This week is Fusco's turn to shine and, while the episode is not the strongest example of what the show can do, it is still a decent ride.
I was originally somewhat sceptic of the premise since I have seen the "professional" wingman character before in other shows and those episodes often end up being offensive to women. So the biggest twist this week definitely is that Andre Cooper was actually a good person and seems to have a healthy and respectful attitude towards women. While the show's treatment of women has always been quite good, it was still a pleasant surprise to see the writers tackle the subject in a way that is respectful.
Of course the fact that the team selects Fusco to go undercover as a client is played for few jokes since he clearly is not a ladies man. However, the episode does not rely on them but focuses on Fusco and Andre finding common ground and respect for each other. But Fusco, have you not learned that you should never say what's the worst thing that could happen? Because something bad will happen. Like your wingman's former friend kidnapping you. But at least you have Shaw and Bear to come get you.
Meanwhile, John is still having trouble with his cover identity. As he tells Fusco, he's spend years working outside the law so it is going to take time to adjust to being a cop and playing by the rules. But I like that Fusco is giving John crap for not respecting the job. He has come a long way and is proud of his job and John treating the job as a boring nuisance is not cool with Fusco. Well done, Lionel. John's relationship with the new Captain Moreno is interesting, though it surprised me that she was willing to overlook his, I'm guessing, less than legal, or at least not conventional methods. It will be fun to see how this develops and how it will affect John's loyalties, since he already had to let Shaw go after Fusco alone when he had to follow his case.
I'm wondering if the Captain's remark of increase in crime means something. Is it because the team does not have the resources it used to? Something to do with Samaritan? Or with something else? Or maybe I'm just reading too much into it.
Also Harold and Root have their own mission this week when the Machine is trying to win back Harold's trust by sending them on a scavenger hunt. It was great to see Harold channel his inner ruthlessness and it actually made me miss Ben Linus (I should rewatch Lost when I have time), but it was nice to see that he still would not compromise his morals, something the Machine was counting on this time. And all the scenes with Amy Acker and Michael Emerson are golden, as always. I could watch these two act for hours.
Another theme this week is identity and staying true to yourself. Harold has to pretend to be ruthless, but in the end he decides to stay true to himself, despite the situation the Machine has put him it. John has to find a way to reconcile his new identity and the habit of breaking the rules to achieve a goal. Andre tells Fusco to supress his cynism, and he's undercover so he has to pretend not to be a cop. However, he is quick to reject this and blows his cover as well to show that he is who he is and he does not have to change that.
This week was a return to the basic number-of-the-week formula, so there is not much to talk about. Harold seems to have forgiven the Machine and now the team has their resources back, so bring on next week!
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