By Frederic Germay
If anyone had any doubts about whether “Prison Break” was good for another season, allow your fears to be officially quenched. I must admit, I was a little skeptical about the feasibility of a third season, and I was particularly worried about growing distance between the show’s title and the plot. It certainly seems as though the writers behind “Prison Break” found a way to rectify that particular error by reinforcing the title’s relevance. The end result is beyond rewarding.
Needless to say, our favorite mastermind, Michael Scofield, is back behind bars again. However, this time he is in a Panamanian prison named Sona where the very worst criminals the world has to offer take up residence. Apparently the prison is so unruly that even the guards have pulled out of it, only to keep a strict and intolerant perimeter on the outside. Inside this cage, the inmates have formed a kind of civilized savagery, allowing what seems to be the most dangerous of them all to be a dictator of sorts.
The dictator (I don’t know his official name yet), bent on maintaining his reign, seems to see Michael as some kind of competition. Thanks to his access to CNN, he knew that Michael broke out of Fox River, and I think he is afraid that the other inmates might rally around Michael if they believe he can help them break out of Sona. Also with Michael is a surprisingly nicer Mahone, who I believe only values Michael as a means to an end, the end being outside of the prison. However, I also feel that there is modicum of repentance in Mahone, perhaps an inkling of remorse. When Michael reminded Mahone that he was responsible for the death of Aldo Burrows, I thought I detected a flicker of regret in Mahone’s eyes.
Along with Michael and Mahone, Bellick and T-Bag also take their respective places in Sona. Both of them are unfortunately void of the genius intelligence that Michael and Mahone bear, so they’ll have to utilize their sense of cunning to prolong their survival. T-Bag seems to be extremely adept at this, whereas Bellick would be the exact opposite. T-Bag appears to have come to an understanding with how dangerous this prison is, and has forged a friendship with the dictator. Bellick, arrogant and stupid, has made his situation much worse by attempting to retain whatever morsel was left of his dignity and status, and has quickly descended down the ranks.
Concerning the plot for this season, so far it looks to be quite promising. Lincoln should have his hands full trying to rescue Sara and LJ, whereas that situation should provide Michael enough incentive to put his intellectual prowess back to work. What I find most interesting and mystifying about this episode was the rather brief introduction of the man in the wall. Apparently he is quite clever, seeing as his idea of placing his note in both of the fighter’s pockets worked, since one of the fighters would eventually die and be carried out.
Another interesting plot development should be the forced collaboration of the old Prison Break gang. Mahone displayed his willingness to help Michael when he killed Michael’s opponent in the fight, so now Michael owes him one. T-Bag, despite his rising position in the prison, wants to get out, so he will probably use his status to force Michael into letting him in on the escape plan…which sounds eerily reminiscent of his manipulations in the first season. Bellick is the only one who actually knows where the mystery man is, so he will probably try to hold on to that information as long as possible so he too can be included in the escape plan.
Overall, this was an excellent start in a refreshing direction. I can only hope that this season maintains its momentum and creative energy. I give this episode a 9/10
