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.
In the episode, Control starts working on a new terrorist threat in Washington, D.C., but her discovery makes her question her loyalty when she realizes Samaritan may keep secrets from her.
According to Nielsen Media Research, the episode was seen by an estimated 10.16 million household viewers and gained a 1.7 out of 5 ratings share among adults aged 18–49.
Samaritan has also sent Gabriel (Oakes Fegley) to talk with the Chief of Staff Mike Richelli (Michael Gaston) and warn him about an incoming financial crash.
Control sends them again to pursue Said but realizes that Samaritan, through its spokesperson Travers (Michael Potts), has already reassigned them to another mission to stop the investigation.
Finch and Fusco (Kevin Chapman) then enter into a van to plant a worm on Samaritan's private network which will alert them of anything related to Shaw before the team escapes.
Said reveals that he participated in the Nautilus game and his friends were hired to program for an unknown benefactor and has no idea of the content on the hard drive.
In its original American broadcast, "Control-Alt-Delete" was seen by an estimated 10.16 million household viewers and gained a 1.7 out of 5 ratings share among adults aged 18–49, according to Nielsen Media Research.
Club gave the episode a "B+" grade and wrote, "Given that this trilogy has been concerned with the rise of Samaritan and the loss of Shaw, it's somewhat surprising to see its conclusion shift focus to Control.