This episode featured surprises at every turn. I’m cursing myself for not thinking ahead when the writers pretty much punched us in the face with the scene where Michael hid the chip in the bathroom. When it happened, I didn’t wonder what the chip was for or wonder how it would play out later on, I just watched it happen like, “Oh, there’s Michael looking at a computer chip.” I have the same reaction when my dog gets off the couch to get a drink of water.
But I digress. Michael Rapaport has morphed Don Self from a sideshow friend into the main event foil. He thinks he’s smarter than Michael. But they all think they’re smarter than Michael, only no one is. He has a brain tumor and he’s still out-thinking two-bit hacks like Don Self. If Don thinks he’s going to outsmart Michael and get away scot free, he has another thing coming.
Now that Self’s DHS mission has evaporated into thin air, the gang no longer have deals to work towards, so now the show is pointing to a get-rich-and-get-out-of-town ending. There were rumors that the series might be wrapping things up, and if that’s the case, this would be the perfect finish. Don needs Michael and, in a way, Michael needs Don. It’s not clear if there’s a way to bring Don to (traditional) justice, so the next best thing would be for Michael and the gang to profit from the sale of Scylla, because that might be just as damaging to the Company as handing it over to the Feds. (There’s a strong possibility that Don dies in the process, however.)
“Seriously, just put me out of my misery.”
It was highly ironic that it turned out that Sutter worked for the General, though I suppose I should have seen that coming as well. I doubt that Don’s boss would have brought Sutter to the warehouse to see him pull a gun on two fugitives, but what the heck, it’s “Prison Break.” It’s best not to get bogged down in the details.
So now that the Feds are out of the picture, it looks like it’s down to four parties – Don, Gretchen, the gang and the General. Right now, Don and the gang have the power because collectively, they have Scylla, while Gretchen and the General are in a weak position. Gretchen has a little more power because she’s with Don, but presumably, Don doesn’t really need her anymore now that he’s met the Conduit. (I’m sure she’ll find a way to make herself useful, however.)
Meanwhile, Mahone has gone missing. Since he mentioned reaching out to the FBI, I think that is probably where he went.
I spend a lot of time bagging on the show, but I’ll be honest – the last couple of episodes have rekindled my interest. I’d like to see a strong finish to a series finale this season. If they try to stretch this out another year or two, they’d really be pushing their luck.
