Since the Writers Guild strike magically made Monday (Nov. 12) night's Prison Break into the fall finale, the episode offered a chance to do a wee bit of reflection on the season's progress to date.

[I'll spoil this episode when I'm good and ready! Stop putting me on the clock.]

So here's what we've got: Through machinations far too convoluted to make any sense of, The Company built all of last season around getting Michael Scofield into a maximum security prison. At the start of this season, they told him he was there to break another man out within seven days. The Company didn't realize just how useless Michael is at general prison breaking and after seven days... No dice. Nevermind. Take four more days. But wait. The Company could have broken Whistler out of Sona at any point with a Bang-and-Burn attack (not the kind of thing that would start an international incident or anything). So let's try that.

So in Monday's episode, The Company attempted a full-on assault at Sona to liberate Whistler and the one and only reason why the Company's plan to get Whistler out of Sona via the Bang-and-Burn was because Michael messed it up. And the one and only reason Michael was in Sona was to get Whistler out. See the problem here? It gets worse. As a result of Michael's presence in Sona, the Whistler bust failed, but because of all of the failed escape attempts, Michael has now been removed from Sona.

Not to put too fine a point on it, but somebody at either The Company or Gretchen/Susan B. Anthony's independent contractor really ought to be losing their job (or life?) over this whole fiasco.

Although Monday's episode was never designed to be any sort of finale -- it says something about the Prison Break ratings this season that FOX will probably get better numbers from airing House repeats in a sweeps period, leaving new Prison Break episodes to get burnt off in January as a strategy for coping with the 24 delay -- it ended with a decent enough cliffhanger. Frustrated by two escape attempts in two days, a guy we're assuming to be the warden, said "You cause too many problems here in Sona, so maybe you shouldn't be in Sona" and took Michael out of the facility. That ought to have left viewers wondering if Michael was going to be transferred within Panama or sent back to America or just taken out back and shot.

Why, then, did the FOX promo department need to let us know [STOP READING NOW IF YOU SKIPPED THE POST-EPISODE PROMO] that they just put Michael in solitary on the prison's outskirts?

Time for some other thoughts on the episode...

Lincoln's just gone haywire. I may be misremembering, but when he killed the guy last week, it was the first time he'd taken a life since Season One. Tonight, he shot a guy in the head and bashed another guy's face through a car window. Since Haywire Lincoln is Australian, I'm wondering if it's a split personality.

I would have liked a bit more screentime for Leon Russom's Pad Man, but it was good to have him back. Since I'm going on the assumption that Agents Kim and Kellerman are both truly alive somewhere (perhaps playing hearts with Sarah and C-Note), eventually we can get the whole gang back together.

Some very fine twitchy acting from William Fichtner, whose Mahone was so paranoid and irrational at his special hearing that he's heading back to Sona. But why did Agent Lang throw away the pills she brought for the jonesin' maniac? Did she give Mahone up as a lost cause?

The kiss that wasn't. As horribly contrived as it was for Whistler's old landlord to call out of the blue to tell Sofia about the water damage, allowing Sofia to discover a passport with "Gary Miller" on it and as incapable of reading dialogue in English as Danay Garcia may be, it was almost all worth it to watch Gretchen leering at Whistler's lover and telling her how beautiful she was, in tight close-up, as she brushed Sofia's hair from her face. There was more chemistry between Garcia and Jodi Lyn O'Keefe in that one second than Sarah Wayne Callies and Wentworth Miller had in two seasons. I suspect we're only an hour or two from the fan fic hitting the net.

T-Bag had several fantastic lines, particularly when serving as Lechero's mailman. I liked "Doesn't look like no invitation to the Sona Hawkins," as well as his warning that "Information, like crumbs, always trickles down to the vermin on the floor.

What's up with McGrady? Our favorite American-loving prison rat had a mighty peculiar birthday conversation with his dad, a conversation that strongly implied that he could leave Sona if he wanted. Eventually there's going to be a pay-off with that character. Any guesses?

Since Lincoln and Sucre were recording the gunfire sound effects for an escape plan that didn't really exist, what are they going to do with the tape? And with that awesome mid-80s boombox?

And seriously, how long did Miller have to spend in makeup for that pointless cameo by the tattoos? He changed from a dark gray shirt to a lighter gray sweatshirt. Did he really think that would keep him from being detected?

What'd you think about the finale-that-shouldn't-have-been-a-finale?

Comments

Can I just say that something was missing

Luna | Nov 12, 2007 7:41:59 PM | #

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I LOVE YOU!You are handsome !

liulina | Nov 12, 2007 11:46:37 PM | #

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I LOVE YOU!You are handsome !

liulina | Nov 12, 2007 11:46:39 PM | #

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It was lame. O' Keefe and Garcia had chemistry...where? I didn't see it. Both women are dragging this show down.

jaded | Nov 13, 2007 1:26:40 AM | #

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I'm not sure why I keep watching this show ... out of habit most likely. The plot contrivances have become part of the show's attraction. Hey, did Whistler's near escape via helicopter remind anyone of "Breakout", a 70s flick starring Charles Bronson and a young Robert Duvall? No, I thought not.

G-Zus | Nov 13, 2007 1:56:44 AM | #

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When they said the next episode would be in January I was like, "what? what?!? I hate you Prison Break!!!" lol

edgar | Nov 13, 2007 1:57:49 AM | #

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When they said the next episode would be in January I was like, "what? what?!? I hate you Prison Break!!!" lol

edgar | Nov 13, 2007 2:00:19 AM | #

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Random guess on McGrady - Maybe he'll end up being some sort of agent that was sent in there, either from the army or a rival to Lechero. I mean, considering all the convoluted storylines, I could see that happening.

As for the "kiss", I thought it was pointless unless they are going to build some lame storyline out of it (sadly, I can see this show going overboard and doing something like that ...).

Overall, eh, this show's storylines gotten ridiculous. I still watch it out of boredom, although I watch Chuck and Heroes live and watch this later. That said, I sorta expected it. When the show is "Prison Break", and the initial Prison Break out of Fox River was over, you ran the risk of, well, making up crap.

Ton | Nov 13, 2007 2:00:36 AM | #

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Hey, this is one girl who is not complaining about the tattoo shot. I like to think the producers did that all for me. I don't care how long he sat in makeup or that he changed into similar shirts. It was all worth it. A nice flashback to season one as well.

Kerri | Nov 13, 2007 5:29:07 AM | #

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The answer to what McGrady did to be in Sona was answered in one of the online-only clips, and for some reason not shown on the show. Seems he drove a car as part of a bigger crime.

"Our favorite American-loving prison rat had a mighty peculiar birthday conversation with his dad, a conversation that strongly implied that he could leave Sona if he wanted."

What? When? I thought it implied the opposite. He said he was never going to get out, and his father needed to accept it.

As for the quick flash of tat, the reason it wasn't longer (or had more of a point) is that the guy wearing the tat was a double and not Wentworth Miller. No idea why Went won't wear the tat. Allergies?

Sab | Nov 13, 2007 5:41:53 AM | #

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I don't know. After the intro song they played at the beginning of the episode, I spent the entire hour telling Linc and Michael that I needed more cowbell.

Tim | Nov 13, 2007 6:16:23 AM | #

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hahaha i thought the same thing, all I could think about was Will Ferell and more cowbell, lol.

Tara | Nov 13, 2007 6:24:50 AM | #

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Great Episode. Can't wait til January.

Jason | Nov 13, 2007 6:33:21 AM | #

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I'm just glad we see McGrady without that T-Mac jersey for once.

Darius | Nov 13, 2007 7:35:22 AM | #

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Sab -- What I interpreted (with absolutely no evidence at all, mind you...) from the McGrady/Dad conversation was that if, say, McGrady turned over names or information or something like that, he could get out, but that he's sticking to some sort of code. I haven't watched the online clip you mentioned, but if his crime was just driving a car in a heist or something, why would he be in Sona, the most maximum security prison in Panama? So my guess was that he could get moved to a more white collar prison by narcing on something. So the way I read the conversation -- and his ongoing dedication to Michael -- is that he stands by his friends to a fault, even when it hurts him.

As I said, I have *no* evidence for that.

Oh and Ton, I'd also thought about McGrady maybe being an undercover cop or a mole or a plant of some sort...

-Daniel

Daniel | Nov 13, 2007 7:42:46 AM | #

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While I agree with some of the other points this article made, I disagree with this one. When Michael realized the Company no longer needed or wanted his help in getting Whistler out of Sona, his goal (to help Whistler escape) ended. If Whistler had escaped Sona, Michael would have been left vulnerable and expendable. In preventing Whistler from escaping, he thwarted the Company's plan to scrap everything and kill Linc, LJ and Michael. At least, temporarily.

Once he realized they didn't need him (and were planning to kill him), Michael was no longer required to help the Company. In fact, it makes total sense that he would try to make things as difficult for them as possible, including their attempt to liberate Whistler from Sona.

Sinkwriter | Nov 13, 2007 8:01:57 AM | #

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Thank you Sinkwriter!!!! My thoughts to a 'T'.
What happned to Gretchen in Mosul????? She looked terrified.

Chris | Nov 13, 2007 8:31:36 AM | #

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Gretchen was gangraped for 2 weeks in Mosul. She alluded to it earlier. We're supposed toe ventually empathize with her plight, even though she CUT OFF SARA'S HEAD!!! You don't come back from that.

JT | Nov 13, 2007 8:50:12 AM | #

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i didn't know that was the finale

Dory | Nov 13, 2007 10:57:10 AM | #

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Who would sit in makeup for that? I think it's a shirt made of gauze or something.
This has become the dumbest show I keep watching.

Barb L. | Nov 13, 2007 11:02:26 AM | #

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I gave up on this show after they led us around on a goose chase for season 2, then brought us back only to slap us in the face by cutting Sarah's head off. I read this week's re-cap of the "finale" to see if they'd paid it off in any way. Sounds like it just continues to be that one pesky turd in the toilet that won't ever quite go down the drain, it just circles around endlessly in arrogant defiance. Someone cancel this insult of a show, already. Fox ditches an excellent show like "Drive" after only 4 episodes, and lets this stinker hang around for 3 seasons??? RIDICULOUS. Since "24" is off for at least a year, I won't be watching anything of Fox. Probably ever.

overpb | Nov 13, 2007 3:26:10 PM | #

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I've seriously got to be one of the few people who still watch and love this show.

I loved the episode. Thought it was fantastic. Thought they did a nice job by tying some stuff back with how it was in season 1.

The almost lesbian action was just weird. And Gretchen/Susan is getting on my nerves.

But I am really excited to see when Michael finally confronts her. It's gonna be awesome.

Don't know about you all, but I'm definitely waiting for January.

And the return of the tattoo!! He should've just got rid of the shirt altogether.

B | Nov 13, 2007 3:55:55 PM | #

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I really hope they find a way to wrap everything up and end the series after this season. It's really dragging. Last week was the first time this season that the show was really suspenseful for me. It's sad that it took about 5 episodes to get to that point just to leave us with a decent episode until January.

Matt | Nov 13, 2007 4:47:43 PM | #

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I still watch this show and I still love it. It's still fun.

I don't care if it's farfetched, IMO, it's still more realistic as any faux reality show out there.

And Gretchen was gang banged for three weeks and who knows what else. She has scars between her thighs.

ScribbledPink | Nov 13, 2007 5:04:55 PM | #

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With Sara dead, there's that other woman Nika that might resurface. Nika would be glad that Sara is dead so she can get back together with Michael. Besides, are Michael and Nika married? Remember Michael married Nika for her to be a US citizen.

Andrew | Nov 13, 2007 5:45:23 PM | #

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anyone remember season 2's finale ended with some weird lab on long island 'Basil Island Research Facility.' did they ever explain that or what?

chris | Nov 13, 2007 6:41:34 PM | #

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I'm also one of the few who is still enjoying this show. Our family watched together, and we all thought that last night's episode served well as a 'fall finale'. I don't pick the plot apart, or worry about why this or that happened the way it did - I just sit back and enjoy the ride.

Debi | Nov 13, 2007 7:32:22 PM | #

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I loved it, it didn't seem like a finally because it wasn't supposed to be a finally what do you expect with all of the striking going on, they have to interest. Wentworth is a brilliant actor and a hadsome one at that. I am looking forward to a fouth and fivth season!!! Maybe even a PB movie I'm hooked.

I loved it, you all suck!!! | Nov 13, 2007 9:09:52 PM | #

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First the PB online website is shutting down because the woman in charge of it is saying that the show is degrading women and that the writers are women haters, and now this @$#%! I am a woman, and I somehow missed that women-haters vibe, they had to kill Sarah off, Yes it would have been better to say she was pregnant with Michaels baby and keep her on through her pregnancy, but if she refused then what can they do. It would have been worse to bring in a replacemnt how corny is that? Putting her head in a box was brilliant that is why I love this show, they'll stop at nothing, were all saying "Oh my god what's in the box? It can't be her head, they can'tdo that well they just proved that they can do any thing they **** well please! They are fresh and original and I would watch over and over again on the edge of my seat with nail biting action. I absolutely love this show. You guys say, "It's so unoriginal having Michael go back to prison." Duh! the shows called "Prison Break" what did you want them all to break free and live there happy lives and then have a whole season showing how perfect their lives all turned out? Come On, Really! This Show Rocks, I just want to say to the writers, you guys are awesome, you did your jobs, Thank You. You deserve what you are fighting for right now. Please keep up the good work and keep Prison Break alive, Don't Give Up.

Really P----d Off! | Nov 13, 2007 9:24:44 PM | #

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I still love it too!

And OMG the tatoo's back he should just leave the shirt off all the time. I was wondering if they were ever going to bring it back ... Thank You!

You guys are not alone! | Nov 13, 2007 9:31:05 PM | #

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Please Gimme more tattoo!.... Thank You.

MMOORREE TATTOO! | Nov 13, 2007 9:35:26 PM | #

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This show is going the way of LOST. Losing it's audience little by little. TV watchers in the 21st Century are much more aware of when they are being conned by poor writing and creativity. There is far more competition for viewing time, and people won't waste their limited time on a plotless story. While the continuing big picture is important, there has to be some closure each episode. The days of Dallas and who shot JR are gone forever. If you want to see a classy show with a continous believable story line and closure each episode, try watching Brothers & Sisters. That show has identified the 21st century audience with its cast and plots.

O'Mickey | Nov 13, 2007 9:53:35 PM | #

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If you think that was Wentworth Miller with the tattoos , you are wrong. It was a body double. PB has gone down the gurgler this season. The new characters are boring. Sona is boring. Killing off Sara was a huge mistake.

Good grief | Nov 13, 2007 10:26:02 PM | #

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The first season of PB was great. The second season was not too bad. This season stinks, other than William Fichter's acting.

Damoch | Nov 14, 2007 5:06:58 AM | #

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I think I'm gonna quit watching this show.....until it comes back on again!!!lol. I dont know whats wrong with you people. This show kicks plenty of asss! It does have a good plot. Everything about the show is perfect. Season one was great, but it only got better after that. You PB haterz need to have them assses kicked.....HARD!! WAKE UP people!!!

TERRY | Nov 14, 2007 6:33:43 AM | #

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I love this season & I can't wait till Jan to watch the next episode. It's bad enough waiting a week and now we have to wait for a few months. It was a good move to put Sara's head in a box & it wasn't even the writers fault. It was SWC who disagreed to come back on the show. I'm sick of Sara lovers criticising the shows just because there favorite character died. Just get over it and watch the show.

The actors on the show are amazing especially Robert Knepper and William Fichtner. You should all stop complaining.

RKJM | Nov 14, 2007 6:47:59 AM | #

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I love Prison break... its a great show...
I dont quite see how the audience is aware of poor writing...there is so much crap on TV... try germany for example... Tv consists of pseudo reality shows, courtroom reality show, another season of "germany is looking for the next superstar"...i mean i am not looking for it...so who is?
I think you should stop complaining or come to germany and watch TV here... just be glad...

ggirl | Nov 14, 2007 9:09:30 AM | #

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this show is the ultimate guilty pleasure.sure its not the most believable show out there but its fun as hell. the plot is good enough to keep people happy who love to watch fun out of whack shows. its great and i cant wait to see what happens.

KYDD | Nov 14, 2007 10:39:07 AM | #

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I miss the old Prison Break and am bored with Sona. I don't care for Whistler or Gretchen/Susan. I wish they could bring back the old gang including Haywire and even more of Bellick (who hardly has any screen time anymore)...

Lisey | Nov 14, 2007 7:03:22 PM | #

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Edgar,
Don't say "like."

Rodentman | Nov 21, 2007 2:19:28 PM | #

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This show's stinking BIG time and that stupid looking Sofia she always has the most dumbest expression on her face DG also a very bad actress.I really don't know what they'll come up with next Nick Santora saying that there is going to be a season 4, good heavens.And if they write in a new love interest for Michael what a waste of time and writting!

Abba | Dec 3, 2007 6:51:02 PM | #

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