Michael Scofield

Last updated
Michael Scofield
Prison Break character
MichaelScofieldPrisonBreak.jpeg
Wentworth Miller as Michael Scofield, incarcerated in Yemen
First appearance"Pilot" (2005)
Last appearance"Behind The Eyes" (2017)
Created by Paul Scheuring
Portrayed by Wentworth Miller
Dylan Minnette (young)
Voiced byWentworth Miller
(video game)
In-universe information
Aliases
  • Phineas McClintock
  • Wayne Merrick
  • Michael Crane
  • Michael Angelo
  • Officer Mathers
  • Kevin Freeling
  • Kaniel Outis
OccupationStructural engineer
Family Aldo Burrows (father)
Christina Rose Scofield (mother)
Lincoln Burrows (brother)
Lincoln "L. J." Burrows Jr. (nephew)
Michael "Mike" Scofield Jr. (son via Sara)
Spouses Sara Scofield
Nika Volek (unconsummated)

Michael J. Scofield, portrayed by Wentworth Miller, is a fictional character and one of the two main protagonists of the American television series Prison Break . Michael is a principal character, and has been featured in every episode of the series. He deliberately went to prison to break out his elder brother, Lincoln Burrows (Dominic Purcell), before his execution for a crime he did not commit. The storyline of the first season revolves around the two brothers and Michael's plan to help Lincoln escape his death sentence. Later seasons detail their life on the run and their quest for the truth behind Lincoln's imprisonment.

Contents

Michael has been clinically diagnosed with low latent inhibition, a condition in which his brain is more open to incoming stimuli in the surrounding environment. He is unable to block out periphery information and instead processes every aspect and detail of any given stimulus. This, combined with a high IQ theoretically makes him a creative genius.

In flashbacks, the child version of Michael is played by Dylan Minnette.

Development

The character was conceived after Prison Break creator Paul Scheuring developed an idea from another producer, about a man who deliberately imprisons himself to break somebody out. From the initial proposal, Scheuring then justified the character and story by making him a structural engineer who worked at the architecture firm that had access to the prison's blueprints. The name was originally used in Roald Dahl's collection of short stories, Someone Like You , as Michael Scofield. [1]

Miller said, "First season, I think part of my challenge was to create, hopefully, a compelling character. But at the same time, there were so many things I could never show, because standing next to Abruzzi or T-Bag or Bellick, I could not afford to be vulnerable. I could not afford to crack a smile." [2] In the second season, the character shows a wider range of emotions as Miller explains, "He's going to have some lighter, more colorful shades... now that he's off with his brother, around whom I think Michael is willing to show a side of himself that he's not with others, there's a lot more that I can explore." [3]

Tattoo

The tattoo, which covers the entire upper body of Michael Scofield, is featured extensively in the first season. It is focal to the plot, with the prison blueprints, and various details of the plan for escape from prison and from the country.

Designed by Tom Berg and created by Tinsley Transfers, the tattoo took around five hours to be applied onto Miller. When the entire tattoo does not need to be shown, for example, in scenes where the actor is wearing a T-shirt, only the forearm pieces of the tattoo are applied. [4] Wentworth Miller has commented that interviews frequently include questions about the tattoo. [5]

Reception

For most of the first season of the show, Miller's limited range of facial expressions generated mixed reception. For the first season, Miller was nominated for a Golden Globe. The Washington Post criticized this performance as being "the most oppressive" and how "the actor apparently thinks it looks cool for him always to be scanning the surroundings". [6] Entertainment Weekly recognized the actor's domination of screen time by saying that "it's Miller's show" and on his performance, they stated that his "Michael Scofield has the silky voice of a sociopath, the resigned stance of a long-distance runner, and the deadpan delivery of Macaulay Culkin at his Uncle Buck best." [7] The New York Times commented that although Miller does not show a wide range of emotion, "he projects an unflappable determination that confounds his fellow prisoners". [8]

Relationship with Sara Tancredi

The series confronts Michael and Sara with heartbreaking losses and challenges, including Michael's apparent death and Sara's wrongful imprisonment. Despite these tragedies, their love and resilience endure. Sara's unwavering belief in Michael's survival and Michael's enduring determination to reunite with his family underscore the strength of their connection.

The relationship between Michael and Sara is a poignant portrayal of love's ability to transcend barriers and endure in the face of overwhelming odds. Their journey is marked by sacrifice, resilience, and unwavering devotion.

Related Research Articles

<i>Prison Break</i> American TV series

Prison Break is an American drama television series created by Paul Scheuring for Fox. The series revolves around two brothers, Lincoln Burrows and Michael Scofield ; Burrows has been sentenced to death for a crime he did not commit, while Scofield devises an elaborate plan to help his brother escape prison and clear his name. Along with creator Paul Scheuring, the series is executive-produced by Matt Olmstead, Kevin Hooks, Marty Adelstein, Dawn Parouse, Neal H. Moritz, and Brett Ratner who directed the pilot episode. The series' theme music, composed by Ramin Djawadi, was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award in 2006. Prison Break is a joint production between Original Film, Adelstein/Parouse Productions, Dawn Olmstead Productions, Adelstein Productions, One Light Road Productions and 20th Century Fox Television, and is syndicated by 20th Television.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wentworth Miller</span> British-born American actor and screenwriter

Wentworth Earl Miller III is an American-British actor and screenwriter. He rose to prominence following his starring role as Michael Scofield in the Fox series Prison Break, for which he received a nomination for the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Television Series Drama in 2005. He made his screenwriting debut with the 2013 thriller film Stoker. In 2014, he began playing Leonard Snart / Captain Cold in a recurring role on The CW series The Flash before becoming a series regular on the spin-off, Legends of Tomorrow.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cute Poison</span> 4th episode of the 1st season of Prison Break

"Cute Poison" is the fourth episode of the first season of the television series Prison Break. It first aired on September 12, 2005 in the United States. The episode is directed by Matt Earl Beesley and written by series producer Matt Olmstead. The words "Cute Poison", one of Michael Scofield's (Wentworth Miller) tattoos, are a mnemonic for CuSO4 (copper sulfate) and H3PO4 (phosphoric acid), the two ingredients needed for the third part in his escape plan. Also, his new cellmate Charles "Haywire" Patoshik (Silas Weir Mitchell) notices Michael's tattoos and may expose his escape plans. Michael has to stop him and get his old cellmate, Fernando Sucre (Amaury Nolasco), back.

Pilot (<i>Prison Break</i>) 1st episode of the 1st season of Prison Break

"Pilot" is the pilot episode and series premiere of the American television series Prison Break, which premiered on August 29, 2005 in the United States. That night, it was aired as the first of a two-part pilot special, along with "Allen", which was broadcast straight after this episode. The episode was directed by series producer Brett Ratner, noted director of such works as Rush Hour and Red Dragon, and written by series creator and producer Paul Scheuring. The episode was given numerous positive reviews in not just the US, but from the majority of the rest of world, reaching record ratings in various countries.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Riots, Drills and the Devil</span> 6th and 7th episodes of the 1st season of Prison Break

"Riots, Drills and the Devil" is the sixth and seventh episode of the first season of the television series Prison Break. A two-part episode, the first part constitutes the sixth episode of the series and the second part constitutes the seventh. They were aired separately in the United States on September 26, 2005, and October 3, 2005, consecutively. The first part of "Riots, Drills and the Devil" was written by Nick Santora and directed by Robert Mandel with the second part being written by Karyn Usher and directed by Vern Gillum.

T-Bag (<i>Prison Break</i>) Character on American television series Prison Break

Theodore "T-Bag" Bagwell is a fictional character from the American television series Prison Break. Played by Robert Knepper, he is part of the main group of characters in the series and is part of the Fox River Eight. After guest-starring in the series' second episode, "Allen", the actor became one of the regular cast members.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Paul Kellerman</span> Character on American television series Prison Break

Paul Kellerman, also known as Owen Kravecki, is a fictional character from the American television series, Prison Break. Played by Paul Adelstein, the character was introduced to the series as a Secret Service special agent in the series pilot, but the actor was not listed as a regular cast member until the third episode. The character's role is most prominent in the series' conspiracy plot.

"Manhunt" is the second season premiere episode of the American television series Prison Break and the twenty-third episode overall. The episode was first aired on August 21, 2006 in the United States. It is written by series creator Paul Scheuring and directed by Kevin Hooks, who directed the season finale of season one, "Flight". William Fichtner is introduced as a new regular cast member, whose character is assigned to track down the eight escapees from Fox River State Penitentiary. The role of Terrence Steadman was recast to Jeff Perry, who replaces John Billingsley as the brother of Caroline Reynolds.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alexander Mahone</span> Character on American television series Prison Break

Alexander "Alex" Mahone is a fictional character portrayed by William Fichtner in the American television series Prison Break. Mahone is introduced in the premiere of the second season as a special agent in the Federal Bureau of Investigation, specializing in manhunts for escaped prisoners for 14 years.

"Rendezvous" is the thirty-second episode of the American television series Prison Break and is the tenth episode of its second season. It was first aired on November 6, 2006, making it the first episode to be aired during the November sweeps in the United States. The episode is written by Karyn Usher and directed by Dwight H. Little. Regarding the casting of this episode, Rockmond Dunbar, does not appear in this episode. "Rendezvous" features the meeting of the characters, Michael Scofield and Sara Tancredi, for the first time in the second season. The episode takes place on June 3 as revealed in the previous episode.

"Bolshoi Booze" is the thirty-third episode of the American television series Prison Break and is the eleventh episode of its second season. Aired on November 13, 2006, it was the second of the four episodes to be aired during the November sweeps in the United States. The episode was written by Monica Macer and Seth Hoffman, and directed by Greg Yaitanes, who directed "Brother's Keeper".

"Disconnect" is the thirty-fourth episode of the American television series Prison Break and is the twelfth episode of its second season. Aired on November 20, 2006, it was also one of the episodes that were aired during the 2006 sweeps in the United States. The episode is written by Nick Santora & Karyn Usher, and directed by Karen Gaviola.

"Chicago" is the thirty-eighth episode of the American television series Prison Break and is the sixteenth episode of its second season. It was written by Nick Santora and Matt Olmstead, and directed by Jesse Bochco. The episode first aired on February 5, 2007, making it the first episode to be aired during the February sweeps in the United States. It attained an average of 10.1 million viewers, which is the highest recorded audience for the second season.

<i>Prison Break</i> season 2 Season of television series

The second season of Prison Break, an American serial drama television series, commenced airing in the United States on August 21, 2006, on Mondays at 8:00 pm (EST) on Fox. Prison Break is produced by Adelstein-Parouse Productions, in association with Rat Entertainment, Original Film and 20th Century Fox Television. The season contains 22 episodes, and concluded on April 2, 2007. Series creator Paul Scheuring describes the second season as "The Fugitive times eight," and likens it to the "second half of The Great Escape."

<i>Prison Break</i> season 1 Season of television series

The first season of Prison Break, an American serial drama television series, commenced airing in the United States and Canada on August 29, 2005, on Mondays at 9:00 p.m. (EST) on Fox. Prison Break is produced by Adelstein-Parouse Productions, in association with Rat Entertainment, Original Film and 20th Century Fox Television. The season contains 22 episodes, and concluded on May 15, 2006. In addition to the 22 regular episodes, a special, "Behind the Walls", was aired on October 11, 2005.

<i>Prison Break: The Final Break</i> 2009 television movie of the Prison Break franchise.

Prison Break: The Final Break is a 2009 television film of the Prison Break franchise. The movie covers the events which occurred in between the downfall of The Company, and the revelation of Michael Scofield's death. It details the manipulated arrest and incarceration of Sara Tancredi for the murder of Christina Scofield, the final escape plan which Michael devises for Sara, and the details surrounding Michael's death. It also reveals the ultimate fate of Gretchen Morgan. This was the initial ending for Prison Break, until the release of season 5.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lincoln Burrows</span> Character on American television series Prison Break

Lincoln Burrows, played by Dominic Purcell, is a fictional character and one of the two protagonists of the American television series Prison Break. The plot of Prison Break revolves around Lincoln being framed for the murder of the vice president's brother and Lincoln's brother, Michael Scofield’s plan to help him escape his death sentence. In flashbacks, teenage Lincoln is played by Max Kirsch, and for one episode, Hunter Jablonski.

<i>Prison Break</i> season 5 Season of television series

The fifth and final season of Prison Break is a limited event television series and a revival of the original series created by Paul Scheuring that aired on Fox from 2005 to 2009. The season is produced by 20th Century Fox Television in association with Adelstein Productions, Dawn Olmstead Productions, One Light Road Productions and Original Film. Paul Scheuring serves as showrunner, with himself, Marty Adelstein, Neal H. Moritz and Dawn Olmstead, Vaun Wilmott, Michael Horowitz and Nelson McCormick serving as executive producers. McCormick also serves as director. The season premiered on April 4, 2017, and concluded on May 30, 2017, consisting of 9 episodes.

"Ogygia" is the 82nd episode of the American television series Prison Break and the first episode since 2009. The first episode of its fifth season which premiered on Fox in the United States on April 4, 2017.

References

  1. "Inside Prison Break: Chain male" Sydney Morning Herald . February 1, 2006. Retrieved on October 22, 2006.
  2. "Prison Break actors out of the box Archived 2010-10-02 at the Wayback Machine " Toronto Star . August 20, 2006. Retrieved on October 22, 2006.
  3. "Wentworth Miller on Prison Break Season Two" CanMag. August 17, 2006. Retrieved on October 22, 2006.
  4. Prison Break: Season One – "Beyond the Ink" featurette (DVD). 20th Century Fox. August 8, 2006.
  5. Ryan, M., "Wentworth Miller: Do not ask about the tattoo", Chicago Tribune . March 16, 2006. Retrieved on March 30, 2007.
  6. "'Prison Break': Sharpen Up Those Spoons" The Washington Post . August 29, 2005. Retrieved on October 22, 2005.
  7. Prison Break Entertainment Weekly . August 26, 2005. Retrieved on November 17, 2006.
  8. "Jailhouse Heroes Are Hard to Find" The New York Times . August 29, 2005. Retrieved on October 22, 2006.