Season 5 of the American science fiction crime drama TV series “Person of Interest” was supposed to debut this fall on CBS after it was renewed by the network for another season amid rumors of its cancellation.

Apparently, the rumors appear to have a good leg to stand on since the show has not been doing well in the ratings game during its last season.

However, instead of letting the ax fall on the show just like it did to two of its TV series a few months ago – “Extant” and “Under the Dome” – CBS decided to hold on to “Person of Interest,” at least for another season.

But when the network recently released its mid-season schedule, the Jim Caviezel-starrer TV series was not on the list. Eventually, word came out that the network has decided to defer the premiere of Season 5 of “Person of Interest” from its usual fall debut to the summer of 2016.

The returning shows for CBS during its mid-season schedule include “2 Broke Girls,” “Mike & Molly,” “Angel from Hell,” “Survivor,” “Undercover Boss,” “The Amazing Race,” “Criminal Minds,” “The Odd Couple,” and “Code Black.”

According to Cartermatt, it could be a strategy on the part of the network to boost its summer programming especially with the cancellation of “Extant” and “Under the Dome.” It is likely to join “Zoo” in the network’s programming which is the only established scripted series on CBS. The fact that it was also taken in by Netflix means that it has a good following.

With “Person of Interest” showing during summer, it may actually benefit from lesser competition and perhaps revive its sagging ratings.

Not too long ago, the TV series was one of the most-watched shows on the small screen. But with lower demo ratings, the high cost of filming in New York City, and that fact that it comes from an outside studio, CBS certainly has the right to think and plan well its future.

Possible changes to The Machine?

Based on the Season 4 finale of “Person of Interest,” fans and critics have been throwing in a lot of speculations regarding the possible plotline of Season 5.

Reports have it that Finch and Root will be on opposing sides as they debate on whether or not they should make changes to The Machine, reports Realty Today.

Amy Acker, who plays Root, in a recent interview, said that her character is still the No. 1 champion of The Machine. So she is trying to convince Finch that they should make some modifications while rebuilding her.

More details about the plotline or possible new cast members of Season 5 of “Person of Interest” are expected to come out once its premiere draws near.

Unique brand of vigilante justice

“Person of Interest” stars Jim Caviezel as John Reese, a former CIA agent who was presumed dead. He is a former Green Beret / Delta Force operator and he has been burnt out and has since begun living as a vagrant in New York City, after the death of a woman he loved.

He was approached by a mysterious billionaire and software-genius named Harold Finch, played by Michael Emerson, who is also living under an assumed identity.

Finch tells Reese that after September 11, 2001, he built a computer system for the government that uses information gleaned from omnipresent surveillance to predict future terrorist attacks. However, he later on discovered that the computer was predicting ordinary crimes as well.

The government was not interested in his computer, which he calls as The Machine, but Finch is determined to take advantage of it for his personal crusade against violent crimes.

Finch then takes on Reese to conduct surveillance and intervene as needed, using his excellent combat and intelligence skills he has gained while working in the military and the CIA.