Ep 2. Ghosts

The show Person of Interest season 1 episode 2, titled "Ghosts", explores the concept of identity and how it can be a blessing and curse. The episode opens with a wealthy businessman, Craig, being pursued by two anonymous men who appear to be attempting to kill him. As he attempts to evade them, Craig contacts John Reese for help.

Reese, who has been tasked by the mysterious "Machine" to protect people whose lives are in danger, soon discovers Craig is not who he claims to be. Craig's true identity is revealed to be that of Jason Greenfield, a former hacker who disappeared years ago after being accused of stealing money. He changed his name and went into hiding, but his past caught up with him.

Reese's investigation reveals that the men chasing Greenfield are a group of former military operatives called the "Ghosts". They were hired by a man named Wallace, who is seeking revenge against Greenfield for stealing his identity and ruining his life. To make matters worse, Wallace has also hired a computer hacker to erase Greenfield's new identity and revert him back to his old one.

As Reese races to protect Greenfield from the Ghosts and the hacker, he discovers that the man he is protecting is not as innocent as he seems. Greenfield's loved ones have been targeted by Wallace and the Ghosts because of his illegal activities and his involvement in a previous government project that he believed would be used for good. This revelation forces Reese to question his own beliefs and the efficacy of his mission, as he struggles to protect a man who has put innocent people in harm's way.

The episode is not just about Greenfield's predicament though. It also explores the backstory of Reese, as flashbacks show his former life as a highly skilled and trained CIA operative. The flashbacks reveal that Reese has become disillusioned with the government and its policies, which is why he was willing to become a vigilante working outside of the law. The show's overall themes touch on the moral ambiguity of justice and the question of whether the ends justify the means.

As the episode progresses, Reese must make a choice between protecting Greenfield and stopping him from committing further crimes. The complicated plotline and the moral quandaries presented throughout the episode make "Ghosts" a riveting and thought-provoking addition to the show's first season. The episode is a suspenseful ride, rife with twists and turns, and the final reveal will keep viewers hooked for the rest of the season.