
Odyssey of a Bombardier: The POW Log of Richard M. Mason
John J. Hurt and Steven E. Sidebotham
Book
Odyssey of a Bombardier is the illustrated Prisoner of War "log" that depicts the experiences of...

Addicted to Rehab: Race, Gender, and Drugs in the Era of Mass Incarceration
Book
After decades of the American "war on drugs" and relentless prison expansion, political officials...

Jesters_folly (230 KP) rated The Informer (2019) in Movies
Sep 2, 2019
I have to admit, I didn't really know what to expect from this film, I’d seen the trailer once but that was all, but I was bored and it was the only film I could get to on time so I’m happy to say that I really enjoyed this. The film runs at quite a fast pace with building tensions and emotional family scenes. The plot isn't overly complicated but is interesting enough to keep you entertained. The Informer also doesn't rely on lots of blood and gore. The only real downside was, due to the pacing, it's some times hard to keep track of how long something g has taken, for example I found it hard to tell how long the events in prison had taken.

The Corset
Book
The new Victorian chiller from the author of Radio 2 Book Club pick, The Silent Companions. Is...

Ghost (Boston Underworld, #3)
Book
Talia. I have always been a bird. Caged by one prison or another when the only thing I ever wanted...

The Drinking Gourd
Book
After serving ten years in prison for dealing cocaine, a crime she swears she didn't commit, Casey...

Bird (1704 KP) rated Prison Break in TV
Nov 29, 2024
The standout feature of Prison Break is undoubtedly its core premise. The idea of a structural engineer, Michael Scofield (played by Wentworth Miller), intentionally landing himself in prison to break out his falsely accused brother, Lincoln Burrows (Dominic Purcell), is fascinating. The execution of Michael’s plan, complete with hidden clues in his tattooed body map, is both ingenious and fun to watch unfold. The first season, in particular, excels at building tension as Michael carefully navigates the treacherous world of Fox River Penitentiary, laying the groundwork for the escape. It’s a slow burn at times, but the payoff is worth it.
The cast is another highlight. Wentworth Miller’s calm and calculated performance as Michael is captivating, and Dominic Purcell brings a solid, if sometimes overly stoic, presence to Lincoln. Robert Knepper steals the show as Theodore "T-Bag" Bagwell, delivering a performance that’s equal parts chilling and oddly charismatic. Supporting characters like Sucre (Amaury Nolasco) and Sara Tancredi (Sarah Wayne Callies) add warmth and heart to balance the often dark and gritty tone of the series.
However, the show isn’t without its flaws. While the first season is nearly airtight in its storytelling, later seasons can feel uneven. The second season’s shift to a manhunt format is exhilarating but occasionally stretches believability, with some plot twists feeling more like conveniences than organic developments. As the series progresses, the introduction of larger conspiracies and shadowy organisations adds scale but also detracts from the grounded tension that made the first season so compelling. By the time you reach the third and fourth seasons, the narrative occasionally veers into melodrama and over-the-top scenarios, which may pull some viewers out of the experience.
The pacing can also be hit or miss. While some episodes are packed with heart-pounding tension, others feel like filler, particularly in the later seasons. The show sometimes leans too heavily on cliffhangers, which can feel manipulative rather than earned. Additionally, while the cast is strong overall, some characters, like Lincoln, can come across as one-dimensional at times, and a few storylines feel underdeveloped or rushed.
That said, Prison Break is undeniably entertaining. Its gritty atmosphere, clever plotting, and high-stakes drama make it a standout among action-thrillers. The relationships between characters, particularly Michael and Lincoln’s unshakable brotherly bond, give the series emotional weight. Even with its flaws, the show’s twists and turns keep you engaged, and there’s a palpable sense of satisfaction when long-brewing plans come to fruition.
In summary, Prison Break is a fantastic watch, especially for fans of crime dramas and action-packed thrillers, though it occasionally falters under the weight of its ambition. It’s an 8/10 for me—hugely enjoyable, if not always perfect. While it may not stick the landing as well as it starts, the journey is more than worth taking.

Ross (3284 KP) rated Marvel's Luke Cage - Season 1 in TV
Nov 7, 2017
The story is good with Luke playing the underdog well, and the different setting of Harlem worked well.
My favourite moment was in the flashback after Luke escaped from Seagate prison and ended up dressed like the 70s comic equivalent for a brief moment

Jenn (4 KP) rated American Gods in Books
Jul 9, 2017
