<p>Still catching my breath! As always, Finch was in his element, using wiring networks to image the building even as he re-assessed the ever-expanding threat from Samaritan.  Shaw's desperate frustration at no longer having a viable cover identity and Root's equally desperate efforts to get her to safety further underscored the ominous nature of the threat facing them all. (There was even an appearance by Bear!) Fusco was absolutely brilliant in rescuing the pair of "lady pals" and turning the tables on the fake "DEA agent" whom he quickly sized up even without specifically knowing that he had just met Samaritan's angel of death.  </p><p>For the main plot of this episode, I loved how they revealed some of Anthony's back story, showing him to be in a way much like John in protecting those he loved against bullies (even though in this case it was his own father), and John's deep angst throughout as he tried to save both him and Elias.  Anthony's death had such pathos with that last phone call with Elias containing several layers of meaning, some hidden from their adversaries.  The scenes between Dominic and Elias were as epic as they were chilling.  In addition, the music at the very end was hugely cinematic, with its rising disonances and modulations underscoring the vengeful determination of the mob boss in the aftermath of the "failsafe" scenario.  </p><p>Finally, the backstory on Elias himself was brilliantly portrayed by Enrico Colantoni, who had a subtle catch in his voice when responding to John about the group home and the "room" where no doubt he suffered much. It just added one more dimension to a story and a cast that has so many intricate facets.  </p>

<p>I enjoy this show tremendously, but there are elements where we really do need to set aside our disbelief. Anyone who has Norton on their PCs know they can get alerts when their firewall is being played with, right? </p><p>So: Harold accesses all sorts of floor plans. Somehow. From some kind of ghosted ISP. Which won't be traced back to Harold, and Samaritan won't have any idea. Because Samaritan is on TV and doesn't have all the capabilities which the script ascribes to this 2nd son. </p><p>What I'm trying to say here is this: it's a Tee Vee show. And it's bound to have parts which don't make sense. Rather than forcing sense onto a complex fictional network of story details, why not just enjoy the show, an episode at a time, and love your wife in the interim days? </p><p>Frankly, I don't care if Root finds herself bound to a chair and uses a dowel to dial a telephone, a la Mister Ed. Just enjoy the show! </p>

<p>P.S. Another note on Elias and his backstory, or I should say the backstory of this trio of "brothers" each of whom portrayed their characters with simmering intensity:  I continue to be impressed at the attention to detail in the visual props used, for example the article retrieved by Finch about the group home, the description is blurry (requiring best guesses on some words) but a number of points are made:  </p><p>Brooklyn Boys Home Shuttered
<i>Violations, Abuse Allegations Cited</i>
By Ben Wilson </p><p>Brooklyn, NY. After 41 years, Whelan Home for Boys closes its doors amid(?) allegations of abuse and multiple building violations. Whelan Home for Boys opened in 1944 as a house for troubled and orphaned boys between the ages of 7 through 14. The facility also served as a residence for boys transitioning(?) ...
....
The closure also comes on the basis of allegations of abuse brought by several individuals who lived in that house for troubled boys. These include stories of abuse which occured while in the care of Whelan. Beatings, sleep and food deprivation, and periods of solitary confinement were among the more disturbing findings. One man, who preferred to remain anonymous, described ... </p>

<p>^One can only wonder who the 1 anonymous man was/is. </p>

<div class="quote"><i>Quote:
I enjoy this show tremendously, but there are elements where we really do need to set aside our disbelief. Anyone who has Norton on their PCs know they can get alerts when their firewall is being played with, right? <p>So: Harold accesses all sorts of floor plans. Somehow. From some kind of ghosted ISP. Which won't be traced back to Harold, and Samaritan won't have any idea. Because Samaritan is on TV and doesn't have all the capabilities which the script ascribes to this 2nd son. </p><p>What I'm trying to say here is this: it's a Tee Vee show. And it's bound to have parts which don't make sense. Rather than forcing sense onto a complex fictional network of story details, why not just enjoy the show, an episode at a time, and love your wife in the interim days? </p><p>Frankly, I don't care if Root finds herself bound to a chair and uses a dowel to dial a telephone, a la Mister Ed. Just enjoy the show! </p> </i></div>
<p>Actually a good hacker can prevent that notification from ever coming through, and Simaritian is focussing all of it's resourses on finding root, shaw, and preventing terrorist attacks. unlike the machine, Simaritian has to be pointed in a certain direction to start searching.  </p>

<div class="quote"><i>Brenster23 wrote: Actually a good hacker can prevent that notification from ever coming through, and Simaritian is focussing all of it's resourses on finding root, shaw, and preventing terrorist attacks. unlike the machine, Simaritian has to be pointed in a certain direction to start searching. </i></div>
<p>I don't get this. I thought because it was an open system it will develop an identity like Finch's A.I did and started developing its own code like for example focusing on saving him before everybody else. I know they need to be careful to not overdo it since theoretically an A.I could is too powerful so they need some kind of limit. I find a storyline in which they give Samaritan its own identity far more promising than merely being a tool for Greer and his organization. In fact, once Samaritan and Greer doesn't have the same goal any longer the main story will be very interesting. </p>

<div class="quote"><i>ElijahKatherineFan89 wrote:
<div class="quote">Brenster23 wrote: Actually a good hacker can prevent that notification from ever coming through, and Simaritian is focussing all of it's resourses on finding root, shaw, and preventing terrorist attacks. unlike the machine, Simaritian has to be pointed in a certain direction to start searching. </i></div>
I don't get this. I thought because it was an open system it will develop an identity like Finch's A.I did and started developing its own code like for example focusing on saving him before everybody else. I know they need to be careful to not overdo it since theoretically an A.I could is too powerful so they need some kind of limit. I find a storyline in which they give Samaritan its own identity far more promising than merely being a tool for Greer and his organization. In fact, once Samaritan and Greer doesn't have the same goal any longer the main story will be very interesting. </div> <p>Thats just it, Simaritian is designed to be completely task oriented and it's current tasks where searching for Shaw and root, and locating terrorist plots. The Machine was designed with the purpose of saving people.  </p>

<div class="quote"><i>Brenster23 wrote: Thats just it, Simaritian is designed to be completely task oriented and it's current tasks where searching for Shaw and root, and locating terrorist plots. The Machine was designed with the purpose of saving people. </i></div>
<p>Arthur created it as an open system which then Greer's organization modified it to be able to give commands, not just follow them. At least that's what it looked like to me at the finale of season 3. </p>

<p>I think Samaritan, like the Machine, is in the process of becoming self aware and developing a conscious of its own (if it hasn't already). It's an open system, giving the Government (Control's ISA) the numbers of threats to national security (its Dominant Mandate/ Primary Operations), as it can be accessed, unlike the Machine that is on complete lockdown. However, it isn't controled by Decima, it controls them giving orders on where to spend money (Pretenders), dispatching operatives to eliminate threats to Samaritan's own survival (Auxiliary Mandate: Beta, Prophets, Honor Among Thieves). Remeber that in "A House Divided" Greer said he wanted Samaritan ruling over humanity as a just, logical leader. Finally, in "The Devil You Know" Samaritan  realised it was blind, or it was told, and started using human intelligence to pursue its "targets". My opinion, hope it helps. </p>

<p>Sorry for the late post, but I've been grieving for Scarface. *sniffs* It still pains my heart. Why, Scarface?! Why did you have to go?! He's gotta be one of the best sidekicks ever! </p><p>I feel like his death, though, just added a whole other level of seriousness to the situation between Elias and the Brotherhood. Hence why at the end Elias was basically like, "Oh... things just got real!" I cannot wait to see what Elias is going to do to <i>Mini & the Expendables (everybody dies in the end ;D).</i> </p><p>I loved finding out more about Elias' operation, such as how he and his "brotherhood" came to be. It really explains how he can keep such a tight ship! Even though I always try and look on the bright side of a character death, I really hope Elias does not die at the end of this. He is too great an asset for <i>Finch & Flock</i> (I guess I'm just full of boy band names today). He is also an extremely awesome character all on his own and adds a level of depth to the show. </p><p><i>Mini & the Expendables (everybody dies in the end ;D)</i> now knowing about the gang, or at least targeting them could be dangerous; I have a feeling that <i>Finch & Flock</i> will be a sort of distraction for Dominic and Elias will use that opportunity to strike, perhaps at our team's weakest hour to save them. So many things to come! I'm having withdrawals from waiting for the next episode! </p><p>Long live Scarface!!! </p>