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.
According to Nielsen Media Research, the episode was seen by an estimated 9.72 million household viewers and gained a 1.7/5 ratings share among adults aged 18–49.
After saving a number, Reese (Jim Caviezel) is assigned a new one: Walter Dang (Erik Jensen), a worker at an insurance company.
Due to academic pressure, Finch (Michael Emerson) must go to a conference in Kowloon, Hong Kong so he leaves Shaw in charge of his computer.
In its original American broadcast, "Pretenders" was seen by an estimated 9.72 million household viewers and gained a 1.7/5 ratings share among adults aged 18–49, according to Nielsen Media Research.
And while Walter may have seemed like a hapless hindrance at times, he was still there to help remind Reese that his 'Main in the Suit' vigilante work had not only made a difference, but had also inspired others into action.
Also, other great moments, like Shaw trying to get Bear to eat, Scarface showing up with that giant limo-piercing gun, and Finch taking out the mugger with an umbrella shot to the face, helped give this episode a boost.
"[5] Sean McKenna of TV Fanatic gave the episode a 4.3 star rating out of 5 and wrote "While the case of the week did take a more front seat, Person of Interest never fails to kick it up a notch and incorporate the larger story as well.