S1E21: "Go" | Guest EP Matt Olmstead | The Trick Of Crafting Prison Break's Twists | T-Bag Origin

Sarah Wayne Callies and Paul Adelstein host Prison Breaking and interview Prison Break writer/showrunner Matt Olmstead about episode 21, “Go” (aired May 8, 2006; directed by Dean White; 9.13M viewers), recapping the breakout plot beats including Michael’s infirmary plan, Haywire joining, Westmoreland’s death and the money clue, Veronica’s release and Nick Savrinn’s murder, the Company’s plan against Vice President Reynolds, and Pope triggering the alarm. Olmstead discusses joining after the pilot to help expand the story to 22 episodes, the unusually stable, close writers’ room, how network/studio notes pushed higher stakes, balancing ambitious scripts with production realities in Chicago and Joliet Prison, and how story twists were often built from planted “seeds” rather than fully preplanned. He explains the origins of “T-Bag” and other names, answers fan questions about Michael and Lincoln being half-brothers, reflects on why such bold material aired then, and shares personal memories, including meeting his future wife, EP Dawn Parouse, on the show. ALSO: How Prison Break was written; Why Prison Break would not be made today; Surprises in the show; REBOOT COMING SOON???; SEASON 6 UPDATE???; Matt's best show experience ever; How T-Bag got his name; What Matt would have done differently in the show; Matt's favorite scene If you love all the behind-the-scenes Prison Break convo that Sarah & Paul are bringing weekly, then please give us a review and a follow! If you really love what we're throwing, subscribe to the "Watch Party" on Patreon and re-watch every episode of Prison Break with Sarah & Paul's unfiltered commentary - Follow us on Instagram - Merch!!! - Email us at [email protected] And leave us a message with all your burning questions at (401) 3-PBREAK Logo design by John Nunziatto @ Little Big Brands.  If you want one yourself, reach out at and tell him we sent you. PRISON BREAKING WITH SARAH & PAUL is a Caliber Studio production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices