Escape at Dannemora is a gripping drama directed by Ben Stiller and tells the true story of a daring escape from the Clinton Correctional Facility in 2015. The show takes its time to develop the plot, allowing viewers to get deeply involved in the lives of its characters. In the end, all the suspense leads to a thrilling reveal of how the escape was planned and executed.
The drama series is based on actual events where two inmates, Richard Matt, and David Sweat, plot a dangerous escape with help from a prison worker. It’s a story of ambition, betrayal, and the quest for freedom.
Music plays a significant role in Escape at Dannemora, enhancing the emotional weight of each scene. The carefully selected soundtrack helps set the tone and immerse viewers into the narrative.
Each song in Escape at Dannemora is strategically placed to complement the on-screen action, whether it’s a tense moment or a reflective scene. The background scores enrich the storytelling, making the viewers feel the stakes more acutely.
Episode-by-episode soundtrack breakdown of Escape at Dannemora
Let’s take a closer look at the music featured in each episode of Escape at Dannemora.
Episode 1
In the first episode, several notable tracks set the stage:
- From the Beginning by Emerson, Lake & Palmer plays during the opening and closing credits.
- Girl from the North Country by Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash plays as Tilly and Lyle drive through the snow.
- Tilly also plays Bills by LunchMoney Lewis for the inmates.
- The episode wraps with Chains by Nick Jonas as Lyle and Tilly drive home.
- Uptown Funk by Mark Ronson (feat. Bruno Mars) – In the opening episode, this song plays after an intimate moment between Tilly and Sweat.
- Mirror Man by The Human League – This track is heard faintly when Dennis is at the bar in episode 1.
- Bang Bang by Jessie J, Ariana Grande, Nicki Minaj – Plays while Lyle and Tilly visit the museum in episode 1.
- Better Days by Graham Nash – This song is in the background as Tilly watches the bar from afar, noticing people leaving.
Episode 2: Building tension
The second episode continues to build tension with songs like:
- “Courage for Love” by Jesper Munk in the early scenes.
- “Lay Me Down” by Sam Smith plays as Tilly gets emotional after realizing Sweat is missing.
- The episode ends with “Pablo Picasso” by The Modern Lovers during the credits.
- Lips Are Movin by Meghan Trainor – This song plays as the prisoners return to work.
- Seek & Destroy (2016 Remastered) by Metallica – Sweat listens to this Metallica track.
- Tune Down by Chris Joss – Heard when Sweat finally agrees to the plan.
Episode 3: Character development
In this episode, music adds depth to character interactions:
- “Deacon Blues” by Steely Dan opens the episode as Tilly explores the market.
- “Let It Ride” by Bachman Turner Overdrive plays while Matt is at work.
- The episode concludes with “Heart Is Black” by Escondido.
- Ima F*ckin Rockstar by Skyzoo, Onyx – Plays as Sweat gets hacksaw blades from Matt.
- Long Cool Woman (In a Black Dress) by The Hollies – Plays in Matt's headphones at the sewing shop.
- Whipping Post by Allman Brothers Band – Faintly heard when Tilly and her husband are at the bar.
- Do It Again by Steely Dan – Blasts through Matt's headphones while he interacts with Tilly.
- Take Me to the Pilot by Elton John – Plays during a scene where Tilly takes pictures, and there's a montage of lock-picking.
- Worth It by Fifth Harmony – Plays while Matt receives “Aquafina” from another inmate
Episode 4: Emotional moments
Emotional highs and lows characterize this episode:
- “Goodbye” by Who Is Fancy plays in Tilly’s car.
- “You Rascal You” by Hanni El Khatib accompanies a heartbreaking scene with Tilly.
- An instrumental track by Arch Leaves plays during the end credits.
- Liar by The Shelters – Heard as Palmer parks his bike outside the prison.
- The Snake by Oscar Brown, Jr. – Plays while Tilly tries on swimsuits and Sweat continues sawing.
- It's Great When We're Together by Finley Quaye – Heard as Tilly talks to a bartender near the end of the episode.
Episode 5: Light-hearted interludes
This episode brings a mix of light-hearted tunes:
- “Heartbeat Song” by Kelly Clarkson accompanies a joyful moment with Tilly and Lyle.
- “All About That Bass” by Meghan Trainor plays on the radio.
- The credits feature “Carefree Highway” by Gordon Lightfoot.
Episode 6: Rising stakes
Tension rises in the sixth episode with tracks like:
- “Right Down the Line” by Gerry Rafferty opens the episode as police arrive.
- “Wu-Tang Clan Ain't Nuthing ta F' Wit” by Wu-Tang Clan highlights a tense moment.
- The episode ends with “My Wave” by Soundgarden.
- Love Will Find a Way by Pablo Cruise – Plays as a cop approaches the store's cash register.
- Fall Down by Toad The Wet Sprocket – Plays while Tilly heads to work with her former partner.
- Here Comes the Hotstepper by Ini Kamoze – This song plays when Tilly returns to work and notices everyone’s staring at her.
Episode 7: The Conclusion
In the series finale, music ties everything together:
- “Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran plays as Tilly and Lyle leave the hospital.
- “Better Days” by Graham Nash features during the credits, leaving viewers with a sense of reflection.
- So American by Portugal. The Man – Featured midway through the end credits in episode 7, playing until they finish.
Beyond the choice of music, Escape at Dannemora explores significant themes that resonate with viewers. At its core, the story delves into the bonds between characters and how trust can be shattered. Tilly’s relationship with inmates showcases the complexities of loyalty and betrayal.
Escape at Dannemora masterfully blends true crime storytelling with impactful music, making it a gripping watch. The show not only captures the tension of a prison escape, but also highlights the emotional struggles of its characters through its carefully curated soundtrack.
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