[TV] Prison Break - Fall 2008's Best Unwatched show?

[rittchard]

Prison Break is on a roll this season.  To my great surprise I've been looking forward to it more than any of my previous Monday night favorites (Terminator, Chuck, Heroes).  Along with the standard suspense and drama, they've injected a healthy dose of fun and romance that has really altered the tone of the entire series which at times seemed weighed down by too much seriousness and despondency.  Each episode has felt like a mini-Ocean's 11 and it's really working out.  For the first time the characters seem buoyed by a sense of hope and direction and there's also a good degree of humor as well.

But in case you think they've lost their edge, we still have a good portion of torture and killing, and the return of the super evil bitch from last season is excellent.  Hard not to love her ruthlessness and the return of Sarah just makes it all the more juicy.  Speaking of which, her relationship with Michael really feels like the anchor the show was really missing last season.  Even with all the horrible stuff going on it's hard not to root for these two to live happily ever after.

The biggest problem?  Ratings seem to be tanking in spite of the show's improvement.  I can kind of see it's hard to get back into the show with all that's developed.  Stephen King wrote a summary about it in the latest issue of Entertainment Weekly and even that was hard to follow.  I really hope they let the show run it's full season and maybe just end it this year, we'll see.

[hepcat]

I feel they jumped the shark after leaving the prison, to be honest.  I've tried watching it this season but I'm not diggin' it.  Now it seems to be more an attempt to make Oceans 15 or something.

[YellowKing]

Yeah, I'm really enjoying this season. Last season was good, but that prison setting was really claustrophobic. It's much more fun seeing the characters able to interact in the "real world."

The caveat is that the show is absurdly far-fetched. However, it's far-fetched in a good way - like Rittch pointed out - an Ocean's 11 sort of way. It's chock full of coincidence and blind luck, but it's so fun you kind of just shrug your shoulders and roll with it.

Also, I would tear Sarah Tancredy up like a bull on viagra. She's my favorite hotty on TV.

And the guy that plays Tea Bag deserves some sort of award. He's utterly brilliant.

[JohnathanStrange]

Funny, I'd just abandoned this show this season!! While it's always been over-the-top unbelievable and I had long long ago stopped taking Prison Break seriously and told myself "Just go with it", I'd had enough of  its silliness.

No, I'm out - but not in an angry disappointed way but more like amused; as if I'd been listening to some ranting leftie spinning a far-fetched conspiracy theory out on Sproul Plaza and realized that I needed to get to Telegraph Avenue for some Thai food before leaving for the city.

[JohnathanStrange]

  Yeah, that redneck Teabag fellow is good. I've seen him in Law & Order episodes as a well-dressed lawyer (and it's amazing what a good haircut will due for someone with his unfortunate hair loss pattern) and I've seen him in some old scifi movies as well as some "Amazing Stories" episodes.

Good actor, good character. Still not watching though.

[warning]

This show is one of my guilty pleasures.  I just check my brain at the door and enjoy myself.  While this season is good, my favorite was the first season which was undiluted awesomesauce.

Also, I would tear Sarah Tancredy up like a bull on viagra. She's my favorite hotty on TV.

She is a cutie for sure.

[naednek]

strange, I think this is the worst season they had.  I realize breaking out of prison every year would eventually be boring, but I just can't get into this season.

[JohnathanStrange]

Yeah, I just tried watching some of the recorded episodes I had; just couldn't care. If I'm going to treat it as comedy relief, Prison Break's just not funny enough. If it's a drama, then well...where's the drama? I have been the most tolerant, low-standards, "whatever" kind of viewer: your big sophisticated, get tattooed all over, get arrested, skillfully plan a breakout only to escape via a clothing ladder just like in cartoons? Ok, whatever. Toes lopped off, hands lopped off, heads lopped off: never to be mentioned again, even by the amputees? Whatever. But at a certain point, I just don't give a damn. I really don't. No anger, just indifference.

I think the writers never believed they'd get past the mid-point in Season One which explains the lame tie your clothes and make an escape rope: they hadn't plotted that far out.

Now they're just screwing around with us: probably at some point, everybody who's been in on the chase will join Michael's crew to break in to Guantanamo Bay to rescue Harold and Kumar.

[CeeKay]

I've been DVR'ing it, along with the Sarah Connor Chronicles, but I missed an episode of both due to a power outage and haven't had a chance to catch it online yet.  Once I do I'll catch up on the newest episodes.

[TiLT]

Prison Break isn't among the best shows this season, that's for sure. It's still good enough to watch though, and this season is certainly better than the third. The change of pace and style was necessary at this point, IMO.

[warning]

See I liked the 3rd season since they were, you know, in a prison trying to break out.

[TiLT]

But now they're trying to avoid prison by breaking in. See? It still works! 

[YellowKing]

You don't get it, man. Society is their prison. They're breaking out of society's laws and restrictions, which are like steel bars holding them down. Their teamwork, despite their individual differences, is like a metaphorical clothes ladder. Each one tied to the next to complete the whole. 

[Larraque]

Prison Break? More like Prison Bake. Smuggle in some weed and get super stoned man!

[JayDee]

I like this season a lot. I didn't think I would, but the writers somehow were able to keep the show fresh. Originally the show was fully written for two seasons. The last season of Season 2 where they were about to escape on the boat was supposed to be the final scene of the series. But the ratings were so high that Fox wanted them back, so changed the final scene to include the murder of the evil asian guy so Michael would have to go back to prison.

I would be fine with the show ending after this season. It's been a great ride, but they can only run for so long.

[rittchard]

Yeah, I just tried watching some of the recorded episodes I had; just couldn't care. If I'm going to treat it as comedy relief, Prison Break's just not funny enough. If it's a drama, then well...where's the drama?

You don't think a guy dealing with the murder of his young son by a cold-blooded psychopathic killer is drama?   Or the brothers dealing with the loss of most of their family, and now Michael dealing with a possible brain aneurysm? 

Anyway, I can see why people wouldn't get into the show, but personally I've really enjoyed the ride.  One big thing is I think you really have to buy into the Michael/Sarah relationship as the foundation that keeps things (Michael especially) going.  Even when they showed her head cut off last season I didn't give up hope it was a fake and they'd find a way to reunite - so obviously I got a nice payoff this season.

One of the other things I like (though some may say they do this too much) is how they contort and skew the "good" and "evil" characters enough to challenge and change how you feel about them.  Characters that you hated in one season you now find yourself cheering for, or at least appreciating in a different light. 

[mikeg]

I like the show and watch it religiously, but as for the Michael/Sarah relationship-I ain't buying it.  There is zero chemistry between those two.  I think there is more chemistry between Michael and Teabag.  And quite honestly, I hate Michael's brother. Can't stand the guy.  Every time I see him I roll my eyes.  So worthless.  Same for the prison guard dude.  The one I am cheering the most for is the ex FBI dude, Alex I think.  I sooooooo want him to rip the head off that black assassin son-of-a-bitch.  Looking forward to that day.

[TiLT]

I like the show and watch it religiously, but as for the Michael/Sarah relationship-I ain't buying it.  There is zero chemistry between those two.

I have to agree. There was good chemistry between them in the earlier seasons, but for some reason it doesn't feel right now.

[Pong]

I like the show and watch it religiously, but as for the Michael/Sarah relationship-I ain't buying it.  There is zero chemistry between those two.  I think there is more chemistry between Michael and Teabag.  And quite honestly, I hate Michael's brother. Can't stand the guy.  Every time I see him I roll my eyes.  So worthless.  Same for the prison guard dude.  The one I am cheering the most for is the ex FBI dude, Alex I think.  I sooooooo want him to rip the head off that black assassin son-of-a-bitch.  Looking forward to that day.

Haven't had the time to watch this season but:

Spoiler for Hiden:

Didn't Sarah get her head chopped off, or was that just a trick ?

[TiLT]

Spoiler for Hiden:

Didn't Sarah get her head chopped off, or was that just a trick ?

Spoiler for Hiden:

It was a trick, and she's back again this season. The reason she was gone was because the actress was pregnant, so they had to write her out of the plot for a while.

[Pong]

Spoiler for Hiden:

Didn't Sarah get her head chopped off, or was that just a trick ?

Spoiler for Hiden:

It was a trick, and she's back again this season. The reason she was gone was because the actress was pregnant, so they had to write her out of the plot for a while.

Thought so since it happened, but really hoped I was wrong. Gives me even less reason to watch it now
This show was so good in the beginning

[CeeKay]

Sarah in a bikini top......   

[YellowKing]

Sarah in a bikini top......

Yeah, I think my wife is growing annoyed with my Sarah crush this season. The bikini tops aren't helping.

[JayDee]

ttyl Bellick.

 

[CeeKay]

haven't seen last night episode yet, but I figured he'd be the one to go since he's the most expendable.  now if someone would only get enough sense to off Teabag when he's in their clutches...

[JohnathanStrange]

I haven't watched a complete episode this season; I lost interest in Prison Break. Even with the lovely Sarah Tancredi getting her head back. Ironic, but ehhhh....there's always a DVD in the future.

[Redfive]

Generally in the same boat as most others here.  This season is pretty lame from a 'no way in hell that could happen' standpoint but I guess they all have been in one way or another.  I think it's pretty bad though and the wife and I just watch it because we are invested in the characters.

Just watched this weeks episode tonight on the DVR and the only plot line / character I cared about got done what he needed to get done so as far as the rest of the show is concerned I don't care. 

We'll probably watch it all but they really need to make this the last season.

[hepcat]

I'm still watchin', although I still stand by my earlier assertion that it's just ridiculous at this point.  However, I've spent so much time with these characters that I'm interested in seeing where they end up.

I'm also a big fan of the guy who plays Mahone, William Fichtner.  I thought he was great on Invasion as the guy you weren't sure was bad or good.  Pulling that kind of performance off takes some acting chops.

EDIT:  whoa, just looked up his name on IMDB to get the correct spelling and noticed he was born in '56!  Jeebus, I thought I was older than him.  Somewhere out there must be a portrait of him in which he appears to be 80 years old.

[rittchard]

Still enjoying the show, though I likewise hope it's the final season and they wrap plotlines up. 

Nice payoff on the torture sequence, Jack Bauer would be proud.  Bellick's swansong was out of character but needed to tighten up the cast.

That evil chick (why can't I remember her name?) is one of the best/worst characters on TV.  I love to hate her.  The grossout "my girl" kiss scene was just icky x 10.

[PR_GMR]

Still enjoying the show, though I likewise hope it's the final season and they wrap plotlines up. 

It's definetely the final season.. and it might not even air on its entirety--Hollywood Reporter posting that Fox hasn't listed Prison Break on its mid-season schedule even though there are 6 additional episodes yet to air. Also, Fox ordered an additional 2 episodes and there's speculation that these episodes might serve as the series finale sometime next spring.

[rittchard]

Ouch I knew ratings were down but I forgot how quick they are to dump things.

Next week's Mission Impossible looks fun, but all in all I am ready for some resolution.

[JayDee]

I'm fine with ending the show. I just want a resolution and Fox better air those final episodes! 

[CeeKay]

they really should have called the show something else, like The Scofield Chronicles or something since half the series didn't involve breaking out of prison.

[rittchard]

they really should have called the show something else, like The Scofield Chronicles or something since half the series didn't involve breaking out of prison.

Yeah, semi OT, but there seems to be a number of these type of "high concept" shows ever since Lost, that almost limit themselves from day one with their title or premise.  I wonder if it might make more sense for studios to start doing what they do in many foreign countries, just building shows that are meant/designed/written to end in a set number of episodes and advertise it as such.  I know the industry doesn't work that way right now, but maybe it's time for a change.

Lost - this is the grand-daddy of the high concept shows, whose success spawned many of these others.  The basic premise of people trapped on an island has been drawn out in so many ways, it may be impossible to satisfy everyone in the end.  But they did things right by defining an end point and can now move toward it with a stronger sense of direction.

Prison Break - pretty obvious limitation, it's a wonder they could stretch it as long as they have.  Of course the writers claim to have had seasons 1 and 2 planned out early on, and that did show.  Planning = good.  Seat of your pants = ruh roh.

Vanished - show looked pretty cool, but how long can you drag out finding someone who is missing.  They started to lace it with lots of interesting backstory, at which point the show was cancelled.

The Nine - everything based on flashing back to a single day's events.  Interesting but flawed concept from day one.  How many seasons were they thinking they could do this, seriously?

Life on Mars - love the show, but again the concept is iffy.  If they "resolve" the mystery of is it real, is he dying/dead, is it time travel, whatever, the show is over.  If they don't resolve it, how long can they drag the concept out?

Journeyman - loved the show, but the high concept was apparently too much for people.  Similar to Life on Mars, how long could they drag out the concept?  At least it seemed like Journeyman was willing to go deeper into the sci-fi aspects with its main plotline, at which point it was promptly cancelled

Worst Week - I love that main guy, he's absolutely adorable, and haven't seen much of the show yet, but again - it's called Worst WEEK and isn't it based on the week before he gets married?

[hepcat]

Worst Week - I love that main guy, he's absolutely adorable, and haven't seen much of the show yet, but again - it's called Worst WEEK and isn't it based on the week before he gets married?

Look at 24.  It's actually 168 after 7 years.   

[rittchard]

Worst Week - I love that main guy, he's absolutely adorable, and haven't seen much of the show yet, but again - it's called Worst WEEK and isn't it based on the week before he gets married?

Look at 24.  It's actually 168 after 7 years.   

I was thinking 24 too but actually on second thought, it's premise is a natural for continuation.  Each season only 1 day passes, that's a perfect format to go on forever.  And actually, there's nothing in the title that constrains you as to what the 24 represents.  24 hours, 24 days, 24 months.

[YellowKing]

they really should have called the show something else, like The Scofield Chronicles or something since half the series didn't involve breaking out of prison.

But every episode of the show has revolved around the events surrounding the original prison break. Every character, conspiracy, and plot point in some way relates back to that single event and the circumstances surrounding it. Geez, if every TV or movie title had to be a literal summary of the contents of the plot, we'd live in a boring world with freakishly long movie marquees and 500-page TV Guides.

[hepcat]

Thank God they've never had Sarah facing down a Cougar in the woods during the show's run...

[CeeKay]

Thank God they've never had Sarah facing down a Cougar in the woods during the show's run...

I'd like to see Sarah wrestle with a cougar 

[JayDee]

How dumb was it to have Michael cut the hole in the glass when he is *this* close to collapsing from an aneuryism (sp?)? Other than that I found the rest of the episode to be quite entertaining. I like caper/heist movies so this was a lower budget TV version.