iaria

If-Then-Else

It was excellent. I really enjoyed how the episode played out. But thank god I'm somewhat spoiled and know that Shaw survives this because otherwise I would have been so upset.

• Root/Shaw were amazing.

+ I really loved the Root/Shaw simulation 2 goodbye. I feel like even though it didn't actually happen it is exactly how it would have played out so it still counts. I just love how they interact. I loved how Root got emotional when she asks "You're saying maybe someday?" and then back to normal as she says "That's good enough for me." when Shaw confirms it. Shaw's shocked/disbelieving reaction when she heard Root killed - ouch.

"I'm a sociopath. I don't have feelings." - Shaw
"And I'm a reformed killer for hire. We're perfect for each other." - Root.

+ I love that in the end, both in simulation and reality, when Root thinks she's going to die her last desire is to call Shaw.

+ Their final scene - Shaw and Root moving together as a matched pair [such a great visual!], Shaw acknowledging that she finds Root hot and admires her and implies that she's only hesitated on pursuing her because they'd be "like a four alarm fire in a oil refinery", Root trying to stop Shaw, the kiss, Shaw sacrificing herself to save the others and Root's devastated reaction - was so good.

+ The kiss itself was kind of disappointing, it was completely hidden by Root's hair and the blocking of it was kind of weird, but everything surrounding the kiss itself was awesome.

• Reese took a bullet to protect Finch! ♥ And then tried to reassure him that he was fine. Oh, Reese.

• I loved getting to see more into the Machine's head. Is this the first episode partially from her POV? I can't remember any others. I really hope we get more. In particular:

+ the Machine throwing in Fusco kissing Root because 'why not' in the last simulation, lol
+ the Machine getting Root to save the drawing because it upset Finch so much when it was destroyed
+ the fact that the Machine apparently got the Root/Shaw conversation of the second simulation exactly right - Root starts it again exactly at the end. She knows her analogue interface.

• The simulation simplified dialogue was hilarious. Possibly my favourite single moment. "Coolly Delivered Sadistic Warning" "Self-deprecating inquiry..." "Funny yet insightful retort" "Mildly agitated declaration of mission completion" "Overly affectionate greeting" "Greeting" "Transparent rational for conversation" "overt come-on" "Playfully witty sign off" LMAO. ♥

• Small moment but Fusco's concerned "You alright?" to Shaw was so lovely. I love their relationship. I also loved that it was her talk with Fusco that lead her to defuse the bomb-vest situation peacefully. I was just overall really happy that was a part of the team, right in the thick of things with them, this episode.

• I really enjoyed the flashbacks to Finch teach the baby Machine about chess and the value of an individual life.

• Reese hiding Fusco safety away so he could sacrifice himself to take out the Samaritan agents was just so him. Oh Reese.

• "What's the point of saving the world if you can't enjoy it?" - Finch. I loved him getting distracted every time by the drawing and then his expression and dismayed 'OH!' when it was destroyed.

• Shaw waiting for help with a suicidal bomber, Reese: (pause) "I was waiting for the punchline." LOL.