The final episodes of Prison Break return to the screen this week. If like me you're hot for the adventures of Wentworth Miller, I mean Michael Scofield, then this will no doubt cause a bit of a stir. That's the good news.

The bad news is, not only are these the final ever episodes, but they're not particularly strong – at least in terms of matching that unstoppable first season. Y'know, that was the one where they were actually in the prison and trying to escape. Their escape will historically be their 'jump the shark' moment – the point from which the series never recovered.

The second season put the boys on the run across country chasing some hidden loot, while at the same time looking to clear the name of big bro' Lincoln (Dominic Purcell). It was not without its moments. Prison Break writers have always been terrific at putting our heroes in the ultimate "How the hell are they gonna get out of this one?" situation. Michael seems to have a sixth sense for finding rudimentary tools and concocting exploding devices just at the perfect time. What a guy.

Series 3 at least made some sort of attempt to put a prison back into the series, this time in Panama. Apart from tossing in some hot Latino extras, it reversed the first series of Link trying to get Michael out.

There have been some terrific character actors in Prison Break, notably William Fichtner (Mahone) and especially Robert Knepper's seething portrayal of the sexually ambiguous ‘T-Bag’. He was the one who used to make his protégés clutch his out-turned pants pockets in the gaol yard as a demonstration of his power. And he always had a thing for Michael – who can blame him?

By Season 4 we were on the chase for Scylla, a piece of computer hardware that is so powerful foreign governments are trying to buy it from Michael's mother, a dark performance from Kathleen Quinlan. But while trying to enjoy the return of the boys from Fox River, you can't help but feel you're watching a different show. It's now a conspiracy thriller, rather than an escape act. Enjoy these last eps for the performances only. They should have thrown away the key after Series 1.

Prison Break returns 11pm Wednesday on Seven.

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