By Frederic Germay
This episode may not have been as action-packed or informative as last week’s episode, but it certainly had the similar impact of significantly moving the storyline forward. Unfortunately, leaving Sona behind has many negative consequences. Some of which include the elimination of several of the very interesting character dynamics that Michael has formed with many of the Sona prisoners, such as Lechero, T-Bag, and obviously Whistler. I don’t believe these characters can truly be as fascinating without Michael in the background, but then again the mildly unlikely scenario of Michael being forced to break back into Sona might occur again.
I’m beginning to think that this near perfect start to the season (with the exception of killing Sara) is coming close to derailment. Taking into account FOX’s decision to automatically label this episode as the fall finale due to the writer’s strike, several plot threads aren’t explored with the proper amount of depth, which proves that this episode wasn’t intended to serve as a prelude to the winter hiatus. In the long run, the episode’s conclusion, while shocking, wasn’t suspenseful enough to provide mandatory viewership when the show returns from its winter hiatus. This will allow the disheartened viewers plenty time to contemplate whether they really want to continue with the show, and in light of the ‘Sara’ tragedy, fewer viewers will eventually return to the show.
Concerning the storyline, I mentioned that the plot moved significantly forward. It became quite obvious after the reinforced steel bars were placed on all of the windows that escaping from the prison would probably be impossible via those means. Fortunately, the addition of Lechero provides some support, which ultimately goes nowhere, except for the revelation of Lechero’s communication with Lincoln Burrows to Sammy. There also is the slight possibility that Lechero or Whistler might try to escape by themselves using the knowledge that Michael provided regarding the tunnel. I highly doubt that the tunnel has already served its purpose as a mere plot convenience, and I’m also a strong believer that if you show a gun in the first act – it will get fired in the second act. (Or third act.)
On the outside, it seems that Gretchen has almost as much to lose as Lincoln. Thanks to the now speaking, formerly Mr. Notepad man, Gretchen could very well lose her life if she fails to accomplish the near impossible, which also allows for the possibility of her attempting to align herself with the brothers if all else fails. Note that I wrote ‘attempting,’ – I highly doubt that Michael or Linc would be sympathetic to her plight.
Concerning Mahone, I must give props to William Fichtner for stealing every scene and delivering brilliant performances. However, I do miss the captivating Michael/Mahone dynamic that we have been missing since Mahone left Sona. Over the past season, we’ve witnessed that Mahone, when sane, can rival or even surpass Michael’s genius. I look forward to hopefully observing that same dynamic sometime soon.
Overall, this episode was done quite well. Unfortunately, it seems as though these new developments may result in damaging the overall, near perfect structure of the season. The dialogue in this episode was a bit choppy at times, but the acting performances more than compensated, especially Fichtner’s Mahone and Chris Vance’s (of Vance Refrigeration…sorry, couldn’t resist) James Whistler. I give this episode an 8/10.
