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.
According to Nielsen Media Research, the episode was seen by an estimated 9.53 million household viewers and gained a 1.6/5 ratings share among adults aged 18–49.
Reese (Jim Caviezel) and Finch (Michael Emerson) decide to work on the numbers, having missed a lot of cases for their fight against Samaritan.
Finch's duty involves the trial of a man charged with murdering his wife, the former CEO of a cellphone development company.
Meanwhile, Reese attends his last obligatory therapy session with Dr. Iris Campbell (Wrenn Schmidt) and excuses his absence due to a tragedy in his family (Shaw's disappearance).
With the help of Zoe Morgan (Paige Turco), the team gets a method of deduction and believe the jurors are pressured to give a "not guilty" verdict.
Fusco approaches Reese, acknowledging that he and Finch decided to omit him to protect him but intends to continue working with them.
In its original American broadcast, "Guilty" was seen by an estimated 9.53 million household viewers and gained a 1.6/5 ratings share among adults aged 18–49, according to Nielsen Media Research.
Matt Fowler of IGN gave the episode a "great" 8.2 out of 10 rating and wrote in his verdict, "'Guilty' was a nice way to come down after all the heavy Root/Shaw business.