As a lifelong fan of gripping dramas, I find myself captivated by the intricate web of characters that weave their way through Prison Break. The show’s protagonist, Michael Scofield, played by Wentworth Miller, is undoubtedly one of TV’s smartest characters, a man who plots prison breaks with such precision and ingenuity that even drawing a blueprint of an entire prison on his back seems like just another day at the office.
Although some might argue that later seasons of “Prison Break” tarnished its previously stellar narrative, the series remains highly respected as a standout in American television production. The plot centers around Michael Scofield, a resourceful structural engineer (played by Wentworth Miller), who intentionally enters prison to orchestrate his brother Lincoln Burrows’ (Dominic Purcell) escape, initially conceived as an intricate plan. As the story unfolds, unexpected twists and turns arise, introducing unanticipated characters into the mix.
The unique and unexpected situations featured on the show introduce viewers to some fascinating characters, including inmates, morally complex law enforcement officers, and others eagerly participating. These characters have been instrumental in furthering or hindering Michael’s plan, which has kept them popular for 19 years since the show first aired. From their compelling personal journeys to their contributions to the overall plotlines, these characters are the driving forces of the series, but how do they stack up against one another?
10 Benjamin “C-Note” Franklin
Rockmond Dunbar’s character, C-Note, is not the typical portrayal of a dangerous criminal destined for incarceration. Initially serving in the U.S. Army as a sergeant, he was unfairly dismissed following his exposure of unlawful detainee torture practices. Finding it challenging to secure employment upon return home, he momentarily chose to traffic ill-gotten goods, leading to his arrest and sentencing. At Fox River Penitentiary, he earned the moniker “The Pharmacist” due to his knack for procuring any substance for $100, or colloquially known as a “C-Note.
The protagonist reveals Michael’s escape strategy to him when he asks for some PUGNAc, which he intends to use to pretend to have diabetes. This allows him to gain access to and inspect the infirmary, a vital location in the escape plan he has devised.
Forever Kind-Hearted
Despite C-Note employing an intimidating tactic to join Michael’s escape strategy by implying he’d expose their plans, he is essentially a decent individual, symbolizing the ordinary man who has been unfairly burdened by fate. He cherishes his family deeply and spends every spare moment fantasizing about being reunited with them.
Credit is due to C-Note for successfully rebuilding his life following the prison break, one of the rare individuals who managed this feat. He found employment as a UPS deliveryman and remained loyal to his friends, even in such a role. In the final season, when Michael encountered trouble in Yemen, C-Note selflessly came to his aid.
9 Paul Kellerman
Initially, Paul Kellerman serves as a Secret Service agent and acts as the right-hand man for the corrupt Vice President, Caroline Reynolds. Delighting in violence, he carries out murders on behalf of his superior to suppress any revelations about the Lincoln Burrows conspiracy. However, over time, he becomes dissatisfied and eventually breaks away, ultimately participating in the takedown of The Company, the enigmatic organization that orchestrated Lincoln Burrows’ framing.
A Reformed Sycophant
Despite Prison Break possibly having numerous screenplay issues, Kellerman is among the fortunate characters who shine on days when the writers are at their creative best. Regardless of moments where the show might overstep its boundaries, Kellerman manages to keep audiences intrigued throughout the series. He transforms from a villain to a hero almost instantaneously and maintains that role predominantly.
Following many years as a ruthless henchman in Caroline’s service, he undergoes a transformation and develops a more compassionate nature. Moreover, he finds purpose in his life after leaving the Secret Service by running for a congressional seat, aiming to eradicate corruption in America. There’s no finer form of redemption than that.
8 Dr. Sarah Tancredi
Initially, the life of Dr. Sarah Tancredi (Sarah Wayne Callies) is tranquil. However, the arrival of Michael Scofield disrupts this calm existence. As a doctor at Fox River State Penitentiary, her days were filled with treating common ailments like stomach bugs and headaches. But once Michael comes into the picture, he manages to win her affection.
Since Cupid’s unspoken rule compels partners to assist each other through hardships, Sarah finds herself obligated to assist Michael in his scheme, leaving the infirmary door ajar during the escape. Despite the consequence of losing her job, she maintains a connection with Michael on the outside.
A True Soulmate, By All Definitions
Sarah embodies the essence of selfless and unwavering love. Her actions with Michael have solidified them as one of TV’s most admired couples. Few would jeopardize their career for love, but Sarah did, suffering the consequences, yet never expressing remorse. Moreover, her altruistic nature endears her to many. Despite being the child of a wealthy governor, she opted to work in a correctional facility, dedicating herself to assisting incarcerated men.
7 John Abruzzi
One of the inmates at Fox River, a notorious former Chicago mob boss named John Abruzzi (played by Peter Stomare), is someone the others steer clear of. While serving his time, he controls the Prison Industry (PI), an internal work program that brings him substantial profits. He also has correctional officers in his pocket, giving him unique privileges. Eventually, he manages to get himself involved in Michael’s escape plan as being free would let him seek vengeance on a mob adversary. His role? He’ll provide the plane for the escapees to reach safety.
A True Mobster
In a brief span, Abruzzi managed to make a lasting impression, primarily due to his significant influence and pivotal roles in some of the most intense confrontations. The neck-razor incident with T-Bag remains seared into our memories, sending shivers down spines even today. Additionally, his death scene, reminiscent of Scarface, where he refused to yield and was ultimately taken down by Agent Mahone’s team, is another unforgettable moment.
“I only kneel only to God. I don’t see him here.”
Abruzzi’s words remind me of Tony Montana’s famous line, “Here’s my friend,” and his character shares similarities with many antiheroes from gangster films. It’s unfortunate that he met an early end. His involvement in the mob could have been explored more extensively. Despite this, he will always be a memorable figure.
6 Brad Bellick
Bellick, portrayed by Wade Williams, is a dread for any imprisoned individual. Being the head of the correctional officers, he misuses his authority in numerous ways – accepting bribes, dishing out severe punishments for minor infractions, and intimidating those who appear vulnerable. When Michael and his group break free, he becomes single-mindedly focused on tracking them down. Despite being accused of the subsequent events leading to his dismissal, he continues his relentless pursuit, yearning for the reward money. Eventually, circumstances shift, causing him to align with the former inmates to take down The Company.
Just Doing His Job?
The presence of Bellick significantly increases the excitement in missions due to numerous near misses where Michael’s team almost gets caught. This contributes to heightened tension and anxiety throughout the show. Furthermore, Bellick embodies the flaws within America’s correctional system, often leaving inmates disillusioned rather than aiding their rehabilitation. Despite his initial role, he serves as an example of redemption, even after finding himself behind bars, he recognizes his mistakes and switches allegiance to the righteous side.
5 Lincoln Burrows
Linc (Dominic Purcell) is fortunate to have a brother who’d put his own life on hold for him. He finds himself sentenced to death after being falsely accused of murdering the Vice President’s sibling. However, he receives a fortunate turn of events when Michael appears at Fox River to rescue him. Post-escape, Linc and Michael work as outlaws together, eventually bringing down The Company. In the last season, Linc returns the favor by assisting Michael in escaping from a Yemeni prison.
Ever Emotionally Strong
Linc may not possess his brother’s intellectual prowess, but he exhibits the same steadfastness and resilience as fictional characters do. He endures difficult situations with grace and never strives for unattainable goals. Through his trials, he imparts valuable lessons about embracing life with a positive outlook. Moreover, Linc can be considered a conscientious individual. His actions, such as paying for Michael’s college tuition despite the financial strain it caused him and the necessity of taking on illegal jobs, demonstrate his commitment to family and responsibility. With themes revolving around family, justice, and redemption, Linc offers fans numerous reasons to admire him.
4 Alexander Mahone
At the onset of Season 2, Special Agent Alexander Mahone (William Fichtner) is assigned to lead the task force aimed at capturing the Fox River 8. Remarkably, he succeeds in apprehending four of them. However, in a surprising development, it is later revealed that he also works for The Company, not out of choice but under duress due to blackmail. Eventually, like many other characters, he redeems himself by joining forces against the organization.
Scofield’s Match
Among Michael’s adversaries, Mahone stands out as possibly his most formidable counterpart due to their intellectual parity. He consistently unravels the protagonist’s post-escape strategies, creating a thrilling game of cat and mouse. Typically, Mahone appears stronger than Michael because he lacks the same ethical restraints as the engineer.
“There’s one big difference between you and I, Michael. You can’t kill.”
Despite his formidable strength and malevolence, there’s something oddly familiar about him – perhaps it’s the ordinary struggles he faces. He grapples with daily anxieties that require him to pop pills for clarity, and he also endures domestic turmoil at home.
3 Fernando Sucre (Amaury Natasco)
For Fernando Sucre (Amaury Nolasco), love is what matters most in life. He winds up in Fox River Penitentiary following a liquor store heist aimed at securing an engagement ring for his girlfriend, Maricruz. Once incarcerated, his mind yearns for freedom, and by sheer coincidence, he becomes Michael Scofield’s cellmate. The heart-wrenching discovery that Maricruz is considering marrying someone else fuels Sucre’s determination to escape.
Television’s Standout Hopeless Romantic
Supporters admire Sucre due to his authentic motive for desiring freedom, much like C-Note. He demonstrates unwavering devotion to his lover, although he might appear overly affectionate, he is actually quite astute. By employing his intelligence and survival instincts, he manages to survive until the end of the series.
In addition, Sucre is naturally funny in an unforgettable way. The moment when he hastily hops onto a motorbike to rush to Las Vegas to prevent Maricruz’s wedding will remain vividly in the memories of viewers for quite some time.
2 Michael Scofield
In an extraordinary act for a sibling, Michael (Wentworth Miller) goes above and beyond most people’s limits. When Lincoln (Linc) is sentenced to death for a crime he didn’t commit, Michael concocts a scheme to get himself imprisoned in the same facility.
One of TV’s Smartest Characters
Michael’s appeal is tied to his intellect. Few people would think of drawing a tattoo on their back with a prison’s entire structural blueprint. A meticulous perfectionist, he considers all minor details while planning and is quick to improvise whenever things go wrong. What’s even more fascinating about Michael is how he maneuvers the chaotic circumstances he finds himself in without getting violent. Beyond that, his social skills are admirable. Whether it’s doctors or killers, everyone somehow grows to like Michael.
1 Theodore “T-Bag” Bagwell
In the past, adoring villains and antiheroes weren’t considered trendy, but the Golden Era of Television transformed that notion completely. Today, the notorious T-Bag (played by Robert Knepper) continues to hold the title as the most beloved character on the show. As the head of Fox River’s Aryan gang, he consistently stirs up conflict, yet manages to orchestrate his inclusion in the escape team. Generally disliked by others, Abruzzi even goes so far as to amputate T-Bag’s arm when he handcuffs himself to Michael Scofield. On the outside, T-Bag is given various story arcs, such as an unsuccessful pursuit of a normal family life.
Notable Duality
Despite his reprehensible actions, T-Bag stands out as the series’ most compelling character due to his intricate nature and unforeseeable behavior. Whether it’s wounding Abruzzi or warning Sara about mercenaries, predicting his next move is always a challenge.
Robert Knepper delivers an outstanding performance throughout his portrayal of the character, effectively avoiding the stereotypical traits often found in antagonists. Instead, he skillfully highlights both the praiseworthy and reprehensible aspects of the villain, making T-Bag a standout character. Notably, T-Bag is the only character to appear in Breakout Kings, a brief series that shares the same universe as Prison Break.
Read More
Sorry. No data so far.
2024-10-11 04:32