Starring Dominic Purcell, Wentworth Miller, Peter Stormare, Robin Tunney, Amaury Nolasco, Stacy Keach, Sarah Wayne Callies, Wade Williams, Paul Adelstein
Written By: Paul Scheuring
Directed By:
Studio: 20th Century Fox
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Lincoln Burrows (Purcell) is awaiting death, for a crime he did not commit at Chicago’s Fox River Penitentiary, and it’s up to his brother, Michael Scofield to save him and try and get him out. Most people want to get out, but Scofield (Miller) robs a bank to get in. Set up with the same prison, Michael Scofield comes up with an intense, thought out escape that involves several people, including his brother awaiting the electric chair on death row. Only Michael can lead the escape, and without him, there is no hope for his escape and Lincoln’s life. With the same intensity and excitement as shows as 24, Lost, and The Shield; Prison Break is a great new series everyone should check out.

Michael Scofield was different than his brother. Staying on the right side of the tracks, Michael went to college, excelled at all his studies, and went on to be a great engineer. Lincoln would end up hitting hard times, and resorting to violence, and eventually ending up on Death Row at Fox River. As most brothers do, they look out for each other, and that is what little brother Michael was doing for his big brother, Lincoln. Intricately planned for 3 years, Michael finally does the unthinkable, holding up a bank on purpose in hopes that he would end up at the same prison his brother is scheduled to die only a month or two later. Now, you might be thinking, how the hell is he going to get out of prison, especially with someone who is on Death Row? As it turns out, Michaels’ Engineering Firm designed the prison and Michael has access to all the floor plans. With secrecy and hidden meanings, Michael gets a full upper body tattoo filled with all the floor plans. Inside Fox River is no easy picnic either. Housed in this maximum prison are some of the most deadly and ruthless criminals in the US. Michael and Lincoln will need their help as well.

On the outside, Lincoln’s former girlfriend Veronica (Tunney) is a lawyer who is still trying to help Lincoln out. 3 years of not believing Lincoln, Veronica has uncovered some truths around the case, as did Michael, and is a full believer that Lincoln was framed. The C-O-N spiracy goes extremely high, higher than they all would ever imagine, and just as Lincoln’s life is in danger, the same goes for anyone that starts uncovering the truth.

Another great aspect of the show is the supporting actors. They provide the story with some colorful characters such as John Abruzzi, the mobster played by Peter Stormare, the excellent character actor that has been a million movies, T-Bag (Robert Knepper) is the creepy pedophile rapist but plays a big part with the first season. Sucre, Scofield’s cell mate also is an integral part of the planned escape, and is a little different than the typical criminal. His main concern is getting out seeing his fianc, who is pregnant and hooking up with one of his friends. There are plenty of other great cast members like Stacy Keach as Pope, Warden of Fox River, Wade Williams as Capt Bellick, who plays the head of the C.O’s and is a real jerk.

Each episode reminds me of the suspense of shows like 24 and Lost because the inmates get themselves into certain situations that seem impossible to get out of, but then manage to pull it off, obviously sometimes unrealistic, especially for prison. Another part of the show that I love is the relationship between Dr. Sara and Michael. They are obviously attracted to each other but because Michael is an I’mate and Dr. Sara is treating him, the rules are that they can’t have a relationship. It’s “blue balls” television at its best!

Needless to say, I really got into this show. I missed out with its first-run airings, but that’s what DVD is for and I’m glad I was able to watch this whole season in less than a week to get caught up for the upcoming second season. It’s very compelling television with a great story of family, trust, conspiracy, and interesting characters really help bring the series above many out there.

While the series is the main reason to pick this set up, there are a few extras that are worth checking out. Of course you get some deleted scenes, and commentaries, and a few featurettes which help delve into cast summaries, interviews, and a cool feature on the history of the prison the show was show at.

Features:
-Audio Commentaries on Selected Episodes
-Three Featurettes Including the Making of Prison Break
-Fox Movie Channel Presents Making a Scene
-Alternate/Deleted Scenes

Audio:
– ENGLISH: Dolby Digital 5.1 CC

Video:
– Widescreen 1.78:1 Color

Subtitles:
– English, Spanish, French

Favorite Scenes: Pilot, Cute Poison, And Then There was 7, Go
Rating: NR
Running Time: 960 minutes
Extras Rating:
Overall Rating: