Prison Break is an excitingly addictive TV series, created by Paul T. Scheuring, introduced by Fox Network in 2005, and which has gained quite a following. Naturally, from the title, you can already surmise that the story is set in prison. But its concept is quite a turn-around from the regular shows and movies where actors and lead characters try their best to escape from prison. In fact, it’s quite the reverse.
The Plot
The story revolves around two brothers. The first, Lincoln Burrows, played by Dominic Purcell, has been convicted of killing the Vice President’s brother, been sentenced to death and was consequently sent to Fox River State Penitentiary to wait for his execution. The 2nd protagonist is Lincoln’s brother Michael Scofield, played by Wentworth Miller. He is convinced that his brother is innocent and was an unfortunate victim of an elaborate conspiracy. In order to save his brother from getting executed, he hatched a plan to break into prison in order to get his brother out. As the story unfolds, Michael needs to overcome insurmountable obstacles and threats to his own life in order to pull off his escape plan. A female heroine, Veronica Donovan, played by Robin Tunney, aids him on the outside.
The originality of the plot is a huge attraction for TV viewers. However, some viewers can’t help but compare its style with that of “24” and “Lost,” both suspense-driven shows that keep viewers hanging at the edge of their seats for the continuing episodes in the season in order to unravel the story. It also has that “time-element” of which “24” is famous for.
However, some of the details in the story, those that are already revealed in the first two seasons, border on the unbelievable and incredible. For instance, what are the chances that the man who is responsible for building the prison is the same man whose mission was to save his brother from getting executed in the same prison? Also, if you’re the type of viewer who’s sick of government conspiracies and the fact that the Secret Service seem to be anti-Superheroes with their abilities to kill off anyone and to blame their horrendous activities on seemingly innocent bystanders, then you may find yourself changing the channel too. But, if you’re willing to suspend your disbelief and just allow yourself to be taken by the flow of the story, then you’ll find that Prison Break is one TV series that you’re going to become addicted to.
Cast and Setting
An important ingredient in a successful TV series is the compatibility and believability of the actors playing their roles. In this case, the casting agent did a good job in casting Dominic Purcell and Wentworth Miller as brothers because they sure can pass off as that, especially during the prison scenes.
With such a seemingly preposterous premise to start off the show, the series is carried on a successful tide by the worthy acting talents of Purcell and Miller. Stacy Keach in his role as Warden Pope, also lends an air of authority in the series.
Another factor that gives the show its unique appeal is that they shot on location in the 147-year old Joliet Prison in Illinois. It gives the show that dark edge especially if you consider that the prison cell that Lincoln inhabits in the show is the actual cell where the infamous John Wayne Gacy used to stay in.
Restrictions
Considering that you’re dealing with prison life and that Lincoln isn’t the only person in the prison, you’ll be exposed to some graphic and violent scenes, involving the “inmates.” Some scenes may be too bloody for regular viewers so discretion is advisable if you’re watching in the presence of younger children.
Also, since this series involves a very intricate plots and subplots, those viewers who miss an episode or two may have some trouble catching up. The fun in watching the series is in figuring out if you’re on the same page with the writers of the show. It just might be the attraction of the show, if the viewers can predict the direction the show is going.
Anyway, following the show as it progresses is entirely up to you. If you find that you’re fed up with its seemingly endless possibilities and you’re no longer happy watching it, then no one’s stopping you from surfing other channels. However, there are those who, when they start something, always want to finish what they’ve started. Let’s see, if they can stay with the show for as long as it’s on the air.
Related Internet Directory Categories:
