Person of Interest: Retribution
INT. HAROLD'S LIBRARY – NIGHT
Harold Finch (HAROLD) is at a computer terminal working quickly, as if something is urgent. John Reese (REESE) enters the room, looking concerned.
REESE: Finch, what's going on? You called me back here in the middle of the night.
HAROLD: We have a problem, Mr. Reese. The machine has given us another number, but this one is different from the others. It's a serious threat.
REESE: What do you mean, different? Isn't that what it always does?
HAROLD: (pausing) Not like this. The machine has been constantly evolving, learning about threats, and this time... it's at the core of the system. Someone is trying to shut it down.
REESE: Who? Why?
HAROLD: I don't have that information yet. But we need to protect the machine.
REESE: (determined) We'll stop them, Finch. Tell me what I need to do.
HAROLD: The number it gave us is someone currently working at a tech company in town. We need to find out if he's behind the threat or if he can help us stop whoever is.
REESE: What's the name of the company?
HAROLD: (grimly) It's called Retribution Technologies. The number is Samuel Covington, a senior software engineer there.
EXT. RETRIBUTION TECHNOLOGIES – DAY
REESE, carrying a coffee tray, enters the building where Retribution Technologies is located. He wears a maintenance uniform as a disguise.
INT. RETRIBUTION TECHNOLOGIES – DAY
REESE walks through the office, observing the employees. He spots SAMUEL COVINGTON (SAMUEL) working diligently at his cubicle. He approaches him, pretending to be a maintenance worker.
REESE: Mr. Covington? Maintenance here. We've had a request to check on your equipment.
SAMUEL: (surprised) Oh, really? Everything seems to be working just fine.
REESE: (smiling) It's just a routine check, sir. Better safe than sorry.
SAMUEL: (reluctantly) Alright, go ahead.
REESE pretends to check SAMUEL's computer while covertly observing his work. He notices encrypted files on the monitor. He takes out a USB and subtly inserts it into SAMUEL's computer. The USB installs a malware that helps HAROLD to track SAMUEL's activities.
Meanwhile, HAROLD has been listening in on the conversation through an earpiece that REESE is wearing.
HAROLD: (via earpiece) Mr. Reese, we have a problem. The company's security system is getting breached. Someone is trying to hack into the servers.
REESE: (quietly) Do we know who it is?
HAROLD: I can't pinpoint the exact location of the hacker, but it appears someone from the outside is trying to gain access to their system.
REESE: (whispering) I need to find out more from Samuel. Keep working on it, Finch.
HAROLD: (focused) Understood.
TO BE CONTINUED
Person of Interest: Truth in Shadows
INT. ABANDONED LIBRARY - NIGHT
Harold Finch (60) is sitting in front of a bank of computer monitors. The screens are showing video feeds from nearby businesses and street cameras. On one screen, a number flashes: 426-764-335.
FINCH
(repeating the number to himself)
426-764-335. The Machine has given us another number.
EXT. NEW YORK CITY STREET - NIGHT
John Reese (45), a former CIA operative, is on the other end of the line standing in a shadowy alley.
REESE
(into earpiece)
That's fast, Finch. What do we know about the number?
INT. ABANDONED LIBRARY - CONTINUOUS
FINCH
(typing)
It belongs to a woman named Karen Tsai, age 32. Her records indicate she's a professor of computer science at Columbia University. No criminal record.
EXT. NEW YORK CITY STREET - CONTINUOUS
REESE
(smirking)
A computer scientist? Perhaps she's stumbled upon our little secret.
INT. ABANDONED LIBRARY - CONTINUOUS
FINCH
(doubtful)
The Machine wouldn't lead us to someone who knew about it.
EXT. NEW YORK CITY STREET - CONTINUOUS
REESE
(slight chuckle)
Of course not. I'll keep an eye on Ms. Tsai, and see what type of trouble she's gotten herself into.
INT. COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY - COMPUTER LAB - DAY
Karen Tsai (32) is at a desk working on her laptop. John Reese enters the room and sits a couple of desks behind her, pretending to be an adult student. He opens his own laptop and starts observing Karen while appearing to be working on an assignment.
INT. ABANDONED LIBRARY - CONTINUOUS
Finch is monitoring the video feed from Reese's laptop, which is focused on Karen. Finch types on his computer, digging up more information.
FINCH
(into microphone)
According to her research, she's been studying advanced encryption techniques. Nothing too suspicious yet.
REESE
(whispering)
I'll keep watching.
INT. COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY - COMPUTER LAB - LATER
Karen takes a call and leaves the computer lab, with Reese following at a safe distance. They walk down the hall toward the university's main entrance, where Karen meets an unfamiliar man.
REESE
(into earpiece)
Finch, she's meeting someone, can you run a facial recognition?
INT. ABANDONED LIBRARY - CONTINUOUS
Finch quickly types on his computer, analyzing the face of the man Karen met in the hall.
FINCH
(strained)
This doesn't look good, John. He's a known arms dealer. Alexei Petrov. They're talking as if they know each other.
REESE
(worried)
I'll follow them.
EXT. COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY - DAY
Reese follows Karen and Alexei to a nearby coffee shop. He sits close enough to overhear their conversation, pretending to read a newspaper.
KAREN
(whispering)
I've discovered a new encryption technique. It could revolutionize data security. I need your help to get this to the right people.
Alexei leans back, studying her face.
ALEXEI
(sly grin)
And what's in it for you? Money? Power?
KAREN
(resolute)
No. I just want to see my work change the world. Can you help me, or not?
REESE
(into earpiece)
Finch, she's planning to sell her research to Petrov. We need to stop her.
FINCH
(concerned)
But we need to also find out who she's selling it to and why. We need more information. Be careful, John.
Reese folds his newspaper, gets up, and slowly follows Karen and Alexei as they leave the coffee shop.
TO BE CONTINUED
Person of Interest: Cold Trail
INT. SUBWAY - NIGHT
Harold Finch (FINCH) is sitting at his computer, while John Reese (REESE) is doing some maintenance on his weapons.
FINCH: (focused) It's been days since the Machine gave us a new number. I'm worried.
REESE: We all deserve rest, Finch. We've been constantly on the move.
FINCH: True. Perhaps it is a good time to recharge our batteries.
Suddenly, the Machine sends a NEW NUMBER to Finch's computer.
FINCH: (smirking) Speak of the devil. Our new number is in.
REESE: Who's our unlucky individual?
FINCH: (reading the file) Alice Morgan, age 37. She's a private investigator.
REESE: How exciting, a fellow detective. What's her story?
FINCH: (scrolling through information) She was a former police detective, but after her partner was killed, she quit the force and started her own agency.
REESE: The Machine thinks she's in trouble?
FINCH: Yes, it looks that way. She's been digging up some information on several high-profile cases, which could put her in a dangerous crossfire.
REESE: I'll go check on Ms. Morgan then.
INT. ALICE'S OFFICE - DAY
Alice (ALICE) is hunched over her desk, scanning documents and photographs. Reese enters, posing as a client.
REESE: Ms. Morgan? I heard you're one of the best private investigators in town.
ALICE: (suspicious) Who sent you?
REESE: I found your address on your website. I need your help.
ALICE: (reluctant) Fine, have a seat. Tell me what you need.
Reese explains a fake story to Alice, observing her for any signs of danger.
INT. SUBWAY - DAY
Finch is actively monitoring Alice's communications.
FINCH: (to Reese through the earpiece) So far, nothing out of the ordinary, Mr. Reese. It seems like a quiet day for her.
REESE: (via earpiece) Let's hope it stays that way.
EXT. CITY STREET - DAY
After meeting with Alice, Reese follows her as she meets with a contact for a case.
ALICE: (to the contact) The evidence you provided doesn't add up. I feel like I'm being played.
The contact hands Alice an ENVELOPE before leaving.
INT. SUBWAY - DAY
FINCH: (on-edge) Mr. Reese, she just received an encrypted message. It seems like someone knows what she's been working on.
REESE: (via earpiece) What does it say?
FINCH: (decrypting the message) It's a warning. 'Back off, or face the consequences.' Whoever is threatening her knows about Alice's investigation and wants her to stop.
REESE: Not on my watch.
Suddenly, Reese notices TWO MEN following Alice. He eliminates them, but it becomes clear that Alice is in significant danger.
REESE: (via earpiece) We need to get her somewhere safe. She's got a target on her back.
FINCH: (thinking hard) I have an idea, but it's risky. You'll need to bring her to us.
REESE: (serious) Understood.
Reese approaches Alice, and as masked MEN encircle them, he reveals his true purpose.
REESE: My real name is John Reese. I'm here to protect you. Do you trust me, Alice?
ALICE: (shaken) I don't have much of a choice, do I?
REESE: (smirking) No, you don't.
TO BE CONTINUED
Person of Interest: Chasing Shadows
INT. NEW YORK CITY -- ABANDONED BUILDING -- NIGHT
* Reese and Finch are in their underground lair monitoring the live feeds from the Machine.*
FINCH:
Our new number is a cab driver named Ahmed. He's originally from Egypt but has been living in New York for over a decade. He has a clean record and no known connections to any criminal activity.
REESE:
So, just another ordinary citizen then? Perfect.
*Cut to Ahmed driving his taxi*
INT. TAXI CAB -- NIGHT
AHMED:
(Picks up a new passenger, a high-ranking government official, and starts the journey)
EXT. NEW YORK CITY STREETS -- NIGHT
* Reese tails Ahmed's taxi cab from a distance. They pull up at an address, and the official gets out. *
REESE:
The official just got out. He slipped something to Ahmed. I didn't get a good look, but it seemed important.
FINCH:
Hmm, that's out of character for a regular cab driver.
* Reese continues to follow Ahmed's taxi *
INT. ABANDONED BUILDING -- NIGHT
* Finch scans various databases and finds a hit on the government official *
FINCH:
John, the official who took that cab is involved with a controversial project. The project aims to develop new surveillance technologies, much more intrusive than any we have encountered before.
REESE:
Does Ahmed have something that could compromise the project, or worse?
FINCH:
We need to get closer to find out.
EXT. NEW YORK CITY STREETS -- NIGHT
* Reese is on the phone with Finch, while keeping an eye on Ahmed's taxi from a distance *
FINCH:
(V.O.)
John, I've found a high-value meeting being held tonight. It seems to involve the head of the project meeting some potential investors.
REESE:
You think Ahmed might be driving someone there?
FINCH:
That would be my guess.
* Reese sees Ahmed pulling up in front of a building. A man in a suit enters the taxi. *
REESE:
Our guy just picked up another passenger. I'll keep an eye on them.
INT. TAXI CAB -- NIGHT
* The man in the suit hands over a briefcase to Ahmed *
MAN IN SUIT:
I was told you're the one to give this to. Make sure it gets into the right hands.
AHMED:
(Taking the briefcase nervously)
Of course.
EXT. NEW YORK CITY STREETS -- NIGHT
* Reese is on the phone with Finch, tailing Ahmed's taxi *
FINCH:
(V.O.)
We're running out of time, John. That meeting is starting soon.
REESE:
I'm on it, Finch.
* Reese sees Ahmed's taxi approaching the building where the meeting is being held*
REESE:
They're here. I'll find a way to get inside.
* Reese quickly moves in to infiltrate the building while keeping an eye on Ahmed *
TO BE CONTINUED
Person of Interest: The Forgotten Code
INT. HAROLD'S LIBRARY - NIGHT
Harold Finch (HAROLD) is sitting in front of his computer screens, working intensely. The Machine pings him with a new number.
HAROLD: Oh. (sighs) I thought we might have a quiet week. Mr. Reese, where are you?
EXT. NEW YORK CITY STREET - NIGHT
John Reese (REESE) is walking down a dark street, his phone to his ear.
REESE: Just finished up with our last number. What's up?
HAROLD (V.O.): It seems we have a new case. A computer programmer named Emily Thompson. She works for an up-and-coming computer security firm.
REESE: Considering our specialty in vigilante antics, I take it she's either the victim or the perpetrator.
EXT. EMILY'S APARTMENT - NIGHT
The camera pans on the apartment building as Reese starts to dig deeper into Emily's background.
HAROLD (V.O.): Right, as always, Mr. Reese. Everything about her life appears quite ordinary, which could mean either.
REESE: Aren't the ordinary ones always the most dangerous?
INT. HAROLD'S LIBRARY - NIGHT
HAROLD: Undoubtedly.
Harold starts typing furiously, analysis results appear on the computer screen.
HAROLD (CONT'D): I'll start digging deeper into her digital footprint. See if there's anything she might be hiding.
EXT. NEW YORK CITY STREET - NIGHT
REESE: And I will get a closer look at Ms. Thompson. See what I can uncover.
As Reese hangs up, he notices a SUSPICIOUS MAN in a hoodie, standing across the street from Emily's apartment.
INT. EMILY'S APARTMENT - NIGHT
Emily Thompson (EMILY) is working on her computer, her fingers dancing across the keyboard, seemingly unraveling some complex software issues.
EXT. NEW YORK CITY STREET - NIGHT
After observing Emily's apartment and the Suspicious Man for a while, Reese decides to take action. He walks over to the Suspicious Man.
REESE: Nice night, isn't it?
The Suspicious Man, looking nervous, quickly scuttles away.
INT. HAROLD'S LIBRARY - NIGHT
HAROLD: Mr. Reese, I just uncovered something interesting. A partially erased message from an encrypted chat room, which indicates a potential assassination plot.
REESE (V.O.): Do we know who the target is?
HAROLD: I'll need some more time to put the pieces together...
TO BE CONTINUED.
Person of Interest: Silent Witness
INT. LIBRARY - DAY
Finch is working on his computer, sipping a cup of coffee. Reese enters the library with a newspaper and joins Finch at the table.
REESE
Our next number?
FINCH
Yes, his name is Jonathan Doyle. 38, a lawyer.
REESE
A lawyer… what could go wrong?
FINCH
Doyle is a court-appointed advocate for children in the foster care system. Apparently, he's a good one.
REESE
He must have angered someone. Either as an opposing counsel or as a court appointed figure.
FINCH
His father also has connections with organized crime. It's possible Doyle's current case may have crossed paths with his father's associates.
REESE
I'll check on our new friend, Mr. Doyle.
EXT. COURTHOUSE - DAY
Reese watches as Jonathan Doyle leaves the courthouse. He gets into his car as Reese discreetly follows him.
INT. DELI – DAY
Doyle orders lunch at the counter. Reese sits at a booth, eating a sandwich and keeping a watchful eye on him.
EXT. PARK - DAY
Doyle meets with a teenage girl, EMILY, one of his clients. They talk and laugh as Reese watches from a nearby bench.
REESE (over the phone)
Look Finch, it seems like Doyle is genuinely invested in his clients.
FINCH (over the phone)
The Machine says he is in danger, Reese. We don't have much time.
REESE
Alright, I'll stay on him.
EXT. DOYLE'S APARTMENT - DAY
Reese watches from a distance as Doyle enters his apartment building.
REESE (over the phone)
He seems alright for now. What are you working on?
FINCH (over the phone)
I'm looking into any possible connections between his father's associates and his clients.
REESE
Let me know what you find.
INT. LIBRARY – NIGHT
Finch is at his computer, surrounded by research. Carter enters, looking worried.
CARTER
I got a tip about a hit on someone in foster care. I thought it might be related to Doyle's case.
FINCH
I just found something. One of Doyle's clients' foster parents have ties to the mob. It seems we have a match.
INT. DOYLE'S APARTMENT - NIGHT
Reese breaks into Doyle's apartment to find him held at gunpoint by two MOBSTER THUGS.
THUG #1
Time to pay up for your father's dealings, lawyer.
REESE (O.S.)
Gentlemen, I suggest you drop those guns.
Thugs turn to Reese, shocked. He takes down both thugs in a swift move, allowing Doyle to escape.
EXT. DOYLE'S APARTMENT - NIGHT
Reese follows the panicked Doyle into an alley.
REESE
Jonathan Doyle, I'm here to help you. Trust me.
DOYLE
Who are you? What do you want?
REESE
I'm a friend. And I'm here to find out who wants you dead.
TO BE CONTINUED
Person of Interest: Silent Signals
INT. HAROLD'S LIBRARY - DAY
Harold Finch (EARLY 50s) sits in front of several computer screens, typing away furiously. John Reese (MID 40s) enters, coffee in hand.
REESE
Another day, another number, Finch?
FINCH
Indeed, Mr. Reese. Our new person of interest, Lucy Foster. She's an interpreter for the United Nations, specializing in sign language and diplomacy.
REESE
A diplomat with secrets. That can't be good.
INT. U.N. GENERAL ASSEMBLY ROOM - DAY
Lucy Foster (LATE 20s) is interpreting for a FOREIGN DIPLOMAT, using sign language to convey their speech to a group of international delegates.
FINCH (V.O.)
Miss Foster is regarded as one of the best in her field. Her work allows her to frequently interact with various high-ranking officials and diplomats.
REESE (V.O.)
And that makes her a valuable target. Is she the victim or the perpetrator?
FINCH (V.O.)
That's what we need to find out, Mr. Reese.
INT. HAROLD'S LIBRARY - DAY
REESE
Sounds like I'll need some official cover for this one.
FINCH
You'll be going in as a security consultant for the United Nations. That should give you access to the building and, more importantly, to Miss Foster.
REESE
Better brush up on my high school French. What about Sameen?
FINCH
She's still in recovery after her last encounter. We'll have to proceed without her help for now.
EXT. U.N. BUILDING - DAY
Reese, now in a suit, flashes a SECURITY BADGE to the GUARD at the gate. The guard lets Reese through and he enters the U.N. building.
INT. U.N. SECURITY ROOM - DAY
Reese, observing the security monitors, seamlessly plants a BUG underneath a desk. He taps an earpiece.
REESE
Finch, I'm plugged into their security system. Now, I just need to find our interpreter.
FINCH (O.S.)
I found her, Mr. Reese. She's in room 314. It seems like she's preparing for an important meeting.
INT. U.N. HALLWAY - DAY
Reese approaches LUCY, who is busy organizing documents inside an open room.
REESE
Miss Foster? John Reese, U.N. security consultant. I've been assigned to review the building's security protocols for your upcoming meeting. Mind if I have a word?
LUCY
Of course, Mr. Reese. What can I do for you?
REESE
I just need to make sure you're aware of the emergency procedures and that you have a plan in case of any threat. Standard protocol.
LUCY
I appreciate the concern. What kind of threats are we dealing with?
REESE
At this time, nothing specific. But in this line of work, one can never be too careful.
Lucy nods in agreement.
TO BE CONTINUED
Person of Interest: Crossroads
INT. ABANDONED SUBWAY STATION (THE BATCAVE) - NIGHT
Harold Finch (FINCH) is seated at the control center of his sophisticated surveilance setup. He's focused on a computer screen.
FINCH
(To himself)
We're getting closer...
John Reese (REESE) appears, tired and battered from a recent fight.
FINCH
(Concerned)
Are you alright, Mr. Reese?
REESE
Seen better days, Harold.
FINCH
(A matter of factly)
Well, our next number is just about to come in, so you may want to get cleaned up.
LYNCH_BOX
Sameen Shaw (SHAW) enters with a smirk on her face carrying some boxes.
SHAW
(to Reese)
You really need to learn how to duck, big guy.
REESE
(Vignetting)
Duly noted, Shaw.
REESE walks to the washroom area, while FINCH works on his laptop for a few seconds.
FINCH
Alright, we've got a number. Meet Jannet Blackwood, an established civil rights attorney. She's been taking on big cases against powerful organizations recently.
SHAW
(Curious)
So, victim or perpetrator?
FINCH
(Slightly worried)
I'm unsure myself. Given her current activities, she might need our help or she might be compromising someone else's life.
EXT. THE BATCAVE - NIGHT
The team is ready to leave, and Reese, fully groomed, hops into the black SUV with Finch.
INT. SUV - NIGHT
REESE
Do we have any leads on her movements, Finch?
FINCH
She's currently representing a group of employees going against their employer, Hudson Pharmaceuticals, over apparent unsafe work conditions.
REESE
So her life could be in danger.
FINCH
Indeed, but we must also look out for possibilities where Jannet could try to manipulate the situation in her favor.
EXT. CITY STREET - DAY
REESE, now dressed in a suit, watches JANNET BLACKWOOD from afar. She enters a courthouse. Reese reports back to Finch.
LYNCH_BOX
INT. COURTHOUSE - DAY
Reese scopes out the location, looking for threats as he observes Jannet giving her opening statement.
INT. ABANDONED SUBWAY STATION (THE BATCAVE) - DAY
FINCH
(to Shaw)
Mr. Reese thinks Jannet might be under surveillance too. Can you look into her associates?
SHAW
On it.
EXT. COURTHOUSE - DAY
REESE notices a suspicious car parked outside the courthouse.
Suddenly, GUNSHOTS are fired towards the car. A group of MEN in suits rapidly approaches, leaving Reese outnumbered.
EXT. COURTHOUSE - DAY
REESE takes cover, waiting for backup.
TO BE CONTINUED.
