Why is Prison Break such a good show?
- robynlynn1988
- Feb 9
- 4 min read
In a nutshell, perfect casting coupled with complex plots.
The fact that this show took unknown actors and put them with underrated actors and turned it into a HUGE success is why it's worth rewatching.
The character arcs and redemptions were unmatched. (See Brad Bellick and his sacrifice for the team!)
The poetic justice for certain characters was brilliant. (See the final fate of Don Self, keeping in mind what happened to his wife.)
The intricate details of the plans that the characters execute far outweighs the very minor plot holes and slight redundancy in the script.
Minor plot holes and redundancies are not very noticeable, because they are so small. Things like characters repeating the same things in different words, like Gretchen telling James to have the coordinates by the end of the day right after he said he'd have them for her that night, for example.
Next, can we talk about the cast some more?
Robert Knepper is such a fantastic actor, he brings T-Bag, and any character he has played, to life. William Fichtner and Michael Rapaport have played so many roles so perfectly, they deserved the spotlight they recieved. Especially Fichtner. Say his name! Remember it!
I must say though, it took me way too long to realize where I knew Veronica from. If it's been bugging you, The Craft. I don't know how I missed that.
If you haven't watched Prison Break yet, I highly recommend. If you have and are running out of shows or waiting on new seasons like we are, I suggest a rewatch. It's a different feeling watching it over. Made me feel a bit more for the characters knowing a bit more about them the second time around.
Rewatch it knowing that Tweener is in prison for stealing a baseball card that happened to be worth $30,000, and try not to feel absolutely terrible for him every time it shows him on screen.
Rewatch it "knowing" that it "IS" DB Cooper, and he was arrested for a hit and run directly after burying his money.
One more fun fact: Fox River scenes were actually filmed in Joliet Prison, which was closed in 2002. Lincoln's cell is alleged to have been John Wayne Gacy's cell, and certain crew members refused to enter it, claiming it was haunted. It is now open for tours since 2018, located in Joliet, Illinois.
Tours can be booked here, as well as historical references and photos.
Joliet Prison website:
A bit about the cast...
Where have you seen them before?
Amaury Nolasco has been on movies and TV shows since the mid 90s, has a portfolio with over 50 roles, and has been nominated 4 times for awards based on his role in Prison Break. You may recognize him from 2 Fast 2 Furious, The Benchwarmers, or one of his many minor roles on TV before his breakout role in Prison Break.
Wade Williams is best known as the cocky, power hungry, Bradley Bellick, who is soon humbled by his own imprisonment. Wade has been acting since the mid 90s, with many minor roles on TV, as well as voice acting for animated videos and video games. You may recognize him from almost any drama tv show that ran between 1997-now, including Buffy, NCIS, Star Trek, and many more. You may also recognize him from his recurring role as Father Cronin on The Bernie Mac Show. He has also voiced many characters in Batman animated movies and tv shows.
Who could forget the bird shooting cop that Phoebe almost believes is perfect? Can you remember any other roles though? Think 90s sitcoms. Murphy Brown, Fresh Prince of Bel Air, then in the 2000s, a semi recurring role on My Name is Earl.
The longest career in acting of the actors listed in this article goes to Robert Knepper. Since the 1980s, he has appeared in over 80 movies, and over 30 tv shows. Though he never intended to leave theater to work in film, life had another plan for him.
I personally think he and Steve Buscemi should do a movie together where you don't know if it's a creepy drama or comedy until the end.
(P.S: Steve Buscemi is my favourite actor, so putting Robert Knepper up there should tell you how great of an actor he is in my mind.
And finally, the most underrated of all.
William Fichtner has a portfolio that would put A-Listers to shame. From Armageddon to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, from Baywatch to Mom, from Grand Theft Auto to Call of Duty, this man knows no limits. He knows the assignment for every role he is given, and while Adam Janikowski is my favourite of his characters, Alex Mahone is a very close second.
What's my point?
I just wanted to highlight how hugely successful this show was, and they didn't need a single big name in it.
Perhaps you should give the unknown little guys a chance.
See my next blog for more...
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