04x11 - If-Then-Else

[bunniefuu]

Finch: We are being watched.

The government has a secret system, a machine that spies on you every hour of every day.

I designed the machine to detect acts of terror, but it sees everything, violent crimes involving ordinary people.

The government considers these people irrelevant.

We don't.

Hunted by the authorities, we work in secret.

You'll never find us.

But victim or perpetrator, if your number's up, we'll find you.

Male news reporter: Widely fluctuating market values began at the New York Stock Exchange.

Analysts are concerned that volatile response trading could plunge world markets into further losses.

[Crowd chatters]

I take it your talk with our rival, A.S.I., did not end well.

You could say that.

Our cold w*r just turned hot.

Samaritan's taking down the market.

Financial ruin will be the least of our worries if it succeeds.

A collapse in our economy would ripple around the globe, causing such upheaval.

Revolts, starvation, w*r.

Why haven't the fail-safes been tripped?

(Female spectator) Look. It's going back up!

[Crowd in uproar]

That's why.

Temporary rebounds to keep the fail-safes from kicking in.

Samaritan has a solution for everything.

But this is hers.

Root: The machine suspected this day might come, which is why she commissioned a hacker to build this.

The software acts as a countermeasure, stabilizing the market in real time.

But there's a catch.

It has to be deployed on site.

It won't be easy.

All hands on deck for this one, Harry.

I'll contact Mr. Reese and Detective Fusco, but I'm afraid Ms. Shaw is busy avoiding detection and saving numbers.

Time for a new assignment.

How's it hanging, Sameen?

Oh, I've had better days.

So has my broker friend here.

You embezzle Twinkies or money, Harvey?

What's up?

We're headed to the stock exchange to try to save the world economy.

Oh, that sounds fun.

Is this an invite?

Not a chance.

The place will be crawling with Samaritan operatives.

And you're number one on their list.

But I do need a favor.

And you need a metro card.

[Overlapping news reports]

[Chuckles]

Sir, it's Lambert.

The operation appears to be going as planned.

Yes, so I see.

Any concern this move by Samaritan might risk being too public?

This apparent madness has a method, Mr. Lambert.

A mere first step to establishing a new world order.

Such an undertaking will not go unnoticed.

Nor would we want it to.

Sir?

The acolytes of the machine.

Mr. Finch and his colleagues.

I fully expect they'll try to stop what we have started.

And when they do, they'll be in for a rude awakening.

We received a call from your central command center that your lobby cameras weren't working properly.

My technician needs to take a look.

Cameras are working just fine.

Huh?

Reese: We took out the camera as you requested.

I'm with Lionel at the service entrance.

Gotta love where a badge can get you.

It won't be a minute.

Good. Now we'll just need to verify that the feed's reaching the central command center.

Am I taking out any more cameras, Finch?

No need.

The exchange has a closed circuit surveillance system that neither machine can access.

Until now?

I routed the surveillance feeds to give the machine encrypted access.

Once the feeds populate, she'll have eyes in the building, but Samaritan will be blind.

Reese: Got room for two more?

This day just keeps getting weirder nice to see you, too, Lionel.

If someone's trying to hijack the market, shouldn't we head to the trading floor?

Ten percent of trades are conducted on the floor.

The rest are ex*cuted automatically by high-frequency trade algorithms.

It so happens, those trades are processed in the servers downstairs.

Which is where we need to go to deploy the countermeasure.

We just need to get past the server room's biometric palm scanner.

How do you suggest we do that?

With some luck and a little help from a friend.

Root: You found your mark, Shaw?

Got eyes on our guy.

How's he gonna help?

Root: His company handles all the security for the exchange.

And we need to get into the server room.

So he's got a key?

Root: Of sorts.

He has an administrative code that bypasses the biometric palm scanner.

Well, you could've at least given me a challenge.

If it makes you feel any better, we're gonna need it quick.

Mr. Clean's favoring his left knee.

Right amount of pressure, he'll sing.

You don't even know who I am, do you?

You lost in one day what it took me 15 years to build.

We all lost our shirts.

Market hasn't been this low in 85 years.

Yeah, well, this time, we're gonna take that ride down together.

All the way. Just nobody move.

I swear, I will blow this train sky-high.

[Passengers yelling]

I'm gonna have to get back to you about that code.

Welcome to the modern day stock exchange.

Reese: You got access to those security feeds yet, Root?

They just came online.

Martine: Lockdown sub level six.

Is something the matter, Ms. Groves?

It's a trap.

Elevator's locked.

Terrific. Now what?

Follow me.

After 9/11, the exchange was redesigned to go on lockdown in the event of an att*ck, to keep combatants out.

Of course, what Homeland Security couldn't have predicted is that one day, Samaritan might use the same system to keep its enemies in.

Run!

[g*nshots]

This way!

[g*nshots continue]

At least we won't die hungry.

Samaritan wants a fight, I say we go down swinging.

Remember the Alamo.

More than a valiant last stand.

We need a strategy.

A little help please.

[g*nshots]

It's a hell of a time for your machine to go on the fritz, Harold.

Give it a second.

It's got a lot on its mind.

[Time slows, speech slows]

[Transmission signals]

Hey, man.

So you wanna play or what?

Oh, that's very kind of you, but I'm playing with a friend.

You've been sitting here alone for hours, dude.

My friend is a little shy.

And somewhat indecisive.

I thought you wanted me to teach you how to play.

Each possible move represents a different game.

A different universe in which you make a better move.

By the second move, there are 72,084 possible games.

By the third, 9 million.

By the fourth-- [phone vibrates] there are more possible games of chess than there are atoms in the universe.

No one could possibly predict them all, even you.

Which means that that first move can be terrifying.

It's the furthest point from the end of the game, there's a virtually infinite sea of possibilities between you and the other side.

But it also means that if you make a mistake, there's a nearly infinite amount of ways to fix it.

So you should simply relax and play.

[Phone vibrates]

Finch: We need a strategy.

Root: A little help please.

Reese: It's a hell of a time for your machine to go on the fritz. Harold.

Finch: Give it a second.

It's got a lot on its mind.

Got it.

Got what?

Who's she talking to?

When we open that door, turn left, Harold.

You and I are going to the server room to hack the system and stabilize the market.

You two--Reese, Fusco-- secure our escape route.

Turn right, head to the mechanical room, and cut the tension cable to the elevator's lock.

How?

She'll tell you when you get there.

Let's go.

[g*nshots]

Ready to roll?

[Groaning]

Don't sh**t!

Look, it's a Degas.

Original.

It's quite striking in person.

What's the point of saving the world if you can't enjoy it?

Look out!

Two targets. Hall “B,” requesting back--

[groans]

[Sighs]

Sorry.

Alpha? Tango? Report.

Well, that didn't take long.

Martine, two of the machine's little helpers appear to be heading to the server room.

Should I retrieve them, sir?

No, I'll send another welcoming party.

Greer: You are to make sure the others don't escape.

Split up. Cover all possible exits.

And Martine...

Sir?

Enjoy yourself.

[Suspenseful electronic music]

♪ ♪

Go back now.

♪ ♪

Looks like we drew the short straw, partner.

Martine: FBI. Drop your weapons or we'll sh**t.

I thought you were DEA.

Martine: What does it matter? We'll sh**t either way.

Remember the Alamo.

The last time I saw you was in church.

You should've prayed a little harder.

I go to hell, I'm taking you with me.

Hey, Reese. You got a C?

Shaw: I'm having a little problem getting that code.

Sorry. I'm busy making death threats to Samaritan operatives.

[Passengers panicking]

Hey, you, with the b*mb vest.

Come on.

You don't really want to hurt all these people now, do you?

Normally, I would just blow your kneecaps off, but then you might detonate the b*mb, and that's a risk I just can't take, so... you're either gonna have to take off your vest, or I'll just put one between your eyes.

Female announcer: Now approaching Broadway and...

What the hell?

[Passengers panicking]

Hands up, now!

Honey, you get our canary to sing?

We need that code.

Sorry, you're on your own.

Plan “B.” we'll have to do it the old-fashioned way.

Whatever happens to me, don't stop installing that software.

[Alarm sounds]

[Groans]

IT operative: Don't sh**t!

Chop-chop, Harold.

For a second, Ms. Groves, I thought all might be lost.

Root! Watch--

Harold!

[Foreboding music]

♪ ♪

Harold...

[Labored breathing]

[Gasps]

[Dramatic music]

♪ ♪

We need a strategy.

[g*nf*re]

A little help please.

[g*nf*re]

It's a hell of a time for your machine to go on the fritz, Harold.

Give it a second.

It's got a lot on its mind.

[Time slows down, talking in slow motion]

Oh, that's interesting.

How many moves did you consider that time?

[Phone vibrates]

That's good. You're paring them down, concentrating on the most aggressive possible moves.

[Phone vibrates]

I didn't see that.

You like the queen, don't you?

She can move in any direction.

Target anything.

Wasn't always the case though.

She used to be one of the weakest pieces.

They played chess in the royal court of Spain in the 15th century.

Queen Isabella was offended.

She asked her advisers if they thought her that feeble.

Their response was to make her the most powerful piece in the game.

[Phone vibrates]

You have to be careful though.

Because in chess, the more powerful a piece is, the more useful they are.

Not just for winning... [Phone vibrates] but to be used for sacrifice.

As a trick.

[Phone vibrates]

How many moves did you consider that time?

[Phone vibrates]

A second is like an infinity to you, isn't it?

You can take the time to consider everything.

Or almost everything.

I'm afraid you missed it.

[Phone vibrates]

[Time slows down]

Finch: We need a strategy.

Root: A little help please.

Reese: It's a hell of a time for your machine to go on the fritz, Harold.

Finch: Give it a second, it's got a lot on its mind.

Got it.

Who's she talking to?

When we open that door, you two turn left.

You're going to the server room to hack the system and stabilize the market.

Hack? I can barely retrieve my email.

You might want to give us a job that requires a little less technical proficiency.

It's non-negotiable.

We're going right, Harold, to secure our escape route.

We'll head to the mechanical room and cut the tension cables to the elevator's lock.

How exactly would we do that, Ms. Groves?

She'll tell us when we get there.

[g*nshots]

Ready to roll?

[Groaning]

Bystander: Don't sh**t!

[Suspenseful electronic music]

♪ ♪

Greer: Alpha? Tango? Report.

Fusco: We're here, sir.

Martine: Any orders, boss?

Greer: No, proceed as planned.

♪ ♪

Finch: I imagine Samaritan is monitoring the building's electrical system.

Once we disable the elevator's locks, it'll be a matter of seconds before all the operatives know our location.

So we need to find a way to re-supply power to the elevator first.

Did she say what we're looking for?

Only that it was a hobby of yours.

When I was a boy, I used to work on old cars.

Hopefully, I can get this generator started.

Looks like you've got this under control.

I'll see about disabling the lock.

There's a manual release handle on the back of the brake.

But that elevator will be heavily guarded.

Harold, you of all people should know there's more than one way to skin a cat.

[Glass shattering]

I feel sorry for the cat.

Time to get to work.

What now, chief?

Shaw: Hey, Reese, you got a sec?

I was gonna ask you the same thing.

We need that bypass code.

Shaw: Oh, I'm working on it.

How do you talk down a psycho in a b*mb vest?

Shaw: Hello?

I was waiting on the punch-line.

Reese...

Look, if some guy straps a b*mb to his chest, he must believe his life doesn't matter.

Just--you know, convince him it does.

Hey, you in the b*mb vest.

I don't think you really wanna do this.

Come on, you don't want to hurt all these people now, do you?

You've gotta have something to live for, right?

Or--someone?

My wife.

She's sick and now I can't afford to pay her medical bills.

Because of this lousy excuse for a human being.

He wasted my life savings.

And now he's wasted what's left of my life.

But you don't have to waste your death.

If you want to die, okay.

But die for something that you love.

Are you crazy? sh**t this lunatic before it's too late!

What the hell?

No!

Hands up, now!

Shaw, you okay?

You're on your own.

All right, we're gonna have to do this the old-fashioned way.

[Alarm wails]

IT operative: Don't sh**t!

Maybe Nutter Butter was right to send us.

All right, glasses, you ready for Hacking 101?

All right, but the code is rather long.

Hit me.

Lower case “e,” “n,” “v,” space,

Finch: “x,” equals, apostrophe, left bracket, right bracket, left curly brace, colon--

Curly what?

I'll send you a text.

Finch: It's important that you adhere to the text, exactly.

Hurry up, Lionel.

You're not helping.

We're not gonna make it.

No. We won't.

We're sitting ducks.

We need to find cover.

Lionel, remember the Alamo?

Yeah, what about it?

Well, you're gonna miss it.

Hey, what about you?

Somebody's gotta be the hero.

[Grunts]

[Suspenseful music]

♪ ♪

[g*nshots]

You're cheerful for a dead man.

You're carrying a grenade.

Samaritan standard issue.

Which means you all are.

[Grenade detonates]

Now which cable controls the elevator's mechanical lock?

Hey, sweetie, you busy?

A little.

Skip the verbal foreplay, Root.

Why you calling?

Can't a couple of gals take a little break from work to catch up?

I've been arrested and you're fighting an AI apocalypse so, no, we don't have time to catch up.

Well, there's no need to be rude.

I am not having this conversation right now.

Root: There's no time like the present, Sameen.

Why are you so afraid to talk about your feelings?

[Scoffs]

Feelings?

I'm a sociopath.

I don't have feelings.

And I'm a reformed k*ller for hire.

We're perfect for each other.

You're gonna figure that out someday.

Root, if you and I were the last two people on the face of this planet--

Root: An increasingly plausible scenario given Samaritan's plans.

Fine. Maybe someday, when Samaritan wipes everyone out... we can talk about it.

You're saying maybe someday?

Yeah, sure, Root.

Maybe someday.

Is that good enough for you?

Yes, Sameen.

That's good enough for me.

[g*nf*re]

Root?

Root!

It's a hell of a time for your machine to go on the fritz, Harold.

Give it a second.

It's got a lot on its mind.

[Time slows down, talking in slow-motion]

[Transmission signals]

Finch: We need a strategy.

Root: A little help please.

Reese: It's a hell of a time for your machine to go on the fritz, Harold.

Finch: Give it a second.

It's got a lot on its mind.

Got it.

Got what? Who's she talking to?

When we open that door, everyone turn left.

We're going to the server room to hack the system together.

Then we move as a team to the mechanical room to secure our escape route.

Ready to roll?

Why did you just do that?

Why not? We're in a simulation.

[Suspenseful electronic music]

♪ ♪

Bystander: Don't sh**t!

Look, it's a Degas.

Original.

[a*t*matic g*nshots]

♪ ♪

Shaw: Hey, Reese. Got a sec?

I'm taking out the trash.

Talk with Shaw.

Yeah. You rang?

How do you talk down a guy in a b*mb vest?

And spare me the jokes.

Okay, well, I knew a guy on the force.

He had it rough.

Talked about eating his g*n.

The one thing he said, he never felt so alone.

So how did you convince him that he wasn't?

I didn't. He put a b*llet through his brain.

Good luck.

Hey, you, with the b*mb vest.

What's your name?

What? His name's Greg.

It's Gary, you pathetic piece of--

Okay, alright, Gary.

I know that you're a decent guy.

A decent guy that's fallen on some hard times.

Yeah. Hard?

What do you know about it?

I know a lot of people are going to be hurting here after today.

Take this guy.

I mean, look, no offense, but you look like you've been taken to the cleaners several times.

I've been wiped out.

I'll be lucky if I can pay my kid's tuition... if I make it out of here.

What about you, lady? Are you in the market?

No, but my boss just lost his job today, and I got laid off too, and I've got three kids to support.

I guess I can kiss my pension good-bye.

Please, stop.

See, Gary?

Life is crap.

Welcome to the human race.

But the good news is, you're not alone.

Are you crazy? Just sh**t this lunatic.

Hey, shut up! What the hell do you know?

Don't be an idiot. Keep your nose out of it.

What are you, crazy?

What the hell?

[Relieved exclamations]

Hands up, now!

What now, chief?

Shaw: Ready for that code?

I'm gonna let our friend do the talking.

He's very interested in saving his pension.

Excuse me.

We're gonna need to borrow one of your computers.

Coolly delivered sadistic warning.

Self-deprecating inquiry into the time necessary to infiltrate system.

Funny yet insightful retort.

Mildly agitated declaration of mission completion.

Gentle exhortation to further action.

Overly affectionate greeting.

Greeting.

Transparent rationale for conversation.

Annoyed attempt to deflect subtext.

Overt come-on.

Mildly embarrassed defensiveness bordering on hostility.

Playfully witty sign-off.

This takes me back.

I used to work on old cars as a boy.

(Fusco) Yo, Nutella, could use a hand.

Here.

Which cable controls the elevator's mechanical lock?

The coiled one.

But cutting it will alert Samaritan's operatives.

So wait until Harold starts--

Too late.

They're coming.

Hurry, Harold.

Finch: You've got power to the elevator.

Cut the cable that controls the lock.

Lionel, now.

[Suspenseful music]

♪ ♪

sh*ts to the head and center mass.

On my mark.

One...

Two. Three!

[Time slows]

[Phone vibrates]

Yes, yes, you needn't rub it in.

One afternoon and you're a grandmaster.

Mind you, you'll encounter far more capable opponents than me if you go looking.

[Phone vibrates]

No. I don't think so.

You asked me to teach you chess and I've done that.

It's a useful mental exercise.

And through the years, many thinkers have been fascinated by it.

But I don't enjoy playing.

Do you know why not?

[Phone vibrates]

Because it was a game that was born during a brutal age, when life counted for little.

And everyone believed that some people were worth more than others.

Kings and pawns.

I don't think that anyone is worth more than anyone else.

I don't envy you the decisions you're gonna have to make.

And one day I'll be gone, and you'll have no one to talk to.

But if you remember nothing else, please remember this.

Chess is just a game.

Real people aren't pieces.

And you can't assign more value to some of them than to others.

Not to me.

Not to anyone.

People are not a thing that you can sacrifice.

The lesson is that anyone who looks on the world as if it was a game of chess deserves to lose.

[Time slows down]

So much for dying with a full stomach.

Got it.

Got what? Who's she talking to?

When we open that door, everyone turn left.

We're going to the server room to hack the system together.

Then we move, as a team, to the mechanical room to secure our escape route.

Perhaps we should consider splitting up.

Yeah, maybe the machine hasn't thought through all the angles.

Trust me.

These are our best odds.

Ready to roll?

Bystander: Don't sh**t!

Look, it's an original Degas.

You'll thank me later.

[a*t*matic g*nshots]

What good's saving the world, Harry, if we can't enjoy it?

Welcome to the human race.

Put the good news is, you're not alone.

What the hell?

Shaw: Ready for that code?

[Door unlocks]

Male reporter: The stock market has suddenly begun to stabilize and even slowly tick up after a wild afternoon of trading.

[Cheering]

This brings back memories.

I used to work on old cars as a boy.

With your father.

Funny, I remember everything he ever taught me about cars.

In truth, I remember everything he ever taught me.

Don't worry, Harold.

You've taught her well.

(Fusco) Yo, Banana Nut Crunch.

Could use a hand.

Which cable controls the elevator's mechanical lock?

They're early. Get ready.

Hurry, Harold.

[Generator whirring]

Cut the coiled cable.

[Eruption of g*nshots]

Reese: I'm out.

Reese: Finch!

[Both gasping]

Surrender your weapons now!

You gotta put pressure on it.

I'm all right, Harold.

We've got them covered, sir.

Very well.

All games must come to an end.

Hey, sweetie.

You busy?

Shaw: A little.

Skip the verbal foreplay, Root.

Why are you calling?

Can't a couple of gals take a little break from work to catch up?

No, we do not have time to catch up.

Oh, you guys look like crap.

How did you--

Had to crawl through 50 yards of air duct.

We won't make it that way.

Don't worry.

I got a little gift from our friend in the b*mb vest.

[g*n clicking]

I'll take it from here.

[C4 explodes]

Shaw: Come on, get him up.

We're so good at this together.

You're gonna realize that some day.

[Man yelling]

Root, no offense... you're hot.

You're good with a g*n.

Those are two qualities I greatly admire.

But you and me together would be like a four alarm fire in an oil refinery.

Sounds cozy.

I'm out of a*mo, Shaw.

We need to go. Might not get a second chance.

Second chances are overrated, Harold.

Fusco: What the--

Finch: The controls aren't responding.

The desk.

There's an override button.

Someone's gotta get to that button and hold them off.

Sameen, if you even think I'm gonna let you--

Oh, for God's sakes.

[Dramatic music]

♪ ♪

[g*nsh*t]