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Finalewatch: 'Prison Break'
As Prison Break wraps up the season, I'll give Michael this: The man can improvise. He's the MacGyver of on-the-fly plots and plans. Just this week, he had to deal with escapes, double-crosses and the reminder of lost, beheaded love. He managed it all with style. But does he even know about some of the loose ends out there?
Cry-y-y-y-ing... over spoilers.
When we last saw the Brothers Scofield/Burrows, they were at something of a loss. Their leverage had just scampered away, the ex-Fed they don't trust had made his escape, and all their plans seemed to be unraveling. You think that would stop Michael? Hah!.
It helps that they got to get out their frustrations with a spiffy car chase, and Linc (who has a lot of frustrations, evidently) got to vent some more by pummeling the person of Whistler. Ah, Whistler -- you're not going anywhere. Not until Linc gets his son.
Michael breaks out the jazz hands of furious improvisation, directing Gretchen to meet them at a busy plaza, then revealing he was just doing that to make sure LJ and Sofia still had all their limbs and appendages. Hey, it's a valid concern when Gretchen is around. He then directs them to a crowded museum, which just happens to have metal detectors. No guns for Gretchen! This makes her testy, and she directs her minions to cover all the exits with massive firepower.
In an out-of-the-way corner of the museum, the antagonists make the exchange. Red Rover sends LJ over, Michael releases Whistler, and everything should be hunky dory -- except Sofia decides she doesn't want to play along anymore. Where are the coordinates? she asks. Whistler begs her not to worry her pretty little head about it, but Gretchen has finally had enough. There are no coordinates! We just wanted Whistler, who isn't some poor patsy -- he's part of our great, murderous conspiracy to take over the world! Sofia is shocked, and she goes over to the Good Guys' side. Whistler is heartbroken.
Michael breaks an exhibit case, triggering the alarms. Now the whole museum will be exiting together, which presumably makes the hail of gunfire Gretchen had waiting for them less likely. One of the guards looks suspiciously at Michael, but he's distracted when another guard finds an arrowhead on Whistler. He's the thief! Except it's plastic, and from the gift shop. Heh. Nice little parting gift there, Michael.
When one of the guards starts questioning Whistler too closely, Gretchen gets impatient and motions one of her minions to take the impertinent guard out. Cue the shootout, which has but one victim: the virtuous Sofia. Linc loses it, and LJ barely convinces him to scarper before the place is swarming with even more cops. Michael, meanwhile, is stalking Gretchen with his own pistol, but doesn't get around to shooting her before another guard takes a shot and Gretchen and Co. flee.
The brothers end the episode contemplating various love interests -- Linc stays with Sofia in the hospital, while Michael, mourning Sarah, vows to track down Gretchen with the help of documents Sofia stole from Whistler.
But what of all the other players? Mahone ends up hanging out in a bar in Panama City until he's met by his new best bud -- Whistler. Mahone agrees to join up with Whistler (and, presumably, the Company and their plot to take over the world), and warns Whistler that Michael will be coming for Gretchen. Perhaps another double cross is in the works? It couldn't happen to a nastier girl.
Back at Sona, T-Bag proves to be the only person willing to stand up for Lechero, who is getting the crap kicked out of him by the entire prison population. He tells Lechero a guard is willing to get them out for $50,000, and Lechero, although at first skeptical, agrees to raise the cash, having his sweet little nun bring it in. But T-Bag is really just cementing his own position -- he smothers Lechero (which, I suppose, is a kinder way for him to die than being ripped apart by convicts), allies with the (creepy) nun, then takes his position as the new King of Sona (while claiming it's a republic of equals). Sona's about to get a whole lot freakier.
And then there's Sucre. Oh, Sucre -- you poor bastard. He gets beaten, brutalized, buried alive, and still won't give up Michael. When Michael calls, Sucre makes sure everyone's ok, tells Michael that he's peachy, then crushes the phone so the guards. He'd rather die than give up Michael. The guards, of course, have something worse in store -- they throw him in Sona. Let's hope Michael remembers to come looking for Sucre at some point, because the poor guy doesn't deserve this!
Highlights, thoughts and odds and ends
- Once again, Wade Williams does a great job illustrating just how out of his league Bellick is. He hides, he skulks, he blathers and weeps. My favorite? It kind of looked like Bellick was clutching his metaphorical pearls when T-Bag smothered Lechero. He's in hell, and he knows it.
- Oh, hey, I completely forgot about McGrady -- he hides in a hidden compartment under a pile of fertilizer, and then gets a surprise "Congrats on escaping from jail" party in some courtyard. Actually, it's pretty forgettable.
- Again: Poor, poor Sucre. He's entirely too noble, and I have a feeling he's going to be left to rot.
- I love how Michael stands out in broad daylight, gun fully extended, and the cops don't even notice him.
- Gretchen, frustrated with all the running around Michael is making her do, offers some advice: "You're overthinking things. I've seen it to many times before. The first plan goes to hell and then you start tap-dancing. And trust me, it always ends badly." Awww -- but Michael is such a good tap-dancer!
- Gretchen is having a very, very bad day. First, she's jerk around by Michael, then she gets shot at, and finally, she discovers that Whistler doesn't even have the damn bird book they were so interested in. Bummer.
- T-Bag does have some sort of plan -- he tells the creepy nun to hold on to his money for a few days. Interesting.
- LJ tells the guys that Sofia’s Whistler evidence is under her bed. So why is Linc going through her closet? Was he hoping to find a frock that suited him?
- Imponderables: Why does every con in Sona apparently understand English -- and get Shakespeare references? Why are all the official announcements in Panama City in English? How can Gretchen walk around a steamy tropical locale in skin-tight black clothing and boots without dying of heat stroke?
What did you think? Was it a satisfying conclusion? Is Sucre doomed, or will Michael figure it out and try to break him out? Is Mahone evil? Will you be back for more if the show comes back next season?
If I think of it as a season finale, it was a bit of a disappointment. But then, when I think of it as just another episode that happens to be the last one that we get for a while, then it was certainly up to par. I just wish we could see what happens next in a week!
And yes, poor Sucre! Michael had better not forget about his old amigo!
Sara | Feb 18, 2008 8:21:19 PM | #This is the only show I watch and can't tell you why or what the heck is going on. Lost was the other one, but I gave up on it.
Barb L | Feb 19, 2008 4:28:05 AM | #How all the cop talk bad spanish and goog english.
Jose | Feb 19, 2008 5:36:37 AM | #I really hope this gets renewed. I mean really, what else is Fox going to show on Mondays? I like to see Michael out on his own mission to for revenge on Gretchen. I like that LJ, Linc, and Sofia are all happy. I like that Mahone hopped over to The Company. He really has no other option if he wants to live a somewhat normal life. I love what they're doing with T-Bag. I was proud of Sucre for not giving up Michael. Not that he really knew where they were, but it was nice to see him stand his ground, unlike T-Bag and Bellick. Lots of good stuff in this episode. And totally leaves you wanting to know what's gonna happen next. Good stuff. Now if next season was all about taking down Gretchen and finding out who the company is, and how deep they go, I think it'd make for an excellent final season. No need to go further than that.
realgenius | Feb 19, 2008 6:02:58 AM | #I know a lot of people are left with questions and no answers, but I have a feeling after the season finale, I know which way things are going for some characters:
Mahone - I do NOT for one second believe he is joining ranks with The Company. If anything, he is going to take them down, but he has to look like a bad guy again. I am thinking of his end game. There is no way he can legitimately get back to the ex-wife and child by doing things with The Company. He tried that and failed.
As for Whistler, I cannot decide whether he is trying to take down The Company or if he is calling the shots.
LJ - Please put him on a flight back to the States. I do not want him becoming another Kim Bauer. I love LJ, but what more can he do?
Sucre and Bellick - Will probably have to work together to get out of Sona or at least to deal with T-Bag.
Lincoln - Will either go after Michael or find out Sucre is in Sona and try to get him out. I am pretty sure he will hit the hay with Sofia though.
Sara - After the exchange between Mahone and Whistler, I am becoming more and more convinced (not that I really believed it) that she is still alive. Mahone said "if."
Luis - I was happy for his homecoming. Even if I didn't care much for the character, but he and his dad seemed like people deserving of a happy ending.
The so-called Spoilers - So what was all this talk about Kellerman coming back; money burried under Sona; Michael getting shot, blah, blah, blah? Funny how wrong people can be. Next time I prefer to watch it unfold myself. :-)
Chris from NY | Feb 19, 2008 8:02:57 AM | #fox will probably cancel this show--i bet this was the last episode---they'll cancel terminator too.
tim | Feb 19, 2008 8:16:09 AM | #I know alot of people complained about Season 2, but the charachters of Kellerman and Mahone alone made season 2 fantastic. That was the only thing missing from season 3 was compelling new charachters. Like I said, I really hope it goes one more season that ties it all up. From what I understand though, William Fichtner's (sp?)contract is up, and not sure he's willing to do another season. They'd really have to make him a featured player in the next season to have him back I think. Luckily, the loss of a pilot season means he probably doesn't have many options.
realgenius | Feb 19, 2008 8:16:37 AM | #I don't want to lose Fichtner either!
I started watching him in Invasion and I think he was definitely better off with Prison Break. Mahone has more layers and better material to work with.
But weren't all the actors' contracts up? And I don't mean their SAG contracts, but their contracts with the show.
Chris from NY | Feb 19, 2008 8:20:55 AM | #What I don't get is why Zap2it did not feature Prison Break as one of the shows to watch last night. Instead, they had that Pussycat Dolls thing and that got really really bad ratings last night.
From what I am hearing, Prison Break tied for 3rd, but I do not know the breakdown of 18-49 year-olds or the total number of viewers, only the share (whatever that means).
I think FOX would be crazy to cancel this show before finishing out next season or at least giving us our next 9 episodes. Who knows how that new show New Amsterdam is going to do. Plus, K-Ville sunk so low so fast, they cannot bring that back. Prison Break has done better as the season progressed. I think they will give it one more go or there will be outrage by the fans.
Chris from NY | Feb 19, 2008 8:23:47 AM | #I would hate for this to be the last episode. Hopefully, FOX will renew it, and the writers can provide us with some satisfying answers next year. It does get confusing when characters tend to switch sides so often, like Mahone and Whistler.
I really do wish that both Michael and Lincoln survive till the end of the series (you never know who will get killed off in this show). However, if I could pick only two characters to survive, I would most like LJ and Sucre to make it(hope I didn't just jinx them!). I agree with CHRIS-- LJ should not be in "harm's way". The writers should make him hide again, far away from the danger that involves being with Linc and Michael.
I agree that Michael has to find a way to save his loyal friend Sucre from Sona-- he can leave Bellick and T-Bag there for all I care.
I also noticed that all the prisoners in Panama speak pretty good English (HA!). Also, I find it strange that all the prison guards speak to Sucre in ENGLISH, even though Sucre sometimes speaks to them in Spanish (and they already know that he is fluent in Spanish). I guess FOX doesn't want to keep putting up subtitles in every other scene! ;-)
Paige | Feb 19, 2008 8:35:25 AM | #I don't think Mahone is stupid enough to go with the Company again. I believe it is likely he's working now with Michael to bring down the Company.
Linc is going to end up with Sofia. Also, he'll find himself getting involved either with getting Sucre out, or helping Michael.
Now with Michael gone, Sucre inside and T-bag in charge there is a whole new dynamic inside Sona. I'm just not sure where they can go with this with Michael on the outside, unless he gets involved on the outside.
This episode was supposed to be the mid-season/winter finale. It wasn't intended to be the season finale anyways. Since the writer's strike is over, maybe they can make 5-6 more this season to tie things up. I think the show has run its course, and it's time to say goodbye.
Shaggysteve | Feb 19, 2008 8:48:26 AM | #Eh, the language thing is nothing. They're just being convienent. I can live with it. The only thing that worries me is, Fox of all networks, could care less about the fans. See Firefly, Drive, etc. I think the one thing we have on our sides are the producers. Brett Ratner and Neal Moritz are big time hollywood producers, and if they want to finish this thing out, they definately have the clout to do it.
realgenius | Feb 19, 2008 8:54:24 AM | #GET READY FOR THE SCOFIELD IDENTITY...MATT DAMON GOT NOTHING ON OUR BOY
WHOLETRUTHY | Feb 19, 2008 10:03:02 AM | #To add to what Shaggysteve said about the producers' clout, I agree. Nick Santora (writer/producer) said he would be SHOCKED if they didn't get picked up for another season.
Plus, if a show like Alias can go on for 5 seasons, so can Prison Break. I guess I am always on the side of a show that just doesn't get the fan base it deserves. I watched Alias for about 3 seasons, but I think Prison Break deserves to get wrapped up, if they give us one more.
Chris from NY | Feb 19, 2008 10:13:08 AM | #THEY'RE GONNA CANCEL PRISON BREAK?? NOOOO!!! I LOVE LOOKING AT MICHAEL...NO DIALOGUE NECESSARY, REALLY...
AND WHILE I AGREE WITH EVERYONE'S DETAILS..THE FACT THAT THE TIME FLIES!! BY WHEN IM WATCHING IS GOOD ENOUGH REASON TO KEEP IT! NOT ALOT OF SHOWS CAN BOAST THAT..I FIND MYSELF LOOKING AT THE CLOCK (FOR THE 1ST TIME SINCE THE SHOW STARTS) AND ITS ALREADY THE LAST 15 MINUTES!! THATS SHOCKING FOR ME..CAUSE IM AN OCD CLOCK WATCHER...I GOT LOST ON "LOST" IN THE 1ST SEASON..
TOO MANY PEOPLE, TOO MANY BACK STORIES THAT CONNECT, I CANT SUSPEND MY DISBELIEF LONG ENOUGH.SORRY...PRISON BREAK IS NOT THE SAME AT ALL.
THE FORMAT IS SIMPLE, THE CHARACTERS ARE PRETTY CLEARING DEFINED...AND THERE'S ALWAYS SOMETHING "UNSAID" TO AT LEAST ONE OF THEM...I LIKE IT.
VEGAS OUT
re: above post..sorry..characters are pretty clearly defined..not clearing!!
lizouttavegas | Feb 19, 2008 11:20:09 AM | #Hope some of you are lucky enough to be part of a group that watches and discusses every Tuesday AM. It is the best start to our day as we try to dissect the previous night's episode. The writers have given Michael the type of brain functioning that most of us would love to have. The other characters provide us with SO much material to discuss. Some of our students (we're a group of educators - high school) are also watching the show and really enjoy listening to us (2 female, 2 male) give our varying opinions. NO WAY SHOULD FOX CONSIDER CANCELLING. TOO MUCH LEFT FOR US TO KNOW.
L. Ramsey | Feb 19, 2008 1:00:56 PM | #I'd be so much more interested in watching again if they'd get out of South America.
They have entirely too much room to insert the gross factor and they've done it all season.
If they'd go back to Chicago, or ANY place I could recognize, I'd be back on board, but until then, not so much.
Jan | Feb 19, 2008 3:45:07 PM | #I think they are going to keep Sona. You know it is filmed in Dallas, Texas, right? :-)
I don't think we are supposed to recognize anything except the Panama hats.
The landscape may change even if they stay in Dallas. It looks like they might be going to Scottsdale, Arizona (Gretchen/Whistler/Mahone) with Michael on their trail, but that is just a guess.
Chris from NY | Feb 19, 2008 4:24:56 PM | #I would also hate to see this show end - I agree that time flies when I watch it. With T-Bag running the show in Sona and Michael pursuing Gretchen, there's a lot of life left in this show... If FOX does decide to cancel this show, hopefully fans can protest and bring it back like they did with Jericho...
Lisey | Feb 19, 2008 4:28:36 PM | #After all she suffered to help Michael and find him * be with him, to just let some 2-bit "vampira" kill her is not acceptable. I swore that if she was really beheaded or dead from whatever. I'd never watch again. Finally a screen couple with genuine obvious chemistery sparking between them & the writers kill off the feminine lead? Remember what happened to Beauty and the Beast when Cathy Chandler
was killed? Remember what happened to Highlander when
Tessa was killed off leaving Conner McCloud alone? That was the end of the series. If I knew where to reach the writers of this show, I would implore them to find a way to bring Sara back to the story.
She sacrificed much and endured torture for Michael, her supposed death did nothing to advance the plot-line, or enhance any of the chacters actions. Just the hint read in a previous post, that she may have escaped the devious derangement of Vampira
and her cruel stupidity & nasty tricks..willkeep me watching and hoping, to see courageous beautiful Sara in the future.
I'm glad to see that I'm not the only one thinking that Sara isn't really "really" dead. The head in the box didn't really look like her, because the actress wouldn't even let the producers come to her house with a film crew to get the needed shots. Seems to say that said actress will never come back to the show, but if I was looking for a big comeback this fall, I would open up the vault, and give her whatever it took for one more season. Sketch out a true closing season, with finality, and happy endings (for some). And even for faking Sara's death, Gretchen deserves what she gets. Also, I have always thought, since episode #1, that T-Bag would be the "final villian" to go down, and I think that is the way it will be.
Eric | Feb 22, 2008 5:13:32 AM | #
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