Prison Break 2.19: "Sweet Caroline"

Written by Karyn Usher
Directed by Dwight Little

As the episode opens, the anticipated showdown between Michael and Mahone is efficiently postponed. Instead, Sara is alone when our favorite tormented federal agent comes calling. This is bad news for both of them, but a lot worse for Sara. She plays the only hand she’s dealt by going after his addiction to tranquilizers. The writers make her a bit stupid in this episode, and she overlooks some obvious deceptions.

As many fans suspected, C-Note’s suicide was easily prevented. This actually puts Mahone in an interesting position, because his watchdog now has evidence of wrongful action. That additional pressure only serves to push Mahone into more of a corner. Add that to the angle Sara’s using, and it’s leading into one hell of a confrontation.

While Michael and Lincoln race against time to get the recording to the president, Kellerman pursues his own agenda. Michael’s timing was about as good as it gets. It was a pure desperation move, but one that is a lot more exciting after the recent incident involving Pope. William Kim is hardly one for patience and understanding. He is, however, quite happy to use Michael’s head as a punching bag until the president steps in.

Michael lays it all out on the line, and puts the president in a difficult position. It’s literally the last chance for success, and it’s clear that he’s willing to sacrifice himself to save his brother. The phone conversation itself is a bit of a plot convenience. It’s about as damning as it gets. Who saw the incestuous bond coming? But it is bad enough for Michael’s gambit to work. Unfortunately for Michael, it works too well. It’s a nice, shocking move, especially since it’s already established that Caroline’s allies are more than capable of pulling off such a grand deception.

In terms of the subplots, through his own foolishness, T-Bag loses the money and gives the authorities reason to look for someone who committed assault. Given airport security, it was simple enough to get a shot of T-Bag in the terminal. What’s interesting is the sudden connection to Sucre, which was unexpected, given his apparent success at finding happiness. With Bellick arriving just after that point, the implications are immediately clear. With Mahone holding out on the reward money, why wouldn’t Bellick cut another deal?

This brings the season, to a certain extent, back to where it began. Michael and Lincoln are trying to disappear, Sara is in the line of fire, Bellick and the others are racing after Westmoreland’s money, and Kellerman’s motivations are as questionable as ever. Clearly the writers have a plan for bringing this season arc to a close in thrilling and unpredictable fashion. Beyond that, there’s the unusual reference to “Sona”, which feels like something stirring for the potential third season. Unless the writers fumble the last few episodes, this should be a thrilling finale.

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

Final Rating: 8/10