The Day the World Went Away (Person of Interest)
It is the 100th overall episode of the series and is written by Andy Callahan and co-executive producer Melissa Scrivner Love and directed by Frederick E. O. Toye.
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.
The episodes features the deaths of Carl Elias and Samantha "Root" Groves, who appeared in the show since the first season.
According to Nielsen Media Research, the episode was seen by an estimated 6.66 million household viewers and gained a 1.0/4 ratings share among adults aged 18–49.
The episode received universal acclaim from critics, who praised the writing, directing, action, acting, twists and emotional impact.
At his college's office, Finch is visited by Reese (Jim Caviezel) and Root, who tell him he is the Machine's newest number.
The rest of the team finds that the hitmen worked for the same company, "Temporary Resolutions" so Reese and Fusco go to the offices to investigate.
However, Jeff Blackwell (Josh Close) shoots from a rooftop to the car, intending to kill Finch but Root stands in the way and is wounded.
Questioned by an agent, a devastated Finch provides a soliloquy on how he intends to abandon the principles he has long followed and vows to kill Samaritan.
"[1] Talking about Finch's subsequent interrogation scene, Plageman added "We have to give that character license to and why and what does it mean?
"[3] In its original American broadcast, "The Day the World Went Away" was seen by an estimated 6.66 million household viewers and gained a 1.0/4 ratings share among adults aged 18–49, according to Nielsen Media Research.
Matt Fowler of IGN gave the episode a perfect "masterpiece" 10 out of 10 rating and wrote in his verdict, "'The Day the World Went Away' was a mesmerizing and devastating gateway into Person of Interest's tragic endgame.
Expertly executed, this chapter took some big players off the game board while setting Finch up for a very dark turn.
"[8] Chancellor Agard of Entertainment Weekly wrote, "'The Day the World Went Away' is a culmination of several seasons worth of work and is definitely a game-changer for the show in more ways than one.
"[9] Sean McKenna of TV Fanatic gave the episode a perfect 5 star rating out of 5 and wrote "'The Day the World Went Away' was a riveting, engaging and emotional hour of Person of Interest Season 5.
