Yes, they set up a new prison to be broken out of, but it’s subtler than that. The premiere episode starts the show where it was in season four. The characters are all trying to move on from their pasts, but the world just won’t let up. Lincoln has fallen back into his old habits and Sara is trying to move on from Michael. Lincoln, on the other hand, can’t move on from his old life and in that way he brings back the element of the show that was missing in its last two seasons: dramatic stakes deeply rooted in the characters. But which side wins out? At first, you’ll think it’s the storytelling of season four. Too much government conspiracy and not enough of the characters we love getting out of impossible situations. Michael not being dead was the biggest hurdle for the show to jump over, and while later episodes could change my mind on this, one line totally makes it all work. One line sucks you in and makes you want to keep watching. The magic of Prison Break was keeping you hooked and wondering, “how will they get out of this?” Well this season looks like it’ll finally be able to up the ante. To do this, Michael isn’t in the premiere as much as some fans might like, but it totally works because Dominic Purcell carries the whole episode. It’s kind of shocking after seeing him as a borderline cartoon character on Legends Of Tomorrow to be back in such a dramatic role, but it works. There’s a scene in this episode that may be some of Purcell’s finest acting work to date and it’s all done without any dialogue. While the other characters don’t get quite as much, everyone feels right at home. Honestly, if you had told me this was shot after season four, I’d totally believe you. It feels like the Prison Break of old, and no sooner do you get that feeling than when you see T-Bag. He’s still a guy you love to hate but his place in the broader mystery leaves you with another burning set of questions you’ll want to tune in for. The action is also on point. Since the series starts off without certain characters being in prison, they make the most of it. If you fell off the Prison Break train around season two or three like most people, don’t worry, the show is still fairly accessible. There’s a quick recap at the start that fills you in on all you need to know. For hardcore fans, the show doesn’t forget about everything that happened in its less successful years, it just pushes it to the periphery. The premiere shows a lot of promise for the new season. It may take a little while to get going but trust me; it’s worth the wait. By the end you’ll be wishing you could binge watch the whole season on Netflix. It has all the elements that made Prison Break a hit and it finally takes the show back to its roots without feeling like a retread.
