Prison Break is a show that was released in late August of 2005, and ran until 2017. It’s the story of two brothers named Michael Scofield, played by Wentworth Miller, and Lincoln Burrows, played by Dominic Purcell. It starts with Burrows falling into the wrong crowd for a bit, ending up being framed for a murder that he did not commit. The victim was not just a random person though, he ended up being the Vice President’s brother. This gets Burrows incarcerated and sent into Fox River State Penitentiary, set to be put onto death row. As the execution slowly grows near, Scofield realizes that his brother is innocent and he decides to take things into his own hands. 

   After watching the first of five seasons of this show, I can already say that it is one of the most clever series that I have ever seen. The brilliant mind of Michael Scofield makes him an amazing protagonist, and I loved watching every bit of his escape.

   From the first scene of him studying up on the prison blueprints, to him having to deal with criminals trying to interfere and join in on his plan, Scofield had planned out what to do for every scenario in his journey. After planning out how he would get himself sent to jail and get back out, he decided to also tattoo “the plan” all over his back and arms in code. It was extremely interesting getting to see a prison break executed while going through the different steps and stages disguised in ink; so he would never forget what to do. 

   Another aspect of the show which I found incredible was the way that the plot balanced the perfect amount of action, drama, and even a little bit of romance. The supporting cast in this show was equally as amazing as the main characters, with actresses and actors like Sarah Wayne Callies, Robert Knepper, and Amaury Nolasco. Callies was the main source of romance throughout the season, being the doctor in the prison that Scofield falls in love with; and Knepper played the menacing criminal, Theodore, that always kept us viewers on the edge of our seats. Everyone in this cast came along to create great chemistry and have incredible performances. They are the main reason that this show is so compelling and is able to be filled with tons of suspense.

  Overall, I believe that Prison Break has an amazing first season with many astonishing features. From the gripping performances to the captivating twists and turns that occur every episode, it is able to keep viewers hooked and addicted. It was one of the most intense and stress-inducing plots I’ve ever seen, yet I still loved every second of it. I would recommend this series to anyone who is a fan of the crime or thriller genre, or anyone who is just looking for something to watch. I went into this show with high expectations, and left impressed while also ready for season two. Originally airing almost twenty years ago, this show is still undeniably great and was definitely ahead of its time.