Harold Greer
A calculating leader of Decima Technologies who orchestrates the capture of Cyrus Wells to obtain the chip that could activate Samaritan.
Harold Greer is a character in the American television drama series Person of Interest. He is portrayed by John Nolan. In the episode 'The Devil's Share' (Season 3, Episode 18), Greer is identified as a leader of Decima Technologies. He monitors from a command center as his men locate Cyrus Wells and Root in a park, where they interfere with signals to cut Root off from the Machine. His men then capture Cyrus, though Reese unsuccessfully tries to stop them. Greer later orders his men to take Cyrus to Maxwell Limited, a private defense contractor that holds the chip for the NSA, where they use Cyrus's retinal scan to gain access. After gaining entry, Greer orders his men to kill Cyrus, but Reese and Fusco arrive to save him. The supercomputing chip that could activate Samaritan is recovered by Decima Technologies off-screen, as revealed in later episodes.
- Character Name
- Harold Greer
- Role
- Leader of Decima Technologies
- Affiliation
- Decima Technologies
- First Appears
- Season 3, Episode 18
Lore & Background
In the episode 'The Devil's Share', Harold Greer leads Decima Technologies in a coordinated effort to acquire an advanced supercomputing chip held by Maxwell Limited, a private defense contractor that holds the chip for the NSA. Greer monitors the operation from a command center as his men locate Cyrus Wells and Root in a park and use signal interference to cut Root off from the Machine. His men capture Cyrus, and Greer orders them to take him to Maxwell Limited, where Cyrus's retinal scan provides access. After gaining entry, Greer orders Cyrus killed, but Reese and Fusco intervene, saving Cyrus while the chip is recovered by Decima Technologies off-screen, as revealed in later episodes. Greer's actions directly advance the development of Samaritan, an AI system that poses a threat to the Machine.
In Their Own Story
Greer stands in the park, watching as his men close in on Cyrus and Root. He raises a device, cutting off Root's connection to the Machine. 'Take him,' he orders, and his men seize Cyrus while Reese arrives too late to stop them. Later, at Maxwell Limited, Greer watches as Cyrus's retinal scan unlocks the door. 'Kill him,' he says flatly, but Reese and Fusco burst in, forcing Decima to flee with the chip. Greer's mission is complete: Samaritan's activation is one step closer.
Reader's Guide
Harold Greer appears in the episode "/" as the leader of Decima Technologies. He personally tracks down Cyrus Wells, the janitor who is the team's number, and Root in a park. Using signal interference, he cuts Root off from the Machine, allowing his men to capture Cyrus. Greer then orders Cyrus taken to Maxwell Limited, an NSA-controlled company housing an advanced supercomputing chip needed to activate Samaritan. After Cyrus's retinal scan grants access, Greer orders his execution, but Reese and Fusco arrive to save Cyrus. Decima Technologies escapes with the chip, advancing the development of Samaritan. Greer's role in this episode is central to the plot, as his actions directly threaten the Machine and its team.
Did You Know?
- Harold Greer is portrayed by John Nolan in Person of Interest.
- In the episode 'The Devil's Share', Greer monitors from a command center as his men locate Cyrus Wells and Root in a park and use signal interference to cut Root off from the Machine.
- Greer orders his men to take Cyrus to Maxwell Limited, a private defense contractor that holds the chip for the NSA, where Cyrus's retinal scan provides access to an advanced supercomputing chip.
- After gaining access, Greer orders Cyrus killed, but Reese and Fusco arrive to save him while the supercomputing chip is recovered by Decima Technologies off-screen, as revealed in later episodes.
- Greer's actions in this episode directly advance the development of Samaritan, an AI system that threatens the Machine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Harold Greer in Person of Interest?
Harold Greer is a calculating executive and leader of Decima Technologies, portrayed by actor John Nolan. He first appears in the third season as a key antagonist working to advance the Samaritan project.
What role does Greer play in the storyline?
As a high-ranking figure at Decima, he orchestrates critical operations to secure resources needed for the artificial intelligence Samaritan. His primary function involves coordinating with Maxwell Limited and eliminating obstacles to their digital dominance.
How does Harold Greer's story end?
Greer personally leads the operation to capture Cyrus Wells in a park, successfully cutting off Root from the Machine during the encounter. After using Wells' retinal scan to access Maxwell Limited facilities, he orders his men to execute the captive immediately.
Why is Harold Greer important to the plot?
He serves as a direct catalyst for major events by securing the necessary components to activate Samaritan through the capture of Cyrus Wells. His actions demonstrate Decima Technologies' ruthless efficiency and their willingness to use lethal force against the protagonists.
What are Harold Greer's abilities or powers?
Greer possesses no supernatural abilities but relies on his strategic command over Decima's resources and private security forces. His power lies in his ability to manipulate communication signals, such as jamming Root's connection to the Machine during critical moments.
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