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 9.28 million household viewers and gained 1.4/5 ratings share among adults aged 18–49.
Finch (Michael Emerson) visits Fusco (Kevin Chapman) at the precinct to ask for help in their new number: Albert Weiss (Mason Pettit).
While watching him, Officer Dani Silva (Adria Arjona) spots Fusco and joins him, as Weiss is the prime suspect behind reported missing people.
Reese and Root find the truck in a backyard but only discover a stretcher and medical equipments, indicating that operatives tried to save Shaw from her blood loss.
They question the town's doctor, who explains he didn't operate on anything but received a call from an anonymous person who asked for his advice while making a craniotomy.
He also explains that he did not call the police since Maple has a history of job losses for those who ask too many questions and pose a threat to Carrow, a powerful company in the town.
Finch deduces that Samaritan is experimenting with Maple as an "ant farm" to study human nature by giving them happiness and then altering its state.
Matt Fowler of IGN gave the episode a "great" 8.8 out of 10 rating and wrote in his verdict, "Though I was morbidly enjoying the heartache of not knowing Shaw's fate, 'M.I.A.'
Club gave the episode an "A−" grade and wrote, "Samaritan may be causing mayhem in Smalltown USA instead of the Big Apple this week, but that doesn't mean that its ambitions have been reduced in any way.