As I said before, I got a chance recently to take a gander at the first episode of the new fall series Prison Break, and I like what I see so far. The filming and writing is top-notch, with what seems like an authentic inner-prison air surrounding it all. Wentworth Miller (Michael) plays his role superbly, with ice-cold nerves and an attitude about him that says "I have all the answers." Dominic Purcell (Lincoln) is great to see again after the demise of the John Doe series.We're lead right into the action from the first few scenes of the episode, and answers as to what's really going on start to fill in as the show progresses. Lincoln is in prison on death row, accused of killing the Vice President's brother. Michael, Lincoln's brother, believes Lincoln is innocent only on the basis of his word. So Michael concocts a scheme to make sure he gets into the same prison his brother is locked up in, hoping his handy knowledge of the prison's architectural layout will set them free. We see how well organized he's been while outside the prison, having paved the way for his well-being by making contacts and befriending the right people.
If you love prison escape movies like Escape from Alcatraz and The Great Escape, this show seems like it'll be right up your alley. The first episode will definitely leave you anxiously awaiting the next one, that I can say for sure. However, I have to wonder how many seasons this show can last. It's possible the network only plans to have the series on for a couple of seasons, but that just doesn't seem right. Has any network done that before with anything but an advertised mini-series? Hopefully the writers have something very twisty in mind for everyone, one that will make having the series last longer than a couple of seasons believable.
Now, I love my brother and all, but would I try to find a way to break him out of prison should I think he's been falsely imprisoned? I don't know, but I find it as unlikely as him winding up on death row someday. So if you're reading this Eric, keep your nose out of trouble, 'kay?
Quote of the episode:
Lincoln: "You've seen the blueprints?"
Michael: "Better than that -- I've got them on me."
Prison Break premieres Monday, August 29 @ 8 P.M. EST on Fox
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
8-03-2005 @ 12:03PM
K J said...
I can't remember where I read it, but apparently season 2 will be out of prison and on the run, ala "The Fugitive".
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8-03-2005 @ 7:12PM
Bob Sassone said...
Yeah, I read that too, that the second season will be him out of prison on the run, trying to clear his name.
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8-04-2005 @ 4:34PM
Belgand said...
While not popular the idea of a limited maxi-series with a set ending is slowly, but surely creeping up on us. Unless I'm mistaken I belive that Babylon 5 was set to have distinct beginning, middle, and end. Other shows like Lost (and sadly the X-Files) could benefit from this concept as well. I mean, high concept work like this needs to tell a distinct story.
The closest analogue I can see is in the world of comics. You have plenty of ongoing series that have been going for years and years and will keep going regardless. You have miniseries and one-shot graphic novels as well. Somewhere, sometimes in-between though you also get the long or semi-long term maxi-series whether they only last for two seasons (e.g. Sleeper) or many (e.g. Transmetropolitan, Preacher) they have a plotted long-term story to tell and when the end is reached it's over.
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9-27-2005 @ 6:24PM
sarah Riendeau said...
well, i just love this show. i dont care what anyone says. I think this show showcases Wentworths talent. I cant wait til next monday!
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