Prison Break is one of the most iconic television series to air in the 2000s. Created by Paul Scheuring and premiering in 2005, this American drama-thriller revolves around the lives of two brothers, Michael Scofield and Lincoln Burrows, and their fight to escape the grips of conspiracy, corruption, and incarceration. The plot initially centers on Lincoln Burrows, who has been sentenced to death for a crime he claims he didn’t commit, and his brother Michael, who devises an intricate plan to break him out of prison.
Throughout the series, the audience witnesses Lincoln’s relentless struggles, both inside and outside prison walls. His experience is laden with physical, emotional, and psychological challenges. This article will delve into what happens to Lincoln Burrows in Prison Break, with detailed insights into his journey across the series.
Lincoln Burrows’ Background and Arrest
Lincoln Burrows, portrayed by Dominic Purcell, is introduced as a blue-collar worker living a difficult life. His world turns upside down when he is convicted for the murder of Terrence Steadman, the brother of the U.S. Vice President. This crime, however, is a setup, orchestrated by a shadowy group known as “The Company” in order to manipulate political power in the United States.
At the beginning of the series, Lincoln is on death row at Fox River State Penitentiary, awaiting execution. His conviction seems ironclad, with numerous pieces of evidence pointing to his guilt. The audience soon learns that Lincoln has been framed as part of a much larger political conspiracy involving corrupt government officials and corporate interests. The driving force behind the series is Michael’s belief in his brother’s innocence and his determination to break him out of prison.
Lincoln’s arrest sets the stage for his time in prison, where his physical, mental, and emotional endurance will be put to the ultimate test.
Life on Death Row
Being on death row is an experience fraught with fear, despair, and isolation, and Lincoln experiences all of these emotions during his time at Fox River. His days are counted as he awaits his scheduled execution. Even though he has become resigned to his fate, his brother Michael’s plan to break him out ignites a spark of hope.
In prison, Lincoln tries to keep to himself. However, his reputation as a death row inmate makes him a target for both inmates and prison staff alike. The psychological toll of being on death row is immense. His relationship with his son, LJ, is strained due to his incarceration, and the hopelessness of his situation weighs heavily on him. Despite his stoic demeanor, Lincoln wrestles with inner turmoil. His life in prison revolves around survival, counting down the days, and the ever-present thought of impending death.
While Lincoln remains steadfast in his belief that he was framed, his interactions with other prisoners and guards reveal a man who, beneath the tough exterior, is grappling with the profound emotional trauma that comes with his circumstances.
Michael’s Plan and Lincoln’s Role
The crux of Prison Break is Michael Scofield’s elaborate plan to rescue his brother from death row. Michael, a brilliant structural engineer, deliberately gets himself incarcerated in Fox River by staging a bank robbery. His entire goal is to execute a carefully constructed escape plan that hinges on his detailed knowledge of the prison’s layout. Michael has the blueprints of Fox River tattooed across his body, disguised as intricate and cryptic symbols.
For Lincoln, Michael’s presence brings new hope but also skepticism. He initially doesn’t believe that escape is possible, given the high-security nature of the prison and his impending execution date. Nevertheless, he trusts Michael, and slowly becomes a crucial part of the plan. Michael’s entire escape hinges on Lincoln’s cooperation, so Lincoln must remain patient and vigilant despite the growing pressure.
The complexity of Michael’s plan means that Lincoln cannot simply sit back and wait. Lincoln becomes actively involved in the escape, forming alliances with other prisoners and even putting himself in harm’s way for the greater good. This cooperation leads to several key confrontations with dangerous inmates, prison officials, and even law enforcement.
The bond between the brothers is central to Lincoln’s arc throughout the series. Their relationship is built on trust, loyalty, and sacrifice. Lincoln’s role in the escape is critical, not just as the man they are trying to save, but as a key player in making the escape possible.
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Escape and the Aftermath
The initial breakout at the end of Season 1 is a major turning point for Lincoln. However, this is just the beginning of his fight for freedom. After escaping from Fox River, Lincoln, Michael, and the other escapees become the targets of a nationwide manhunt. Lincoln’s journey from this point is marked by constant evasion of law enforcement, as well as battling The Company, which continues to pursue him and Michael to prevent their secrets from being revealed.
Lincoln’s time after the escape presents an entirely new set of challenges. While no longer confined to the physical walls of a prison, he remains trapped in a world of conspiracy and constant danger. He has to protect not only himself but also his family, including his son LJ, who becomes a target due to his connection to Lincoln. Throughout the series, Lincoln is often forced to make difficult decisions, many of which put his life and the lives of his loved ones at risk.
In Season 2, Lincoln is particularly driven by his desire to clear his name and protect his son. The burden of being falsely accused weighs heavily on him, but it also motivates him to uncover the truth behind The Company’s conspiracy. His determination to expose the real culprits becomes a major focus of his character’s development.
The Company and Lincoln’s Pursuit for Justice
As the series progresses, Lincoln’s battle with The Company intensifies. The Company is a powerful and corrupt organization with ties to the highest levels of government. They framed Lincoln for Terrence Steadman’s murder to further their political agenda. Throughout the show, Lincoln and Michael work tirelessly to expose The Company’s misdeeds, but their efforts are continually thwarted by the organization’s vast resources and influence.
Lincoln’s interactions with The Company reveal a man driven by justice and a desire to see those who wronged him brought to justice. His sense of morality, however, is often tested, especially when The Company uses his family as leverage against him. At several points in the series, Lincoln faces moral dilemmas that force him to weigh his own survival against the greater good.
One of the most significant moments in Lincoln’s battle with The Company comes when he discovers that his mother, Christina Rose Scofield, is deeply involved with the organization. This revelation adds a personal dimension to Lincoln’s struggle, as he must now grapple with the fact that his own family is connected to the forces that have caused him so much pain.
Redemption and the Fight for Freedom
Throughout Prison Break, Lincoln’s journey is one of redemption. Though he is innocent of the crime he was convicted for, Lincoln is no saint. He has a checkered past, filled with poor decisions and a propensity for violence. His time in prison, and the subsequent escape, force him to confront his past and seek redemption not only in the eyes of the law but also in the eyes of his family.
A significant part of Lincoln’s character development comes from his relationship with his son, LJ. At the beginning of the series, their relationship is strained due to Lincoln’s criminal past and incarceration. However, as Lincoln fights for his freedom and attempts to clear his name, he also works to rebuild his relationship with LJ. This father-son dynamic is a key element of Lincoln’s arc, adding emotional depth to his character.
Lincoln’s desire for redemption also extends to his relationship with Michael. Throughout the series, he often feels guilty for the trouble he has caused Michael, particularly the risks his brother takes to free him. Lincoln’s internal struggle is evident, as he frequently questions whether he is worth the sacrifices that others make on his behalf.
Life After The Company
After The Company is finally dismantled in the later seasons of Prison Break, Lincoln’s life takes a new turn. The fight for survival is no longer about evading capture or battling corrupt organizations, but about finding a sense of normalcy. This transition is difficult for Lincoln, who has spent so much of his life on the run or fighting against a system that wronged him.
In Prison Break: Resurrection (Season 5), the story picks up several years after the events of the original series. Lincoln is seen trying to rebuild his life, but his past continues to haunt him. When it is revealed that Michael may still be alive, Lincoln is once again thrust into a world of danger and conspiracy. His willingness to put everything on the line for his brother remains a central theme of his character, even in this new chapter of the series.
Conclusion
Lincoln Burrows is a character defined by resilience, loyalty, and a fierce desire for justice. Throughout Prison Break, he undergoes a significant transformation, from a man resigned to his fate on death row to a determined fighter seeking the truth and protecting his family. His journey is fraught with danger, loss, and betrayal, but through it all, Lincoln remains steadfast in his pursuit of freedom.
While Michael Scofield may be the mastermind behind the prison break, Lincoln’s role as the heart of the series cannot be understated. His relationship with his brother, his son, and the other characters is central to the emotional core of the show. Lincoln’s arc is not just about escaping prison, but about overcoming the injustices of a corrupt system and seeking redemption for past mistakes.
In the end, Lincoln’s story is one of survival against overwhelming odds. His character serves as a reminder that even in the face of insurmountable challenges, the will to fight for what is right can lead to redemption and freedom.
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