Prison Break 1.19: "The Key"

Written by Paul Scheuring, Zack Estrin, and Matt Olmstead
Directed by Sergio Mimica-Gezzan


Right from the beginning, there’s a sense that situations are coming to a head, even if answers are somewhat vague at this point. Lincoln’s little accident wasn’t an accident; the Vice President wanted him out of the way. Fortunately, Lincoln’s father was ready to take advantage. And that might have left Michael and the others inside the prison with no one else to break out, which would normally be a good thing…except, of course, Abruzzi is back and nothing is that simple!

I’m glad to see him back, because it adds the kind of complication that might work out better in the end. I don’t completely buy the idea that he would heal so much in such a short time, but I’ll take what I can get, since I like the character. I also like Sarah, which is why I think it stinks that Michael would use her obvious attraction to him and betray that trust, even for a second.

As predicted, “The Company” is not the CIA; instead, it is something far worse. It’s essentially the Illuminati with corporate leanings, and if you cross The Company, they get back at you through your family. So now Lincoln’s situation makes a little more sense. The implication is that the Ecofield issue exposed the VP’s brother, which in turn has exposed her. Thus eliminating both the brother (for all intent purposes) and Lincoln (to punish his father) is the VP’s way of getting back in the good graces of The Company.

It’s interesting that Pope would let Bellick push him into such a precarious position, especially when he has to know that Lincoln’s “escape” would put him on the wrong side of a conflict with the VP. And Bellick is clearly not paying attention. He lets Tweener get worked up in his situation with the friendly new cellmate, which he ought to know could have serious consequences, especially if certain truths get out in the wake of this nasty incident.

Michael’s little gambit with his “wife” (Holly Valence is such a hottie!) was pretty clever, especially since it kept Michael from directly screwing over Sarah in the process. Too bad for him that Sarah isn’t stupid. C-Note’s move with T-Bag was also well done. The game in the junkyard was also a nice touch, since it thwarted the desires of the VP while keeping alive the chance of an escape, should Michael work out that part of the plan.

Now for the real question: is Nick only working for Abruzzi, or is Abruzzi also working for The Company? Just who is Nick working for and what is his endgame? Michael adds his own complication by finding compassion for Tweener, and Lincoln is all but out of reach just as Bellick gets just what he was looking for. With only three episodes left for the season, the situation looks more hopeless than ever. And that, of course, is exactly why this has turned out to be one of the best new shows of the season.

Writing: 2/2
Acting: 2/2
Direction: 2/2
Style: 2/4

Final Rating: 8/10