The series revolves around a computer program for the federal government known as "The Machine" that is capable of collating all sources of information to predict terrorist acts and to identify people planning them.
A team, consisting of John Reese, Harold Finch and Sameen Shaw follow "irrelevant" crimes: lesser level of priority for the government.
In the episode, after escaping from their captors, the team must gain access to a safe deposit box that constains important drives for Samaritan.
According to Nielsen Media Research, the episode was seen by an estimated 12.10 million household viewers and gained a 2.0/6 ratings share among adults aged 18–49.
The episode received highly positive reviews, with critics praising the writing, directing, action scenes and performances (particularly Acker and Rubinek).
Control (Camryn Manheim) holds Finch (Michael Emerson), Shaw (Sarah Shahi) and Claypool (Saul Rubinek) at gunpoint, demanding to know the location of the Machine and Samaritan.
While Finch and Claypool check the safe deposit box, Shaw notices Collier (Leslie Odom Jr.) and Vigilance hitmen entering the bank.
As Collier's team prepares to blow up the vault's door, Finch tells Claypool to destroy the drives as Samaritan in the wrong hands could lead to disastrous results.
Hersh and a raid team enter the bank and confront a Vigilance member before he commits suicide with a grenade, causing an explosion.
In its original American broadcast, "Aletheia" was seen by an estimated 12.10 million household viewers and gained a 2.0/6 ratings share among adults aged 18–49, according to Nielsen Media Research.
Club gave the episode an "A−" grade and wrote, "Person of Interest likes to keep lots of balls in the air, so that when it wants to bring things to a full boil, it can start crossing streams and throwing them together.