Prison Break

Season One: 10/10

Season Two: 9.5/10

Season Three: 7/10

Season Four: 4.5/10

Season Five: 8.5/10

Themes: Action, Crime, Prison Escape, Mystery, Suspense, Manhunt, Drama, Family, Relationships, Stealing, Government & Conspiracy Theories.

Top five characters: 1) Michael Scofield, 2) John Abruzzi, 3) David 'Whip' Martin, 4) Benjamin Miles 'C-Note' Franklin and 5) Fernando Sucre.

If I were to rate the seasons individually, the first two seasons would have gotten a much higher rating. I really liked those, the suspense was held high, there was something at stake there. It really loses its grip (on almost everything) with the end of season 2, to make way for the third season. While watching Season 3, I realized this was more or less a rehash of the first season (though not as good). Still compared to what they went and did in Season 4 ... Season 3 seems like Shakespeare compared to it.

Season 4 goes completely Telenovela on the viewer and while it could have been even more ridiculous, it was enough to almost make me rate the whole thing a 6 instead of a 7. But back to the good things. Season 1 and 2, with great characters and while still some peculiar coincidences, it was really suspenseful and did hold its own. You had some surprises but you also had some things to look forward too. The misdirections worked (the ones you spot and the ones you missed) and the acting was more than decent enough.

Talking about acting, one particular character (a bad/psychotic one) seems to be a favorite. Especially with the ladies and it's not purely for his looks (no offense). Which made me wonder, especially considering the crimes that character committed, why some people were rooting for him. But that's just me I guess, the actor playing him, does a great job and later in the show there is a female "counterpart" (sort of).

The show also got nominated for its score (and might have won a few awards) and rightfully so. The theme is really good and sets the tone. Even the advertising break interlude has a nice touch (of course watching it on Disc, you can avoid those). Everyone was making a big deal that this was a network show and not cable. So there is some violence and a bit of cursing, but not as much (and no nudity) as in other shows. But that was never a problem (at least not for my viewing pleasure).

If you can stop at/after Season 2, you might do yourself a big favor.

EDIT: Onto Season 5 then ... and as I predicted 6 years ago or so, became reality. Someone even has a season 6 locked in ... ah well. The latter might not happen, no matter how much quite a lot of fans want this to become reality. And I'm almost surprised no one has "rated" my review yet. Then again, there are over 700 - so there is that. But back to the "final" (?) season, which picks things up where we left them, but is way better than season 4 - ok that is not really difficult to achieve.

Some things get negated and others (prison sentences) get "explained". Also, who cares about "logic", yes? Not a real hardcore fan of the show - they will not. So switch your mind off and try to enjoy this romp as much as possible. Luck and everything included - it flows almost exactly like you expect it to. With all the necessary/expected story beats. Nothing much should surprise you here ...

Prison Break is a story about two brothers. One is Lincoln Burrows (Dominic Purcell) who's on Death Row for a crime he didn't commit. His genius brother Michael Scofield (Wentworth Miller) holds up a bank to get himself out in jail with his brother. He has a plan to break them out, and a host of other interesting characters. Once out it's not over as they have to evade capture as they try to take down a political conspiracy. It's a heart pounding thriller that will keep you captivated throughout its entire run. The show is really smartly written where all of the cast and characters are given a chance to shine and they do...the entire cast is terrific! The first season is obviously the best but the others are still very well done and definitely worth watching. Don't miss this show!

Prison Break is one of the best new series. It's got personality, style, thrills and action. Michael Scofield robs a bank only to be caught and jailed. With him behind the bars he brings a plan to get himself and his brother, who is sentenced to death, out. What few people knows is that Michael is the architect of the prison and so he knows his way around.

The characters are really good. You really get to know them, but just so good that they're still unpredictable. You get to know some of their history and what kind of person they are. The actors does a great job in portraying these characters. I've only seen Dominic Purcell in John Doe, a performance I didn't find that good. However, in Prison Break his potential in shown. He portrays Lincoln Burrows very good. Wentworth Miller also does a great job as Lincoln's brother, Michael Scofield.

The story may seem a little incredible and some facts may be wrong, but never the less it's made quite believable. You believe the locations and the characters and how they behave and react. The story is well written and detailed and it all seems possible. They've managed to give this series kind of it's own style and personality. The basic idea of escaping a prison is old and so you might not wanna call this show original. On the other hand you don't know what else to call it. It is a new twist to an old idea (and a good one I might add) and it is not filled with clichés. It gives a realistic image of what could very well be. At the same time you got the old hero who's out to save the innocent. Yet, Michael is not treated like a hero. He leans more towards being a anti-hero.

The cinematography is great. This is one of those series with it's own unique look. The mood, style and action is well captured in really good looking shots followed by really nice music.

If you should start to watch one new series this year, it should be Prison Break.

After seeing the commercial I did not strike me as something I wanted to see, but My husband convinced me to sit down and watch the pilot. OH MY GOD, I was so surprised. After seeing that one episode I am hooked. On Monday nights no one in my house can make a sound while Prison Break is on. We absolutely love it, you immediately love the brothers and want them to succeed. You feel that their failure would be your failure, you want to cry with them, laugh with them.. I hope this show stays around for a while. I know that I would never miss an episode. Any one who has not started watching this show, do so now, you will not regret it in the least. You will fall in love with Wentworth Miller, he is a gem.