After the enclosed, claustrophobic setting used for season one of Prison Break it was hard to tell whether the new environment (being the entire US) would ruin or retain the magic of the show. It was a bold step and it did pay off. Now the third season has arrived and Michael finds himself back in the confines of another prison which brings us to the following concern. Is this simply retreading old worn out ground or does it indeed bring something new to the table?

Picking up right where we left off in season two, Michael has been escorted to Sona prison, a secure unit so terrible that the guards won’t even set foot inside. With inmates left to do as they please the only leadership they get is from one prisoner called Lechero. While Michael is busy trying to keep his head down and survive in Sona his brother is trying to locate his son and Sarah around Panama. Without giving too much away the company does return and it is then up to Michael to break an individual out of Sona in order to save LJ and the girl he loves, Sarah. It’s very suspenseful, it’s very surprising, it’s all very Prison Break.

Consisting of only thirteen episodes rather than the usual twenty two (thank you writer’s strike!) the flow seems especially fast paced when it comes to the story. Each episode nearly always features relevant story or character development and it’s rare you’ll sit watching what feels like filler.

Credit has to go to the actual prison itself. This is where a lot of the focus is and like Fox River the environment the prisoners find themselves in is full of character and more importantly danger. Yes it’s another prison, but after watching the opening five minutes alone you realise this isn’t an ordinary place and that all rules are out the window. Full of the worst convicts in the world with no guards and where anything goes this is certainly no holiday resort. While Fox River may not have been pleasant , Sona is definitely a living nightmare!

However while the introduction to Sona itself is truly gripping after that there are points where the prison doesn’t feel as terrifying as it should. Maybe it’s because most of the show is shot in the day I don’t know, but after that opening shock the fear factor dips slightly.

For me a big advantage to this season over the first is that events outside the prison don’t seem as boring. Compared to Veronica trying to uncover the truth, watching Lincoln trying to save Sarah and LJ is much more entertaining this year around.

While the season definitely focuses on Michael and Lincoln (who are both great) the supporting cast are at their best too. Inside Sona with Michael are a few friendly faces too. T-Bag, Belleck and Mahone each appear and have their own problems to deal with (T-Bag trying to manipulate his way to the top, Mahone dealing with his drug problem and Belleck just trying to survive) further cementing their ability as actors and interesting characters. William Fichtner especially with his role as Detective Alexander Mahone has been exceptional since his addition in the second season. Sucre also appears as an ally to Lincoln and makes some interesting choices regarding his fiancé with some new faces appearing fitting into the overall cast very well.

I’m not a huge fan of Lechero I must admit. Compared to the likes of Abruzzi or Kellerman he just doesn’t fell as menacing or terrifying as a character. Abruzzi made his mark by cutting off toes for torture, while Kellerman’s emotionless killing spree struck fear in the hearts of many viewers. Lechero however never really makes an impact to begin with and that never picks up as the season wears on. But Gretchen on the other hand (and evil female version of Kellerman who works for the company) is a great addition and one you really hate which is good what with a show full of so many likeable characters.

Unlike Heroes, which to me seemed to suffer because of the writer’s strike, Prison Break manages to reuse the concept of being trapped in jail and make it fresh and exciting in the small space of only thirteen parts. The storyline is always compelling, the cast on top form and the action heart pounding even giving the stellar first season a run for its money. With no signs of slowing down, I can’t wait for season four to kick off in August.