Episode 10 - Dirt Nap
30 March 2012
Synopsis: Mahone, Whistler and Michael dig the tunnel while Lechero is deposed by Sammy. T-Bag recruits Bellick to the escape if he can kill Sammy. Bellick escapes death when Sammy rushes off to deal with Michael. Instead he is buried beneath the dirt and Lechero re-ceases power. Lincoln buys a bomb and Sucre places it in Gretchen’s car despite her threats against Marie Cruz.
The Good: Once more, the best thing about this season has been Gretchen (see Best Moment). She maintains her genuinely threatening presence really well. It’s also nice to see Lincoln using his brain in trying to fight her. Buying a bomb doesn’t seem an inappropriate response given how high the stakes have become for him. His flirtation with Sofia doesn’t seem forced which is fine.
Michael outsmarting Sammy is exactly what you expect of him. Just as Bellick being stupid enough not to check for more acetone is what you would expect of him.
The Bad: Just some familiar gripes with suspense shows really.
There is no reason for Sammy not to kill Bellick. He is lying defeated on the ground when Sammy returns to get Lechero. He could easily have broken his neck and ended it. As it is, it is the second fight we have seen not go to its natural conclusion. It weakens the whole show and particularly the chicken foot concept when the characters we like can get away with not dying or killing.
Prison Break’s first season was damaged by far too many people becoming involved in the escape attempt. The point was reached where the escape would be seriously jeopardised by so many bodies. While the same is not quite true here, the same feeling abides. With Bellick and clearly McGrady going to join the escape it weakens the thin sliver of reality which the show needs to create its tension. I suppose it was always a strong suspicion that the characters we know will all end up involved but the convenience of it all is annoying to see.
Mahone has pulled himself together far too quickly to be a credible cold turkey suffering drug addict. The bomb makers Lincoln goes to see don’t look as threatening as I think they were intended to look. One of them appears to be wearing glasses, slacks and a shirt buttoned all the way up and tucked in. No wonder Lincoln was able to keep his cool so easily. Lincoln’s advise to Sucre to just tell Gretchen whatever she wants to hear is way too casual. It looks foolish of them not to agree on a specific lie to tell her.
The Unknown: We see Gretchen sending a message on behalf of Gary Miller to an Edward Guthrie, claiming that sales are through the roof. Whistler also adds to his story claiming Gretchen recruited him to work for the company and threatened his family. Is he telling the truth? What is being sold? Why does he have the alias Gary Miller? Or indeed the alias James Whistler?
Best Moment: Sucre gets into Gretchen’s car and places the bomb under the pretence of informing her that Lincoln bought a gun. She tells him that she knows his spat with Lincoln was an act. She also informs him that she knows he sent the money to Marie Cruz. He tries to threaten her:
S: “I swear to God if something happens to her…”
G: “IF WHAT?! WHAT? JACKASS! You’re gonna go back there and you’re gonna get me some real information or else Marie Cruz and her head are gonna part ways. Get out of my car. Now.”
Obviously a transcript can’t do justice to the acting and the smart writing which goes into making Gretchen so convincing.
The Verdict: It’s not a bad episode, it’s what you expect. As the writers strike looms Prison Break gears up for an abrupt finale. So all the players in the prison are lining up behind Michael once more. There is some sloppiness but overall this is a decent set up episode for the final three shows.
Feedback
Add your comments on this episode below. They may be included in the weekly podcasts.
)