Most television shows, if they stay on television long enough, get a point where they do something known as “jump the shark”. The phrase refers to an episode of Happy Days where, during a series of Hollywood episodes, Fonzie literally jumped over a shark while water skiing. That absolutely ridiculous incident and storyline paved the way for the expression, now given to any television show that runs out of storylines and reverts to over the top, unbelievable storylines in order to maintain viewers. This week, Yahoo TV released a list of shows that they feel “jumped the shark” in 2008. While I agree with some, like America’s Next Top Model, I just about fell off my couch when I saw that my beloved Prison Break made the list. How dare they?

Here’s how Yahoo defended their Prison Break pick to readers. “Season 1 rolled along full of intrigue, and it even ended with a successful escape. Season 2 had the boys on the run, which was fine, but the show jumped the shark during the finale,” they wrote. “Somehow Michael ended up in prison in Panama, Lincoln was the one on the outside, and this time Michael had to be broken out. Enough already! We’ve endured way too much; from the ‘deceased’ Sara coming back to life to T-Bag's ridiculous situations, this show needs to be locked up and the key thrown away.”

I can't completely refute every point that Yahoo makes in their argument.  When Michael landed in Sona for season 3 and broke out of his second prison, I couldn't help but roll my eyes a little bit.  Still, and you can argue with me if you want, but I think the current season of Prison Break is its best since season 1.  In season 4, Michael has teamed with both friends and enemies for a common goal and I am loving every minute of it.  Every Monday night, I am practically glued to my television set, waiting to see if this will be the week that Michael takes down The Company, a secret group of multinational corporate alliances.

Many actors on the show are at their absolute best this season, particularly William Fichtner, who most certainly deserves a few award noms for his performance as Alexander Mahone.  The stakes are higher than they've ever been and it seems no character is ever safe, not even Michael Scofield himself.  Season 4 is moving the plot along quickly, building anticipation more and more each week for a final showdown between Michael and The General.  No fan wants this show to end without knowing what Scylla really is, what T-Bag's ultimate fate will be, what has become of Sofia and LJ, if Michael and Sara will ever be happy, and so on and so forth.  There's no shark jumping here - only a show that proves that it gets better with age.


- Gina Scarpa, BuddyTV Staff Writer
Source: Yahoo! TV
(Image courtesy of FOX)