PALEY CENTER FOR MEDIA, THE: AN EVENING WITH PERSON OF INTEREST {LONG VERSION}
Summary
One in a series of evenings and special screenings presented at The Paley Center for Media in New York. This evening celebrates "Person of Interest," the dramatic mystery series about a former CIA agent turned vigilante who works to prevent crimes in New York City with the use of a "machine" built by an enigmatic billionaire. Host David Bushman (television curator, The Paley Center for Media/New York) offers opening remarks and brings moderator Adam Bryant (executive editor, TVGuide.com) to the stage. Bryant introduces the episode "Terra Incognita," which is then screened in its entirety. (For synopsis and credits, see ACCNUM 121718.)
After the screening, Bryant moderates the following panelists: executive producer Greg Plageman; executive producer/creator Jonathan Nolan; and cast members Kevin Chapman (Lionel Fusco), Amy Acker (Samantha "Root" Groves), Michael Emerson (Harold Finch) and Jim Caviezel (John Reese).
The panelists touch on such topics as: the decision to bring back the deceased character of Detective Joss Carter, played by Taraji P. Henson, in an extended flashback/dream sequence in the episode; their habit of creating "more internal" episodes towards the end of every season before the cliffhanger finales; Caviezel's views of Reese's uncertain "head and heart connection" and development of his emotional side; the show's prescient depictions of artificial intelligence, with comparisons to Edward Snowden's revelations about the NSA's surveillance tactics; Finch's complex feelings on the Machine's newfound powers and its battle with Samaritan; the odd "charm" of Root's friendly relationship with Finch and her journey from villain to "part of the family"; Fusco's role as Reese's detective "partner" and his gradual awareness of the Machine's existence; their interest in writing "bad guys with points of view"; the eventual return of Shaw, currently missing in action due to actor Sarah Shahi's pregnancy; the challenges of shooting outdoors in inclement weather to achieve a "cinematic" look, with comparisons to Caviezel's film "The Thin Red Line" (1998); and hints about the "bloodletting" to come as the fourth season concludes.
Questions from the audience then lead to a discussion of the following topics, among others: their high hopes for the show's renewal for a fifth season and the importance of watching the show with commercials to aid the ratings; details about Reese's suave signature outfit; support for the Shaw/Root relationship, known as "Shoot"; Root's evolving relationship with the Machine; praise for Bear, the team's lovable canine sidekick; the producers' fondness for the actors' other projects, including Emerson's "Lost" and Acker's "Angel," prior to casting the show; hopes for flashbacks to Root's life prior to joining the team; the potential return of Finch's love interest Grace Hendricks, played by Emerson's real-life wife Carrie Preston; Nolan's upcoming HBO series "Westworld" and "Foundation"; the personable Acker's talent for playing "crazy" characters; Caviezel's suggestion of the Nat King Cole song "Happy New Year" for the climactic scenes of the screened episode; Emerson's enjoyment of "adversarial" scenes with Finch and his various enemies; hopes for the return of supporting characters Zoe (Paige Turco) and Leon (Ken Leung); and Nolan's reasons for including several motorcycle-themed scenes in the show.
Details
- NETWORK: N/A
- DATE: November 30, 1999 6:30 PM
- RUNNING TIME: 1:30:56
- COLOR/B&W: Color
- CATALOG ID: 121710
- GENRE: Seminars
- SUBJECT HEADING: N/A
- SERIES RUN: N/A
- COMMERCIALS: N/A
CREDITS
- David Bushman … Host
- Adam Bryant … Moderator
- Greg Plageman … Panelist
- Kevin Chapman … Panelist
- Amy Acker … Panelist
- Michael Emerson … Panelist
- Jim Caviezel … Panelist
- Jonathan Nolan … Panelist
- Nat King Cole
- Taraji P. Henson
- Ken Leung
- Carrie Preston
- Sarah Shahi
- Edward Snowden
- Paige Turco