The original post: /r/television by /u/evilsir on 2024-08-05 10:58:40.
I can think of few TV shows that have done more in terms of redemption arcs than Lionel Fusco, and it’s due mostly to Kevin Chapman’s portrayal of the broken and deeply corrupt police officer.
When we’re first introduced to Lionel, he really is that --broken and insanely corrupt, but never completely far gone. his love for his son, for example, is strong. working for HR, forced to ally himself with Reese out of prudence (saving his own skin), we are treated to a genuine revolution in the man’s character as the show progresses.
Constantly harassed by Reese in the beginning because Reese sees little value in Fusco beyond having access to police information, as time goes by, we see Fusco struggling with his lot in life. he hates what he becomes, but can’t see a way out because of the power HR holds over him.
As time goes by, Fusco starts to change, but it’s neither quickly or wholeheartedly like we often see. at least not in the beginning. he schemes and he plots and he’s faced with more than his fair of hard choices and unfair compromises. there is no switch flip here. Up until season 3, Fusco still has his eye on own goals more than helping out the team, but the changes are evident there.
Fusco’s redemption is a thing to behold, unlike Root’s, who’s transformation is forced and more than a little contrived.
every time i watch Person of Interest, it’s so gratifying to see Lionel Fusco go from a man who’d do whatever he could to get his end of things to a man who willingly endures torture to keep his friends safe.
What do you guys think? is there anyone else who’s undergone such a notable transformation in a tv show?