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August 22, 2006
"Prison Break," "Vanished" Breakdown
Oh, what a night! The Fall 2006 television series got off to a wonderful start last night with the return of FOX’s “Prison Break� and the network’s new drama “Vanished.�
Let’s not waste another minute and start speculating on these two great series:
“Prison Break� was pretty much a nice re-ash of last season with a few shocking revelations. The first being the shooting death of easy-on-the-eyes Veronic, who was gunned down by the Feds in Montana. We learn Terrance Steadman, the President’s brother is some sort of prisoner. Maybe he’ll need Michael and Lincoln’s help to break out??
I also enjoyed new cast member William Fitchner, who we last saw in ABC’s failed “Invasion.� Fitchner plays an FBI agent who started to figure out Michael’s tattoo puzzle. I think he’ll end up becoming an ally to Michael. He and Michael are the smartest people on the show.
It was also great to see T-Bag still alive, carrying his severed hand in a cooler and convincing an animal doctor to sow the sucker back on. Whew.
Some predictions: Steadman will decide to finally reveal the truth — he clearly looked affected by Veronica’s death. The series showdown may well come down to Utah where that $5 million is buried.
“Vanished� looked promising. A bit over the top, but that’s exactly what the audience (me thinks) is looking for — a diversion from everyday life.
So here’s what we know: Sara Collins, the second wife of George Sen. Jeffrey Collins is kidnapped. She apparently disappeared 12 years ago and was has not always had the same name. Something fishy there, eh?
There’s some kind of “Da Vinci Code� thing going on here, which comes across as unoriginal, but we’ll give the show the benefit of the doubt — for now.
So let’s have at it. Predictions, comments and rants are all welcome.
Posted by Andy Ravens at August 22, 2006 11:06 AM
Comments
I don't know.. looks like a common storyline there..Inspector Javier and Jean Valjean.
As usual, some of the contrivances were a little extreme (why would getting to the other side of the train give them enough time to escape.. would it not be better to jump ON it?)
T-Bag's forcing the vet to put his hand back on looks a little bit too much like a "we couldn't write our way out of this one... so we'll do this quick and maybe nobody will remmeber later".
Otherwise.. I never miss it (tivo'd just in case). Sad to lose Veronica.. but it is true that the new "Prison" will refer to Steadman's house.
So, now its off to find the money..
Posted by: shawn at August 22, 2006 10:55 PM
The problem with prison break, despite its appeal and addictive "whats going to happen next" storyline, is that you KNOW they are going to stretch it out as far as they can. This is when the show will start to stink. An animal doctor can't sew back on that guy's hand. NO WAY is this feesable. I'm no doctor, but c'mon. Really.
The issue is that the show has such good ratings because it is addictive, and the network exec's won't want to end it. I would rather watch a compelling show that is short-run and excellent (like this show is so far) than stretch it to the point of 'break'. (Pun intended)
I only saw five minutes of the show following. Vanished wife. Ooh. How original. (Sarcasm, ahem.) I bet anything this turns into a crime drama. CSI-Vanished. Mix '24' with 'Da Vinci Code' and stir well. Okay, enough of my ramblings...
Posted by: Prisoner of show at August 23, 2006 8:46 AM
I agree sewing T-Bag's hand back on is far-fetched, but I'm not sure if the operation was a success.
And don't count out "Vanished" just yet. But like I said, if they get too involved with the "Da Vinci Code" angle I think the show will suffer.
Posted by: Andy at August 23, 2006 11:07 AM
I recorded Vanished to watch later as well (I don't know how you can create all those ads with that actress.. and then take her out of the show!)
I think the DaVinci thing could work out well.. if they have the brains to use real facts that people can research on the web between episodes (even if they "seed" the web with fake sites to make it interesting).
Another crime show would be boring (I never really got into any of the CSI's), but I like the serial dramas (Babylon 5 was the first to use the concept in terms of the show having a planned "end", I enjoyed that idea), and hope a serial "mystery" can work as well.
I agree with Prisoner above, though. Don't let the suits force the writers to stretch out a story that has a resolution. (the DVD sets will make them their money)
Posted by: Shawn at August 23, 2006 12:22 PM