What is it? Prison Break Event Series, nine episodes on three Blu-ray disks from 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment
When? Now
How much? $19.98 (DVD) and $29.99 (Blu-ray)
Wait, didn't this show end a few years ago? Yes, in 2009, but that doesn't mean much these days when shorter-run "reunion" seasons of old favorites are all the rage. Mulder and Scully. Lorelai and Rory. Why not Michael and Lincoln?
Isn't Michael dead? Is anyone ever really dead on Prison Break? Even after an apparent decapitation in Season 3, Sara was alive and kicking in Season 4.
It has been seven years since Michael's (Wentworth Miller) apparent death and his friends, family and enemies have gone on with their lives. But when Michael's big brother Lincoln (Dominic Purcell) discovers Michael's still alive, he gets the gang back together to free him. But it won't be easy. Michael isn't just in prison. He's in prison in war-torn Yemen.
Even if he does get home, things won't be smooth sailing. His wife, Sara (Sarah Wayne Callies), has remarried and she and Michael Jr. (Christian Michael Cooper) may be in danger thanks to a rogue CIA operative called Poseidon.
The show features the return of old favorites like C-Note (Rockmond Dunbar) and Sucre (Amaury Nolasco) as well as the infamous sociopath T-Bag (Robert Knepper). Michael has a few new friends (and enemies) as well, like Sheba (Inbar Lavi) and Whip (Augustus Prew).
How is it? Much like the old Prison Break: intricate plans, vast conspiracies, back-stabbing, twists, turns, action scenes and a handful of psychopaths.
It is good to see the old group back together and, happily, they all fall right back into place.
This time, the story models Homer's The Odyssey with Michael as Odysseus encountering all types of trials and tribulations in his quest to get home to his wife and child. Fans of classic Greek literature (or those who remember reading it in high school) can spot all the little references thrown in here and there.
Of course, if you didn't watch the original series, you'll probably be lost. Actually, even if you did watch the series you may be lost. Simple, straight-forward storytelling has never been Prison Break's strength. A refresher on the show's original run (four seasons and a TV movie) may be helpful.
Are there bonus features? There's a 13-minute documentary on the making of the event series that has the usual cast-and-creator interviews. It is more a puff piece and overview than an in-depth look.
New this week: Blindspot, Season 2; Portlandia, Season 7
Next week: Billions, Season 2; The Blacklist, Season 4; Bull, Season 1; Jumanji, animated series; Legends of Tomorrow, Season 2; Murdoch Mysteries, Season 10; NCIS: New Orleans, Season 3; Once Upon a Time, Season 6; Police Story, Season 2; Rhoda, Seasons 4-5; Riverdale, Season 1; Sheena, movie and TV series.
Style on 08/06/2017