Tonight between 8-10PM (ET), FOX is showing not one, but two episodes of Alcatraz. Both are quite different from one another, and both are complete and good in their own ways.
The first hour is called “The Ames Brothers” and in it, two, well, brothers named “Pinky” and Herman Ames are looking for buried treasure within Alcatraz Island – a search that began fifty years ago. It’s what a lot of people would call a “bottle episode” – all of the scenes tend to take place within the series’ standing sets – but in doing so it gives all of the characters, including even Hauser, moments to shine. I know some people have felt Alcatraz is a bit monotonous with its “escaped prisoners of the week” – somehow, having all of the action taking place on the island like this seemed to break that up a bit.
Quality-wise, “The Ames Brothers” should also get high marks, as there are moments of suspense and tension. I do admit there was a scene that seemed so gross that I had to turn away from the television – especially as I was eating lunch at the time – but I liked that there was danger, and that you didn’t know what was going to happen next. As per usual with the series, I wonder what Hauser is up to, and I suspect there is more to his actions in this episode than we’re initially aware of or told.
The second hour, “Sonny Burnett,” wins mostly due to the performance of the escaped ’63er of the week, Sonny Burnett, played by Theo Rossi. A lot of people have said that the best part of Alcatraz is often the escaped convicts, and that’s definitely what’s happened here. Sonny was a kidnapper who would hold people for ransom and he’d use that money to get what he wants… when that doesn’t work out so well for him on the island in the past, he’s going to take revenge in the present. Also in the episode we learn something else that might be special about the ’63s.
Visually with “Sonny Burnett,” the show looks a bit more colorful than previous weeks in the present-day scenes. I don’t know if this is something I’m just now noticing or if it’s a concerted effort, but I like it.
So basically, with this Alcatraz double-feature there’s something for everyone. If you’re looking for suspense and some great moments for the regular characters, the first hour definitely fits the bill; but if you’re looking for a good character piece with another Alcatraz escapee, Hour 2 is your deal. Or, you can watch both, then everyone wins! All in all, I think Alcatraz is a show that’s finding itself and it’s getting better as time has progressed. Hopefully it’s getting better enough that viewers watch so we can have a Season 2.
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Here are some images that FOX has released from tonight’s episodes:
Alcatraz - "Ames Brothers/Sonny Burnett"
ALCATRAZ: Rebecca (Sarah Jones) looks for two former Alcatraz inmates who mysteriously reappeared after having vanished 50 years ago in Part One of the two-hour "Ames Brothers/Sonny Burnett" episode of ALCATRAZ airing Monday, March 5 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. ©2012 Fox Broadcasting Co. CR: Liane Hentscher/FOX
