I'm currently watching season 1 on netfix. I'm up to around episode 15. It's the flashback episode. I'm really enjoying the show so far.

Anyway, I don't want to go to wikipedia or imdb because I've had too many shows spoiled by trying to find a simple answer or looking up some trivial information. I see there are 4 seasons and something called the Final Break. Is this part of one of the seasons or is it separate movie/episode from them? If separate what is the watch order 1-4 and then Final Break or does it fit in between two of the seasons?

Also, how is the show as it progresses? Does it go downhill after the first season or 2? No spoilers please.

"The Final Break" was a 2 Hour Direct to DVD movie that added closure to the series. It was never broadcast on TV in the U.S,, but aired on TV in Europe and other territories. It was technically episode 23 and 24 of season 4. Since your only on season 1, I can't go into it any further without giving away a key plot point.

I would say season 1 and 2 are pretty good. Season 3 is almost unwatchable, but fortunately it's a really short season (13 episodes) because of the writer's strike. But, you still need to watch it as it ties into season 4 alot. Season 4 was a really solid return to form, but the show was revamped quite a bit. Opinions in this forum was kind of mixed on season 4, but most enjoyed it.

Trying to give away as little as possible, The Final Break takes place within Season 4. You're best off just watching it after finishing Season 4 and I think watching it afterward makes you appreciate some of the stuff that happens even more.

As for the show, I always consistently enjoyed it. Season 1 is definitely the standout as it offered a pretty fresh idea for a television show and had lots of great suspense and drama. Season 2 I thought was also quite impressive, especially since I don't think it was planned beyond the first season. Season 3 is definitely the weakest of the bunch and when you get to it you'll understand why (if I say why it would be a spoiler). That's not to say there aren't some great moments in the season, but definitely not up-to-par with the first two seasons. Season 4 though really brought the show full circle in terms of quality. It was right up there with the first two seasons and totally redeemed (in my eyes) the general letdown that was Season 3. It felt like an entirely different show, but with characters I had grown to really enjoy spending time with. And of course The Final Break is a nice entry as well and could have easily been broadcast within Season 4, but if you watch the entire series you'll definitely appreciate the additional two hours.

Pretty much agree with above. Watch Final Break after you're done with Season 4.

If you like Season 1, chances are good you'll like Season 2. I found Season 3 to be tolerable- it just had enough to string me along for a short season. Season 4 is good too but it does feel like a different show at that point, and you can sense that it is a "tired" show by then, and it does feel like the right time to end the whole thing. The big story arc gets resolved somewhat, but the answers aren't really all that satisfying given the big buildup. The show is worth watching though.

Agree with above posters. Watch Final Break last.

If anyone's time is limited, I'd encourage them to watch Seasons 1 & 2 and leave off the last episode of Season Two. Those two seasons can almost stand on their own if you omit the last episode. The first two seasons were utterly compelling & worth keeping; the last two...not so much (but still worth watching once).

It seemed to me that the first half of Season 4 was originally intended to be the final half of Season 3, and that many of the events & characters introduced in The Final Break were probably originally planned to be part of Season 4. I could be way off base on this, and I'm sure someone here could correct me with definite information, but it seems that there are so many characters introduce in Final Break whose stories are not developed that the writers probably had a long story arc planned involving those characters. The whole Final Break thing felt incredibly rushed as if major parts were missing.

I don't regret watching The Final Break but could have done without it totally. I was actually a little glad when Season 4 ended...didn't like the direction the story was taking & felt that an already-belief-suspending show had jumped a whole stack of sharks by the time it was over. Still, it's entertaining even when it gets a bit predictable & repetitive. The Fugitive tv show was the same way, but I'm glad I stuck it out to see how it ended.

i never understood why alot of people hated s3

it was a shortened season but i thought it was pretty good and i watch it from time to time

s4 (first 1/2) is what was horrible, i think they should have just ended the show, but maybe they drug it out another season for the dineros

final break was actually a decent flick and gave some closure

funny, a couple weeks ago i popped in the s1-2 dvds and watched em, after haven't watched them in at least a couple years... i was very entertained

Thanks all. I remember hearing that the show was originally planned to run for two seasons. One with them breaking out and one with them on the run. Was this true?

Sort of. Sorry. Again, can't really tell you the complete answer without unleashing some pretty big spoilers (besides does the answer really affect your viewing?). I'd say your original question has been answered. Go watch the show!

As unbelievable as it was, it was still one of my favorite TV shows of all time.

^^ I agree, it's pretty ridiculous and unbelievable at times but somehow I managed to get hooked.

The first 13 episodes were really interesting. I anticipated watching each subsequent episode. The 2nd half of Season 1 (after the pickup) dragged a bit. Everything after was on a continuous downward spiral.

I have watched each season on dvd/Blu ray at least 2-3 times. 1 of the best shows ever.

I wish a channel in the US would get it for syndication.

I finished the first season last night. I'm loving the show so far. I'm not sure if I missed something in the flashback episode or not. Did it show C-note getting arrested for driving the truck. I don't remember seeing that or hearing what kind of time he's serving. It seems like he's supposed to be in there for a while if he wants to break out.

HDNet plays one episode M-F.

The 1st episode of the second season answered my question. The "previously on" segment said he was doing 8 years for transporting the stolen goods.

and at T-bag taking one for the team to get the guy's panties in the first season.