Cell Test

Michael and Lincoln decide to test the trustworthiness of Sucre, using a fake cell phone, to check whether he will rat Michael or not. John Abbruzzi is pressed by his mobster associate Philly Falzone and changes the approach with Michael, defending him against T-Bag. Meanwhile, Veronica calls off her wedding with Sebastian and seeks out Leticia to reopen Lincoln's case. LJ Burrows is sentenced to visit his father in Fox River once a week as part of his punishment.

In "Cell Test", Michael reaches his intent of approaching to Abbruzzi but loses two toes. Veronica is near to discover the truth, but the poor Leticia is reached by the despicable agent Paul Kellerman. Lincoln's son seem to be connected with his father, and in the end, the only thing that matters is love. My vote is seven.

Title (Brazil): "Teste do Celular" ("Cell Test")

Scofield's confidence test of Sucre goes somewhat awry leading to an unintended change in his cell occupancy with the arrival of the comically unhinged 'Haywire' character, fresh out of the psych ward whose doing life for the murder of his parents. Conveniently Haywire doesn't sleep inhibiting Scofield's ability to progress with his escape plans.

Also going on inside, LJ is compelled to visit his death-row father as part of a diversion programme after he's busted attempting to traffic a (presumably) misdemeanour quantity of the green stuff in a rather lazily handled and wholly unrealistic sub-plot. It's amazing the pace at which the bureaucracy moves in this series, the events unfolding in a matter of just a few days which is extremely convenient given the imminent execution. It does enable Linc and LJ the opportunity to reconnect however, and we begin to see the bond forming that will become more crucial from a plot perspective later-on.

Outside of the big house, Veronica is becoming more concerned that Lincoln might actually be innocent when she's approached by the former girlfriend (Porter) of his drug-dealing associate, who's become a paranoid, insecure hermit convinced that sinister forces are out to get her.

This episode ends better than it begins, and in a lot of ways is an inflexion point for many of the characters as they begin to check their positions in the rapidly escalating conspiracy.

The tension inside Fox River is off the charts, showing that every step of Michael's plan needs to be meticulously calculated-and even then, he's not immune to brutal setbacks. Abruzzi's torture, which ends with Michael losing two of his toes, not only reinforces the cruelty of the prison environment but also exposes the protagonist's vulnerability. Despite his above-average intelligence, he's still subject to the violent rules of that microcosm. The infirmary scene, with Dr. Tancredi questioning Michael about what happened, adds both humanity and suspense while keeping the tension between what can be said and what needs to be kept secret for survival.

The dynamic between Michael and Lincoln continues to be one of the episode's strongest aspects. Lincoln, driven by impulsiveness and a desire to protect his brother, constantly needs to be reined in by Michael, who-even injured-keeps his cool and stays focused on the bigger picture. The revelation that Abruzzi is a key piece in the escape, thanks to his connections with a charter flight company, adds an interesting layer to their relationship, where manipulation and mutual interest need to be played with extreme caution. Michael is willing to endure physical abuse, but he keeps Abruzzi in check by dangling valuable information, showcasing his resilience and strategic mind.

This episode also brings some great development for Sucre, who faces a tough moral dilemma. Michael's loyalty test-planting a fake cell phone to see if Sucre would betray him-is one of the most intriguing moments of the episode. Sucre's reaction after realizing he was being tested, choosing to distance himself from Michael and request a cell transfer, adds a strong emotional layer to the story. His motivation, centered around his fiancée Maricruz and his desire to get out the right way, shows that not everyone in Fox River is willing to risk it all for a seemingly insane plan. This cell change ends up creating a new challenge for Michael, as he now has to deal with a new cellmate from the psych ward-an element that adds even more uncertainty and danger to the escape plan.

The ticking clock is another factor that weighs heavily in the episode, with Michael admitting they're three days behind schedule-leaving almost zero room for error. The sense of urgency is palpable, and every small delay or shift in character dynamics adds even more tension to the plot. The show nails the balance between character development and the progression of the escape plan, keeping the audience constantly engaged and eager to see how Michael will navigate each new obstacle.

Outside the prison, Veronica keeps digging deeper into the case, facing increasingly personal challenges, including the end of her engagement. The external storyline adds more mystery and conspiracy to the overall plot, reinforcing the idea that escaping Fox River is just one piece of a much bigger puzzle. Lincoln's decisions regarding his family-especially his tough conversation with LJ about being present at the execution-bring an emotional weight that adds more depth to his character.

Visually, the episode sticks to the prison's oppressive and claustrophobic aesthetic, with tight camera angles and a dark color palette that enhances the feeling of confinement and desperation. The direction does a great job of building silent tension, especially in Michael's interactions with his new cellmate, where just a simple exchange of glances is enough to create an unsettling atmosphere.

Overall, this episode continues the show's impeccable build-up of suspense and tension, with complex characters and a script that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats. Every decision carries consequences, and the series does an excellent job of showing how even the smallest actions can put the entire plan at risk, making Michael's journey even more thrilling.

Sucres character development is greatly improved. Tensions between Mike and new found enemies hits its peak so far. Lincolns screen-time is increased, an escape plan very slowly starts to form.