Watching and considering the premiere as two separate episodes might have helped me get past some of the basic issues with the plot holes. As far as I could tell, there was only one sticking point, and even that I can explain away through relative reasoning. Now that the character introductions are out of the way, the plot gets to move forward, and the pacing picks up as a result.
First things first…what were the weaknesses? Others have probably mentioned the same thing: it would help for the audience to know what Michael’s short-term objectives are, so that the tension mounts when obstacles are placed in the way. The only thing that the audience knew about Michael’s situation was the reference to the make and part number he was interested in, and that an awful lot of skin was used up to remind him of it. While the audience could certainly assume that it was important to his scheme, it might have been better to know how critical it was. 
Getting the bolt, and the process of achieving that goal, drove the whole episode forward rather well, so the complaint is a small one. The main issue is how the bolt was used. Filing down the bolt into the proper size Allan wrench was a clever move, but if the Allan bolt is right there and accessible, what’s the point of comparing the filing-down bolt to a tattoo on his arm? Especially when the tattoo could have been damaged or altered by any number of factors?
I consider this an ongoing flaw in Michael’s plan, but in this case, there is an explanation that I can live with. Basically, Michael might have anticipated that his activities would have to be “quick and dirty”, especially when it comes to messing with prison equipment. There are enough areas of “exposure”; he doesn’t need to be seen fiddling with the toilet. So using the tattoo as a rough guide for the retooling of the bolt is a way to minimize suspicious behavior. (Granted, he’s not at all careful about getting the bolt or keeping it to himself, but I had to try!)
Throughout the episode, Michael runs into difficulties with the people that he had assumed he could manipulate. He clearly wasn’t expecting the level of violence that he’s experienced. When it comes to the technical aspects of his plan, I have little doubt that he’ll be 99% correct about how to handle it. But he seems to assume that his manipulation of the people around him will be equally simple. That’s clearly not the case, and he’s already making concessions to get what he needs for his plan.
This speaks to that psychological aspect of Michael that I mentioned in my review of the pilot. Michael is a fairly complex individual, but he’s got issues. I get the feeling that he’s somewhat detached from reality, and that’s where this is going to get him into trouble. The final scene is a great example of his dedication, but it’s also an example of why his assumptions are so flawed. Did he really think he could stare down a desperate mobster?
Anyway, the conspiracy angle continues to expand. My concerns remain the same: the conspirators have been far too casual in their methods to be effective at keeping the truth buried. That said, they did a very good job of setting Lincoln up, since he supplied a solid motive on his own! There’s a chance for the writers to explore question of guilt and responsibility, and that’s a good thing. I only hope that Robin Tunney’s character becomes a little less annoying.
Whatever the case, I liked this episode better than the pilot. I was impressed at the level of violence that was present, given the network restrictions; it may not be as strong and deep as a series like “Oz”, but as a companion to “24”, it works well enough. If I were the writers, though, I would show more of Michael’s thought process, so the audience could internalize his short-term goals and share in his anxiety.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Episode 2 Allen review
Episode 1 Pilot review
Although FOX gave the series a two-hour premiere, it was more like two episodes cobbled together. They even have two different episode titles. That being the case, I’m covering the first hour here, and then the second hour separately. Hopefully that’s not as confusing as it could be!
As I was watching this pilot episode, I was struck by something I remember the producers of “24” saying at one point. Basically, they said that the original intent was never to focus on the same genre, season after season; instead, each season would have been a different set of conditions, connected only by adherence to the format. True or apocryphal, that’s what came to mind as I watched this episode. I couldn’t help but wonder if this could have originated with something similar in mind.
This series is inevitably going to be compared to “24”, and that might be unfortunate. Frankly, one of my big problems with “24” (as much as I enjoy it) is the use of plot contrivance to a ridiculous extreme. This series follows in the same footsteps. A lot of the situations that will play out over time require massive suspension of disbelief. Hopefully, it’s just the setup that’s lacking in credibility.
A lot of those issues have been covered in other reviews, but I have a few that won’t stop bothering me. Warden Pope and his Taj Mahal ranks rather high on the list, especially given the fact that Michael is immediately branded a troublemaker. Someone ought to have discovered the fact that Michael was involved in the design of the prison, and it strains credibility that Michael would be sent to the same prison. And then his lawyer is also the woman that his brother Lincoln once had a relationship with, which doesn’t present anyone with a problem, and even the mobsters don’t seem to think that his constant questions and attitude are a problem. Michael’s little smirk ought to be getting his butt kicked regularly!
I also had some issues with the basic idea of Michael’s tattoos. It would have taken a lot more time for those tattoos to heal, and even accepting that, the tattoo was vague enough to work as a general map of the prison, but nothing as detailed as one would need to know every nook and cranny. Never mind that things will get rather problematic if and when Michael begins to gain weight, build up muscle, get stabbed, etc. All those carefully worked-out dimensions won’t mean a damn thing, then!
The conspiracy is equally problematic. We’re asked to believe that the conspiracy against Lincoln is so solid that it’s hard for anyone to believe that he’s innocent. Fair enough. There’s concern among the conspirators that Bishop McMorrow will influence the governor into granting Lincoln a stay of execution. Also, fair enough. But rather than blackmail the bishop, the Secret Service has him killed! Isn’t that just a little sloppy and obvious for such a well-considered conspiracy?
I wouldn’t say that I’m disappointed in the premiere. It kept my interest, and I think that if many or all of those issues are set aside, there’s a certain method to Michael’s madness. I hope that the writers delve into the character’s psychology over the course of the season, and that they don’t overlook his obvious emotional damage. The man is clearly capable of highly ordered and strategic thinking, but he’s also making decisions that are questionable at best and personally destructive at worst. He’s damn lucky that his cellmate is so decent, or he’d already be dead.
Pilots are notoriously flawed, if only because so much time is spent on exposition. Characters need to be established, and the underlying mythology of the series must be introduced. There’s not a lot of time for actual storytelling. Viewers are sold on the characters and whether or not their world is compelling. In this case, the characters and situation merit a longer look. I don’t believe this is the second coming of “24”, like some have claimed, but it’s certainly not DOA.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Why is it popular?
Prison Break makes you an addict. You can’t wait to watch the next episode on TV. Your eyes might be dead and tired watching the episodes back to back (I downloaded it from the Net), but
The way it’s executed is a screenwriter’s test of skill. Watch each of the episodes and you will notice that there isn’t a dull moment and I mean it when I say this. This is a thriller all the way. The dialogue delivery, the impeccable casting and the characters make your day. Each of their uniqueness is what allows Scofield’s gameplan to work. And how? Watch it to FEEL it....
Basic Plot
" It’s about an average bloke 
