<P> The writers created Mahone's character in the second season so that there would be a fugitive pursuer who was not corrupt . When the writers saw that the number of antagonists was increasing, they decided to make him the alter ego of Scofield . The writers try to let Mahone inhabit a gray area, shifting the audience's sympathy for the character . Fichtner, attracted to the potential of the character, was cast as Mahone just one day before filming began for the second season; he signed on for only two seasons, but was convinced to appear in a third . </P> <P> Mahone was born in Boardman, Ohio into an abusive family, and was repeatedly beaten by his father . After joining the military Mahone was transferred to Special Ops during the Gulf War, later becoming an FBI Special Agent . The nature of his quick advancement is questioned, and many of his files are classified . </P> <P> He married a woman named Pamela (Callie Thorne) and they had a son, Cameron . The marriage lasts for 12 years until Mahone abruptly ends it without explanation, ordering his family out of the house . </P> <P> Before separating from his wife Mahone pursued Oscar Shales, a murderer whom he struggled to capture; it is revealed that Mahone killed Shales and buried the body in his backyard . Fearful that his wife would discover his secret, he cuts her out of his life . Mahone is plagued with visions of Shales, which cause him to self - medicate with prescription drugs . </P>

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