Prison Break captivated audiences with its thrilling tale of Michael Scofield intentionally getting arrested to break his innocent brother Lincoln out of prison. A key ally in Michael’s elaborate plan was Dr. Sara Tancredi, the prison doctor who Michael develops an undeniable connection with. But as the series progressed, Sara’s involvement put her life at risk. Fans desperately wanted to know – does Sarah end up dying because of Michael’s scheme?
Sara’s Role in Michael’s Escape Plan
Brilliant structural engineer Michael Scofield purposely got himself incarcerated in Fox River State Penitentiary to rescue his brother Lincoln Burrows from death row. Lincoln was convicted of a murder he didn’t commit, and time was running out.
Michael’s bold prison break plan relied on gaining access to the infirmary as much as possible. This requirement led Michael to form a strategic bond with Dr. Sara Tancredi to take advantage of her position. But what started out as just using Sara ultimately blossomed into a real romance, complicating Michael’s scheme.
Sara risked her career, freedom and life to repeatedly assist Michael’s escape efforts. She smuggled in tools Michael needed. She kept guard patrols away from areas Michael was working on. And she willingly became a fugitive herself once Michael made it outside Fox River’s walls.
But Sara’s deepening connection to Michael and his conspiracy quickly made her a target. As authorities pursued the brothers, anyone perceived as aiding them was in grave danger – especially Sara Tancredi.
Does Sara End Up Dying?
In the first season finale, Sara is shown laying lifeless in a pool of her own blood after a violent confrontation with FBI agent Kellerman. Viewers are left to assume the worst – that Dr. Tancredi was murdered because of her relationship with Michael.
But fortunately that was not the case! In the second season premiere, it’s revealed that Sara survived the attack. Kellerman only severely injured her to make it appear she was dead. Sara explains she was hospitalized in critical condition, but eventually recovered.
So despite Sara’s dire cliffhanger fate at the end of season one, she returns alive and ready to continue assisting Michael in season two. Their adventures together as fugitives on the run continued for two more seasons after Sara’s lucky escape from death at Kellerman’s hands.
In the series finale, Sara and Michael finally get their happy ending, escaping to freedom together to start a new life raising a family. So ultimately, Sara Tancredi evaded the grim fate that briefly seemed in store for her.
Times Sara’s Life Was in Danger
While she managed to cheat death in the season one finale, Sara’s involvement with Michael’s conspiracy put her life at risk on multiple occasions:
- Attempted poisoning – Sara was nearly fatally poisoned by her ex-lover, but Michael intervened just in time to save her life.
- Shot during escape – Sara was shot in the leg by a guard while helping Michael break out of Fox River. The wound wasn’t fatal but caused her considerable pain and loss of mobility for a period.
- Ambushed by Kellerman – The brutal attack by Kellerman at the end of season one nearly killed Sara. He shot her and left her for dead.
- Captured by The Company – Later in the series, Sara was captured by the shadowy agents pursuing Michael and Lincoln. She was in grave danger as their prisoner.
- Left stranded in Panama – Near the end, Sara got separated from Michael in Panama and was left stranded in dangerous territory until being rescued.
Through all these close brushes with potential death, Sara demonstrated her toughness and resilience. Her determination to stand by the man she loved persisted despite the risks.
Why Fans Thought Sara Might Die
When Sara was shown lying in a pool of blood at the end of season one, fans had ample reason to fear she had been killed:
- Kellerman’s a trained assassin – As a former Secret Service agent turned ruthless operative, Kellerman has lethal skills. Shooting Sara at close range seemed highly fatal.
- Sara knew too much – She had intricate knowledge of Michael’s escape plan and route. Letting her live was risky, so silencing her permanently made tactical sense.
- No reason to keep her alive – Unlike Michael, Lincoln and other key players, Sara was considered expendable. Killing her posed no complications to the broader conspiracy.
- Dramatic suspense required – To keep viewers concerned for Sara’s welfare and hooked on the next season, not definitively confirming her fate built suspense.
So under the circumstances at the time, it seemed entirely plausible that the story could proceed with Sara’s death given the circumstances. Thankfully, the writers chose a different path once season two commenced.
Impact of Sara’s Death on Michael
Had Sara actually died from Kellerman’s attack, it would have fundamentally changed the trajectory of Michael’s life and plans:
- Derail the escape – Michael was relying heavily on Sara’s help during the ongoing escape. Her death may have fatally compromised the prison break.
- Distracted by revenge – Michael would likely have become obsessed with getting vengeance against Kellerman and The Company for Sara’s murder.
- Overwhelmed by grief and guilt – Sara’s death because of him would have crushed Michael emotionally. He may have given up or taken greater risks.
- No happy future – Michael and Sara would have missed their opportunity at a life together, robbing the series of its cathartic and romantic conclusion.
Losing Sara would have introduced much darker tones. While Michael may have still succeeded in exonerating Lincoln, it would have come at great personal cost without Sara’s companionship.
Sara’s Life After Prison Break
Thanks to somehow surviving all the threats to her life during the prison break saga, Sara was able to build a happy new existence far away from those tumultuous events:
- She married Michael Scofield and took his last name. They raised a son together named Mike.
- She returned to medicine opening a free clinic to serve low-income patients and provide humanitarian aid.
- She maintained fond friendships with Lincoln Burrows and other allies who helped in her fight against The Company.
- She found peace and fulfillment living a quiet, private life with Michael focused on family and helping others.
- She traveled occasionally, taking Mike to experience Europe, Central America, and other parts of the world.
By evading death repeatedly against long odds, Sara Tancredi managed to reclaim the normal, meaningful life she wanted with the man she loved. Few emerged from the chaos and danger of Michael Scofield’s mission so rewardingly.
Conclusion
Dr. Sara Tancredi played a risky but pivotal role assisting Michael Scofield’s elaborate prison break conspiracy. As she became involved with Michael, Sara’s life was put in ever greater jeopardy from ruthless forces trying to stop the escape plan. When Sara took a bullet in the season one finale, it appeared to fans she had made the ultimate sacrifice.
Miraculously though, Sara survived the assassination attempt and returned to aid Michael’s cause. Despite several other brushes with death over the course of the series, Sara managed to endure and find eventual freedom. By making it out alive, Sara secured the happy ending and family life with Michael that she had so earned after all the turmoil. Few emerged from Michael Scofield’s thrilling but dangerous prison break saga so rewardingly.
FAQ About Sara’s Fate
Did Sara Tancredi die on the show Prison Break?
No. Despite being left shot and bleeding at the end of season 1, it’s revealed in season 2 that Sara survived the attack. She goes on to play a key role for the rest of the series.
Why did Kellerman try to kill Sara?
To keep her quiet. Sara knew too much about Michael’s escape plan and The Company’s conspiracy. Kellerman tried to silence and eliminate her as a threat.
How did Sara survive getting shot by Kellerman?
She was critically injured and hospitalized, but timely medical care saved her life. Kellerman had only meant to wound her to make it look like she died.
What happened to Sara after she escaped with Michael?
She married Michael and raised a son named Mike with him. Sara returned to a career in medicine and lived a peaceful life with her family away from danger.
Did Michael ever get revenge against Kellerman for shooting Sara?
No. While Michael despised Kellerman, he was ultimately able to move past his desire for vengeance in favor of a new start with Sara and Linc. Kellerman did eventually face justice for his crimes.