Alexa Planje of The A.V. Club gave the episode a "B+" grade and wrote, "An ambitious season finale is a tough act to follow, and 'Panopticon' seems safer and more tepid in comparison. While Person of Interest should never try to be something it isn't, it could use a little of the audacity demonstrated by the season premiere of Sleepy Hollow, a young and hungry show at this stage in the game."
