Prison Break 1.21: "Go"

Written by Matt Olmstead
Directed by Dean White


The episode begins with Michael counting the cost, at least mentally, of his violence against Pope. The rest of the crew is chomping at the bit to get moving, and the lines are already being drawn. It’s gut check time, and not everyone is holding up to the pressure very well. Unfortunately for them, the zero hour has arrived: the break is on!

Since it’s no surprise that some of the inmates make it out, It doesn’t take long for things to go wrong. C-Note’s old crew makes a move to take him out, at exactly the wrong time. Bellick gets closer and closer to getting free. Nick reveals that Veronica is meant to be his hostage, to ensure that Michael gives Abruzzi what he wants. One by one, the Escape Squad members slip into the tunnels. Sarah still hasn’t gotten the infirmary open, which is just one problem Michael needs to solve, once it’s too late to turn back. By the time Bellick starts howling, the tension is unbelievable!

Meanwhile, the Vice President finds herself in the crosshairs of The Company. And because of her ambitions, she has become a complete liability. This could, however, make her more dangerous in the second season. Similarly, Sarah’s decision to return to the prison could foretell a fall of her own.

The episode flies by; by the beginning of the third act, when the sirens begin sounding, it feels like five minutes passed since the opening frame. Michael’s plan is quite ingenious, especially since it’s so simple. I’m not so sure that Nick’s plan makes much sense. Perhaps it’s a symptom of the questions surrounding Abruzzi’s return; was Nick always meant to hold up Veronica just that long? Whatever the case, it pretty much ends his involvement with the series!

The Escape Squad finally makes it to the infirmary, their destination way back in “End of the Tunnel”. Unfortunately, two things go very badly for the plan. Haywire makes his presence known, and Pope’s secretary realizes that something is amiss. That drives the tension for the final act right through the roof. My heart was racing with every new member of the Squad that made it over the wall. Westmoreland was an easy guess for the first casualty, and Sucre’s cousin was the other easy mark. But who could blame the writers for making the most out of that final scramble?

Just on the virtue of the final act alone, this was one of the best episodes of the season. It’s also very clear that the casualties have yet to be fully counted. Bellick will be found, and his need for vengeance will be great. He also has at least one prisoner to interrogate for information. There’s a lot of time left for things to go wrong for Michael and Lincoln, especially once the rest of the Squad starts turning on each other. I can’t wait to see who survives!

Writing: 2/2
Acting: 2/2
Direction: 2/2
Style: 3/4

Final Rating: 9/10