Prison Break 1.11: "And Then There Were 7"

Written by Unavailable
Directed by Jesus Trevino

In which Michael’s wife comes calling to deliver something for the escape plan, which tips off Bellick, while a last-minute addition to the team creates a problem for Michael…


Another episode, another thrill ride. I don’t know why I bother mentioning that fact anymore, because it’s almost a defining quality for the series at this point. The further into the season we get, the less I worry over suspension of disbelief. If the show was terrible, it might be another story, but this is highly entertaining with strong characterization.

(Incidentally, I’m having my basement waterproofed and I was home sick all day on the day this premiered, so I was treated to the sound of people breaking through concrete for hours on end. Consequently I found this episode to be somewhat satisfying, in an odd sort of way. But that could be the cold medication talking.)

As usual, things get a little crazy with Michael’s plan. OK, he was a bit naïve to think that his watch of gold would remain among his possessions, but the writers made up for that by making the thief the most idiotic man on the payroll. Here’s a clue: if you’re going to steal from the inmates, don’t flaunt it on the grounds!

Hello, Holly! Don’t know about the hair, but I’ve always found Michael’s wife of convenience to be intriguing from a purely biographical context. And now that she’s been involved in the plot, so does Sara, which ought to complicate the situation in several unfortunate ways. I had assumed that Sara would help Michael outside of prison, given her philosophy, but now that might not be the case.

I really like the interaction between Michael and Sara, and not just because Sara is a hot redhead. When Sara puts Michael off, it’s painful. You want things to work out, even under these insane conditions. Similarly, you want the Escape Squad to make it, even though that would mean convicts running in the streets. The writers manage to push the audience into supporting some odd notions, and I have to give them credit for it.

I’m also impressed by the fact that I actually enjoyed the whole Veronica plot thread. OK, it had a lot to do with them being tortured, but what’s not to love about that? Too bad Mr. CIA/NSA/Whatever was so easily thwarted. That didn’t seem right to me, but I like how our bumbling Secret Service agents took advantage of the situation!

So now the Escape Squad is too big (no kidding!), and at least one person has to go before the big break-out. It should be fun to see it all shake out, especially now that Bellick has a damn good reason to watch Michael and his cohorts very carefully. I can’t tell who might be the likely castoff, but it probably comes down to whichever character has less to do with Michael’s success after the break.

Writing: 2/2
Acting: 2/2
Direction: 2/2
Style: 2/2

Final Rating: 8/10