Ever since it was announced back in May that CBS’ Person of Interest  would be getting an abbreviated season 5, fans have been rattled and wanting some answers. Exactly how many episodes will be in the next season? Will season 5 be the last? And, perhaps the biggest question on viewers’ minds — will Sarah Shahi be returning to reprise her role as Shaw?

The cast and Executive Producers made their first appearance today at San Diego Comic-Con since the season 5 announcement, including a panel and press room with Michael Emerson, Jim Caviezel, Kevin Chapman, Amy Acker, and Executive Producers Jonathan Nolan, Greg Plageman, and Denise The.

Fortunately for us, the biggest questions on fans’ minds were answered. First, there will be 13 episodes, and neither Nolan nor Plageman could say whether this would be the final season because frankly, they don’t know. However, because they don’t know, they have to go into season 5 under the assumption that it *will* be the final season, so as to give fans a satisfying ending to the series if that unfortunate event were to occur.

And, now for the big question — will there be a Root and Shaw reunion? Denise The said that she “doesn’t see how there wouldn’t be,” which was a strong hint that the answer was “yes,” but it wasn’t definite. But, then, Greg Plageman arrived and finally did confirm that Sarah Shahi will be returning for season 5. No details on exactly when her big return will be or for how many episodes, but the answer is “yes,” and I’m sure fans will be thrilled with that answer alone.

On the downside, no one could really provide any specifics regarding storylines, etc. for the new season because they haven’t begun filming yet. The writers are back to work, but production hasn’t officially begun. Because of that, it is almost certain that the series won’t be returning until sometime in 2016.

Check out the below video interviews to get the full details on what to expect going into season 5.

VIDEO

Executive Producer Jonathan Nolan, and series stars Michael Emerson and Jim Caviezel:

Executive Producer Denise The and Amy Acker:

PHOTOS

All photos courtesy of TV Geek Talk