Prison Break go bye bye!

*Raph's Girl* · 01-13-2009, 10:54 PM

http://www.tvguide.com/News/Prison-B...l-1001583.aspx

Michael and Lincoln soon will be able to finally catch their breath. Fox entertainment president Kevin Reilly announced at Tuesday's TCA Winter Press Tour that "this will be the last year" of Prison Break.

While citing the series' four-year run as one for the "win column," Reilly acknowleged, "It got to a point where a lot of the stories had been told."

Prison Break aired its 16th episode/annual "winter finale" on Dec. 22. At least six more hours are set to kick off Friday, April 17 (after Sarah Connor unspools eight straight new episodes), but that count could be upped to eight so as to properly finish the serialized saga. Said Reilly, "We want to finish strong."

*ZariusTwo* · 01-14-2009, 02:46 AM

This should have been a mini-series from the beggining, or at least only two seasons. Like 24, it was a great concept that became a cartoon in a short space of time

**Barkworm** · 01-14-2009, 08:09 AM

I completely agree with Zarius. Season 1 was amazing, most of season 2 was also great, everything after that was so f*cking awful, it made me want to die.

Chrissie Terrapin · 01-14-2009, 09:17 AM

I never got the time to watch the show

*Mecha Cow* · 01-14-2009, 11:10 AM

I'm surprised it went on as long as it did. About halfway through the second season it just became embarrassing to watch.

The Terror of Death · 01-14-2009, 05:19 PM

I really don’t get why people dislike season 3 so much. Although I admit season 2 would have been an appropriate place to end the series I thought Season 3, if given an additional 9 episodes would have been just as good of a place if not better to end it.

After watching season 2 and 3 for a second time I found myself enjoying season 3 much more. Watching Michael act so cold hearted and untrustworthy towards everyone and the brothers botched plans getting even more people hurt was great. Their flaws and unheroic characteristics became more apparent and less candy coated. Season 3 was also the first time they choose to kill (not out of self defense) showing just how far they were willing to cross the line. Sarah dying and Sucre being tortured and going back to jail felt more consequential than them letting T-Bag out in season 1. The season had other good stuff too like Mahone’s battle with addiction, dealing with his past, and then willingly joining the company, Sucre choosing to stay away from his family and support them from afar, Whistler constantly deceiving Sophia leading to the eventual collapse of their relationship, T-bags starting a relationship with the prostitute who actual loved him back, the humorous irony of Bellick getting his just deserts in prison and struggling to survive, and the harshness of prison life with Sona’s inmates and guards was better handled than Fox River. I also felt the season 3 finale was the best one due to the set up of what was to come. Michael single handily going after the company and getting revenge on Gretchen, Whistler, and Mahone, seeing what became of Bellick and Sucre under T-bags rein, and Lincoln finally starting a normal life with LG and Sophia (and possibly going back to jail) would have made for an awesome second arc imo. If it wasn’t for the writers strike and if the writers decided to end the series at season 3 I think the show would have went out with a bang.

I do however agree that their shouldn’t have been a season 4. Not only did they retcon most of what transpired in season 3 but they also made the characters more sympathetic and heroic than I would like. Even T-bag and Gretchen got some of the same treatment. I also don’t like the whole “Friend and foe working together to defeat a common enemy” crap. Part of the shows appeal was how absurd it was at times but Season 4 was downright cartoony. I’m going to be even more ticked if most of the characters receive happy endings.

I know a lot of people feel the quality of season 3 is inferior but I think it holds up quite nicely with the first two. Season 3 is arguably more relentless than the last. It both demoralized and punished the cast and we got see them for who they truly were. Their manipulative, selfish, greedy, ruthless, and untrusting characteristics were more prevalent but they still had some decent and sympathetic moments. Its perhaps the most human and vulnerable the characters have ever been in the show.

Even though season 4 was horrible, overall Prison Break was a truly great series and one of my all time favorites. I'm sad to see it go but nows the time to end it. I know the staff has expressed their willingness to do more seasons but anymore wouldn't be the right thing to do. I'm really glad Fox made the smart decision to end before it got any worse.

PAAATE · 01-15-2009, 03:38 AM

I'm a few episodes in in season 4, and I still think the show's good.. But I do agree that this is the natural time to end it. Continuation after the revenge on the company would just be stupid.

But I have to agree with The Terror of Death on one point; if everyone gets a happy ending I'll throw up

I want the company to go down, but not without some REALLY BIG sacrifices on the way

*Drtooth* · 01-15-2009, 08:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZariusTwo

This should have been a mini-series from the beggining, or at least only two seasons. Like 24, it was a great concept that became a cartoon in a short space of time

I think they've got another "That 70's Show" type problem where the name holds them back. If you call a show "Prison Break" and they break out the end of the first season, you pretty much royally screw yourself, don't you?

*Storm Wolf* · 01-21-2009, 08:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raph's Girl

http://www.tvguide.com/News/Prison-B...l-1001583.aspx

While citing the series' four-year run as one for the "win column," Reilly acknowleged, "It got to a point where a lot of the stories had been told."

Really? Four years? Wow....but it seems like it just came out. I can remember the trailers for it when it was brand spanking new! I feel....old.

I haven't watched any, but I've seen previews and wouldn't mind taking a peek. Just like the Lost show...I heard that was good.

Tabularasa · 01-23-2009, 04:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZariusTwo

This should have been a mini-series from the beggining, or at least only two seasons. Like 24, it was a great concept that became a cartoon in a short space of time

Wow, really? 24? One of the only good shows still on TV? I'll give you season 6 was bad, but it had a good run for 5 years and this season is good as well.

It should also be noted that while Fox can say they're "canceling" the series, anyone who has kept up with the series knows the producers have said multiple times, season 4 was going to be the last.

*Mr. Snackpants* · 01-23-2009, 04:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tabularasa

Wow, really? 24? One of the only good shows still on TV? I'll give you season 6 was bad, but it had a good run for 5 years and this season is good as well.

It should also be noted that while Fox can say they're "canceling" the series, anyone who has kept up with the series knows the producers have said multiple times, season 4 was going to be the last.

I love 24 as much as the next guy but not only was season 6 bad, season 5 was just as bad. I think it started falling off during season 4, but I'll always watch because a weak episode of 24 is still better than most shows out there.

As for Prision Break, that third season should have never happened. First season, escape. Second season, on the run. Third and final season, turn the tables/conclusion. That would've made for a respectable "mini-series", but the third season and a lot of the second season blew it.

Tabularasa · 01-23-2009, 07:37 PM

Well, I guess we'll agree to disagree on 24. I thought season 4 and 5 were just as good as say season 1 and 3. You're right about the third season. I think they were trying to extend the show, but also the original plan was Michael to be in prison for about 4-6 episodes and then break out and take down the company. It was Fox who made him stay in the prison for so long. Just one of the reasons why a show on a network like say...HBO, which has freedom on storylines, are so much better the the ones on the normal networks. But what was so bad about season 2 (besides the ending) I thought it was really good. Not nearly as good as season 1, but still.

cup-mikey-gertha · 01-24-2009, 10:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raph's Girl

http://www.tvguide.com/News/Prison-B...l-1001583.aspx

Michael and Lincoln soon will be able to finally catch their breath. Fox entertainment president Kevin Reilly announced at Tuesday's TCA Winter Press Tour that "this will be the last year" of Prison Break.

Not that I don't like Prison Break. Michael is such a cutie. plus, the story is intense, though, I believe it's about time to give them a good old rest and freedom.

*Mecha Cow* · 01-25-2009, 07:53 AM

I caught one of the recent episodes the other day and Michael was chunky as hell. Did they break out of a Burger King?

FlawedCoil82 · 01-25-2009, 12:38 PM

I never really bothered with Prison Break. But I've always heard that after the first two seasons it began to suck.

I love 24, although I will agree that season 6 was pretty bad. I think that season would have been far better if it would have centered around Jack trying to get out of the Chinese prison. After the cliffhanger at the end of season 5, I was very disappointed when they revealed that that storyline wasn't even going to be explored. Another huge problem with 24 is they always kill off the characters I love and then bring in new, more boring characters. I can't blame them at all for at very least bringing Tony Almeida back. Seasons 3 and 5 were the seasons with the biggest tragedies to the good cast members. But yea, I still plan to keep watching season 7.
Jack

01-13-2009, 10:54 PM	#1
Raph's Girl Dierna Soul, Reporter Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Jakku Posts: 10,831	Prison Break go bye bye! http://www.tvguide.com/News/Prison-B...l-1001583.aspx Michael and Lincoln soon will be able to finally catch their breath. Fox entertainment president Kevin Reilly announced at Tuesday's TCA Winter Press Tour that "this will be the last year" of Prison Break. While citing the series' four-year run as one for the "win column," Reilly acknowleged, "It got to a point where a lot of the stories had been told." Prison Break aired its 16th episode/annual "winter finale" on Dec. 22. At least six more hours are set to kick off Friday, April 17 (after Sarah Connor unspools eight straight new episodes), but that count could be upped to eight so as to properly finish the serialized saga. Said Reilly, "We want to finish strong." __________________

01-14-2009, 02:46 AM	#2
ZariusTwo Overlord Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Britain, DINO THUNDER...POWER UP! Posts: 22,494	This should have been a mini-series from the beggining, or at least only two seasons. Like 24, it was a great concept that became a cartoon in a short space of time __________________ Spider-Man: The Rescue Spider-Man: The Galloping Cat Spider-Man: Scarlet Mirror Doctor Who: Child of the Daleks

01-14-2009, 08:09 AM	#3
Barkworm Draconian leftist ruler Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Germany Posts: 6,758	I completely agree with Zarius. Season 1 was amazing, most of season 2 was also great, everything after that was so fcking awful, it made me want to die. __________________ Make ***, not kill!

01-14-2009, 11:10 AM	#5
Mecha Cow Gorgeous and modest too Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 3,699	I'm surprised it went on as long as it did. About halfway through the second season it just became embarrassing to watch. __________________

01-15-2009, 03:38 AM	#7
PAAATE Stone Warrior Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Sweden Posts: 993	I'm a few episodes in in season 4, and I still think the show's good.. But I do agree that this is the natural time to end it. Continuation after the revenge on the company would just be stupid. But I have to agree with The Terror of Death on one point; if everyone gets a happy ending I'll throw up I want the company to go down, but not without some REALLY BIG sacrifices on the way __________________ I'm a member. I forgot about it, so now I'm a remember.

01-14-2009, 09:17 AM	#4
Chrissie Terrapin Foot Soldier Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: somewhere Posts: 180	I never got the time to watch the show

01-14-2009, 05:19 PM	#6
The Terror of Death Stone Warrior Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 736	I really don’t get why people dislike season 3 so much. Although I admit season 2 would have been an appropriate place to end the series I thought Season 3, if given an additional 9 episodes would have been just as good of a place if not better to end it. After watching season 2 and 3 for a second time I found myself enjoying season 3 much more. Watching Michael act so cold hearted and untrustworthy towards everyone and the brothers botched plans getting even more people hurt was great. Their flaws and unheroic characteristics became more apparent and less candy coated. Season 3 was also the first time they choose to kill (not out of self defense) showing just how far they were willing to cross the line. Sarah dying and Sucre being tortured and going back to jail felt more consequential than them letting T-Bag out in season 1. The season had other good stuff too like Mahone’s battle with addiction, dealing with his past, and then willingly joining the company, Sucre choosing to stay away from his family and support them from afar, Whistler constantly deceiving Sophia leading to the eventual collapse of their relationship, T-bags starting a relationship with the prostitute who actual loved him back, the humorous irony of Bellick getting his just deserts in prison and struggling to survive, and the harshness of prison life with Sona’s inmates and guards was better handled than Fox River. I also felt the season 3 finale was the best one due to the set up of what was to come. Michael single handily going after the company and getting revenge on Gretchen, Whistler, and Mahone, seeing what became of Bellick and Sucre under T-bags rein, and Lincoln finally starting a normal life with LG and Sophia (and possibly going back to jail) would have made for an awesome second arc imo. If it wasn’t for the writers strike and if the writers decided to end the series at season 3 I think the show would have went out with a bang. I do however agree that their shouldn’t have been a season 4. Not only did they retcon most of what transpired in season 3 but they also made the characters more sympathetic and heroic than I would like. Even T-bag and Gretchen got some of the same treatment. I also don’t like the whole “Friend and foe working together to defeat a common enemy” crap. Part of the shows appeal was how absurd it was at times but Season 4 was downright cartoony. I’m going to be even more ticked if most of the characters receive happy endings. I know a lot of people feel the quality of season 3 is inferior but I think it holds up quite nicely with the first two. Season 3 is arguably more relentless than the last. It both demoralized and punished the cast and we got see them for who they truly were. Their manipulative, selfish, greedy, ruthless, and untrusting characteristics were more prevalent but they still had some decent and sympathetic moments. Its perhaps the most human and vulnerable the characters have ever been in the show. Even though season 4 was horrible, overall Prison Break was a truly great series and one of my all time favorites. I'm sad to see it go but nows the time to end it. I know the staff has expressed their willingness to do more seasons but anymore wouldn't be the right thing to do. I'm really glad Fox made the smart decision to end before it got any worse.

01-23-2009, 07:37 PM	#12
Tabularasa Foot Soldier Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 106	Well, I guess we'll agree to disagree on 24. I thought season 4 and 5 were just as good as say season 1 and 3. You're right about the third season. I think they were trying to extend the show, but also the original plan was Michael to be in prison for about 4-6 episodes and then break out and take down the company. It was Fox who made him stay in the prison for so long. Just one of the reasons why a show on a network like say...HBO, which has freedom on storylines, are so much better the the ones on the normal networks. But what was so bad about season 2 (besides the ending) I thought it was really good. Not nearly as good as season 1, but still.

01-25-2009, 07:53 AM	#14
Mecha Cow Gorgeous and modest too Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 3,699	I caught one of the recent episodes the other day and Michael was chunky as hell. Did they break out of a Burger King? __________________

01-25-2009, 12:38 PM	#15
FlawedCoil82 Stone Warrior Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 523	I never really bothered with Prison Break. But I've always heard that after the first two seasons it began to suck. I love 24, although I will agree that season 6 was pretty bad. I think that season would have been far better if it would have centered around Jack trying to get out of the Chinese prison. After the cliffhanger at the end of season 5, I was very disappointed when they revealed that that storyline wasn't even going to be explored. Another huge problem with 24 is they always kill off the characters I love and then bring in new, more boring characters. I can't blame them at all for at very least bringing Tony Almeida back. Seasons 3 and 5 were the seasons with the biggest tragedies to the good cast members. But yea, I still plan to keep watching season 7. Jack