So I'm watching the show again, which means I'm going to get back to this.

MASQUERADE

John Reese: "I was gonna say if you ever wanna grab a beer, let me know."

Technically he's also here if Finch needs to talk. But he also knows that people – in general, and even more so people like them – don't just talk about those things. Not right away. Not with enthusiasm. But Harold will have to, at some point, deal with the fallout of Root's actions. PTSD, perhaps. From what he saw of Harold's actions, he suspects crowd anxiety, which might cause panic attacks. The man certainly hasn't gone outside since he was rescued – from what John knows, at least. So for now, he's just offering companionship. A way outside of the Library, too, but not without help available, not alone.

John Reese: "Or just inept, but the way Sofia treats people, it's no stretch to believe that someone wants her dead."

It doesn't excuse anything, of course. But at the same time, being treated like a dog doesn't incite anyone to be careful with their charge's wellbeing. Being frustrated also doesn't help at being vigilant.

Shop security guard: "Excuse me, sir. I'm gonna need you to empty your pockets."

John doesn't feel particularly bad at planting a watch on Sofia Campos' bodyguard. The video security system – a must in any high-end shop – will be able to clear the man. Of course, John himself won't be seen either, but John is very good at doing secret things.

Hector Campos: "If these other men can't keep track of their own wallets, how can they keep track of my daughter?"

Honestly, it's unfair. Few bodyguards, as good as they may be, are up to go against a CIA-trained thief. Being judged on those grounds is unfair. But at least they might get better at keeping their pockets to themselves, after that.

Sofia Campos: "My father hired you, but try to remember you work for me."

Or rather, for her security. She might not like it when he does what's good for her, but that's certainly not going to stop him. Even if he has to drag her away from dangerous situations by the scruff of her neck.

John Reese: "This big oaf never realized he was hired to baby-sit you."

She needs to learn not to underestimate people. Bodyguards tend not to say anything even if they might understand the language, because it's their job. But that's how resentment grows. And sometimes, resentment can get you killed – either through hatred, or through apathy.

John Reese: "What's the problem, Finch? You got somewhere else to be?"

Of course he doesn't. He can't even go outside.

Harold Finch: "No. This distraction that you've adopted keeps interrupting my work."

Then Bear is doing his -other – job: distracting Harold from his newly-gained demons. All according to plan.

Salesgirl: "Uh, how were you planning to pay for these, sir?"

Sofia did it on purpose, expecting he'd do the civilized thing and pay or try to explain, letting her have more time to get away. Too bad John doesn't give a damn about doing the civilized thing if it's used to control him – or worse, if it prevents him from doing his job.

John Reese: "I work for you, remember?"

He doesn't, really. But this isn't endangering her, and if it gets her to be more agreeable, well. All the better for him. As long as it doesn't get him fired, it's worth it.

Joss Carter: "Just so happens these men fit the description of some guys who got their asses kicked at Club 225 tonight. You wouldn't know anything about that, would you?"

Ah, yes, their old game. Carter who asks things she knows the answer to, him who lies about it convincingly – except she knows better, or there wouldn't be any game.

John Reese: "Okay, but when we get there, you stay in the car."

Again, he knows, she might not. He could be bringing her into danger. But he also knows she will get in danger by herself if he doesn't let her come with him. He'd rather she was with him when it all came down – she'll be in less danger that way... though John himself might be in more danger if he has to protect her on top of everything else.

Harold Finch: "Mr. Reese, I seem to be having a bit of a complication. I'm afraid I won't be able to meet you."

So he was right, then. It wasn't by choice that Finch was staying inside the Library, despite his multiple lives and secrets... Yet another consequence of Root's machinations.

John Reese: "Someone found me, told me I needed a purpose."

Sofia needs one, too. Too many expectations, from everyone. She needs something to keep her afloat, and people to support her, too. John had either one or the other, back in the days, but never both at the same time. Now, for the first time, he does. Sofia needs something she wants to do, and someone other than her father – and Gabi, but Gabi is dead – to tell her she has a choice.

Joss Carter: "I got bored sitting in the car, and it took you longer than four minutes."

Well. Good for him, he guessed. He probably would have won in the end, anyway, but it sure made it quicker. And less painful. Bullet wounds were never fun.

Jack Hughes: "Oh, God! Ahh! Okay, it was Monty. I swear. He's unleashed, okay? He was the one who wanted to tie up the loose ends, not me. Paul was never even supposed to die. Oh! Please. What do you want from me? Is this a shakedown?"

Yes, because people who didn't do anything wrong plan their holidays and drink with a smile after having sold off their girlfriend and her best friend to a drug dealer in exchange for their own life. Monty may have started it, but Hughes certainly doesn't seem to mind too much. It's not only about saving his own life, at this point. Even with the fact that Sofia has a bodyguard, what about Gabi?

Sofia Campos: "Guess I can't talk you into relocating?"

There. All the girl need is to get close enough to actually see people and not just annoyances, to be a better person. And sure, these people also need not to have so many expectations for her, but they won't if she antagonizes them first thing.

John Reese: "Things here can wait."

They need to, if Harold ever wants to get better – to be able to do more, to help, to be happy, to continue living. During Sofia's number, they had to wait, because a life was in the balance. But now, they don't have a number to handle.