Cult Spy's Classic Moments examines the shock death of Veronica in the second season of the thrilling drama Prison Break.

The Context

Veronica Donovan, played by Robin Tunney, was the main female lead in the first season of Prison Break and headed up the attempts to exonerate her incarcerated former boyfriend Lincoln Burrows of the murder he did not commit. She faced all kinds of threats, particularly from the shady government assassin Paul Kellerman.

In US dramas if a lead is to be killed off it usually happens during the season finale, with viewers wondering in advance who would survive until the next season. But Veronica made it through the high body count of the brutal first year of Prison Break.

This wasn't a great surprise, as Tunney was arguably the highest profile actor on the show at the time, having had lead roles in blockbusters such as End of Days, Vertical Limit and The Craft. Her CV certainly overshadowed the likes of Wentworth Miller and Dominic Purcell. However, fans were in for a shock in the second season premiere…

The Moment

Veronica had found the key to freeing Lincoln Burrows – the supposedly deceased Senator Terrence Steadman – trapped in a remote house. Upon entering the abode, she discovered that it was effectively a prison itself, as she couldn't open any doors to escape. She calls the police for help, believing the ordeal for her, Michael and Lincoln is finally at an end.

When the law enforcement arrives, however, they turn out to be secret government agents, one of whom takes out his gun and aims it at a shocked Veronica. He shoots from point blank range and kills her.

The Aftermath

Prison Break is a show renowned for its audacious plot contrivances, so it was a real jolt to the system to see such a straightforward death – especially one which bumped off a lead character. It was slightly reminiscent of the death of supposed female lead Janet Leigh in Psycho, or Drew Barrymore's demise in Scream.

Given the fast-paced nature of the show, Veronica was quickly forgotten about and Sarah Tancredi stepped up to become the new female lead. Robin Tunney has been quiet since, opting to go down the Celebrity Poker route in the last year.