If you knew a stranger’s life was in danger, would you have the courage to keep that person out of harm’s way? Or would you let the situation run its natural course, hoping for the best, but knowing the worst is inevitable?
Well, if you are an ex-CIA agent with Jason Bourne-like intelligence and fighting skills, or a computer genius whose guilty conscience can no longer be ignored, you may embark on the journey of saving another’s life.
In the new television action-adventure-drama “Person of Interest,” John Reese (Jim Caviezel), who is probably most known for his role as Jesus Christ in “The Passion of the Christ,” and Mr. Finch (Michael Emerson), from the popular television series “Lost,” focus their unique skills on seeking justice in New York City.
After the 2001 terrorist attacks on the Twin Towers, Finch creates a program that identifies people about to be involved in violent crimes, except the program can’t identify whether the people are the victims or perpetrators. Finch and Reese have to research information on each party in order to better understand the situation, follow the suspects involved, and act justifiably. Originally, the program was created to only detect threats to homeland security. All other information on plots to commit violent crimes that do not violate the safety of the United States are to be destroyed at the end of each day.
Finch’s billions of dollars of wealth and Reese’s unique skill as a former CIA agent form a secret partnership. However, Reese’s involvement with these cases draws the attention of members of the New York Police Department, like Detective Carter (Taraji P. Henson, “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”) from the homicide unit and Detective Fusco (Kevin Chapman, “Lost”), who helps Finch and Reese with cases.
The death toll resulting from ignored detections weighs on Finch’s conscience. He believes that with this unique technology, he should be trying to save everyone in danger and bring all perpetrators to justice, instead of allowing innocent people to die without attempting to prevent the crimes. After tracking down and convincing Reese (who is presumed dead) to assist him, they enter the business of stopping all violent crimes.
“Person of Interest” is an edge-of-your-seat thriller. Not being able to distinguish the victim from the suspect until late in the show makes the climax unpredictable. This is not your ordinary NYC crime drama. It is a fresh version of seeing how far two men will go to protect a stranger and keep their conscience clean, while doing it all outside the law. With brilliant performances by a star-studded cast, “Person of Interest” makes for the greatest drama on television. After each new episode you’ll be circling the next Thursday on your calendar.
The show debuted Sept. 22 and continues to air from 9 p.m. – 10 p.m. every Thursday on CBS.
Opinions expressed in editorial and opinion articles are the views of individual NIC students. These views do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Sentinel, North Idaho College, or any other organizations or groups there-in. North Idaho College is not responsible for the accuracy of statements or opinions shared.
