Tuzhi_gr

On paper, in writing.

Also to finally read how the writers figured that Mahone should have that moment with Michael instead of Michael and Lincoln. You'd think they'd go for the obvious route of two brothers finding solace with each other instead of the two natural rivals.

Well, guess what?

"NEVER GETS ANY EASIER" IS NOT IN THE SCRIPT

And yes, they did go for the obvious route of two brother finding solace in each other:

Mahone wasn't supposed to say anything at all. He was only to give a "knowing look" like every other character in this whole series. Neutral, detached, collegial...

And Lincoln was supposed to try and comfort Michael with a joke. Even though Lincoln would've had no idea what trauma Michael just went through, Michael's comment alone would've set alarm bells off with Linc that he needs to reassure Michael of his good soul.

Yet it became this:

Lincoln ends up saying NOTHING.

And Mahone ends up saying EVERYTHING.

But this clearly was never the obvious choice for the writers. Yet when it got switched around, the writers loved it. As a matter of fact, they kept writing this in season 4 to further support the bond between Mahone and Michael.

But going back to 310, the reality of the situation...storywise...has become that when Michael kills a person for the first time ever, and he's mentally sinking into the abyss...

Lincoln basically went like "Eh, he got himself into that. He can get himself out."

Whereas Mahone goes in after Michael, no hesitation. And pulls him out.

Cause in that moment of "Never gets any easier", Mahone says so much more. He lets Michael know that he'll always understand him without Michael having to say one word and especially when everyone else around him doubts Michael. AND he let's Michael know that his refusal to kill people was from a pure place, a good place. And Mahone knows that good soul never deserves to go through this.

One of the things I praise William Fichtner for the most is how much you can count on him to take on these moments of true emotional depth in stories. A visual badass, yet capable of the most emotional depth out of everyone. It's magical.

If you watch Prison Break with a non-killer angel like Michael Scofield, the moment he kills for the first time, you're in need of someone in the story acknowledging the gravity of the moment. And give it the heart it deserves.

Fichtner does that.

Always.

Alex Mahone in every episode / 2x04 First Down