If-Then-Else

All I could think about at the end of the episode was that it would definitely be the highest rated one ever. I was right. Everything about it was totally amazing, despite the turn of events, it was the one episode I will remember every detail of forever! Absolutely fantastic! The plausible scenarios were a total delight and the flashbacks gave a new perspective to Harold's relationship with the Machine and the effect he had on its development. The directing was also one of a kind, the slow motion captivating and so totally memorable, especially at the final scene. Even if they repeated the same lines for about 8 times, not only wasn't it boring, but it also increased our interest and agony! Also, love seeing a new side of Shaw and the train situation was also amazing to watch! I have high hopes for the next episode, hope we don't get disappointed!

This is another episode in this season that I re-watched for a few times (the other episode is saving Elias from Brotherhood) because it is so good and I hope to cherish every seconds of it and pick up clues from here and there throughout the entire episode. This season of POI has surprised me with its continuous strength in providing first class acting together with well enough written script that it can still attract new viewers in its fourth season (I have recommended this episode to my friends and they are starting to follow this series). This episode in particular is big screen worthy for it is perfect for all aspect in my opinion.

How anyone could rate this episode anything less than a 10/10 is beyond me.

If-Then-Else is possibly the most perfect episode of television I have ever seen. Person of Interest has achieved what most feature-length films achieve in only 43(ish) minutes.

Everything from the plot line to the way it is story-boarded, from the acting to the editing, is impeccable. PoI has once again provided something for users to really think about and reflect on: the differences and similarities between humans and machines.

Although every episode of this show (thus far) has been at least(!) above average, I-T-E showcased everything that is great about this show. In particular, the performances of Michael Emerson (Finch), Amy Acker (Root), and Sarah Shahi (Shaw), stand out as Emmy-worthy. The editing, writing and directing should also gain Emmy nods. Alas, this show will probably never be nominated for any more Emmys (PoI was nominated for one Emmy for sound editing way back in the pilot episode), as most great shows aren't, simply because they don't resemble Downton Abbey in terms of seriousness and realism.

I am coming to realise that there are no words to describe what a great episode of television this is. Nothing I write here could possibly explain the joy one has whilst watching such magnificence on the silver screen. Astounding.

Kudos to Nolan, et al., the writers and actors for this episode, If-Then-Else, which competes right up there with any episode of The Americans, Homeland and other cablers whose greatness everyone knows about **because we hear it all the time**. We do not hear much about PoI from the talking heads and it is certainly no media darling, perhaps because it is a CBS show, or because Jim Cavaziel's Reece's expressionless monotone, or maybe because many critics wrote it off early in the first season. I am glad we stayed with it, as over the years this show has become not just a strong ensemble piece, but one of the most tightly crafted dramas airing on television. And those characterizations that annoyed critics the first season (Reece's grumble-like monotone, the idea of an all-knowing government spying on us) either turned into an important part of the ensemble's interplay, or was revealed as a prescient warning -- "holy crap! the Government actually IS spying on us!"

This uniquely structured episode rewards us longtime viewers with character-driven humor, with pathos and even a sly wink that comes right up the 4th Wall barrier, without truly breaking it. At the same time, If-Then-Else was filmed beautifully with the kinds of additional touches that one does not expect from cost-conscious network shows.

Just, really good job to all involved in this roller coaster of an episode and thank you for respecting the intelligence, loyalty and discrimination of your audience.

Huge fan since episode 1. Can't really add to what's already been said by others, it's my favorite series. This episode was movie theater quality - they should consider doing 2 hour shows as great as they have been. Every single episode I have watched of this show was top-notch, and the population at large that watches this show gets quite the "big brother" education along the way, not something that many action genres can lay claim to. The second you set foot outside your door in London, a camera + facial recognition software identifies you within seconds, to assume that situation doesn't exist here in America is foolhardy at best. This series may very well be the most prophetic of all in years to come. Acting is ridiculously top-notch - even from "bear" that great Belgian Malinois. It's the most solid 10 out of 10 in all of television right now, and should be defined as "required viewing."