I’ve had the honor of working with some of the most talented writers, actors, producers, directors and crew in the business. Below is a list of my (our) work. (make sure to click on the show titles — in some instances I’ve included “behind the scenes” moments and the backstory behind the episode)
First Aired: August 29, 2005
Trouble is inevitable in the prison, with a race riot imminent. Michael has problems retrieving a screw from the bleachers. Veronica receives a security tape that shows Lincoln shooting Terrence Steadman.
First Aired: September 5, 2005
Two steps forward and one step back. Michael gets Abruzzi on his side and proves Sucre’s trustworthiness, but then loses a valuable piece of his plan.
Cute Poison (close) Producer
First Aired: September 12, 2005
Michael gets more of the tools and people he needs, but someone very high up has taken notice and started wondering what he’s up to.
English, Fitz or Percy (close) Producer
First Aired: September 19, 2005
Michael gains a necessary piece of information to effect his escape, but can he keep the Warden from kicking him out?
Riots, Drills & The Devil – Part I (close) Producer, Writer
First Aired: Monday September 26, 2005
Michael creates a lockdown by sabotaging the air conditioning in order to execute his breakout plan properly, and unintentionally causes a riot that gets Sara into huge trouble. Meanwhile, an ex-con is blackmailed into seeing to that Lincoln is killed.
Note from Nick: It’s funny, but when you’re writing and producing television, it is an incredibly hectic pace/schedule. You’re writing or outlining or breaking story or editing or rewriting or music spotting or casting or sitting in production meetings or having conference calls with studio/network executives or rewriting some more. It’s such a blur that by the time you’re done with the run of a show you can’t even remember the names of the characters let alone story-lines and plot points.
But what you do remember, after all the years pass, are the people. The friends you made during the show – the laughs you had – and most of all the absurdity and insanity that takes place daily in a writers’ room.
And I remember the things that make me feel good, the sincere moments of thanks or appreciation or compliments that you get because, truth be told, those kinds of moments are few and far between in this business.
I remember one of those moments with respect to this episode. It was the first Prison Break episode I had ever written and I handed it in on a Tuesday afternoon. Everyone read it that night. The next morning I walked into the office and headed to the kitchen for a drink where Matt Olmstead, a writer/producer on the show, was grabbing coffee or something. At this point I barely knew the guy. Little did I know I’d be working with him for the next 7 years on 3 different shows. (as of the typing of this story)
“Read your script last night,” he said. ”I can always tell when I’m reading the script of someone who just loves to write. It was great.”
It was one of the greatest compliments I ever received to this day. (Matt gave me one of the other great compliments I’ve ever received a year later – see my notes on the Prison Break episode WASH for more about that). I truly do love to write. The fact that my passion for writing came through on the page, and was recognized by a colleague, was a wonderful feeling.
This episode also holds the distinction of being the last piece of film ever directed by Robert Mandel, a veteran director and a true gentleman. Now, if you knew Bob, and you knew me, you’d know two totally polar opposite people. Bob is super mellow and genteel — I’m a jack-rabbit on speed. And on the first day Bob came by the Prison Break office I took him into the writers’ room to show him the detailed outline for this episode up on the white board. I jumped around like a lunatic, gesticulating and shouting and cursing like a cheerleader with Tourettes – like I always do when I pitch a story – to put it mildly, I just get excited. And Bob sat there and said little to nothing, just taking in the story and the wild mad before him. When I was done he nodded, “It will be a great episode” he said. And that was it.
And it was a great episode. Bob just kicked the heck out of it and it became a fan favorite and a favorite of mine. Soon thereafter, Bob stopped directing and entered academia, becoming the Dean of AFI, one of the world’s most prestigious film schools.
Though Bob sent me a gracious note after Riots, Drills & The Deveil was completed, telling me how it was one of the best experiences of his career, I didn’t see him for years and years after that. But about 7 years later we connected and, amazingly, he hired me to teach at AFI which I did for a semester and it was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Bob is now thinking of sitting back down in the director’s chair one day down the road. I sure hope he does.
Riots, Drills and the Devil: Part II (close) Producer
First Aired: October 3, 2005
Michael saves Dr. Tancredi from the rioting prisoners, but Lincoln and Veronica are in need of their own rescue.
The Old Head (close) Producer
First Aired: October 24, 2005
Veronica and LJ must go into hiding, while Michael unwittingly provides Westmoreland’s motivation to aid the escape.
First Aired: October 31, 2005
With Abruzzi becoming more desperate to regain authority within the prison, it seems that Fibonacci’s number is up.
Sleight of Hand (close) Producer, Writer
First Aired: Monday November 7, 2005
Abruzzi struggles to get his crew back to PI. He tries to convince Michael to reveal Fibonacci’s whereabouts to Falzone.
Agents Kellerman and Hale receive some professional help for their search, as the vice president isn’t satisfied about their progress so far.
An inmate becomes suspicious of the escapees’ work at the break room.
Steadman’s money trail leads Veronica and Nick to a surprising discovery.
And Then There Were 7 (close) Producer
First Aired: November 14, 2005
Michael gets a visit from his wife, while Veronica and Nick get a visit from Quinn.
Odd Man Out (close) Producer
First Aired: November 21, 2005
Alliances and suspicions form as word gets out that there are one too many on the escape team; a collateral cost to keeping the plan alive has a profound effect on Abruzzi.
End of the Tunnel (close) Producer
First Aired: November 28, 2005
The escape is about to go through when the team hits a stainless steel snag, while Veronica is just a moment too late to get all the information she needs to prove Lincoln’s innocence.
First Aired: March 20, 2006
With the pipe to the infirmary replaced and Lincoln’s life hanging in the balance, Michael must rethink his plan to escape and save his brother’s life. A fellow inmate may hold the key to preventing Lincoln’s execution.
By the Skin and the Teeth (close) Producer, Writer
First Aired: Monday March 27, 2006
As Lincoln is about to be executed, he briefly sees his father in the viewing room. A phone call from judge Kessler delays the execution. After reviewing the newly surfaced evidence, the judge orders the exhumation of Steadman’s body.
Michael creates a new, more dangerous, break-out plan, involving going through the prison yard. An accident puts Michael’s new plan in danger.
Brother’s Keeper (close) Producer
First Aired: April 3, 2006
Flashbacks provide exposition on how the inmates arrived at Fox River Penitentiary from The Company’s framing of Lincoln to the creation of Michael’s plan to save his brother’s life.
First Aired: April 10, 2006
Having burned his shoulder, Michael’s tattoo that showed the path through psych ward is now incomplete. With another inmate intimidated into snitching about the escape plans, Michael must use his wits to find a new way out of Fox River.
Bluff (close) Producer, Writer
First Aired: Monday April 17, 2006
In an effort to recreate the missing piece of the tattoo, Michael gets transferred to the psych ward, seeking the help of Haywire. T-Bag and C-Note have to join forces.
First Aired: April 24, 2006
Kellerman is the first to arrive at the scene of Linc’s accident, followed almost immediately by a Good Samaritan. This does not please Westmoreland. Back at Fox River, Tweener’s situation with his cellmate is growing desperate; Abruzzi returns a new man, but T-Bag has an old score to settle; and Michael has figured out a new escape route, but needs an infirmary key to make it work. And in Montana, Terrence Steadman has a tense phone conversation with his sister.
First Aired: May 1, 2006
Bellick’s discovery puts a gaping hole in Michael’s plans and adds an urgency to his recalculations. Meanwhile, Linc is back in an isolated cell, where he’s shackled to a wall; Veronica and Nick arrive at an impasse; Vice President Reynolds (Patricia Wettig) feels the heat from her powerful supporters; and Michael confides in Sara. He also completes the Taj Mahal model for Pope.
First Aired: May 8, 2006
Michael, shank in hand, confronts Pope in his office as the escape plan begins to unfold. And while Bellick remains bound and gagged, his truck is found in the parking lot. In Chicago, meanwhile, Nick tells Veronica about his double life while Sara struggles with her decision about whether to help Michael.
First Aired: May 15, 2006
As the escape continues, lives are lost and Pope and Bellick do everything in their power to capture the convicts.
First Aired: August 21, 2006
The morning after the escape, Michael, Linc, Sucre, C-Note and Abruzzi barely manage—with the help of a freight train—to elude Bellick. But an FBI agent named Alexander Mahone will provide a tougher challenge. Elsewhere on the run, T-Bag finds someone who might be able to give him a hand. Meanwhile, Sara is still comatose in Chicago, and Veronica doesn’t like what Steadman has to tell her in Montana.
First Aired: August 28, 2006
Sucre, Abruzzi and C-Note make a run for it on their own, while Michael and Linc hatch a plot to spring LJ, whom Mahone is squeezing for information. Meanwhile, Tweener and T-Bag do what’s necessary to stay on the loose, and Pope and Bellick face the fallout from the escape.
First Aired: September 4, 2006
Mahone zeroes in on Michael and Linc’s car, which was towed to a Chicago lot, but Michael gets there first. Unfortunately for the brothers, the backpack containing their fake IDs isn’t in the vehicle. Elsewhere, Sara is released from the hospital, but that’s not good news, especially after a difficult meeting with her father; Sucre and C-Note are determined to get to their loved ones, no matter what; and Bellick and Geary go into the bounty-hunting business together.
First Down (close) Producer, Writer
First Aired: Monday September 11, 2006
Bellick, now teamed up with Michael, Lincoln and Nika, sets out to find the money stolen by Westmoreland during the 1971 skyjacking.
Kellerman targets Sara, who receives a long-awaited phone call. T-Bag gets a ride from an unsuspecting family. Abruzzi resumes the search for Fibonacci to settle the scores once and for all.
Note from Nick: This was a challenging episode to write as it was the death of Abruzzi. In a strange twist of fate I wound up writing the deaths of a lot of characters on Prison Break. It wasn’t planned that way. There was a semi-rotation on the writing staff and everyone took turns writing whatever script was next. At least that was the plan at the top of every season. But as things would get more hectic – as things tend to do while making 22 episodes of TV in 10 months – the more veteran writers wind up in the rotation much more. There was one stretch on Prison break where it seemed I was writing or co-writing every other episode for a stretch – but I love it when that happens. If I ain’t writing, I ain’t happy.
But somehow, despite the when my number got called, it always seemed to be a “death episode”.
One of these episodes was FIRST DOWN where mobster Abruzzi goes down in a hail of gunfire. Peter Stormare, whose character had been “killed” once before only to come back with a big scar across his neck where he had been slashed, was a fun actor to write for.
We had a photo up in the writer’s room of writer Matt Olmstead standing with his arm around Peter on the set of Prison Break. A few weeks later it was decided that the Abruzzi character would be the first to die. We hung up that photo and all the writers began to refer to Matt as the Grim Reaper.
But I still wound up writing the actual death … like always.
First Aired: September 18, 2006
Michael and Linc head to Utah and Westmoreland’s loot, as do T-Bag and Tweener. And Mahone’s curiosity is piqued by an article about D.B. Cooper that was retrieved from Michael’s computer. Meanwhile, Sucre goes to Las Vegas to stop Maricruz’s wedding; C-Note runs afoul of a conductor on a train heading west; Kellerman, in Sara’s apartment, is interested in her origami bird; and Mahone has an unpleasant meeting unrelated to the case.
Subdivision (close) Producer
First Aired: September 25, 2006
Michael, Linc, T-Bag and Tweener home in on Westmoreland’s loot, while Mahone, who has figured out the D.B. Cooper connection, homes in on them. Meanwhile, C-Note runs into an old acquaintance, as does Sucre; Haywire surfaces at a fast-food joint; and Gov. Frank Tancredi, President Reynolds’ VP choice, sees Kellerman at the White House. This upsets him greatly.
First Aired: October 2, 2006
Sucre holds Jeanette Owens and her policewoman daughter hostage as the dig for Westmoreland’s loot continues under the women’s garage; Mahone gets someone new to interrogate; Haywire makes a new friend by the Lake Michigan shore in Wisconsin; LJ gets a menacing visitor at the Arizona detention center where he’s being held; and Gov. Tancredi gets bad news from the White House.
First Aired: October 23, 2006
The fugitives again split up as they scurry out of Tooele, but only one has the money. Later, Bellick and Geary arrive and question Jeanette Owens. In Arizona, Linc watches (from a discreet distance) as LJ is freed from lockup. And in Chicago, a Reynolds thug barges in on Sara, while Mahone must answer for the deaths of Abruzzi and Tweener.
Unearthed (close) Producer, Writer
First Aired: Monday October 30, 2006
In an effort to learn more about his pursuer Michael cozies up to Mahone’s wife. L.J. and Lincoln have a bumpy road-trip. T-Bag receives a surprise, and C-Note’s wife must choose between her daughter and husband.
Rendezvous (close) Producer
First Aired: November 6, 2006
Michael and Sara find each other in New Mexico, but Mahone finds them both. In Arizona, Lincoln and LJ get into another auto wreck. And in Nebraska, Sucre tries desperately to get in touch with Maricruz by phone. Meanwhile, Bellick and Geary keep the heat on T-Bag.
Bolshoi Booze (close) Producer
First Aired: November 13, 2006
While Michael makes his way to a rendezvous with the plane and, he hopes, Lincoln, Mahone remains in the factory where Michael left him, but not for long. Meanwhile, Linc has to say good-bye to LJ again; Sara is in a tight spot, and T-Bag gets out of one, but he leaves something behind.
Disconnect (close) Producer, Writer
First Aired: Monday November 20, 2006
With Mahone on their trail, Michael, Lincoln, their father, and Sucre make a run for the getaway plane. Michael’s reunion with his father sheds light on his difficult childhood.
The women in Bellick and Kellerman’s lives coerce their men to confess their sins.
A medical emergency forces C-Note to risk it all.
The Killing Box (close) Producer
First Aired: November 27, 2006
Mahone catches up with Michael and Linc, but the border patrol arrives at the scene before he can shoot them. This is bad news for Mahone and Kim, but not for Kellerman (or Michael and Linc). Meanwhile, T-Bag needs a new hand as he searches for Ms. Hollander, and he finds other female companionship; Bellick is denied bail and is running out of options, as is Sara; and Sucre must take a leap of faith when the Feds lock on to the plane carrying him to Mexico.
John Doe (close) Producer, Writer
First Aired: Monday January 22, 2007
Bellick gets a taste of the medicine he gave out when he was the Captain and Agent Mahone’s ex-wife makes another appearance.
The Message (close) Producer
First Aired: January 29, 2007
In Montana, Michael, Linc and Kellerman abduct a TV cameraman, and the brothers tape a message to contact Sara as well as proclaim their innocence to the world. In Mexico, Sucre is stranded in a small town on his way to reunite with Maricruz in Ixtapa, but a kindly widower takes him in. In Wisconsin, Haywire, whose raft is nearing completion, buys beer for a teen couple. And in the Fox River infirmary, a black-eyed Bellick receives a surprise visitor.
Chicago (close) Producer, Writer
First Aired: Monday February 5, 2007
C-Note gets into a tricky situation when a robber holds up the diner he is in and demands every-one into the storage room until the police arrive.
Michael, Lincoln and Kellerman get closer to revealing the conspiracy with the help of Sarah.
Mahone finds a new ally in Bellick.
First Aired: February 19, 2007
In Chicago, Michael and Sara seek out Pope after their first attempt to get at the evidence in Gov. Tancredi’s cigar-club humidor is thwarted. In Minneapolis, Mahone closes in on C-Note and an ailing Dede. In Alabama, T-Bag takes the Hollanders to his boyhood home and makes an offer to Susan. And in Mexico, Sucre must hitchhike to his rendezvous with Maricruz at the Ixtapa airport after running out of gas. He gets a ride easily enough—with an airport security guard.
First Aired: Monday February 26, 2007
T-Bag digs deep and finds his ‘nice-side’ with the help of a psychiatrist. Michael, Lincoln, and Sarah get their hands on evidence needed to bring down The Company, while Kellerman is close to finding the President.
Note From Nick: This is the episode where I said I’d divulge the second nice compliment I received from Matt Olmstead while on Prison Break. I was working on a script in my office and Matt was across the hall, handling casting on this episode (a nice thing about Prison Break is that the writers/producers all shared various responsibilities on each ep and they changed from ep to ep so I really learned every day on that show and perfected my craft).
I had written the episode WASH and a few scenes were pretty intense. One of which was a scene where TBag poured his heart out to a psychiatrist and he talks about being a “penny on the train track” and how the “Ole Union Pacific keeps runnin’ him over, runnin’ him down”. Bob Knepper, who played TBag just nailed the scene. But Matt was hearing the scene over and over again as he auditioned actors to play the pyschiatrist.
You have to understand – in casting when you hear a scene over and over, you can start to hate it. Sometimes you hear it 20 times in a day. So when Matt came in and said he was through listening to my scene for three hours I was waiting for the sarcastic, snide remark that friends often give each other as a way to break each other’s chops.
Instead he says, “I’ve been listening to that scene all day… and man, you are a helluva writer.” It meant a lot. We had been working together a couple of years by then, the “compliment phase” of the relationship was long gone. But it meant the world to me that a professional writer had listened to my words again and again and instead of getting sick of them, had appreciated them. And had them gone out of his way to say something nice to me. (which if you knew my and Matt’s relationship, you’d know that THAT doesn’t happen very often.)
Also, another fun note, is that the psychiatrist in that episode, Dr. Stamel, is named after one of my pals from college. He was honored to have been murdered by TBag!
Sweet Caroline (close) Producer
First Aired: March 5, 2007
In Chicago, Michael has an encounter with President Reynolds, and Sara has one with Mahone while C-Note performs his part of the bargain with Mahone. At the Mexico City airport, Bellick spots T-Bag while on his way to track down Sucre.
First Aired: March 19, 2007
In Chicago, Michael and Linc make it out of town on a freighter bound for Panama, but Sara can’t get to the ship; and the FBI works a deal with C-Note for his testimony against Mahone. In Mexico, Bellick and Sucre become unwilling partners in the hunt for T-Bag (and the $5 million).
Fin del camino (close) Producer
First Aired: March 26, 2007
In Panama, Michael, Bellick and Sucre team up (reluctantly and with different motives) in an attempt to nab T-Bag. Mahone is hot on their trail, and Linc is hot on Mahone’s. In Chicago, Sara goes on trial, while Kellerman tends to unfinished business.
First Aired: April 2, 2007
Michael races against the clock to rescue Linc and beat Mahone at his own game. Meanwhile, Sucre risks everything to save Maricruz; T-Bag and Bellick find themselves up a river in Panama; and in Chicago, Kellerman testifies in Sara’s trial.
Orientación (close) Producer
First Aired: September 17, 2007
The season opener finds Michael Scofield in Sona, a hellish and deadly Panamanian prison where a previous riot has forced all authority out and has left the prisoners in charge of their own lives (and deaths). With the fate of his loved ones hanging in the balance, Michael must to find Whistler, a mysterious fellow inmate hiding within the prison’s sewer system, in order to break him out from a prison from which there is no way out. Meanwhile, Lincoln searches for a missing Sara and receives troubling news about LJ.
Fire/Water (close) Producer
First Aired: September 24, 2007
After Michael gets bad news from Linc, he sets out to find a prisoner named Whistler, who holds the key to his freedom. That’s easier said than done: Whistler is hiding in Sona because there’s a price on his head, and Lechero is not about to help Michael find him. In addition, both Mahone and Bellick want to get to Whistler too. Meanwhile, T-Bag won’t allow a little humiliation stop him from insinuating himself into Lechero’s good graces.
Call Waiting (close) Producer
First Aired: October 1, 2007
Someone slides an envelope containing a photo of Sara and LJ under the door of Linc’s hotel room. It might contain clues to their whereabouts. The Company Operative in Panama City might help, too, but Linc must persuade her it’s in her best interest to do so. And at Sona, Michael gets to know Whistler; Lechero begins to lose confidence in his ability to shape events; and Mahone, who is in increasing need of his medications, meets the lawyer who’ll defend him.
Good Fences (close) Producer, Writer
First Aired: October 8, 2007
Aftermath of Sara’s death, Lincoln decides not to tell about it to Michael. Susan B. told Lincoln that if he does something wrong again, she’s going to send pieces from LJ to him. Meanwhile, Sucre got a job in Sona. And Sofia starts to help Linc.
Interference (close) Producer
First Aired: October 22, 2007
Photo Finish (close) Producer
First Aired: November 5, 2007
Whistler becomes the prime suspect when an inmate is found murdered, leaving Michael to prove his innocence. Michael also wants proof that Sara is still alive or he will refuse to help Whistler escape. Meanwhile, Linc and Sofia watch the routine of the morning guards, and Mahone receives an offer to get him out of Sona.
Bang and Burn (close) Producer, Writer
First Aired: November 12, 2007
Linc tell Michael they get 4 more days. Susan/ Gretchen is told by her big Company boss to end the case today; she tells James to take everybody out at 5PM but kill Schofield while a whole team prepares a Company operation. Sofia answers Whistler’s phone from his landlord, there gets his papers; Susan turns up and tells her to leave. Lechero sends door key codes by T-bag, then joins Michael and Whistler (who brought a knife to kill Michael but dumps it) into a tunnel site, only fit to go up. Linc and Sucre rent a wood cabin.
First Aired: January 14, 2008
First Aired: January 21, 2008
The battle for control of Sona comes to a boil between Lechero and Sammy as T-Bag enlists Bellick once again to display his fighting skills. Meanwhile, Michael returns to shore up the escape tunnel, and in Panama City, a search is performed by Linc on “Gary Miller,” while Sucre and Susan B. have a pair of meetings.
Under & Out (close) Producer
First Aired: February 4, 2008
Lechero, Whistler, Mahone, Bellick and T-Bag all decide to follow Michael when he begins again to tunnel out of Sona, but working as a team may be a problem. Linc and Sucre assist when the weather causes some last minute changes in their plans. Back in Panama City, Sucre is threatened by Susan B. with the worst thing imaginable. She also longs to see Sofia again.
Hell or High Water (close) Producer, Writer
First Aired: February 11, 2007
Michael counted on the scum going first: they three get caught, Lechero is shot. Handcuffed, Sucre can’t even answer his phone for Linc, who gets desperate. Coward Bellock accepts on the spot to show general Mestas’s men the tunnel, Michael waits till they’re already past one door to crawl out of the tunnel with his party which gets trough the fence into the jungle, pursued closely. Whistler hurts his ankle but they reach Linc on the beach and dig up diving gear; Whistler panics.
The Art of the Deal (close) Producer
First Aired: February 18, 2008
Michael and Linc meet up with Susan B. as the make their way into Panama City, minus Whistler. Meanwhile, Mahone waits at a Panama City cantina for an appointment, while a roadblock is setup on the way out of the country which stops McGrady and his father. Back at Sona, Sucre pays for attempting an escape, while T-Bag aids Lechero as he takes a look at the new landscape beyond the walls.
First Aired: September 1, 2008
Michael uncovers unbelievable news in Los Angeles when he seeks revenge against Whistler and Gretchen for Sara’s death. Michael and Lincoln are reunited with the gang and receive an offer from a Homeland Security Agent they cannot refuse. Mahone suffers a devastating loss, and T-Bag is deserted during his flight to freedom.
Breaking and Entering (close) Producer
First Aired: September 1, 2008
Michael, Lincoln, Sara and the team work with Roland, a new team meber, to get a copy of the data card. Meanwhile, Wyatt continues his mission to track down the brothers while T-Bag makes his way north using the bird book as his guide.
Shut Down (close) Producer, Writer
First Aired: September 8, 2008
Michael attempts to track the cardholder and avoid going back to prison; Wyatt finds new information regarding Sara’s whereabouts; T-Bag uses a new identity to make a new life for himself.
Eagles and Angels (close) Producer
First Aired: September 15, 2008
Michael, Lincoln and Sucre must crash a police benefit to obtain the next card key. Reeling from another death, Sarah falls back into an old habit. T-Bag arouses suspicion and runs into some old “friends” his first day on the job.
Safe and Sound (close) Producer
First Aired: September 22, 2008
Michael and Lincoln make their way to the Treasury Department in search of the next key card holder; an awkward alliance formed by T-Bag at his new job arouses the suspicions of Sucre and Bellick; Wyatt uses his magic touch on Gretchen.
First Aired: September 29, 2008
Michael and the team tracks a key card holder to a racetrack; Mahone gets caught with something priceless; Wyatt targets Agent Self; T-Bag starts to figure out Whistler’s code.
Five the Hard Way (close) Producer
First Aired: October 6, 2008
First Aired: October 20, 2008
Lincoln hatches a plan to get the final card from the General. Meanwhile, Michael and Self must work with Gretchen and the group continues to harass Roland for losing the device in Vegas.
Greatness Achieved (close) Producer, Writer
First Aired: November 3, 2008
Wyatt gets a taste of his own medicine, and Mahone finds some resolution. T-Bag scrambles when the police investigate his missing co-worker while Gretchen gets cozy with a Company man. Michael’s condition continues to worsen, and a team member makes the ultimate sacrifice while planning the underground break-in for Scylla.
Note from Nick: This episode is known as “the one where Bellick dies.” I remember pitching the physical layout of the massive, underground pipe where Bellick was to drown, crushed by millions of gallons of raging municipal water supply, to our line producer Garry Brown (no, that’s not a typo – Garry spells his name with two R’s). He and I were alone in the writers’ room and I was talking with my hands and jumping around and being a crazy/amped-up/super-intense pitch-lunatic – which is how I always am when I’m pitching a story because I just get ridiculously excited when I have what I think is a great, fun story to tell.
Anyway, when I was done, after I had pitched the death of this great character, I looked to Garry who was studying the crude diagram of the pipe sequence that had been drawn on the white board. He was quiet for a moment, then he looked at me, gave me a look like I was crazy and said: “I don’t think it can be done.” Now, a few things you have to realize – “It can’t be done” is often the mantra of a line producer. You see, it is very easy for a writer/producer to create a script where “an earthquake strikes and then cages collapse in a zoo and then the animals get free and then the gorillas rob a bank and then the lions take over a bus and drive it to a baseball game where they eat all the players except one lion dies because he chokes to death on the catcher’s mask and then when he’s lying on the ground you realize he actually not a lion, he’s an alien, and the alien crawls out of the lion’s body because every zoo animal is actually has an alien inside and they’ve been hiding amongst us for a million years as a plot to take over the world and then a giant spaceship comes down to retrieve them and blows up earth, THE END.”
And it’s the line producers job to make that absurd scenario transfer to film.
A line producer has to coordinate with every department head from Set Design to Stunts to Props to Wardrobe and everyone in-between to make sure the writer’s vision can be effectuated. It is, by far, the hardest job, the most under-paid job, the most thankless job in the entertainment industry. So, when you give a line producer a script like THE BREAKFAST CLUB, you are their hero because they have to produce a movie that takes place essentially in one room – to this day that had to have been one of the easiest logistical productions ever. But, when you give them the script for TITANIC, well, that’s another story.
So you can understand the knee-jerk reaction from line producers when they tell you “It can’t be done” when you write something HUGE and COMPLICATED and OVER-BUDGET, etc. They say that because they are the ones who actually have to oversee that the story comes to life. And that is very hard to do, to say the least.
But what surprised me in the writer’s room that day was that Garry is not that kind of line producer. He is the kind of producer who LOVES a big challenge and in all the years of working with him on Prison Break I dont’ think I had ever seen him have such a quick reaction to something. What I had just pitched him was HUGE – a big set would have to be built. We’d be dealing with water which is always tricky. There were major budget issues. I understood why he felt the way he did, but I was crushed – Bellick just HAD to die this way – he just HAD to.
Garry heard my impassioned plea and said, “Let me think about it, talk to my guys, and see what I can do.” THAT’S when I knew it would get done. Garry is one of the best in the business, hands down. He is super-smart and passionate and he LOVES the challenge of a difficult shoot. He thrives on it. So when he looked at the white board one more time and said he’d try to figure out this particular scenario, I knew we’d get what we needed. Garry’s mantra, as opposed to other line producers out there, is “I want to give you your vision.” And he did. A massive set was built in quick fashion, getting it done just under the wire. And Bellick died his hero’s death. And it looked great. Garry Brown, as always, got it done.
Working with Garry Brown was such a pleasure. And he later came on to work with us on BREAKOUT KINGS. Garry and I couldn’t be more different. I’m a high-energy, warped-minded, often-times loud New Yorker. Garry is a more laid back, mellow, WASPy, California guy. But we actually get along quite well and I couldn’t have more respect for him. Prison Break would have been a shadow of itself without him and the work he did.
Another memory of this episode is that I had the horrible task of telling Wade Williams (aka Brad Bellick) that his character was being killed off. That sucked. I loved the Bellick character but I loved Wade too – he was a total gentleman and a phenomenal actor. All the writers loved writing for him and his character. I wrote more about this in the PHOTOS section of this website under the photo of Wade and I so I won’t repeat it here.
Finally, I remember a strange debate in the writers’ room with respect to this ep. Usually, there will be discussion regarding a line of dialouge. This time, it was over A HALF A LINE of dialogue. As the writer of this ep, when I was getting notes on my script from fellow PB writers, Matt Olmstead commented on the fact that Mahone pushed Wyatt into the water (handcuffed to a cinder block) mid-sentence as he was trying to convince Mahone to spare his life. Matt felt this would play weird. And I could see his point – the villain always gets to give his monologue at the end, he’s never interrupted.
But that was my point. This would be different. And jarring. As the audience prepared for the big speech from Wyatt, a really nasty bad guy, the would be shocked by Mahone just shoving him in the chest, mid-sentence, and sending him to his watery grave. It would stun viewers and be cool as hell. Matt heard my reasoning – I was pretty intense in my argument – and agreed that it could be cool. Weeks later, when we saw the dailies of the scene, Matt said, “I’m so glad I had that idea of cutting him off mid-sentence.” Then we both laughed our asses off. Then I punched him.
The Legend (close) Producer
First Aired: November 10, 2008
When Michael’s condition begins to worsen, Sara has no choice but to take him to the emergency room. Later, Sara receives a shocking call about Michael’s ailment. Meanwhile, Sucre and Lincoln find themselves in explosive territory; Agent Self makes a surprising ally; and Mahone is able to track down vital information about Scylla.
Quiet Riot (close) Producer
First Aired: November 17, 2008
Michael and the team find themselves in a race against time, but Michael’s deteriorating condition forces Sucre to take the lead in the break-in. Meanwhile, Gretchen tries to get the last key card from the General, and T-Bag is faced with a decision that could take him away from his criminal life for good.
First Aired: November 24, 2008
As the search for Scylla comes to a surprising end, Sarah takes a hostage, T-Bag and Gretchen have their last stand at Gate, and Michael and Lincoln are betrayed by one of their own as they finally get to go face-to-face with the General.
Deal or No Deal (close) Producer
First Aired: December 1, 2008
Just Business (close) Producer
First Aired: December 8, 2008
Michael and Lincoln work to get Scylla back from Gretchen and her new partner. Meanwhile, Mahone meets up with an old colleague, and T-Bag is put to the test.
Going Under (close) Producer
First Aired: December 15, 2008
Michael gets medical attention from the most unlikely of places, and Westmoreland returns to help uncover the true meaning of Scylla. Meanwhile, Lincoln and Sucre race to stop Gretchen before Scylla is lost forever.
The Sunshine State (close) Producer
First Aired: December 22, 2008
Lincoln and his new partners arrive in Miami to recover Scylla from its shocking new owner, and Sara searches for a missing Michael who learns some surprising information about his past. Meanwhile, a double-crossing leads to a death and an arrest.
The Mother Lode (close) Producer
First Aired: April 17, 2009
Michael and Sarah learn the dangers of hitchhiking as they make their way to Miami, and Lincoln meets with Christina who informs him of her plans to take over the Company.Meanwhile, Pad Man feels the heat from an new enemy, and T-Bag and Self’s search for Scylla leads to an unexpected discovery.
First Aired: April 24, 2009
Michael and Lincoln square-off over Scylla as Christina orders a kill shot and set sets her plan in motion. Sarah receives some unexpected news, T-Bag causes a scene at the Indian Embassy and Pad Man’s paranoia leads to a death.
First Aired: May 1, 2009
Michael has an uneasy reunion with Christina, who drops a bombshell regarding Lincoln. Lincoln races to stop Christina’s deadly master plan. T-Bag must prove he is a Company man.
Cowboys and Indians (close) Producer, Writer
First Aired: May 8, 2009
Pandemonium erupts at the hotel following the assassination, and Christina puts the final pieces of her plan together. Meanwhile, the General makes good on his threat, and Michael is forced to choose between saving either Lincoln or Sara.
Killing Your Number (close) Producer
First Aired: May 15, 2009
Michael makes one final attempt to get Scylla and destroy the Company.
Note from Nick: The title of this episode refers to prison slang for ending your prison stint – i.e., your “number” is the number of days you had to serve and “killing it” means ending those days and being released.
Rate of Exchange (close) Producer
First Aired: May 15, 2009
Familiar faces turn up as Michael tries to take down the Company.
The Old Ball and Chain (close) Producer, Writer
First Aired: May 24, 2009
The first part of a two-part wrap-up to the epic series, Michael and Sara wed. But happiness is fleeting when the bride is arrested for the murder of Christina Scofield.
First Aired: May 24, 2009
Sara has been jailed for murder. Wanting to make an example of her, the government has sent her to a women’s prison and she faces 25 years to life. Pregnant and fearful for her life, Sara must survive by making an alliance with an old enemy… but she’s a marked woman and various attempts on her life lead Michael to take drastic action.
Watching Too Much Television (close) Writer
First Aired: Sunday October 27, 2002
Tony and Ralph enter into a shady real estate deal with a crooked Assemblyman, but things get complicated when Zellman admits to Tony that he’s seeing his old girlfriend. Adriana pushes Christopher toward marriage in the hopes that it will nullify the FBI’s hold over her. Paulie gets out of jail and has another meeting with Johnny Sack.
Dead Wives Club (close) Producer, Writer
First Aired: Wednesday September 22, 2004
When a woman abandoned by her firefighter husband for his partner’s widow is threatened with also losing custody of her children, she murders her romantic rival, claiming that 9/11 post-traumatic stress syndrome prompted her actions.
Note From Nick: Law & Order ran on NBC for 20 Season, for hundreds upon hundreds of episodes … and this episode that I wrote holds the dubious honor of being the most expensive episode ever! We shot on a Ferry out in New York harbor all day long — it was wet and cold and I got pretty sea sick. Amy Carlson gave a great guest-star performance and I had a lot of fun with actor/director Eric Stoltz who was shadowing our director David Platt, as Eric was going to direct an L&O later that season.
This was the first L&O episode I wrote and it was shot in downtown New York. One of the greatest moments of my life was when I sat in my Writer/Producer chair outside the Centre Street courthouse – a courthouse in which I used to litigate when I was a lawyer – and saw attorneys I used to go up against when I practiced law leave the courthouse and walk past me in their suits, carrying their briefcases, watching the shoot . I didn’t know these guys by name but I recognized them. I hated being a lawyer – I hated my job, my life, my future … I used to walk into that very courthouse every week when I was lawyering and see L&O filming around that location all the time. I used to think to myself: “What the hell do I have to do to get to the other side of that yellow tape that blocks off the production? … What the hell do I have to do to have a life I love and stop doing spending it doing what I hate?”
And then, amazingly, somehow, just a few years after breaking into the business, I actually got to be on the other side of that yellow tape and participate in the making of the show I used to watch from a distance. It was a cathartic experience to sit there and know that I would never, EVER, have to go into that courthouse again … unless of course I was filming a scene!
First Aired: September 22, 2004
Green and his new partner, Joe Fontana, investigate the murder of an Iraq War veteran who has more incriminating Abu Ghraib prison photos. An Iraqi woman who is an American citizen is charged, but she claims to be a prisoner of war.
The Brotherhood (close) Producer
First Aired: September 29, 2004
A prison guard is charged with killing a released member of a white supremacist prison gang. The guard says the victim threatened him and his family. The gang also threatens the judge presiding over the trial.
Coming Down Hard (close) Producer
First Aired: October 6, 2004
Two student suicides are connected to a university drug study. The investigation uncovers that the pharmaceutical company that commissioned the study may have known about adverse side-effects, but tried to cover it up.
First Aired: October 20, 2004
Black market gun dealers murder two undercover officers during a gun buy. During prosecution, McCoy begins to suspect that a bitter defense attorney may have masterminded the entire episode.
First Aired: October 27, 2004
A novelist dies after undergoing multiple plastic surgeries. Detectives believe that her doctor took unnecessary risks and falsified documents to cover it up. The DA’s office charges him with criminally negligent homicide.
First Aired: November 10, 2004
McCoy takes on gay marriage at the state Supreme Court when a man refuses to testify in a case involving the death of the governor of Connecticut’s wife, because he says that he is married to the defendant.
Cry Wolf (close) Producer, Writer
First Aired: Wednesday November 17, 2004
The detectives are skeptical when a former street activist turned shock jock with a history of staging phony muggings to gain publicity for his causes appears to be the subject of an attempt on his life after publicly assailing a mobster, but they begin to believe his story after they discover that the married jock was involved with the mobster’s mistress.
All in the Family (close) Producer
First Aired: November 24, 2004
A diamond broker’s wife is accused of hiring Russian mobsters to arrange a hit on her husband.
First Aired: December 1, 2004
An Afghani drug lord is implicated in a drug-related massacre in New York. However, prosecution is difficult because the government considers him an ally in the War on Terror in Afghanistan.
First Aired: December 8, 2004
A frustrated prison social worker is accused of taking the law into her own hands with a dangerous man whom she knew was violating the terms of his parole agreement.
First Aired: January 5, 2005
A contractor is suspected in the murder of an investment banker after detectives discover that the home’s security system has been tampered with, and he was having an affair with the man’s wife.
Ain’t No Love (close) Producer
First Aired: January 12, 2005
A young hip-hop performer is accused of murdering a rap mogul, but his friend testifies during the trial that he is the killer. Serena objects to prosecution tactics, and Branch fires her.
Fluency (close) Producer, Writer
First Aired: January 19, 2005
Sixteen people die from influenza after they received counterfeit flu vaccine shots. New A.D.A. Alexandra Borgia helps Jack McCoy prosecute the responsible party for manslaughter.
First Aired: February 9, 2005
The investigation into the death of a conservative talk show host leads to a stalker who claims to be having an affair with his wife. McCoy suspects that the wife manipulated her into killing him.
The Sixth Man (close) Producer
First Aired: February 16, 2005
A hot-tempered basketball star is accused of killing one of his hecklers. The investigation and trial, however, reveal that the heckler’s pattern of harassment may have crossed the line of decency on several occasions.
License to Kill (close) Producer
First Aired: February 23, 2005
McCoy faces the unpopular decision to pursue charges against a vigilante who used his car to track down a man who murdered a group of hunters.
Dining Out (close) Producer
First Aired: March 2, 2005
The host of a popular cooking show is on trial for killing a television executive. However, the trial takes an unexpected turn when a juror enamored with the client is accused of trying to profit from the trial.
First Aired: March 29, 2005
A murder/attempted suicide investigation leads to a religious cult that promotes pedophilia, but finding charges that will stick to the group’s leader proves to be difficult.
First Aired: April 13, 2005
A lawyer from a prestigious corporate law firm is murdered. One of the firm’s senior partners is reluctant to testify against the accused for selfish reasons. Detective Green is critically wounded escorting a reluctant witness.
Publish and Perish (close) Producer
First Aired: April 20, 2005
Fontana and his new temporary partner, Nick Falco, investigate the murder of a porn star. After the woman charged with her murder is also killed, they uncover a connection to both victims and a politically ambitious ex-police commissioner.
Sport of Kings (close) Producer, Writer
First Aired: Wednesday May 4, 2005
The shooting of a Panamanian jockey sends Fontana and Falco into the colorful world of horse racing, and they learn that the animal’s owner used stolen funds for the purchase.
In God We Trust (close) Producer
First Aired: May 11, 2005
A man confesses to a nine-year-old racially motivated murder. His defense attorney argues that he should not be punished because he is a born-again Christian and has already done his penance.
Locomotion (close) Producer
First Aired: May 18, 2005
A failed suicide attempts leads to a train crash that kills 12 people. The defendant’s attorney initially offers an insanity defense. However, he is soon fired, as the defendant represents himself and changes his plea.
Assuming the Position (close) Writer
First Aired: October 22, 2002
Alvin is arrested when he’s found in a “massage” parlor, and he asks Lulu to represent the prostitute he was with to help her keep custody of her child. Meanwhile, Nick represents a boy in a custody hearing and makes a disturbing discovery regarding the boy’s lead poisoning
First Aired: November 26, 2002
James asks Nick to represent Levi, who is threatened with a expulsion from school for refusing to name the gang members who beat him up for leaving the gang. Meanwhile, Burton stays at Nick’s while recuperating from temporary loss of sight in one eye.
No Good Deed (close) Writer
First Aired: December 17, 2002
Nick helps an irrepressibly optimistic boy who wants to remain in the shelter system; Burton lets Mary Gressler and Shannon stay with him after their house fire.
The Intersection (close) Writer
First Aired: February 25, 2003
An injured Nick and unconscious Lulu are taken to the hospital after their accident, where Lulu’s condition is critical and her mom argues with Brian about her treatment. Meanwhile, Nick represents the autistic child of the woman who hit them, when the mother dies and leaves the boy orphaned.
Sensitive Jackals (close) Writer
First Aired: May 6, 2003
Nick wants the firm to diversify and considers bringing in a criminal defense lawyer, but Burton opposes the decision. Meanwhile, Nick handles a custody case and thinks that James may be indirectly involved.
First Aired: September 23, 2003
Nick deals with the aftermath of Taliek’s shooting of James and handles a custody case involving a boy whose mother works at a traveling carnival. Meanwhile, Burton confronts the man whom he and Nick assaulted.
Big Coal (close) Producer, Writer
First Aired: September 30, 2003
Nick represents a coal company, but feels conflicted when he suspects that fumes from underground coal fires are responsible for causing a girl to be stricken with cancer.
First Aired: October 7, 2003
Alvin crosses too many lines, interfering in Nick’s case involving a teen arrested for solicitation; and trying to prevent Lulu from leaving. Meanwhile, Nick has problems with a merger case.
The Father-Daughter Dance (close) Producer
First Aired: October 14, 2003
The Fallins represent a white couple suing their fertility clinic because their child was born black; and Nick represents a blind girl in a custody case. Meanwhile, Burton hires a nanny for Shannon.
First Aired: October 21, 2003
Nick treads lightly as he collects unpaid fees from Fallin & Fallin clients and discovers that Jake has a precarious relationship with one of his LSP clients. Meanwhile, Lulu’s father comes to see her, but she’s upset by the visit.
Let’s Spend the Night Together (close) Producer
First Aired: October 28, 2003
Another visit from Lulu’s dad prompts Lulu and Nick to make a decision regarding their relationship. Meanwhile, Jake’s father announces he wants a divorce, and he asks Jake to handle the legal details.
Hazel Park (close) Producer
First Aired: November 4, 2003
As part of his community service, Nick is told to help in a Hazel Park cleanup project, where he runs into a former client who asks Nick to help him turn his life around after some unfortunate events. Meanwhile, Fallin & Fallin hosts an adoption day, and Burton considers adopting Shannon.
First Aired: November 11, 2003
LSP forms a new partnership with the AIDS Relief Alliance and begins handling some sensitive AIDS-related cases, including a child placement for Nick; and one in which Alvin litigates with Burton. Meanwhile, Lulu surprises Nick with some startling news.
Let God Sort ‘Em Out (close) Writer
First Aired: November 25, 2003
Nick represents a teen who wants to live with his sick, homeless grandfather, who Lulu represents in a case that has her battling Burton. Meanwhile, Alvin meets a man who claims he knew Alvin’s father in high school.
All Is Mended (close) Producer
First Aired: February 10, 2004
After Lulu informs Nick that their unborn child has Down syndrome, Alvin assigns Nick to a probate case involving a young man with the same condition. Nick also represents a man whose daughters have been taken away from him following a sexual-abuse accusation.
Without Consent (close) Producer
First Aired: February 17, 2004
Jake is assaulted during a homosexual liaison and, out of embarrassment, tells everyone he’s been mugged. Meanwhile, Nick represents a boy who wants to live with his estranged dad after he discovers his mother kissing his friend.
First Aired: February 24, 2004
Burton forbids Shannon to pose for a photographer (Joel David Moore) who also works in pornography, but Shannon’s rebellion leads her into more serious trouble. Meanwhile, Nick represents a foster child whose foster parents no longer want to care for him.
The Watchers (close) Producer, Writer
First Aired: March 2, 2004
Nick, along with Burton, who is suffering from unexplained dizziness, search for Shannon, who they believe has been kidnapped by pornographers involved in illegal videos and prostitution.
Note from Nick:
This was a very difficult episode to write due to the subject matter. Abuse of children in any form is terrible and when you have to put yourself “in the scene” when writing and take on the persona of the kind of dirtbag who would sell these kinds of videos . . . well, it isn’t fun to do to say the least.
But, these kinds of shows are important because they help educate kids as to the real-life dangers that are out there. Even if kids don’t see this episode, their parents might, and then the parents might have a conversation with their child that could protect that kid in the future.
This could have been a really rough episode in another director’s hands, but luckily the very talented Emilio Estevez was behind the wheel on this one.
I had such a blast getting to know Emilio while working with Emilio during this film. He is such a fun guy and so good at what he does and actors respect him because he is one of them … he knows what it is like to be in front of and behind the camera.
He also has a sick sense of humor that I will not get into on this website. Let’s just say we laughed a helluva lot.
We remain friends to this day. In fact, I’ve tried on several occasions to recruit him to direct film projects I’ve had but our schedules have never clicked.
But if you can write an episode, get paid for it, film it and make a friend in the process — well, that’s a damn good gig in my book.
And that’s what I’ll always remember from this episode.
The Bachelor Party (close) Producer
First Aired: March 9, 2004
Alvin makes a startling announcement to Lulu and a revelation to Nick along with a request that involves Nick accompanying him to Los Angeles for the weekend. Meanwhile, Burton and Jake have a heart-to-heart regarding Jake’s future at the firm during a morale-boosting weekend workshop.
First Aired: April 6, 2004
Nick represents a boy whose father has been charged with sexual abuse, but the boy, who wants to be with his father, can’t remember what happened to him. Meanwhile, a judge orders Alvin to turn over confidential files to assist in a serial-murder case.
First Aired: April 20, 2004
Nick votes against allowing a colleague to become a partner, and his decision is complicated by the fact that the candidate and Burton have been dating. Meanwhile, Nick represents a troubled teen in a placement case.
Blood In, Blood Out (close) Producer, Writer
First Aired: April 27, 2004
Nick handles his last two cases at LSP, both involving troubled boys. Meanwhile at Fallin & Fallin, Jake attempts to have Nick ousted from the firm. Also, after hearing that Taliek could get the death penalty for killing James, Alvin decides to represent him.
Antarctica (close) Producer
First Aired: May 4, 2004
Nick takes a job at a competing law firm after getting booted from Fallin & Fallin; Lulu gives birth to a girl and decides to step down as manager of LSP. Meanwhile, Alvin continues his crusade to stop Taliek’s execution and asks Nick for help.
Pilot (close) Producer, Writer
First Aired: March 4, 2010
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Collected (close) Producer, Writer
First Aired: March 13, 2011
Xavier Price escapes from prison in the midst of a candlelight vigil outside the penitentiary. The Breakout Kings are immediately brought on the case to try and track him down. It turns out this violent criminal is a “collector,” and has a history of kidnapping women, torturing them, and holding them captive in basements. Once the team learns he currently has a woman hidden away somewhere, the race is on to the find her before Virgil can harm her.
The Bag Man (close) Producer, Writer
First Aired: March 20, 2011
T-Bag, A psychotic criminal with a prosthetic hand, is back from the hit Fox Series PRISON BREAK! He escapes from Fox River Penitentiary and begins a horrifying crime spree. The Breakout Kings are charged with capturing this elusive fugitive. They cannot figure out why T-Bag is killing the victims he choses – the reveal of his motivation is the ultimate twist!
Note from Nick: When Prison Break ended it was very difficult for me for many reason. I loved the writers I worked with, the crew, I had become friendly with many of the cast members … but at the top of the list of things I was going to miss was the writing. I knew I’d most likely never get to write such a dynamic, thrill-inducing, bombastic, roller-coaster of a ride full of such colorful characters. And of all those characters, the one I was going to miss writing the most was Theodore (T-Bag) Bagwell — a charming, violent miscreant with a southern drawl, bottomless vocabulary and only one hand. I knew I could live to be 100 and never write any character as fun as T-Bag.
So when Breakout Kings, a show I created with fellow Prison Break alum Matt Olmstead, was picked up to series, I instantly knew there was a chance to bring T-Bag back to life. Usually these things are tricky from a legal perspective, but since the T-Bag character was owned by 20th Century Fox and Breakout Kings was under the auspices of Fox 21 (20th’s Cable TV subsidiary), it was easy to set up. Thankfully the incredible and unparalleled Robert Knepper was available (and very excited) to slip back into Bagwell’s skin.
Putting words into T-Bag’s mouth again was, with no exaggeration, blissful. I wrote the script in about a day and a half and the last scene of the episode, between T-Bag and Lloyd Lowery (played by uber-talent Jimmi Simpson) is quite possibly the best scene I’ve ever written.
Sandy Bookstaver directed the heck out of this episode. I’ve written and/or produced hundreds of episodes of TV. This episode is, by far, the one of which I am most proud.
Out of the Mouths of Babes (close) Producer, Writer
First Aired: March 27, 2011
Joe, a convicted pedophile, disguises himself as a crewmember on a film shoot and makes a break for it. The team must not only catch him, but must be sure he doesn’t commit any more crimes while on the loose. Their first lead sends them to the school where Joe worked as a counselor and where the six children are who he is accused of molesting. They also manage to track down Joe’s estranged wife and children, whose lives have been seemingly destroyed by Joe’s life-sentence in prison. Meanwhile, Erica is determined to see her six-year-old daughter on her birthday and Charlie’s wife urges him to take her on a much-needed vacation.
Queen of Hearts (close) Producer
First Aired: April 3, 2011
The team tries to catch a ruthless woman, convicted of murdering her husband by stabbing him 48 times, who escaped from prison on a school bus. It turns out the woman was tricking men into thinking she really cared for them so they would do what she wanted and help her escape. Charlie and Ray’s special task force must catch her before she hurts more people–and also make sure her 14-year-old son stays safe. Meanwhile, Lloyd’s gambling debt increases and a scary Born Again inmate threatens his life if he doesn’t come up with the money right away.
Like Father, Like Son (close) Producer
First Aired: April 10, 2011
Christian Beaumont doesn’t just have an axe to grind with the prison system, he’s got an axe to grind with the entire system of organized government. The gang must find this anti-government escaped felon before something else is destroyed. And the stakes become even higher for the Breakout Kings when Beaumont sends an explosive package to Charlie Du Champ’s home. Meanwhile, Lloyd Lowery wonders who his real father is and why his mother never told the truth about him.
Fun with Chemistry (close) Producer
First Aired: April 17, 2011
A modern-day Bonnie and Clyde escape from prison and go on a crime and killing spree. After the pair murders a cop, the Breakout Kings race to catch them before they kill again–and also before a dozen other law enforcement agencies catch them first. That would mean the team would not earn the time off their sentences. In the midst of the chaos, Julianne tests the romantic waters with one of the Kings.
First Aired: April 24, 2011
An oversized inmate is poisoned and his coffin is used as a ‘Trojan Horse’ for two inmates to escape the Cayuga Correctional Facility. One prisoner, out for revenge, brutally murders a prison guard, causing friction with the other prisoner, who only wants a big payday and to live in luxury. The murder also increases the urgency to catch the cons. Meanwhile, Ray dangles a tantalizing carrot in front of the team: between Erica, Shea, and Lloyd, whoever proves to be the most useful on this case will be the proud recipient of a tasty steak dinner.
One for the Money (close) Producer
First Aired: May 1, 2011
Andre, a handsome, rich and cunning jewel thief, escapes from prison leaving all the prison guards scratching their heads. He then goes on to make the biggest score of his career. It’s up to the Breakout Kings to figure out what he’s plotting next and track him down before it’s too late. Meanwhile, Shea and Erica plead with Ray to allow them to have conjugal visits.
Paid in Full (close) Producer
First Aired: May 8, 2011
A notorious contract killer escapes from prison to carry out some unfinished business. As he is offing people left and right, the Breakout Kings must learn his connection to his victims and catch him before he kills again. The common thread between all of his victims was their involvement in a tragic story involving the rape of a young woman college student five years earlier–and her father happens to be a guard at the prison from where the killer escaped.
Off the Beaten Path (close) Producer
First Aired: May 15, 2011
A violent schizophrenic with the skills of an outdoor survivalist and a history of ritualistic killing is off his meds and on the hunt. His prey, Debbie Myers, is a beautiful, young television host. After killing an orderly, he escapes and the one thing on his warped, twisted mind is finding Debbie, taking her to a special place in the Adirondack Mountains and consummating their ‘love’ through a bizarre and violent ceremony which will surely end up with Debbie being killed.
There Are Rules (close) Producer, Writer
First Aired: May 22, 2011
A shocking scene at prison erupts when an 18-wheeler crashes into the prison wall and an armored car from the back of the truck escapes with several convicted felons hiding inside. Our rag-tag team begins the hunt and learns that Ronald Barnes, a Madoff-like man hated by all, is leading the escapees. He will kill anyone who gets in his way. The Breakout Kings must outsmart him before he does.
Where in the World Is Carmen Vega (close) Producer
First Aired: May 30, 2011
Carmen Vega, the ruthless queen of a drug cartel, pulls off a violent and deadly escape while attending the funeral of her slain son. Her plan, get the family business back and hand over the keys to her kingdom to her son surviving Cesar. Carmen will stop at nothing–including killing a member of her team as well as her own family–to put Cesar on the throne. The Breakout Kings seem to be one step behind Carmen at every turn and they smell a rat. Is there an informant on the team? Not only do they need to catch Carmen to get their month off, they must also learn the location where Shea’s girlfriend is being held hostage. Find the rat, catch Carmen and save a loved one–the Breakout Kings have their work cut out for them. In the end, they finally realize they really are a team and there’s no going back.
The Core of It (close) Producer
First Aired: September 28, 2009
Dr. Lightman tries to figure out whether a woman with multiple personalities witnessed a murder, while Torres interrogates a judge who is being considered for a Supreme Court appointment.
Truth or Consequences (close) Producer, Writer
First Aired: October 5, 2009
Zoe gets Dr. Lightman’s help in a case involving an African-American college athlete accused of statutory rape, and Dr. Foster tries to help a sympathetic mother while investigating a religious leader for the IRS.
Control Factor (close) Producer
First Aired: October 12, 2009
While on vacation in Mexico, Lightman and Emily become involved in the case of a missing American woman. Back home, Foster investigates tainted blood in D.C.-area hospitals with Lightman’s rival, Jack Rader.
First Aired: October 19, 2009
A man holds Dr. Lightman hostage, claiming that he did not kill his wife and demanding that The Lightman Group help him find the killer.
Grievous Bodily Harm (close) Producer
First Aired: October 26, 2009
An old friend from Lightman’s past comes for help, and gets Lightman involved with a dangerous man being investigated by the FBI. Meanwhile, the rest of the team tries to find the high schooler behind a dangerous and threatening video.
Lack of Candor (close) Producer
First Aired: November 9, 2009
Agent Reynolds refuses to testify in an undercover case from his past because it may reveal that he killed a man during the operation, but Dr. Lightman tries to come to his defense and keep him out of harm’s way.
Black Friday (close) Producer
First Aired: November 16, 2009
Dr. Lightman and Dr. Foster help an angry teen find his birth parents, while Eli and Ria try to figure out who was responsible for a fatal “Black Friday” trampling incident at an electronics store.
Secret Santa (close) Producer
First Aired: November 23, 2009
During the holiday season, Lightman goes to Afghanistan to assist in a mission to rescue two captured marines, and his only source of intelligence is an American expatriate.
Fold Equity (close) Producer
First Aired: November 30, 2009
Dr. Lightman, Dr. Foster, and agent Reynolds go to Las Vegas to investigate the disappearance of an unlikely finalist in a poker championship, and none of his fellow finalists are above suspicion.
Tractor Man (close) Producer
First Aired: December 14, 2009
A frustrated farmer with a bomb drives his tractor to Washington and demands to talk to the president, and Cal is brought in to find out who’s really calling the shots.
Sweet Sixteen (close) Producer
First Aired: June 14, 2010
An Irish terrorist comes to Dr. Lightman to find out who killed his wife and daughter seven years ago, which reveals secrets about Lightman’s relationship with Dr. Foster and his past job working counter-terrorism for the government.
The Whole Truth (close) Producer
First Aired: June 21, 2010
Lightman is called to testify in the trial of a beautiful widow accused of murdering her much older husband.
Teacher and Pupils (close) Producer, Writer
First Aired: July 12, 2010
Dr. Lightman allows a wealthy client to shadow him as he tries to find out who critically wounded a Washington D.C. police officer in an apartment building taken over by drug dealers.
Note from Nick: This was the first episode I wrote for LIE TO ME. It was strange to work on that show because I was “assigned” there. You see, when you are in what is called an “overall deal” with a studio, as I was with 20th Century Fox at the time, you can be assigned to work on any show once the show you are working on ends. I had been on Prison Break all four years. But when PB ended, I still had a year left on my contract. So I had a year’s pay coming my way but no show to work on. And since the studio wasn’t going to pay me to stand around and be charming, they assigned me to help out on Lie To Me while I was developing BREAKOUT KINGS with Matt Olmstead whom I had met on Prison Break.
So that’s why it was “strange.” It’s kind of like being traded to a team by the general manager (the studio) but the coach (the showrunner) didn’t necessarily want you. In this case the showrunner was Shawn Ryan, who it turned out had been assigned to work on Lie To Me as well (once his show had ended).
Anyway, you feel weird because you walk into a show that has already existed for a while and into a writers’ room that already has a dynamic and you don’t know what to expect. But the truth is, I had nothing to worry about. Turns out I met some really nice writers whom I still keep in touch with and Shawn was a great guy and we’ve since become friends. In fact, he gave me a great blurb for my second novel, FIFTEEN DIGITS.
I also got to write the episode which I was proud of — I felt it dealt with some serious issues such as miscarriages of justice, race relations and at what age is appropriate for sexual activity.
All in all, though Lie to Me might not be the typical show I’d work for, I am glad I got to do it solely for the quality of people I worked with.
Pied Piper (close) Producer
First Aired: August 16, 2010
The future of The Lightman Group could be in jeopardy when it appears that an executed prisoner that Dr. Lightman helped convict may have been innocent of the crime.
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