Prison Break is returning to its roots with a formula that has been described by Brett Ratner as a ‘hybrid' of seasons 1 and season 2. While the season certainly looks exhilarating so far, and the season 2 finale sat up the next season in an intriguing way, some fans are crying foul over what they see as the show reverting to a bag of tricks rather than continuing the adventure in a whole new direction.
One of the most successful factors of season 2 was that it showed the show had legs outside of the rigid confines of the season 1 plot. This was a major concern as season 1 ran on. How many close calls and near escapes would audiences tolerate if the action remained confined to the prison for another season?
There was a general assumption that this would be the case, so when season 2 became a road movie complete with references to legendary outlaws and thickening government conspiracies, fans were exhilarated yet again.
Now that season 3 of
Prison Break has been revealed as more or less going back to the roots of the series, but in more of a gritty environment, fans are questioning whether just switching things up a bit will be of any service to the show's plot. Is it possible that by moving a significant part of the action back behind bars that the stagnation fans feared during season one will finally set in.
All indications are, season 3 will have enough new variables to prevent it from become a rehash of either season. The reversal of fortunes dynamic between Mahone, Michael, and Lincoln will make for some interesting alliances. If the rumor mill is correct, Michael will have his escape plan set in motion by episode five, so the concept that season 3 will take place mostly behind bars may not even be true.
The challenge for
Prison Break's creative team may not be so much whether they have crafted a significant diversion from their own source material as much as how they can follow up a hybrid. Sooner or later, they'll have to find something new.
- Jon Lachonis, BuddyTV Senior Writer
(Image Courtesy of FOX)