Fortunately, by the time he's visiting Lincoln, Michael's over any shock and indecision and into the hectoring phase: "Terrence Steadman? The Vice President's brother. Do you have any idea what they're going to do to you?" Lincoln insists that he was set up. Michael breaks the news that Linc actually knew Steadman, since the guy owned the company from which Lincoln was recently fired. Linc says heatedly, "I loaded containers in the warehouse, never met the guy -- what the hell, Mike! You sound like one of the damn detectives." Michael pulls the "I'm just saying" move, and Linc realizes that Michael thinks he actually did it. Michael then says, "I heard you owe some money." Lincoln pauses for a long moment before asking who told Michael. The supercilious little snot says, "People talk. And I know Steadman had a lot of money." Linc heatedly protests, "I may be a lot of things, but I'm not a murderer." Michael points out that Linc was in that garage last night, then sighs and says disgustedly, "I don't know how it's come to this. And you can't keep blaming Mom for dying, and Dad for leaving, because I was there too. Difference is, I got out. Mom had life insurance and I took my half and put myself through school. What'd you do with your half, Linc?" For a moment, a rueful little smile plays over Lincoln's face, and he's nearly shaking. Then he suppresses whatever it was he was about to say and just looks down. When Lincoln finally composes himself again, he says, "Everything's not how it looks, Michael." Completely oblivious to the passion play on his brother's face, Michael says angrily, "I hope, for your sake, that's true."

And as y'all know, I am not necessarily the biggest fan of Lincoln or of Dominic Purcell's acting, but he just owned the scene here. It's some seriously layered, nuanced work, and it doesn't beat you over the head all, "Look! I'm acting! See my fantastic effort!" and it goes a long way toward redeeming a lot of the season's prior work, because it shows the difference between a guy who's fighting to keep a handle on his emotions, and one who's trying to suffocate them so he won't mind dying for all the wrong reasons.

We then cut to Brinker going over a speech with Vice President Reynolds, pointing to a spot on the paper and saying, "Here is where you turn to anger." Madame Vice President says, "Trust me, that won't be a problem." Brinker then lays out the strategy: relentlessly paint Lincoln in a bad light so he'll be put to the death. Madame Vice President asks where they are with Gov. Tancredi, and Brinker assures her that he won't be a problem, owing to his own political aspirations.