Michael's digging progress hit an obstacle: a solid concrete wall. Though confident he could break through it, the frequent daily cell checks made it impossible to keep up with the originally planned escape schedule. Sucre suggested instigating a riot, as the subsequent lockdown would provide ample uninterrupted time. Consequently, Michael deliberately caused a failure in the prison's air conditioning system.
Veronica and Nick visited Lincoln with promising news: although the anonymous tip claiming to have witnessed Lincoln's murder initially seemed untraceable, Nick discovered it originated from faraway Washington, D.C. While this alone wasn't enough to delay the execution, it finally gave them a new direction for the investigation.
The sweltering cells eventually triggered a full-scale inmate riot. "T-Bag" led a group that cornered Lincoln and a new guard, Bob. To protect Bob, who had always treated him kindly, Lincoln intervened but was knocked unconscious by "T-Bag." Bob was then taken hostage by the inmates.
To speed up progress, Sucre joined Michael inside the tunnel to help dig. Meanwhile, "T-Bag" dragged the injured Bob and threw him into their empty cell. Unfortunately, Bob crashed into the toilet, causing it to dislodge and revealing Michael's secret escape route.
Alarmed by the noise, Michael and Sucre returned to their cell. Abruzzi and "T-Bag" advised killing Bob to silence him, but Michael stopped them. On the surveillance monitor, they saw Sara surrounded by a group of inmates in the infirmary. Anxious and worried, Michael rushed to save her.
When Lincoln regained consciousness, he grew deeply concerned for his brother's safety. Seizing the opportunity, an inmate named Turk lured him into a dark, deserted room.