After all, executive producer Greg Plageman tells EW they always approached season 5 as a potential series end.
With the reduced order [of episodes], we saw the writing on the wall, he says.
We knew that we would have to approach this season as though it could be our last.
Credit: Barbara Nitke/CBS
ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: Team Machine ended season 4 without the support of the Machine.
Where do you pick up in season 5?
What are the other major questions theyll be facing this season?
John Paul Filo/CBS
Is it still an all-out war between those who support the Machine and those behind Samaritan?
JONATHAN NOLAN:Thats been the story for the last couple of seasons.
Once you create an all-knowing, all-seeing artificial super intelligence, its not an easy opponent to defeat.
Youll see Harold listening to Root a lot more this season.
If the Machine is resuscitated, will she still be the Machine weve come to know?
NOLAN:Thats one of the other questions of the season.
This season, what are some of the news or real-life issues youll be hitting?
NOLAN:Just to jump in quickly, being inspired by real life events is something other shows do.
Our showpredictedreal-life events [laughs].
Its propaganda to make you do something.
Will Samaritan become even more powerful this season?
PLAGEMAN:Samaritan definitely is growing in its power.
We also have to talk about Shaw.
NOLAN:Nowhere good.
Shaws story has always been a bit of a dark one.
Shes a great character to write, and this season, her reintroduction starts in episode 4.
I wont say much about it, but its one of the best episodes this season.
Inthe trailer, theres a shot of a juicy encounter between Shaw and Root.
Is it safe to say that things will move forward with their relationship?
This is the concentrated version [of the show] now, and there are episodes twice a week.
I think our fans may need to put on their seat belts.
Person of Interestairs Mondays (beginning May 9) and Tuesdays at 10 p.m.
