Prison Break quickly became a favorite show for many people when it debuted last year on FOX. Some have compared it to FOX’s other hit show, 24, mixed with elements from HBO’s Oz. It didn’t hurt that Prison Break was paired with 24 this past Spring on Monday nights. But since the show IS called Prison Break and the gang did break out of prison at the end of the first season, can this show keep going and continue the success it had in its first year? Or will this show fail in the second season and just be a “one-hit season” show and be off the air, this time next year?
The second season of Prison Break premiered back on Monday, August 21. Four episodes have been aired, as of this writing. Two PrimeTimePulse writers, Matt Basilo and Craig Russell, attempted to answer the above questions. As you might imagine, they have different opinions on the second season of the show. So lets see what they think of the new season of Prison Break so far…
Matt Basilo: I’ve actually been meaning to talk about Prison Break for the past few weeks in my A Case of the Mondays column (RIP 6/27/05-9/11/06), so I jumped at the opportunity when asked to do it for our preview day. Admittedly, I was not a huge viewer of the show during its first season, however I caught episodes while I could, and was always pleasantly entertained. It was clear that most everything was meticulously planned out, and that things didn’t seem to be conveniently thrown together on a whim. Considering the success of the first season, I greatly admire the fact that they’re willing to so drastically change the layout and flow of the show for its sophomore year, especially after the failure Desperate Housewives experienced while attempting to alter their formula. Personally, I have really enjoyed the chase, so to speak, and how the tattoos were not only a source for his escape, but his life afterwards as well. It’s also entirely refreshing seeing the convicts on their own and really delving into their personal storylines, all while keeping them more or less connected through the money hidden in Utah. This show also reminds me a bit of Lost and The 4400, where the cast is so ensemble that certain characters can go episodes at a time without appearing, only to return without the viewers losing a step. Of course, you’re going to have Michael and Lincoln in each episode, much like you have Jack and Locke in every episode of Lost, but with the rest of the cast more or less expendable, the viewer has the opportunity to take an in depth look on the supporting characters that are focused on in any given episode. For example, we had a nice opportunity to see the softer side of C-Note with his interactions with his wife and daughter, a side we rarely got to see inside the prison. On top of that, I must absolutely commend the clever subtleties, most notably the fact that the quick “escape” scene right before each commercial break is now of the outside world, instead of the prison. Additionally, William Fichtner is an absolutely awesome addition to the show as the FBI agent leading the pursuit. He’s a nice change from Bellick, insomuch as the fact that he’s not portrayed a villain. He seems like a nice, honest guy, who is simply doing his job. On top of that, he’s using his brains to attempt to capture the convicts, unlike the brute force used by their previous adversaries. Overall, the dreaded “sophomore slump” will be an easy escape for this hit series.
Craig Russell: Last season’s happy surprise, Prison Break, combined the best elements of great prison movies like Escape from Alcatraz and Shawshank Redemption with the tick-tock pacing of 24. Yet it’s another in a long line of recent dramas where you can’t help but wonder when the novelty will wear off… I thought Prison Break was really strong at times in Season One, especially some of the middle episodes. The season finale, however, was less than stellar. And the first three episodes of Season Two have followed suit: good, not great. As with 24, you have to give Prison Break some room in the believability dept. But it’s becoming increasingly difficult to buy some of the situations Lincoln and Michael are getting themselves out of already (like their attempt to snatch Lincoln’s son from the courthouse: just wait for Arizona!). Another similarity to 24 is a cast overhaul each season. Poor Veronica (Robin Tunney: you’ll be missed) learned that lesson in the opening episode. Did anyone catch the discreet tip-off? She was no longer featured in the opening credits. And with Nick disposed of at the end of last season – two major characters and their X-Files-ish conspiracy theory storyline have been eliminated. This clears the way for screen-eater William Fichtner – whose Special Agent Alexander Mahone’s sole purpose in life is to out-think Michael. The writers also have to take into consideration that the escapees are scattered now, meaning more separate storylines. This deems another main Season One player, Stacy Keach’s Warden Henry Pope, expendable. Which is a shame, because he was very effective in the role – right up to his breakdown where he destroys Michael’s model. Let’s recap the first three episodes of Season 2, shall we? Episode 2-1, “Manhunt” What Happened: The escapees are on the run, and it’s a brand new world; Veronica is eliminated; Sara learns her actions have worse consequences; Billick tries to keep control of the hunt from the Feds. What I Liked: Introduction to Mahone. What I Didn’t Like: Michael looks like Forrest Gump. What’s Next: L.J.’s hearing
Episode 2-2, “Otis” What Happened: Michael and Lincoln part ways with Sucre, C-Note and What I Liked: Tweener goes back to school. What I Didn’t Like: Michael & Linc attempt to snatch L.J. from the court-house; Pope stands up for Billick? What’s Next: Lincoln needs medical attention, pronto.
Episode 2-3, “Scan” What Happened: Michael must turn to “wife” Nika again for help; Sara’s problems worsen; Billick’s got a reason to live; C-Note and Sucre head back to their loved ones. What I Liked: Nika. What I Didn’t Like: Rock, Paper, Scissors. What’s Next: Billick & Geary chase Michael & Linc, Midnight Run style… So far, so okay. Again, I realize Prison Break has to be cut a little slack in the reality department. Yet I still think this season can succeed without Michael and Lincoln’s too close for comfort escapes every fifteen minutes. Slow it down a bit, have them hiding out an episode here and there – talking things out. There’s certainly enough to discuss: L.J.’s future, Veronica’s death, Sara, their father – take your pick. Prison Break is still a very likable drama, albeit a slightly flawed one. For now, I’m still on board.
You can look for more comments on Prison Break, among other shows, from Craig and Matt, along with other writers only at the new PrimeTimePulse.com!
Abruzzi; T-Bag and Tweener run alone; Pope and Billick are read the riot
act; Michael & Linc attempt to snatch L.J. from the courthouse.
