Full Breakdown
Cara Buono Reflects on Her Role in *Person of Interest* and Unique Filming Experiences
1/23/2026, 1:57:01 PM
Behind the Scenes of *Person of Interest*
Cara Buono, known for her role as Karen Wheeler in *Stranger Things*, recently shared her experiences from her time on the critically acclaimed series *Person of Interest*. In this show, Buono portrayed Martine Rousseau, a cold and calculating operative working for the AI Samaritan. Her character was integral to the narrative that explored themes of surveillance and artificial intelligence, set against the backdrop of a procedural crime drama. Buono's portrayal required her to adapt quickly, as she had no prior combat training before taking on the role of an elite killer.
Memorable Filming Locations
One of Buono's most cherished memories from *Person of Interest* involved filming a significant action sequence in Bergdorf Goodman, a luxury department store in New York City. Buono recounted how the production team faced challenges securing filming locations, with other prominent stores like Macy's and Bloomingdale's declining the request. However, Bergdorf Goodman agreed to host the shoot, allowing Buono to revel in the experience of filming a shootout scene in such an iconic setting. "I was like, 'Ah, I'm shooting in like the fanciest store in New York City. We're blowing shit up,'" she remarked, highlighting the thrill of the moment.
The Creative Environment
Buono described the set of *Person of Interest* as a laid-back environment that fostered creativity. She noted that by the time she joined the cast in Season 4, the production was transitioning towards *Westworld*, allowing actors more freedom to explore their characters. This creative atmosphere contributed to Buono's enjoyment of her role, despite her relatively short tenure compared to other main cast members like Jim Caviezel and Michael Emerson.
Official Statements & Responses
Buono expressed her fondness for *Person of Interest*, stating, "That was a cool show." She appreciated the unique opportunities the series provided, particularly in terms of action sequences and filming in notable New York locations. Her experiences on the show stand out in a career that also includes roles in *Mad Men* and *The Sopranos*.
Criticism & Opposition
While Buono's experiences were largely positive, the lack of oversight during filming raised questions about safety and production practices. The relaxed environment, while beneficial for creativity, may have led to concerns regarding the management of action sequences and overall production protocols.
Verbatim Quotes
- “And I remember we shot — so there's this store in New York City called Bergdorf Goodman,” — Cara Buono, Actress
- “And I was like, 'Ah, I'm shooting in like the fanciest store in New York City. We're blowing shit up.'” — Cara Buono, Actress
- “That was a cool show,” — Cara Buono, Actress
What's Next
*Person of Interest* is currently available for streaming on Prime Video, allowing new audiences to explore the series' complex narratives and character dynamics. As Buono continues her career, her reflections on her time in the series contribute to the ongoing appreciation of its impact on television storytelling.
