold the law. Plus, it's not often that a black woman is cast as a senior homicide detective (or any character in a position of authority).

[vilakins]

Hang in there; it really does acquire depth. I thought it was going to be perp/victim of the week, but they've got an aweseome arc going now. Even Reese grew on me, and I do like that his fights are over so quickly and comprehensively as extended fisticuffs aren't just boring, they're highly improbable.

[kindkit]

Short tv/movie fights are definitely the best kind. Though we are probably outliers in finding long action sequences boring.

[king_touchy]

First two seasons: Much fun for me. I have much love for Harold, and Fusco rocks. I love his character arc. Reese? Yeah, I agree with you that the show makes use of his delivery. For me, from the get-go, all his barely-breathing nuances of expression (and actions) all say "I love you, Harold." And he is delightful eye candy (/shallow).

[kindkit]

Even physically Reese doesn't do much for me; Finch is much more my type in every way, hence my sitting in front of the TV going "enough about Reese, give me more Finch!"

Though I have noticed already that Reese has this weird tendency to behave like Finch's boyfriend, or at least his stalker--bringing him coffee in the mornings, showing up at his "job" to chat, etc.

[king_touchy]

Reese isn't my type, and when I consider him by himself I'm more neutral to his looks/personality, but somehow, he and Finch work.