A ‘prison’ you can’t escape!

Manika Ahuja

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What would you call a series which was originally turned down by one of the leading broadcast companies (read Fox); but went on to win the hearts of a multitude of people when it finally lighted up the small screens? Nothing short of a miraculous masterpiece, right? Well, that is precisely what American television serial drama Prison Break continues to prove with its ever-increasing fan-base. The feat became well documented for all to see, the moment the series went on to win the 2006 People’s Choice Award for Favorite New TV Drama. What’s more, the Dominic Purcell-starrer was nominated for the Golden Globe Award in the Best Television Series Drama category, not so long ago.

As the name of the show indicates, the series has for its fulcrum the devising of a plan to break out of a prison. A tale of two brothers- with one convicted for a heinous crime and incarcerated in the Fox River State Penitentiary; as the other brother leaves no stone unturned to free his brother from the confines of the prison. Thanks to the rave reviews the first season fetched, the show that was planned for a thirteen episode-run, was extended to include an extra nine episodes. As it stands today, the popular series is all set to make a fiery comeback with its fifth instalment!

Lights, camera...action

A nine-episode fifth season was announced by Fox in January 2016 is scheduled to debut on April 4, 2017, and air Tuesdays at 9:00 pm.

We bet you didn’t know..

Banned and panned

Prison Break stands banned in as many as thirteen prisons. The reason? Well, jail authorities hold the view that the show is an easily accessible way of educational programming for inmates.

Realistic touch

Amazed at the realistic touch that one cannot help but see in the series’ prison scenes? Well, there is a reason they seem so authentic. All the Fox River prison scenes in the show’s first season were shot at Joliet Correctional Centre, which was closed down in 2002. So, yes, from the cell blocks, to the yard and the infirmary..it was all real!

Made in Russia

The series was remade to cater to the Russian viewers. The Russian remake hit the small screen by the name of ‘Pobeg.’ Audiences’ verdict suggests that rows of dialogues were lifted verbatim from the English version.

Viewer speak

Empathetic push

One of the most beautiful aspects that keeps me hooked to the show is that the creators know the art of making the viewers empathise with the characters they once despised.  — Abhishek Grover, engineer

Grey tones

Instead of serving the story the typical black and white way, it is great to see the tint of grey with which all the characters are presented. There is nobody absolutely good or bad on the show. That is what I love about it. —Dhruv Jagota, businessman

Intriguing

It is a really interesting show with equally intriguing characters. — Rupali, student, DAV College

manikaahuja@tribunemail.com