I loved the way The Prisoner made you think and question what it was about. One of the Village slogans was "Questions are a burden to others, Answers a Prison for one's self" Also "A still tongue makes a happy life". Accordingly, a lot of things were left unexplained leaving the viewers the "freedom" to make up their own minds. It was one of the few television shows that didn't treat its audience like idiots. There were obvious messages of course, on politics, education, crowd-swaying, mind-control, surveillance, etc... the center point being the importance of freedom and individualism. Not much on TV really asks us to think, and since The Prisoner did, I felt at least obliged to try. To me, the series was a voice of sanity in the Wilderness, and is still relevant, even more so, today.
en français; Qu'est ce que vous voulez?_ des renseignements, nous voulons des renseignements, pour qui travaillez vous?_ vous le saurez en temp utile!_ vous n'en n'aurez pas!_ de force ou de gré vous parlerez! _qui êtes vous?_ je suis le numéro deux_ qui est le numéro un?- vous êtes le numéro 6_( je ne suis pas un numéro, je suis un homme libre!!!_ AH AH AH!!!
All you said is true. "The Prisoner" was a sequel to Patrick's previous series, "Secret Agent", and picks where the last episode left off. The main character is very disgruntled with the way an assignment ended and how the agency (presumably MI6) withheld details about his previous mission and vehemently resigned. Hence the scenes in the opening of the show. The Village is a community of R.E.D. agents who have resigned or retired suddenly and seemingly divulging their reasons. The whole organization and staff are trying to ascertain these reasons and the residents seem to be from different countries and intelligence organizations. This leaves one wondering who is actually running this place. Of course. Everyone is under surveillance and life is strictly structured. Conformity and obedience is everything. Sound familiar??
I first saw The Prisoner when it ran in the U.S. in 1968, but I was a little kid and didn't know what to think. But when I was in high school, it was rebroadcast on the PBS station in Los Angeles, and since it was airing without commercials, they had about 10 minutes to fill for each episode, and they brought in a psychology professor to try to explain each episode. Even he had trouble doing it. It's one of my favorite series, a classic and, I'll add, my wife and I honeymooned in The Village. Driving in there late at night when the streets were quiet was as strange as you would expect. We had a great time.
I hope to visit Portmeirion someday and, since it's in Wales, pick up a new Corgi while I'm at it! That said, permit me to offer some thoughts into why the psychology professor couldn't adequately explain The Prisoner. Briefly, it's because psychology focuses on individuals, and this series is about society. For a fuller explanation . . . I've spent the last 12 years working toward a PhD in Sociology, Because I struggle with narcolepsy, I'm settling for a MA in the subject, but I took and passed all the courses for a PhD, so I learned a lot about Sociology. There's a particular school of thought in sociology known as Symbolic Interactionism. This school of thought essentially says that we communicate through a variety of symbols; that we build our ideas of what society is and how it works around those symbols; and that those symbols are unique to a particular society. This is counter to Carl Jung's idea that symbols are universal, and so counterintuitive to many people. Within Symbolic Interactionism is a theoretical orientation known as Social Constructionism. This theory comes down to the idea that society is mutually constructed by its participants. While the classic text defining this field of theory is "The Social Construction of Reality: A Treatise in the Sociology of Knowledge," I think it better to think of "mutually constructed social reality" because too many people seem to have the notion that we actually influence reality through the ways we think about it. But what social constructionism is actually about is how we construct our notions about what society is and how it works: it's about what we consider "commonsense" or "everyday" knowledge that "everybody knows" and "everybody accepts as true." And here's why sociology better explains The Prisoner better than psychology can. If you look at Number Six as an individual. much about The Village makes no sense. Things seem to happen at random, and Number Six is caught up in a maelstrom of social chaos. But when you use what we refer to as your sociological imagination, you can see The Village as a reflection of the society from which Number Six came. From his London flat to what he did for a living, Number Six knew what he was doing and why. He knew who he was working for and why it mattered. He knew how to fit in. But when involuntarily thrust into a different social setting, Number Six intuitively understood that it was simultaneously similar to, yet subtly different from the society he came from. The trick, then, would be to figure out what the differences were and how to use that knowledge to his end of asserting his individuality and eventually escaping back to the social reality in which he could enjoy his personal freedom as he saw fit. This is the journey that took Number Six to being Number One. On the way, he learned how to manipulate The Village to his advantage. You see this in "Hammer Into Anvil", as Number Six uses what he's learned of The Village's demand to be in control at all times, exemplified by Number Two's paranoia, to take revenge for the death of someone he knew and cherished. You see Number Six's growing mastery of The Village and how it worked in "The Girl Who Was Death", when at the end of the episode, Number Six turns the camera on that's been monitoring him as he tells the children a bedtime story after Number Two turned it off to deliver a final message to Number Two: "I'm aware that you've been watching -- I hope you enjoyed the story I told. Be seeing you . . . ." The final two episodes, "Once Upon a Time" and "Fallout" show that Number Six has fully adapted to his new social reality to such an extent that he is no longer bound by it: he can recreate it in his own image, even destroying The Village if he chooses. Yet, despite doing so, he carries The Village back with him as he returns to the society he is familiar with: at the very end of the series, The Butler opens the door of Number Six's flat and follows him in, closing the door -- and the series -- behind them both. But despite being back in London, signs of The Village remain. This is a sensation familiar to many people who have traveled abroad. My US Air Force career took me to both Guam and Okinawa. The interesting thing is that I felt more out of place on Guam than I did on Okinawa. Going to Okinawa, I knew that I was going to an island where the language, dress and customs were significantly different from what I knew in the States. But Guam was, at times, unfathomable from my Mainlander's experience -- my wife described it as being "halfway overseas". We drove on the righthand side of the road, spoke English, and used US currency. But we never really understood the people and their culture until my office got an administrator who was born on the island. So the first time I watched The Prisoner, sometime around 1984, it didn't have the impact I felt in 2017, when we watched it again on CZcams. Then, with this body of experience and education, I understood it. I realize I've probably gone on too long, and I thank you for your indulgence. But I hope that some of what I've shared helps inform your experience of The Prisoner. In the meantime, "Be seeing you!"
@@johndemeritt3460; Interesting analysis. I don't know enough to disagree with it. Patrick MaGoohan (RIP), would (I think), agree with you. I loved Guam, cared not much for Japan, but on the other hand, stayed long enough in neither to definitively make judgements. Patrick MaGoohan pretty much explains his brain child "The Prisoner", in a 1977 Canadian TV interview which is easy to find on You Tube.
@@Johnnycdrums, thanks for your response! I'll have to look up that interview . . . do you know if it's on CZcams? If so, might you provide a link? Thanks!
I too am one of the people who first saw The Prisoner when it aired on US television in the summer of 1968, and to say the least, I was hooked. I had been a fan of "Secret Agent" (Danger Man) the preceding two seasons and was fascinated at how this series extrapolated the "spy" genre and then blew the lid off any other genre it might have been part of or parodied. It was intoxicating, provocative, thought provoking and caused bewilderment and fascination for years to come. After some decades of reflection, and following the ins and outs of its production, I have to conclude that "The Prisoner" is ultimately about egoism, pure and simple. Probably the best analysis of the series was done by Isaac Asimov who suggested it was the only TV series ever to be all about "failure". Congratulations on your review, I really enjoyed it.
I'm pleased someone as young as you viewed the Prisoner positively. Even Patrick McGoohan didn't like all the episodes (he was forced to make more than he wanted to). It was about the 60's. It was about rebelling against the establishment. It was about fighting for your right to be an individual against the pressure to conform, the fight I thought was lost long ago. Your review gave me hope that the fight still continues.
Quite an even-handed review. It was very enjoyable to have watched. Don't worry about feeling unsure of what you might think about the series, since my first viewing during the late 1960s left me feeling much the same way. You may already be aware, but McGoohan had a hit series just prior to "The Prisoner", entitled "Danger Man" (in the U.K.) and "Secret Agent" (in the U.S.), in which he likewise played a government agent, John Drake. Well, many fans like to think of Number 6 as actually being Drake. For copyright purposes, McGoohan always denied it, but the conceptual through-line is just too perfect to be dismissed. Some fans may harbor differing views, but for my money, Number 6 is Drake, simple as that. Also, it was initially McGoohan's aim to only produce a very small number of episodes. It was Lew Grade's ITC Entertainment outfit (who bank rolled the series on a handshake) that insisted there be more episodes. So, that accounts for why some were perhaps of a lesser quality than others, they literally padded the series out to please the network brass. The episode where McGoohan was so conspicuously absent came about because an offer was made to him by MGM Studios to appear in the feature film, "Ice Station Zebra", and McGoohan literally jumped ship in order to take the job. So, he left his production partners to try and fill in the blanks on that one, casting someone else and contriving the whole mind transference idea. During the latter half of production, Lew Grade kept asking McGoohan about his plans for ending the series, and just how he was planning on wrapping everything up, all neat and tidy. McGoohan kept insisting that he knew exactly how he was going to do it, and went along about his business until the time came to actually conclude it all. McGoohan ultimately admitted, he had no idea how to end things. He had simply lost the ability to tie everything up into a nice little bow. Hence "Fallout" being what it is, a mass of glorious confusion, with a great deal of whimsy and pinache. After it was broadcast, McGoohan was forced to leave the country with his family, because of the dissatisfaction by the public, so many of whom were likewise hoping to see how everything was going to be resolved in some kind of satisfying manner. In the end, McGoohan largely wanted to make a very clear and very powerful statement with "The Prisoner", borne of his deep concerns regarding the prospective loss of individualism. He felt, way back then, that society was traveling down a dangerous road, and the casualties would end up being anyone who prided themselves as being their own person. Beyond that, he famously stated (when he consented to discuss the thing at all) that he very much wished for everyone to ponder the questions posed by the show and come to their own conclusions.
@taylor ape The Main reason for McGoohan doing `Ice Zero` was to use his fee to help fund the finale of the Prisoner. Though Lew Grade had put a lot of ATVs cash into it, it had gone over budget-hence McGoohan taking the film part. This especially helped to finance the vast expense of final episode `Fall Out`. Until Gerry/Sylvia Anderson's 1974-76 "Space 1999" `The Prisoner` at 1967-8 was UKs costliest (Per episode) ever television production.
@gothling1955: a connect between Danger Man aka Secret Agent Man is in the lyrics of the Secret Agent Man theme song by Johnny Rivers: "They've given you a number and taken away your name."
I am a big fan. I have been to Portmeirion, Wales - where the show was filmed. I visited number 6's residence in London. A BIG fan .... I am not a number, I AM A FREE MAN! The order of the episodes is related to the increasing pressure on the individual to conform to societal rules. You cannot just resign. The hand gesture at the end is meant to be the number 6.
To add to the surreal nature, the heavy metal band Iron Maiden wrote a song paying homage to The Prisoner. It opens with some of the show’s catch lines. the band was able to obtain Patrick McGoohan’s permission! “I’m not a number, I’m a free man” is major part of the refrain.
That has to be the best part of that story: that McGoohan was literally called up by a hair metal band, and he approved (in his brusk way) their homage.
I admire a young person of 2020 watching The Prisoner. Definitely different. If you are looking for something simple to waste 60 minutes on, this isn't it. I watched this the first time on its first US run, I was 12. My dad was very into it and the many themes of individualism, autonomy, etc. We saw it again in the 80s or 90s. Unlike most TV, it gives you something to think and talk about, if you like that sort of thing (I do). Thanks for your review. Be seeing you.
Enjoyed your review. PMG poured himself into this show, it is his personal view of modern life and some statements are autobiographical. His range of emotions is breathtaking. He speaks of death often and I have only come to realize that in revisiting this series. Each show is complete, people or characters rarely reappear and I do wish some more of these could have continued. I loved THE PRISONER and am not surprised that interest in McGoohan’s masterpiece continues.
Forty years ago, when this was rebroadcast on PBS stations , there was a commentary portion at the end where the psychological aspects of the episode were explored. That helped me appreciate the series more then if I watched it only on my own. There is also a book about the series by Carraze and Oswald published in 1995 that had pictures and scripts.
Going out on a limb, my favorite episode is The Girl Who Was Death. The conceit of him telling the little prisoners a bedtime story is brilliant, as he sticks it to the current Number Two and his assistant. And the music is fantastic for this episode.
I remember watching The Prisoner as a kid, I didn't know what the hell was going on and probably never completed the series. A couple of years ago we visited Portmeirion in North Wales where the series was made, it's a truly amazing village, if you get the chance pay it a visit, it's hardly changed from the series and I became intrigued with it. Anyway once home I binge watched all the series on CZcams and really enjoyed it, still not too sure what it was all about apart from him resigning for some unknown reason but quite entertaining. I was gutted when I discovered Patrick McGoohan (number 6) died on the 13th January 2009, there's a bust in the gardens at Portmeirion in tribute to him, a souvenir shop and a few other memories of the series tastefully done. If you visit Portmeirion chose a nice day to get the full flavour.
I really like this series, I like the strangeness. I love the village and the set designs. I want whomever designed them to build me a house. I think the sets and props are the "co-star" of this series.
I was thrilled to find your review! I'm also glad a younger person than myself enjoyed so much of the show! One of my favorite episodes is "A, B, and C". Just for the "Dreamy Party" scene alone. Be seeing you! 😉
I absolutely loved the show. I first saw it in the 80s and was enthralled by it. It's a complete one-off, it's art, it's intriguing, it leaves the interpretation to the viewer and, even though it's an action adventure series, it's intelligent and asks fundamental questions about modern society. My wife isn't so sure about it though. She enjoyed watching it but it didn't stand out for her as amazing.
Ah, you may not have enjoyed half of the episodes because McGoohan only intended the series to be 6-7 episodes, but they made him write more than double that to bulk it out. He went around asking staff about ideas they had. For example 'Living in Harmony' was suggested by one of the lighting technicians off-hand and they made it into an episode! Also 'Do Not Forsake Me Oh My Darling' was filmed that way because Patrick had buggered off to film Ice Station Zebra and they needed to replace him for that episode.
I loved your sign off at the end. Well done I watched the show during the pandemic quarantine, and it just fit so correctly. One day, I woke up in a world that only vaguely resembled the one from before. A force beyond my own comprehension was at work. I watched the people around me act very irrationally. It was just the perfect show for the moment. I will definitely recommend to many of my friends. There is nothing like it to compare The Prisoner to. It's unique
It's freemason global control. Millions of people aren't even aware. THAT is the ultimate irony. You'll all wake up tomorrow thinking our world is "normal".
Instantly gripping and entertaining. I don't believe viewers are meant to get all the answers...but that's the beauty of show. Its a Zen type riddle. Thank you for the compriensive and insightful review. 'Be seeing you'
I saw "The Prisoner" when it was first broadcast in the US in 1968 at 12 years of age. I fell in love with it then and I'm still a massive fan. I watch at least a few episodes every year. At age 12, I realized that someone was using television to try and communicate important ideas to me. The whole show is about the need to be careful in balancing things like freedom and liberty, national security, individuality, privacy, etc. And remember that the show was produced during a time of tremendous societal change and political upheaval.
I first saw this "The Prisoner" when it originally aired. I was 16 years old at the time, and was totally enthralled with it. I'm a contrarian by nature, and a semi-intellectual. The outlandish nature of the show hooked me immediately. Some of the slower moving episodes were not as enjoyable for me, but overall I'm a huge fan. It was so different than anything I had seen before on TV. Questions, questions, questions, but not many answers. I was always questioning, but rarely answered. I loved the final episode. It was so fun, and that is when I realized that I was not going to get any answers. I was a bit disappointed, but I still love the show. It was weird and wonderful to my then young mind!
An excellent overview of the series. I remembered watching it on tv when I was 13 and loved it. I was thrilled to find it on CZcams at the age of 67 and enjoyed it even more. The last episode is my favorite.
Love this series. Patrick was always a scene stealer and he was great in Secret Agent Man as well. The soundtrack has its own standout personality and adds much to the overall production. Thank you for your review and we’ll be seeing you!
The Prisoner is among my favourite tv shows. The issues and themes it explores are as relevant now as when it first aired, maybe more so. I love its quirkiness and its visual style. I grinned when you described it (very accurately) as “completely bonkers”!
The worst part about The Prisoner is that it ended. I was intrigued by it when I was a kid, but I wasn't able to watch all the episodes due to having 4 channels back then . It is a completely different show depending on how old you are when you watch it. As an adult I realize how deep and metaphorical the subject matter is in the series overall.
Patrick lived in the street behind mine and l often met him when he was home and came to the local pub, I was on my friends speedboat when we towed the balloons in the sea.
Before The Prisoner PMG had a big hit series called Secret Agent. Such a big hit he could write his own follow up series. Hence we got The Prisoner, his acid trip/metaphor of modern Brit life. PMG did several other parts in the same line like the secret agent in Ice Station Zebra, a great cold war movie.
I only discovered The Prisoner (except for the reference in the album The Number of The Beast by Iron Maiden) on the 90's because it began to be aired in Brazil on cable. It was love at first sight: The Series, Patrick McGoogan, the Lotus 7 KAR120C (the design was licensed by Caterham and today we have the Caterham 7), all the Number 2s, the butler, the rover, all of it. Be seeing you.
How you discovered the series/show has to be one of the most unique ways to ever get to watch something I have ever heard. I got to see it in 1992 at the age of 18 when channel 4 in the UK did a re-run. I found it truly wonderful and such a special product. Today I have the 2009 Blu-ray release to enjoy the series when I feel like a watch.
Same here! I first properly watched the series during the C4 1992-Feb 1993 screening and turned 18 during that run. Used to put aside my A-level homework to watch those episodes. Good memories.
@@Ashworth6 It's amazing to think it's coming up to 30 years ago since that channel 4 screening. I remember wanting to buy the VHS 📼 boxset that contained the alternative edit of the chimes of big Ben, however I was not earning enough as a student at that point in the early 1990 's to do so. One day I was in HMV and discovered that since no one else clearly had been able to, the staff had decided to split it up into individual tapes/cases. To my amazement I found that the tape with the alternative edit on was there for a bargain price of £10. I was in shopping with a friend who called me over to look at something else. After 5 minutes I returned to pick it up and purchase it, to my surprise and disappointment it had been sold during the 5 minutes while I was away. I had to wait until the year 2000 when I purchased the region 2 DVD 📀 release to finally get the chance to see it.
"The Prisoner" is DEFINITELY unlike anything that came before or after it. And don't worry -- to be bamboozled by "The Prisoner" is the norm. One more thing when it comes to what it's all about: "The Prisoner" is locked in the eye of the beholder. Be seeing you!
My favorite show of all time. The coolest TV show ever! I watched it's original run at age 12. The Episode Do not Forsake Me" was produced and shot as it was so that McGoohan could be off to co-star in the big budget Cold War thriller movie, "Ice Station Zebra".
If you ask me "I am a free man!" is the entire meaning of everything in this series. We must never let anyone take our freedom. Maybe number 1 must be you in charge of your own destiny. No one else.
I will slightly disagree. While freedom is an issue, after all prisoners are by definition not free, McGoohan’s emphasis is on the state of individuality instead. Remember the actual line is, “I am not a number, I’m a free man”. Decades ago McGoohan gave an interview to Warner Troyer on Canadian television. He summed up the show thusly, “It was a place that is trying to destroy the individual by every means possible; trying to break his spirit, so that he accepts that he is No. 6 and will live there happily as No. 6 for ever after. And this is the one rebel that they can't break.” But of course the genius of McGoohan is that we can all find a different meaning in this show, one that is personal to us. How many shows can claim that?
Great review of one of the most bewildering and interesting TV dramas ever made, I also agree the series could have easily done without the three weaker episodes you mentioned. Glad to see you are keeping the flame alive, well done!
One of my favorite British series. McGoohan is one intense actor. They wanted him to play James Bond but didn't want to do any movies where he would have to kiss a woman who wasn't his wife. I know a lot of people didn't like the last episode but I thought it was a great way to end the series even if it was rushed (due to the lack of time the BBC gave them to write it)
Nothing to do with the BBC Carmine! (They could never have afforded it for one) It was made for Lew grade's `Associated Television` one of the U.K commercial channels. It was at that time the most expensive U.K TV show to be made.
I saw an interview with Patrick McGoohan talking about where he got the idea and concept and location. When he pitched to to Sir Lew Grade who was funding his popular spy series, he proposed only nine episodes as a mini-series instead of a series. Sir Lew Grade told him he needed 26 episodes so he could sell it to CBS. The settled on 17 and McGoohan said they had to really stretch to meet even that number. As much as I love the series, I think nine episodes would have been better. Thanks for your review.
The Village is a real place, a 50 year long project by a famous architect and I hear it's still very much the same today as it was when the show was shot. It is a neat looking place and I hope to visit there some day.
I have to be honest - I just loved The Prisoner. I saw it first when British TV repeated it back around the early 1990s.Watching your review makes me want to get out my DVD boxset and rewatch it again all these years later. Love your close out - "be seeing you". It is classic. As an option to view, if you can find it, Patrick McGoohan made a film co-starring and directed by Alexis Kanner (he was one of the supporting actors in the western episone) called Kings and Desperate Men. It's years since I saw it but my memory is that it is worth a watch.
Was introduced to this as a kid by my dad in the 80's, immediately loved it. To this day its my favorite. As someone who binge watches the entire series every couple years, I'll give some advice. Look up the correct order, it was played out of order in several different ways in different countries, hence the confusion on order. But going back to the original planned order as well as context clues in the episodes there is a preferred order to watch. Next, look up interviews mcgoohan gave, there arent many as he liked to keep the mystery but there are a few that help to narrow down what he was going for. And lastly, if you are a big enough fan, rewatch many times. As i mentioned earlier, i watch the entire series every couple years, i have the dialog memorized ive seen it so many times, and i still find new bits of information, connections i didnt make before, implications of certain actions and ideas, and new ways of interepting the series. Every time i watch i pick up on something new. Be seeing you!
"Do Not Forsake Me, Oh My Darling" was shot while McGoohan was filming "Ice Station Zebra" with Rock Hudson, so Nigel Stock took over the role of No 6 to allow the episode to be made.
Loved the series! Because there are no hard and fast answers, it makes for a good time of throwing around theories (some as bizarre as the series, depending on the lateness of the hour). I believe you're right - the symbolism is a mix of the ideas you put forth in your review, and then some. Good job!
I watched The Prisoner a few years ago and I was totally bowled over by it. As a child, I only remember seeing glimpses of it as repeats were shown on TV in the late 70s, and coming to it as an adult I was uncertain what to expect. But from the first few episodes I was totally absorbed by it. Like yourself, I thought the earlier episodes were better than the latter ones, and the final three episodes in the series seemed a lot more crazy and incomprehensible than even some of the rather bizarre ones earlier on. Also, like yourself, I’d say only half of the 17 episodes were ‘good to very good’, with the remaining half being just okay. The Prisoner is totally unique and counts as one of my all time favourite series. Must add that I’m now a subscriber and love your book reviews too; all very enlightening and presented in such a way that they are interesting and easy to follow. Thanks for the wonderful review of The Prisoner.
The Prisoner had an influence on shows like Twin Peaks, even Lost. The Keepers thought if they found out why number 6 resigned the rest would follow. The democracy episode is one of the darkest and one of the best episodes
I believe the reason why some episodes are of poorer quality is because Patrick McGoohan only wanted to make six episodes, but Lord Grade, chairman of ITC entertainment, wanted 26 to make US syndication easier. 17 was chosen as a compromise, and the extra episodes had to be written fairly quickly.
It was quite a ride. I watched it when I was 21 (23 years ago). I got immensily hooked just on what the resolve of it all would be. The final episode, the I I I scene, the totally chaotic stuff, as if chaos was dissolving itself. I don't know, I never forgot about it, to this day. It was definitely a one of a kind watch.
I know not everyone gets it , but it is considered a classic of 60's tv and McGoohan's performance was one of the best tv performances ever . series like 'Lost' are just poor copies and others are heavily influenced by the Prisoner , not to mention the realistic future technology , wireless phones , large widescreens , cameras watching everyone all the time etc . One of the top 3 British tv series of all time .
Loved your review of the Prisoner - the fact that you found this 60 years later and actually watched it is very impressive!!! If you can watch the TV shows "Danger Man" and "Secret Agent" I think a lot will be more clear but for someone who just found this, you're spot on with your comments and I loved your sign off - be seeing you!!!!!
You were not alone in your confusion - it was the same when it was first televised here in the UK, and I remembered seeing a few episodes at the time (I was 5). It was a show very much of its time, but I don't feel that it has lost any of its charm. Great filming, characterisations, acting, and music. I think your assessment of the possible statements it was making were very accurate... 1967 was "The Summer of Love", and society was beginning to question authority in a way that had never been done before. The Prisoner clearly shows that 🙂 Since then I've watched the complete series twice, and I absolutely love it 😀 There's never been another show like it, and hats off to Lew Grade (boss of ITC) for giving McGoohan the chance to get it made. And if I win the lottery, I want KAR 120C 😄😄
Great review, it is totally perceptive and fair. Also want to give credit to the entire comment section; the top most intelligent, articulate, and polite I’ve encountered on CZcams. That’s commendable and highly appreciated
This show was running in 1967 --along with my favorite series "The Invaders"---. It was a great show--- and in June 1968 --we saw the finally--- ALL of us. I only wish the Invaders with Roy Thinnes did too!
I liked your review, but I have to say that I love 'Living in Harmony'! I love Westerns, and the strange ambience of the Western town set fits in well with the jarring storyline. I also like David Bauer, who plays Number 2. Other than that, I mostly agreed you. Thanks!
A side note... Patrick McGoohan was "The Prisoner" and later he would be The Warden in "Escape from Alcatraz" kind of a role reversal. This is also seen in the 1955 movie "Blackboard Jungle" where Sidney Poiter ( a film you might want to review) was a student in a class of High School delinquents and 12 years later would become a Teacher in a London School of similar incorrigible students. I enjoyed your review of The Prisoner Jerome you do great work on all your presentations. Thank you
I watched The Prisoner when it first aired. Two key things to consider when critiquing this show is understanding the social-political context of the 1960s when it was made - and appreciating just how utterly groundbreaking it was for the late 60s. Today there is lots of social upheaval between left and right extremes in the West, but the 1960s were also very turbulent - much of it generational - with protests and riots around the world, mainly centered on the Vietnam war. And Greece, the mother of democracy, was in the iron grip of a military dictatorship. All this resulted in a much greater questioning of "the establishment" - ie of government and authority - while also encouraging a thirst for free will and individuality (even if all the rebels dressed and looked exactly the same!) So it's no surprise that the key theme of the show is expressed when No. 6 cries "I am not a number - I am a free man!" - only to be met with disdainful laughter. That was very much a sign of the times. (Btw, in McGoohan's earlier Danger Man series, the episode Colony Three features a fake English village full of spies.) To the second point, The Prisoner was the most expensive TV series of that era but it dealt with a conventional hero who rejects his own side and for his own reasons. He is a man of integrity who thinks for himself - he is not the "safe" or "predictable" hero of cowboy and detective shows or secret agent movies. No. 6's powerful personality and all the shows sci-fi trappings made it a giant cult hit. To wrap up, I appreciate it's impossible to come to a program 50 years after it was made and totally understand the excitement it generated when it first aired. And I totally agree that many of the later episodes are filler that McGoohan was forced to make (I personally prefer to see the fantastic Once Upon a Time as the last episode). The fact is, the 7-8 episodes that were good are very, very good - and their influence remains strong to this day. Be seeing you.
I bought The Prisoner DVD set and there was a booklet staying in what order the episodes should be played based on dialog when an episode refers to something occurring in a previous episode. They were broadcast out of production order (referring to US broadcast). I did see the series on TV back in the Summer of 1968 on CBS.
I found "Living in Harmony" to be excellent. At any rate, "The Prisoner" was originally intended to be a mini-series with the episodes being, I believe, "Arrival, Chimes of Big Ben, Free for All, A,B,and C" and the final 2 wrap-up episodes. Sir Lew Grade in charge of production wanted a full season from McGoohan as the U.S. market at the time, (over 80 percent of the world TV market) would be difficult to sell a mini series to. IMHO, the weakest episode was "The General", while some of the "filler" episodes (such as "Checkmate") were quite at the same high standard as the main ones.
Very good review. From the sound of it it looks as if you have a good neutral position on things and can really break down and analyze a particular thing and explain them clearly. Never seen the show but this explains it well.
Good review! Thanks for sharing. I saw the original show when I lived back in Blighty, and well remember being totally confused along with the whole family. My favourite episode has to be "Hammer into Anvil", and my favourite character is the Lotus Seven Series II (KAR 120C) Thanks again! BCNU!
It still stands as the most brazen bit of allegorical television ever made. Mcgoohan would say if it got a reaction, good or bad, he succeeded. Your review is spot on. Those that want to dig even deeper and find stuff that probably didn't actually exist, will. Thats the fun of it.
I was 10 years old when The Prisoner replaced The Smothers Brothers during the summer. We lived in one of the premier housing developments of the day called LaClede Town. It happened to be laid out like a village, so life for No. 6 in The Village was very accessible. I loved Secret Agent Man and The Prisoner seemed the logical next step though McGoohan insisted No.6 was NOT John Drake. McGoohan asked a member of Parliament what happens to spys that retire “Oh, we see that they’re taken care of.” and the premise for the series was born. Your review was awesome! So good to see that someone else “gets it”. The best thing to come out of television, ever, as far as I’m concerned - aside from Deadwood and now Ted Lasso. Thank you!
Very, very good I completely was captivated by your reaction! I saw this series in 68 when I was but 12. Blew my teenage mind! I loved it ever since. One of the all-time original Telly program....
- I just now looked up this show and found your review. This psychadelic mind trip of a series is one of the best I've ever seen. Think about it: it has doubtlessly influenced current writers! I will never cast shade on this series because of that. Because if it's indelible influence on writing.
What a wonderful review of my favorite television show! YT recommended your video to me and I really enjoyed hearing a first timer's reaction (BTW, all the episodes are available on YT). I subscribed to your channel because I think you are cute.
I was in high school when "The Prisoner" was first broadcast in the US. It came on in the same time slot as "Secret Agent" aka "Danger Man" in the UK, which it replaced in the broadcast schedule. I always assumed that Number 6 was, in fact, John Drake. In one of the early episodes, Number 6 meets one of his old colleagues in the Village hospital and he addresses the agent as the same name he was called in "Secret Agent/Danger Man". Years after "The Prisoner" was broadcast, one of the producers was asked if Number 6 really was Drake and he said, "Of course, who else could it have been?". Fun fact: Number 6's address in London was #1 Buckingham Place ( which is the real address ), which wasn't shown in detail until the last episode when Angelo Muscat, who played the diminutive butler walked into the building with the automatic door, just like in the Village. I highly recommend watching all of the episodes of "Secret Agent/Danger Man", especially before watching "The Prisoner".
My mum and I followed this avidly from week to week. My dad never quite got it. It was often a hard watch but we stuck with it, however surreal some events and speculated as to the final meaning and outcome. Then came the final programme at a time when we were visiting my Dad's parents. We made them watch it. Deary me! I mean eventually after untold argument we sort of came to a resolution come explanation albeit a depressing one but blimey McGoohan was making this well obscure and I'm not sure we were right. Looking forward to the review!
I think a lot often depended on the number two. Leo McKern is one of my favourite little mentioned actors and I'm also a big fan of Kenneth Griffith who I thought rescued The Girl Who Was Death and reappeared as The President at the end, Mary Morris and several others (eg Darren Nesbett who I occasionally ran into at a bookshop off St Martin's Lane). But it could also surprise - I mean they dragged a performance out of Patrick Cargill as an especially brutal no 2.
I remember watching the series as a child in the 1960s. That really was a golden age for television. Another favorite from that era was The Smothers Brothers, there was Mr. Terrific, My Three Sons, Get Smart, the original Mission Impossible. Back to The Prisoner, writer George Markstein based in on a real place in Scotland called Inverlaire Lodge were WW2 agents who fouled up were sent for additional training that lasted for the duration of the war. Before they could complete their training they would be told their original mission had been scrubbed and they were training for a new one, or that they had to learn an even more complex encrypted code messaging system, etc. Anything to keep them incommunicado. There were other people kept there, Hess was rumored to be among them, or other people who either knew too much or too little secret intelligence. The Russians were reputed to have a similar 'retirement' village for elderly spies. In America, there is an AC to DC power converter station underneath a train station, and according to federal law, if an ordinary citizen stumbled into it they were to be detained for life to avoid enemy agents finding out it's location from them.
I remember being in college and hanging out with my professors getting buzzed on white wine and talking about The Prisoner. It's a terrific series and possibly the 2nd best TV show after Twin Peaks. It's ambiguous as all good works of art are (it allows one to project their own theories onto the series).
I was in my teens when I use to see my brother watching this series which, if you walk in in the middle of strikes you as madness, (people in colorful uniforms marching about chanting and rampaging) but when my brother gave me a brief run down as to what it was about I was intrigued and can say this remains one of my all time tv series favorites and to some degree a life guiding inspiration, like one other commentor mentioned ,especially in this government controlled environment in which we find ourselves. I think the series was one of the most creative series to be aired on tv and especially considering Patrick McGoohan played a spy in a previous series, an interesting follow up to the question, what do you do with people who want to quit who have knowledge in their heads that could be harmful to the nation they work for and others. I also think the special effects were quite creative and hold up even after all these years since it's creation. Patrick McGoohan gave an interesting interview some years later about when the series finale premiered that he had to go into hiding as the public was outraged and confused as to what it meant. Patrick's explanation was quite compelling, when he removed the final mask of the character he was chasing (to find the identity of #1) it turned out to bear his image, Patrick explained it was self explanatory. We have created the prison we find ourselves in by allowing the constant erosion of our rights by government overreach. In essence we built our own prison. Would have loved to see your happy dance btw.
An absolutely brilliant series with one of the best opening sequences and theme music ever. You can visit the beautiful village of Portmeirion in North Wales, where the series was filmed (and get out again).
A few thoughts on The Prisoner: First, as I recall, it didn't actually air from 1967 to 1968. CBS imported it and aired it in the summer of 1967, and it proved to be such an unexpected hit that they re-ran the same episodes in 1968. Did you know that Patrick McGoohan had been considered for the roll of James Bond when they were casting Dr. No? He turned it down (I've read, though I don't know if it's true, that being a good Catholic, he found the script to be too violent, and declined). I watched this series with my best friend when it first aired (we were 13), and both of being science fiction fans, we loved it! As you said -- some episodes are stronger than others -- but in the context of what was being offered on TV at the time, it was a smart and clever show. It's also worth noting one theory that has always been a part of Prisoner lore: Prior to The Prisoner, McGoohan had starred in a British espionage drama, called Danger Man. This got imported to the States and aired as Secret Agent (You may know the song "Secret Agent Man," with the lyrics, "...They've given you a number, and taken away your name..."). There has always been a lot of speculation that the McGoohan character is the same, titular Secret Agent, John Drake, who -- for whatever reason -- has reached a breaking point that causes him to resign. Is he really? Who knows? But it's kinda hard not to get that impression. Keep up the fun and interesting reviews.
This is one of my dad's all-time favorites, along with the original Outer Limits. He was ten, in 1967. So I've been well versed in The Prisoner my whole life. Not every episode is amazing, but it's cool, it's fun.
I finished watching the series today. I did find some dull moments, and in some episodes I wondered what was the point of it all. But, by and large I loved it a lot. It's now at the 3rd place of my favorite TV series after Twin Peaks and The Twilight Zone.
Nowhere Man is another series to check out. It’s very similar to the prisoner as it deals in identity. Not quite as strange. It does keep you guessing until the end.
Possible order of episodes, with basic storyline divisions... [I'm new here]... 1-Arrival 2-Dance of the dead [Molding #6 into shape?]... 3-free for all 4-checkmate 5-chimes of big ben (Must also see alternative episode ending to "Chimes") 6-the girl who is death 7-the schizoid man 8- many happy returns [#6 becomes a threat to the village]... 9-The general 10-it's your funeral 11-HAMMER INTO ANVIL [The village now willing to sacrifice #6]... 12-a change of mind 13-A,B,&C 14-living in harmony 15-do not forsake me oh my darling [#6 is reprogrammed by The village]... 16-once upon a time [The village plants brainwashed #6 back into the world]... 17-Fall Out Conclusion: The Village Wins, BUT the song "Dem Dry Bones" is all about the defeated rising up again. Remember: all you need is love. - Be Seeing You! 👌😎
Some wonderful observations. There is a wealth of information that explains the issues with the production itself. In written form, "The Prisoner Companion" does a great job of explaining some of the things you bring up involving the production. It is meant to be art and metaphor and at its best the show succeeds wonderfully. It is, as you note, not averse to playing word games with the viewers; "Who is Number 1?" .... "You are Number 6" Or is it, "You are, Number 6." I guess that would be telling!!!!! Thanks for the fun review!
Cool. Glad you enjoyed it. I think it is a little scrappy, though it's often inspired. And I always liked McGoohan in Columbo... and didn't he directed a few episodes of that, too?
I was a fan of Danger Man and The Prisoner was very different and at times baffling. The ending was unfathomable , the village was supposed to be on an island yet next minute they are driving into London .
Patrick McGoohan lived long enough to play Number 6 in the Simpsons' parody. That makes me smile.
I loved the way The Prisoner made you think and question what it was about. One of the Village slogans was "Questions are a burden to others, Answers a Prison for one's self" Also "A still tongue makes a happy life". Accordingly, a lot of things were left unexplained leaving the viewers the "freedom" to make up their own minds. It was one of the few television shows that didn't treat its audience like idiots. There were obvious messages of course, on politics, education, crowd-swaying, mind-control, surveillance, etc... the center point being the importance of freedom and individualism. Not much on TV really asks us to think, and since The Prisoner did, I felt at least obliged to try. To me, the series was a voice of sanity in the Wilderness, and is still relevant, even more so, today.
en français; Qu'est ce que vous voulez?_ des renseignements, nous voulons des renseignements, pour qui travaillez vous?_ vous le saurez en temp utile!_ vous n'en n'aurez pas!_ de force ou de gré vous parlerez! _qui êtes vous?_ je suis le numéro deux_ qui est le numéro un?- vous êtes le numéro 6_( je ne suis pas un numéro, je suis un homme libre!!!_ AH AH AH!!!
Be seeing you! (also in French, "Être à vous voir"),
All you said is true. "The Prisoner" was a sequel to Patrick's previous series, "Secret Agent", and picks where the last episode left off. The main character is very disgruntled with the way an assignment ended and how the agency (presumably MI6) withheld details about his previous mission and vehemently resigned. Hence the scenes in the opening of the show.
The Village is a community of R.E.D. agents who have resigned or retired suddenly and seemingly divulging their reasons. The whole organization and staff are trying to ascertain these reasons and the residents seem to be from different countries and intelligence organizations. This leaves one wondering who is actually running this place. Of course. Everyone is under surveillance and life is strictly structured. Conformity and obedience is everything.
Sound familiar??
I first saw The Prisoner when it ran in the U.S. in 1968, but I was a little kid and didn't know what to think. But when I was in high school, it was rebroadcast on the PBS station in Los Angeles, and since it was airing without commercials, they had about 10 minutes to fill for each episode, and they brought in a psychology professor to try to explain each episode. Even he had trouble doing it. It's one of my favorite series, a classic and, I'll add, my wife and I honeymooned in The Village. Driving in there late at night when the streets were quiet was as strange as you would expect. We had a great time.
I hope to visit Portmeirion someday and, since it's in Wales, pick up a new Corgi while I'm at it! That said, permit me to offer some thoughts into why the psychology professor couldn't adequately explain The Prisoner. Briefly, it's because psychology focuses on individuals, and this series is about society.
For a fuller explanation . . . I've spent the last 12 years working toward a PhD in Sociology, Because I struggle with narcolepsy, I'm settling for a MA in the subject, but I took and passed all the courses for a PhD, so I learned a lot about Sociology. There's a particular school of thought in sociology known as Symbolic Interactionism. This school of thought essentially says that we communicate through a variety of symbols; that we build our ideas of what society is and how it works around those symbols; and that those symbols are unique to a particular society. This is counter to Carl Jung's idea that symbols are universal, and so counterintuitive to many people.
Within Symbolic Interactionism is a theoretical orientation known as Social Constructionism. This theory comes down to the idea that society is mutually constructed by its participants. While the classic text defining this field of theory is "The Social Construction of Reality: A Treatise in the Sociology of Knowledge," I think it better to think of "mutually constructed social reality" because too many people seem to have the notion that we actually influence reality through the ways we think about it. But what social constructionism is actually about is how we construct our notions about what society is and how it works: it's about what we consider "commonsense" or "everyday" knowledge that "everybody knows" and "everybody accepts as true."
And here's why sociology better explains The Prisoner better than psychology can. If you look at Number Six as an individual. much about The Village makes no sense. Things seem to happen at random, and Number Six is caught up in a maelstrom of social chaos. But when you use what we refer to as your sociological imagination, you can see The Village as a reflection of the society from which Number Six came. From his London flat to what he did for a living, Number Six knew what he was doing and why. He knew who he was working for and why it mattered. He knew how to fit in. But when involuntarily thrust into a different social setting, Number Six intuitively understood that it was simultaneously similar to, yet subtly different from the society he came from. The trick, then, would be to figure out what the differences were and how to use that knowledge to his end of asserting his individuality and eventually escaping back to the social reality in which he could enjoy his personal freedom as he saw fit.
This is the journey that took Number Six to being Number One. On the way, he learned how to manipulate The Village to his advantage. You see this in "Hammer Into Anvil", as Number Six uses what he's learned of The Village's demand to be in control at all times, exemplified by Number Two's paranoia, to take revenge for the death of someone he knew and cherished. You see Number Six's growing mastery of The Village and how it worked in "The Girl Who Was Death", when at the end of the episode, Number Six turns the camera on that's been monitoring him as he tells the children a bedtime story after Number Two turned it off to deliver a final message to Number Two: "I'm aware that you've been watching -- I hope you enjoyed the story I told. Be seeing you . . . ."
The final two episodes, "Once Upon a Time" and "Fallout" show that Number Six has fully adapted to his new social reality to such an extent that he is no longer bound by it: he can recreate it in his own image, even destroying The Village if he chooses. Yet, despite doing so, he carries The Village back with him as he returns to the society he is familiar with: at the very end of the series, The Butler opens the door of Number Six's flat and follows him in, closing the door -- and the series -- behind them both. But despite being back in London, signs of The Village remain.
This is a sensation familiar to many people who have traveled abroad. My US Air Force career took me to both Guam and Okinawa. The interesting thing is that I felt more out of place on Guam than I did on Okinawa. Going to Okinawa, I knew that I was going to an island where the language, dress and customs were significantly different from what I knew in the States. But Guam was, at times, unfathomable from my Mainlander's experience -- my wife described it as being "halfway overseas". We drove on the righthand side of the road, spoke English, and used US currency. But we never really understood the people and their culture until my office got an administrator who was born on the island. So the first time I watched The Prisoner, sometime around 1984, it didn't have the impact I felt in 2017, when we watched it again on CZcams. Then, with this body of experience and education, I understood it.
I realize I've probably gone on too long, and I thank you for your indulgence. But I hope that some of what I've shared helps inform your experience of The Prisoner. In the meantime, "Be seeing you!"
@@johndemeritt3460; Interesting analysis.
I don't know enough to disagree with it.
Patrick MaGoohan (RIP), would (I think), agree with you.
I loved Guam, cared not much for Japan, but on the other hand, stayed long enough in neither to definitively make judgements.
Patrick MaGoohan pretty much explains his brain child "The Prisoner", in a 1977 Canadian TV interview which is easy to find on You Tube.
@@Johnnycdrums, thanks for your response! I'll have to look up that interview . . . do you know if it's on CZcams? If so, might you provide a link?
Thanks!
I saw on it PBS in Dallas Texas they showed episodes once a week.
Imagine a 12 year old boy seeing this summer series when it came out. Fascinating and puzzling. McGoohan a genius.
I saw as a summer replacement show when I was seven. I thought it was way cooler than STAR trek.
I was 10. It took Jackie Gleason’s program spot after he retired the Miami show. The series grabbed me from the start.
I was nine and watched every episode during its original run here in the USA.
One of the best series ever! watched this in the 90s, aged 14ish...went to port merion! Loved it! I am not a number, i am a free man!
I too am one of the people who first saw The Prisoner when it aired on US television in the summer of 1968, and to say the least, I was hooked. I had been a fan of "Secret Agent" (Danger Man) the preceding two seasons and was fascinated at how this series extrapolated the "spy" genre and then blew the lid off any other genre it might have been part of or parodied. It was intoxicating, provocative, thought provoking and caused bewilderment and fascination for years to come. After some decades of reflection, and following the ins and outs of its production, I have to conclude that "The Prisoner" is ultimately about egoism, pure and simple. Probably the best analysis of the series was done by Isaac Asimov who suggested it was the only TV series ever to be all about "failure". Congratulations on your review, I really enjoyed it.
I'm pleased someone as young as you viewed the Prisoner positively. Even Patrick McGoohan didn't like all the episodes (he was forced to make more than he wanted to). It was about the 60's. It was about rebelling against the establishment. It was about fighting for your right to be an individual against the pressure to conform, the fight I thought was lost long ago. Your review gave me hope that the fight still continues.
Quite an even-handed review. It was very enjoyable to have watched. Don't worry about feeling unsure of what you might think about the series, since my first viewing during the late 1960s left me feeling much the same way.
You may already be aware, but McGoohan had a hit series just prior to "The Prisoner", entitled "Danger Man" (in the U.K.) and "Secret Agent" (in the U.S.), in which he likewise played a government agent, John Drake. Well, many fans like to think of Number 6 as actually being Drake. For copyright purposes, McGoohan always denied it, but the conceptual through-line is just too perfect to be dismissed. Some fans may harbor differing views, but for my money, Number 6 is Drake, simple as that.
Also, it was initially McGoohan's aim to only produce a very small number of episodes. It was Lew Grade's ITC Entertainment outfit (who bank rolled the series on a handshake) that insisted there be more episodes. So, that accounts for why some were perhaps of a lesser quality than others, they literally padded the series out to please the network brass.
The episode where McGoohan was so conspicuously absent came about because an offer was made to him by MGM Studios to appear in the feature film, "Ice Station Zebra", and McGoohan literally jumped ship in order to take the job. So, he left his production partners to try and fill in the blanks on that one, casting someone else and contriving the whole mind transference idea.
During the latter half of production, Lew Grade kept asking McGoohan about his plans for ending the series, and just how he was planning on wrapping everything up, all neat and tidy. McGoohan kept insisting that he knew exactly how he was going to do it, and went along about his business until the time came to actually conclude it all. McGoohan ultimately admitted, he had no idea how to end things. He had simply lost the ability to tie everything up into a nice little bow. Hence "Fallout" being what it is, a mass of glorious confusion, with a great deal of whimsy and pinache. After it was broadcast, McGoohan was forced to leave the country with his family, because of the dissatisfaction by the public, so many of whom were likewise hoping to see how everything was going to be resolved in some kind of satisfying manner.
In the end, McGoohan largely wanted to make a very clear and very powerful statement with "The Prisoner", borne of his deep concerns regarding the prospective loss of individualism. He felt, way back then, that society was traveling down a dangerous road, and the casualties would end up being anyone who prided themselves as being their own person. Beyond that, he famously stated (when he consented to discuss the thing at all) that he very much wished for everyone to ponder the questions posed by the show and come to their own conclusions.
Well summoned up. Especially as regards the casualties.
Thanks for all the information, gothling1955!
@taylor ape The Main reason for McGoohan doing `Ice Zero` was to use his fee to help fund the finale of the Prisoner. Though Lew Grade had put a lot of ATVs cash into it, it had gone over budget-hence McGoohan taking the film part. This especially helped to finance the vast expense of final episode `Fall Out`. Until Gerry/Sylvia Anderson's 1974-76 "Space 1999" `The Prisoner` at 1967-8 was UKs costliest (Per episode) ever television production.
One irony is that when the public uproar happened with the last episode he hid in Wales in a cottage for a while.
@gothling1955: a connect between Danger Man aka Secret Agent Man is in the lyrics of the Secret Agent Man theme song by Johnny Rivers: "They've given you a number and taken away your name."
Number 2 said it best- "The Village is a model for the world order, that is my wish". (Chimes of Big Ben).
I am a big fan. I have been to Portmeirion, Wales - where the show was filmed. I visited number 6's residence in London. A BIG fan .... I am not a number, I AM A FREE MAN! The order of the episodes is related to the increasing pressure on the individual to conform to societal rules. You cannot just resign. The hand gesture at the end is meant to be the number 6.
To add to the surreal nature, the heavy metal band Iron Maiden wrote a song paying homage to The Prisoner. It opens with some of the show’s catch lines. the band was able to obtain Patrick McGoohan’s permission! “I’m not a number, I’m a free man” is major part of the refrain.
That's what hipped me to the show. Also I think some of the lyrics to Back in the Village off the Powerslave album are from the show.
That has to be the best part of that story: that McGoohan was literally called up by a hair metal band, and he approved (in his brusk way) their homage.
Maiden does two songs, back in the village is the second.
I admire a young person of 2020 watching The Prisoner. Definitely different. If you are looking for something simple to waste 60 minutes on, this isn't it. I watched this the first time on its first US run, I was 12. My dad was very into it and the many themes of individualism, autonomy, etc. We saw it again in the 80s or 90s. Unlike most TV, it gives you something to think and talk about, if you like that sort of thing (I do). Thanks for your review. Be seeing you.
Enjoyed your review. PMG poured himself into this show, it is his personal view of modern life and some statements are autobiographical. His range of emotions is breathtaking. He speaks of death often and I have only come to realize that in revisiting this series. Each show is complete, people or characters rarely reappear and I do wish some more of these could have continued. I loved THE PRISONER and am not surprised that interest in McGoohan’s masterpiece continues.
Forty years ago, when this was rebroadcast on PBS stations , there was a commentary portion at the end where the psychological aspects of the episode were explored. That helped me appreciate the series more then if I watched it only on my own. There is also a book about the series by Carraze and Oswald published in 1995 that had pictures and scripts.
Going out on a limb, my favorite episode is The Girl Who Was Death. The conceit of him telling the little prisoners a bedtime story is brilliant, as he sticks it to the current Number Two and his assistant. And the music is fantastic for this episode.
That was originally written as an episode of "Dangerman", but McGoohan like the script so much, he decided to re-tool it for "The Prisoner".
@@socoman99 Really! I'd love to see the original script.
I remember watching The Prisoner as a kid, I didn't know what the hell was going on and probably never completed the series. A couple of years ago we visited Portmeirion in North Wales where the series was made, it's a truly amazing village, if you get the chance pay it a visit, it's hardly changed from the series and I became intrigued with it. Anyway once home I binge watched all the series on CZcams and really enjoyed it, still not too sure what it was all about apart from him resigning for some unknown reason but quite entertaining. I was gutted when I discovered Patrick McGoohan (number 6) died on the 13th January 2009, there's a bust in the gardens at Portmeirion in tribute to him, a souvenir shop and a few other memories of the series tastefully done. If you visit Portmeirion chose a nice day to get the full flavour.
I really like this series, I like the strangeness. I love the village and the set designs. I want whomever designed them to build me a house. I think the sets and props are the "co-star" of this series.
The Prisoner manages to be Futuristic and Anachronistic at the same time!
I was thrilled to find your review! I'm also glad a younger person than myself enjoyed so much of the show!
One of my favorite episodes is "A, B, and C". Just for the "Dreamy Party" scene alone.
Be seeing you! 😉
I absolutely loved the show. I first saw it in the 80s and was enthralled by it.
It's a complete one-off, it's art, it's intriguing, it leaves the interpretation to the viewer and, even though it's an action adventure series, it's intelligent and asks fundamental questions about modern society.
My wife isn't so sure about it though. She enjoyed watching it but it didn't stand out for her as amazing.
Ah, you may not have enjoyed half of the episodes because McGoohan only intended the series to be 6-7 episodes, but they made him write more than double that to bulk it out. He went around asking staff about ideas they had. For example 'Living in Harmony' was suggested by one of the lighting technicians off-hand and they made it into an episode!
Also 'Do Not Forsake Me Oh My Darling' was filmed that way because Patrick had buggered off to film Ice Station Zebra and they needed to replace him for that episode.
An intelligent and articulate review of an intriging and quirky TV series.
I loved your sign off at the end. Well done
I watched the show during the pandemic quarantine, and it just fit so correctly. One day, I woke up in a world that only vaguely resembled the one from before. A force beyond my own comprehension was at work. I watched the people around me act very irrationally.
It was just the perfect show for the moment. I will definitely recommend to many of my friends.
There is nothing like it to compare The Prisoner to. It's unique
The Rule of Six sounds like something that could have been invented for the show.
It's freemason global control. Millions of people aren't even aware. THAT is the ultimate irony. You'll all wake up tomorrow thinking our world is "normal".
Instantly gripping and entertaining. I don't believe viewers are meant to get all the answers...but that's the beauty of show. Its a Zen type
riddle. Thank you for the
compriensive and insightful
review. 'Be seeing you'
I saw "The Prisoner" when it was first broadcast in the US in 1968 at 12 years of age. I fell in love with it then and I'm still a massive fan. I watch at least a few episodes every year. At age 12, I realized that someone was using television to try and communicate important ideas to me. The whole show is about the need to be careful in balancing things like freedom and liberty, national security, individuality, privacy, etc. And remember that the show was produced during a time of tremendous societal change and political upheaval.
I first saw this "The Prisoner" when it originally aired. I was 16 years old at the time, and was totally enthralled with it. I'm a contrarian by nature, and a semi-intellectual. The outlandish nature of the show hooked me immediately. Some of the slower moving episodes were not as enjoyable for me, but overall I'm a huge fan. It was so different than anything I had seen before on TV. Questions, questions, questions, but not many answers. I was always questioning, but rarely answered. I loved the final episode. It was so fun, and that is when I realized that I was not going to get any answers. I was a bit disappointed, but I still love the show. It was weird and wonderful to my then young mind!
I was 12. mind blown Then. lol!
I also was 16 when it came out and it blew me away. I still watch it and enjoy it in 2022.
An excellent overview of the series. I remembered watching it on tv when I was 13 and loved it. I was thrilled to find it on CZcams at the age of 67 and enjoyed it even more. The last episode is my favorite.
Love this series. Patrick was always a scene stealer and he was great in Secret Agent Man as well. The soundtrack has its own standout personality and adds much to the overall production. Thank you for your review and we’ll be seeing you!
Eyyyyyy! You did it. This is the content I am here for! The Prisoner is one of my fav series. In some ways, more relevant today than ever. 👌
So true. It's more revelant today than ever.
YES
"" M ylife is my own " the five words that sums up the whole series
The Prisoner is among my favourite tv shows. The issues and themes it explores are as relevant now as when it first aired, maybe more so. I love its quirkiness and its visual style. I grinned when you described it (very accurately) as “completely bonkers”!
Some episodes are more on the Bonkers scale ⚖ than others are.
@@Robert_Manners Yes some were alright, others plain awful and potty too in comparison. The Girl Who Was Death was a favourite of mine though too!
The worst part about The Prisoner is that it ended. I was intrigued by it when I was a kid, but I wasn't able to watch all the episodes due to having 4 channels back then . It is a completely different show depending on how old you are when you watch it. As an adult I realize how deep and metaphorical the subject matter is in the series overall.
Patrick lived in the street behind mine and l often met him when he was home and came to the local pub, I was on my friends speedboat when we towed the balloons in the sea.
Before The Prisoner PMG had a big hit series called Secret Agent. Such a big hit he could write his own follow up series. Hence we got The Prisoner, his acid trip/metaphor of modern Brit life. PMG did several other parts in the same line like the secret agent in Ice Station Zebra, a great cold war movie.
I only discovered The Prisoner (except for the reference in the album The Number of The Beast by Iron Maiden) on the 90's because it began to be aired in Brazil on cable. It was love at first sight: The Series, Patrick McGoogan, the Lotus 7 KAR120C (the design was licensed by Caterham and today we have the Caterham 7), all the Number 2s, the butler, the rover, all of it. Be seeing you.
How you discovered the series/show has to be one of the most unique ways to ever get to watch something I have ever heard.
I got to see it in 1992 at the age of 18 when channel 4 in the UK did a re-run. I found it truly wonderful and such a special product.
Today I have the 2009 Blu-ray release to enjoy the series when I feel like a watch.
Same here! I first properly watched the series during the C4 1992-Feb 1993 screening and turned 18 during that run. Used to put aside my A-level homework to watch those episodes. Good memories.
@@Ashworth6 It's amazing to think it's coming up to 30 years ago since that channel 4 screening.
I remember wanting to buy the VHS 📼 boxset that contained the alternative edit of the chimes of big Ben, however I was not earning enough as a student at that point in the early 1990 's to do so.
One day I was in HMV and discovered that since no one else clearly had been able to, the staff had decided to split it up into individual tapes/cases. To my amazement I found that the tape with the alternative edit on was there for a bargain price of £10. I was in shopping with a friend who called me over to look at something else. After 5 minutes I returned to pick it up and purchase it, to my surprise and disappointment it had been sold during the 5 minutes while I was away.
I had to wait until the year 2000 when I purchased the region 2 DVD 📀 release to finally get the chance to see it.
"The Prisoner" is DEFINITELY unlike anything that came before or after it. And don't worry -- to be bamboozled by "The Prisoner" is the norm. One more thing when it comes to what it's all about: "The Prisoner" is locked in the eye of the beholder. Be seeing you!
My favorite show of all time. The coolest TV show ever! I watched it's original run at age 12. The Episode Do not Forsake Me" was produced and shot as it was so that McGoohan could be off to co-star in the big budget Cold War thriller movie, "Ice Station Zebra".
If you ask me "I am a free man!" is the entire meaning of everything in this series. We must never let anyone take our freedom. Maybe number 1 must be you in charge of your own destiny. No one else.
Man,I think you nailed it! Well put.
McGoohan has stated that the whole point of the show was that he was NEVER free. Our “freedom” and autonomy is an illusion.
I will slightly disagree. While freedom is an issue, after all prisoners are by definition not free, McGoohan’s emphasis is on the state of individuality instead. Remember the actual line is, “I am not a number, I’m a free man”. Decades ago McGoohan gave an interview to Warner Troyer on Canadian television. He summed up the show thusly, “It was a place that is trying to destroy the individual by every means possible; trying to break his spirit, so that he accepts that he is No. 6 and will live there happily as No. 6 for ever after. And this is the one rebel that they can't break.” But of course the genius of McGoohan is that we can all find a different meaning in this show, one that is personal to us. How many shows can claim that?
#6 is #1 🎊 🎉
Great review of one of the most bewildering and interesting TV dramas ever made, I also agree the series could have easily done without the three weaker episodes you mentioned. Glad to see you are keeping the flame alive, well done!
One of my favorite British series. McGoohan is one intense actor. They wanted him to play James Bond but didn't want to do any movies where he would have to kiss a woman who wasn't his wife. I know a lot of people didn't like the last episode but I thought it was a great way to end the series even if it was rushed (due to the lack of time the BBC gave them to write it)
Nothing to do with the BBC Carmine! (They could never have afforded it for one) It was made for Lew grade's `Associated Television` one of the U.K commercial channels. It was at that time the most expensive U.K TV show to be made.
Yeh, I agree about the Prisoner ending being funny. The end seems to ridicule the whole serious premise and cracks me up.
I saw an interview with Patrick McGoohan talking about where he got the idea and concept and location. When he pitched to to Sir Lew Grade who was funding his popular spy series, he proposed only nine episodes as a mini-series instead of a series. Sir Lew Grade told him he needed 26 episodes so he could sell it to CBS. The settled on 17 and McGoohan said they had to really stretch to meet even that number. As much as I love the series, I think nine episodes would have been better. Thanks for your review.
7 episodes
with the final epi being the twoparter
even with 17 episodes, it became the first tv miniseries
The Village is a real place, a 50 year long project by a famous architect and I hear it's still very much the same today as it was when the show was shot. It is a neat looking place and I hope to visit there some day.
I have to be honest - I just loved The Prisoner. I saw it first when British TV repeated it back around the early 1990s.Watching your review makes me want to get out my DVD boxset and rewatch it again all these years later.
Love your close out - "be seeing you". It is classic.
As an option to view, if you can find it, Patrick McGoohan made a film co-starring and directed by Alexis Kanner (he was one of the supporting actors in the western episone) called Kings and Desperate Men. It's years since I saw it but my memory is that it is worth a watch.
The whole world is the village now , and we all live in it !
Was introduced to this as a kid by my dad in the 80's, immediately loved it. To this day its my favorite. As someone who binge watches the entire series every couple years, I'll give some advice. Look up the correct order, it was played out of order in several different ways in different countries, hence the confusion on order. But going back to the original planned order as well as context clues in the episodes there is a preferred order to watch. Next, look up interviews mcgoohan gave, there arent many as he liked to keep the mystery but there are a few that help to narrow down what he was going for. And lastly, if you are a big enough fan, rewatch many times. As i mentioned earlier, i watch the entire series every couple years, i have the dialog memorized ive seen it so many times, and i still find new bits of information, connections i didnt make before, implications of certain actions and ideas, and new ways of interepting the series. Every time i watch i pick up on something new. Be seeing you!
"Do Not Forsake Me, Oh My Darling" was shot while McGoohan was filming "Ice Station Zebra" with Rock Hudson, so Nigel Stock took over the role of No 6 to allow the episode to be made.
Loved the series! Because there are no hard and fast answers, it makes for a good time of throwing around theories (some as bizarre as the series, depending on the lateness of the hour). I believe you're right - the symbolism is a mix of the ideas you put forth in your review, and then some. Good job!
I watched The Prisoner a few years ago and I was totally bowled over by it. As a child, I only remember seeing glimpses of it as repeats were shown on TV in the late 70s, and coming to it as an adult I was uncertain what to expect. But from the first few episodes I was totally absorbed by it. Like yourself, I thought the earlier episodes were better than the latter ones, and the final three episodes in the series seemed a lot more crazy and incomprehensible than even some of the rather bizarre ones earlier on. Also, like yourself, I’d say only half of the 17 episodes were ‘good to very good’, with the remaining half being just okay. The Prisoner is totally unique and counts as one of my all time favourite series. Must add that I’m now a subscriber and love your book reviews too; all very enlightening and presented in such a way that they are interesting and easy to follow. Thanks for the wonderful review of The Prisoner.
The Prisoner had an influence on shows like Twin Peaks, even Lost.
The Keepers thought if they found out why number 6 resigned the rest would follow.
The democracy episode is one of the darkest and one of the best episodes
I believe the reason why some episodes are of poorer quality is because Patrick McGoohan only wanted to make six episodes, but Lord Grade, chairman of ITC entertainment, wanted 26 to make US syndication easier.
17 was chosen as a compromise, and the extra episodes had to be written fairly quickly.
It was quite a ride. I watched it when I was 21 (23 years ago). I got immensily hooked just on what the resolve of it all would be. The final episode, the I I I scene, the totally chaotic stuff, as if chaos was dissolving itself. I don't know, I never forgot about it, to this day. It was definitely a one of a kind watch.
I know not everyone gets it , but it is considered a classic of 60's tv and McGoohan's performance was one of the best tv performances ever . series like 'Lost' are just poor copies and others are heavily influenced by the Prisoner , not to mention the realistic future technology , wireless phones , large widescreens , cameras watching everyone all the time etc . One of the top 3 British tv series of all time .
"I will not be pushed, filed, indexed, briefed, debriefed or numbered! My life is my own."
"I am not a number, I am a free man!"
Hahahahahahahaha!
I love the Prisoner.
I had a Lotus7 because of it.
Amazing.
Loved your review of the Prisoner - the fact that you found this 60 years later and actually watched it is very impressive!!! If you can watch the TV shows "Danger Man" and "Secret Agent" I think a lot will be more clear but for someone who just found this, you're spot on with your comments and I loved your sign off - be seeing you!!!!!
You were not alone in your confusion - it was the same when it was first televised here in the UK, and I remembered seeing a few episodes at the time (I was 5). It was a show very much of its time, but I don't feel that it has lost any of its charm. Great filming, characterisations, acting, and music.
I think your assessment of the possible statements it was making were very accurate... 1967 was "The Summer of Love", and society was beginning to question authority in a way that had never been done before. The Prisoner clearly shows that 🙂
Since then I've watched the complete series twice, and I absolutely love it 😀 There's never been another show like it, and hats off to Lew Grade (boss of ITC) for giving McGoohan the chance to get it made.
And if I win the lottery, I want KAR 120C 😄😄
Great review, it is totally perceptive and fair.
Also want to give credit to the entire comment section; the top most intelligent, articulate, and polite I’ve encountered on CZcams. That’s commendable and highly appreciated
This show was running in 1967 --along with my favorite series "The Invaders"---.
It was a great show--- and in June 1968 --we saw the finally--- ALL of us. I only wish the Invaders with Roy Thinnes did too!
whatever happened to Roy Thinnes? It was an awesome series btw.
@@clinpsydoc I thjink he is still alive - but he did not age well.
I liked your review, but I have to say that I love 'Living in Harmony'! I love Westerns, and the strange ambience of the Western town set fits in well with the jarring storyline. I also like David Bauer, who plays Number 2. Other than that, I mostly agreed you. Thanks!
"Living in Harmony" is great! McGoohan once said he had always wanted to play in a Western, and he was a natural!!
A side note... Patrick McGoohan was "The Prisoner" and later he would be The Warden in "Escape from Alcatraz" kind of a role reversal. This is also seen in the 1955 movie "Blackboard Jungle" where Sidney Poiter ( a film you might want to review) was a student in a class of High School delinquents and 12 years later would become a Teacher in a London School of similar incorrigible students. I enjoyed your review of The Prisoner Jerome you do great work on all your presentations. Thank you
I watched The Prisoner when it first aired. Two key things to consider when critiquing this show is understanding the social-political context of the 1960s when it was made - and appreciating just how utterly groundbreaking it was for the late 60s.
Today there is lots of social upheaval between left and right extremes in the West, but the 1960s were also very turbulent - much of it generational - with protests and riots around the world, mainly centered on the Vietnam war. And Greece, the mother of democracy, was in the iron grip of a military dictatorship.
All this resulted in a much greater questioning of "the establishment" - ie of government and authority - while also encouraging a thirst for free will and individuality (even if all the rebels dressed and looked exactly the same!)
So it's no surprise that the key theme of the show is expressed when No. 6 cries "I am not a number - I am a free man!" - only to be met with disdainful laughter. That was very much a sign of the times. (Btw, in McGoohan's earlier Danger Man series, the episode Colony Three features a fake English village full of spies.)
To the second point, The Prisoner was the most expensive TV series of that era but it dealt with a conventional hero who rejects his own side and for his own reasons. He is a man of integrity who thinks for himself - he is not the "safe" or "predictable" hero of cowboy and detective shows or secret agent movies. No. 6's powerful personality and all the shows sci-fi trappings made it a giant cult hit.
To wrap up, I appreciate it's impossible to come to a program 50 years after it was made and totally understand the excitement it generated when it first aired. And I totally agree that many of the later episodes are filler that McGoohan was forced to make (I personally prefer to see the fantastic Once Upon a Time as the last episode).
The fact is, the 7-8 episodes that were good are very, very good - and their influence remains strong to this day.
Be seeing you.
Per usual, great review! You never fail to make me smile and laugh. I LOVED The Prisoner as a little kid. Thanks again.
Thank you!
I bought The Prisoner DVD set and there was a booklet staying in what order the episodes should be played based on dialog when an episode refers to something occurring in a previous episode. They were broadcast out of production order (referring to US broadcast). I did see the series on TV back in the Summer of 1968 on CBS.
I found "Living in Harmony" to be excellent. At any rate, "The Prisoner" was originally intended to be a mini-series with the episodes being, I believe, "Arrival, Chimes of Big Ben, Free for All, A,B,and C" and the final 2 wrap-up episodes. Sir Lew Grade in charge of production wanted a full season from McGoohan as the U.S. market at the time, (over 80 percent of the world TV market) would be difficult to sell a mini series to. IMHO, the weakest episode was "The General", while some of the "filler" episodes (such as "Checkmate") were quite at the same high standard as the main ones.
The Prisoner is like a cross between the Avengers and the Beatles Magical Mystery Tour.
As written by George Orwell
watching the beatles films in the 1980s they were just insane. However looking at them now - wow they were ahead of the curve! by about 50 years.
Except the latter was awful
I recommend The Avengers as well!
I think it has quite a bit in common with The Fugitive.
I grew up with this show kind of. I loved it when I was young. I keep meaning to watch it again. Might have to do that soon.
Very good review. From the sound of it it looks as if you have a good neutral position on things and can really break down and analyze a particular thing and explain them clearly. Never seen the show but this explains it well.
Good review! Thanks for sharing. I saw the original show when I lived back in Blighty, and well remember being totally confused along with the whole family. My favourite episode has to be "Hammer into Anvil", and my favourite character is the Lotus Seven Series II (KAR 120C) Thanks again! BCNU!
It still stands as the most brazen bit of allegorical television ever made. Mcgoohan would say if it got a reaction, good or bad, he succeeded. Your review is spot on. Those that want to dig even deeper and find stuff that probably didn't actually exist, will. Thats the fun of it.
''brazen bit of allegorical television'' is so right!
You handled this well-good job, "Jerome"! (Finally, it's something you are reviewing that I like! LOL!)
I was 10 years old when The Prisoner replaced The Smothers Brothers during the summer. We lived in one of the premier housing developments of the day called LaClede Town. It happened to be laid out like a village, so life for No. 6 in The Village was very accessible. I loved Secret Agent Man and The Prisoner seemed the logical next step though McGoohan insisted No.6 was NOT John Drake. McGoohan asked a member of Parliament what happens to spys that retire “Oh, we see that they’re taken care of.” and the premise for the series was born.
Your review was awesome! So good to see that someone else “gets it”. The best thing to come out of television, ever, as far as I’m concerned - aside from Deadwood and now Ted Lasso. Thank you!
Very, very good I completely was captivated by your reaction! I saw this series in 68 when I was but 12. Blew my teenage mind! I loved it ever since. One of the all-time original Telly program....
3:02 That roaring noise was apparently a man’s scream slowed down. That’s why it sounds so terrifying.
- I just now looked up this show and found your review.
This psychadelic mind trip of a series is one of the best I've ever seen.
Think about it: it has doubtlessly influenced current writers!
I will never cast shade on this series because of that. Because if it's indelible influence on writing.
What a wonderful review of my favorite television show! YT recommended your video to me and I really enjoyed hearing a first timer's reaction (BTW, all the episodes are available on YT). I subscribed to your channel because I think you are cute.
I was in high school when "The Prisoner" was first broadcast in the US. It came on in the same time slot as "Secret Agent" aka "Danger Man" in the UK, which it replaced in the broadcast schedule. I always assumed that Number 6 was, in fact, John Drake. In one of the early episodes, Number 6 meets one of his old colleagues in the Village hospital and he addresses the agent as the same name he was called in "Secret Agent/Danger Man". Years after "The Prisoner" was broadcast, one of the producers was asked if Number 6 really was Drake and he said, "Of course, who else could it have been?". Fun fact: Number 6's address in London was #1 Buckingham Place ( which is the real address ), which wasn't shown in detail until the last episode when Angelo Muscat, who played the diminutive butler walked into the building with the automatic door, just like in the Village. I highly recommend watching all of the episodes of "Secret Agent/Danger Man", especially before watching "The Prisoner".
My mum and I followed this avidly from week to week. My dad never quite got it. It was often a hard watch but we stuck with it, however surreal some events and speculated as to the final meaning and outcome. Then came the final programme at a time when we were visiting my Dad's parents. We made them watch it. Deary me! I mean eventually after untold argument we sort of came to a resolution come explanation albeit a depressing one but blimey McGoohan was making this well obscure and I'm not sure we were right. Looking forward to the review!
I think a lot often depended on the number two. Leo McKern is one of my favourite little mentioned actors and I'm also a big fan of Kenneth Griffith who I thought rescued The Girl Who Was Death and reappeared as The President at the end, Mary Morris and several others (eg Darren Nesbett who I occasionally ran into at a bookshop off St Martin's Lane). But it could also surprise - I mean they dragged a performance out of Patrick Cargill as an especially brutal no 2.
@@WolfGratz There was also John Sharp as the somewhat misogynist No 2.
“I’m not a number, I’m a free man!” KAR120C
I remember watching the series as a child in the 1960s. That really was a golden age for television. Another favorite from that era was The Smothers Brothers, there was Mr. Terrific, My Three Sons, Get Smart, the original Mission Impossible. Back to The Prisoner, writer George Markstein based in on a real place in Scotland called Inverlaire Lodge were WW2 agents who fouled up were sent for additional training that lasted for the duration of the war. Before they could complete their training they would be told their original mission had been scrubbed and they were training for a new one, or that they had to learn an even more complex encrypted code messaging system, etc. Anything to keep them incommunicado. There were other people kept there, Hess was rumored to be among them, or other people who either knew too much or too little secret intelligence. The Russians were reputed to have a similar 'retirement' village for elderly spies. In America, there is an AC to DC power converter station underneath a train station, and according to federal law, if an ordinary citizen stumbled into it they were to be detained for life to avoid enemy agents finding out it's location from them.
You got me hooked on my new personal fave The Fugitive, I guess another round of recs won’t kill me.
Hello from Manchester UK. The Prisoner is a triumph.
"Schizoid Man" was probably my favorite. Levels within levels.
Left hand number 6, left hand...
I remember being in college and hanging out with my professors getting buzzed on white wine and talking about The Prisoner. It's a terrific series and possibly the 2nd best TV show after Twin Peaks. It's ambiguous as all good works of art are (it allows one to project their own theories onto the series).
yes, great review ending! very fair review, and the most critical of yours i've seen. i loved a,b, and c, where they enter his dreams.
I was in my teens when I use to see my brother watching this series which, if you walk in in the middle of strikes you as madness, (people in colorful uniforms marching about chanting and rampaging) but when my brother gave me a brief run down as to what it was about I was intrigued and can say this remains one of my all time tv series favorites and to some degree a life guiding inspiration, like one other commentor mentioned ,especially in this government controlled environment in which we find ourselves.
I think the series was one of the most creative series to be aired on tv and especially considering Patrick McGoohan played a spy in a previous series, an interesting follow up to the question, what do you do with people who want to quit who have knowledge in their heads that could be harmful to the nation they work for and others. I also think the special effects were quite creative and hold up even after all these years since it's creation.
Patrick McGoohan gave an interesting interview some years later about when the series finale premiered that he had to go into hiding as the public was outraged and confused as to what it meant. Patrick's explanation was quite compelling, when he removed the final mask of the character he was chasing (to find the identity of #1) it turned out to bear his image, Patrick explained it was self explanatory. We have created the prison we find ourselves in by allowing the constant erosion of our rights by government overreach. In essence we built our own prison.
Would have loved to see your happy dance btw.
Thank you for helping me connect the dots to a very obscure Simpson's reference. Now that episode from 2000 makes much more sense! :)
An absolutely brilliant series with one of the best opening sequences and theme music ever. You can visit the beautiful village of Portmeirion in North Wales, where the series was filmed (and get out again).
A few thoughts on The Prisoner: First, as I recall, it didn't actually air from 1967 to 1968. CBS imported it and aired it in the summer of 1967, and it proved to be such an unexpected hit that they re-ran the same episodes in 1968.
Did you know that Patrick McGoohan had been considered for the roll of James Bond when they were casting Dr. No? He turned it down (I've read, though I don't know if it's true, that being a good Catholic, he found the script to be too violent, and declined).
I watched this series with my best friend when it first aired (we were 13), and both of being science fiction fans, we loved it! As you said -- some episodes are stronger than others -- but in the context of what was being offered on TV at the time, it was a smart and clever show.
It's also worth noting one theory that has always been a part of Prisoner lore: Prior to The Prisoner, McGoohan had starred in a British espionage drama, called Danger Man. This got imported to the States and aired as Secret Agent (You may know the song "Secret Agent Man," with the lyrics, "...They've given you a number, and taken away your name..."). There has always been a lot of speculation that the McGoohan character is the same, titular Secret Agent, John Drake, who -- for whatever reason -- has reached a breaking point that causes him to resign. Is he really? Who knows? But it's kinda hard not to get that impression.
Keep up the fun and interesting reviews.
This is one of my dad's all-time favorites, along with the original Outer Limits. He was ten, in 1967. So I've been well versed in The Prisoner my whole life. Not every episode is amazing, but it's cool, it's fun.
I finished watching the series today. I did find some dull moments, and in some episodes I wondered what was the point of it all. But, by and large I loved it a lot. It's now at the 3rd place of my favorite TV series after Twin Peaks and The Twilight Zone.
loved as a kid. bought the dvd series. great review and spot on.
Nowhere Man is another series to check out. It’s very similar to the prisoner as it deals in identity. Not quite as strange. It does keep you guessing until the end.
The prisoner is my favorite show along with Twin Peaks... its amazing - good job
I'm watching it for the first time...and my favorite show is twin peaks lol!
Possible order of episodes, with basic storyline divisions...
[I'm new here]...
1-Arrival
2-Dance of the dead
[Molding #6 into shape?]...
3-free for all
4-checkmate
5-chimes of big ben
(Must also see alternative episode ending to "Chimes")
6-the girl who is death
7-the schizoid man
8- many happy returns
[#6 becomes a threat to the village]...
9-The general
10-it's your funeral
11-HAMMER INTO ANVIL
[The village now willing to sacrifice #6]...
12-a change of mind
13-A,B,&C
14-living in harmony
15-do not forsake me oh my darling
[#6 is reprogrammed by The village]...
16-once upon a time
[The village plants brainwashed #6 back into the world]...
17-Fall Out
Conclusion: The Village Wins, BUT the song "Dem Dry Bones" is all about the defeated rising up again.
Remember: all you need is love.
- Be Seeing You! 👌😎
Some wonderful observations. There is a wealth of information that explains the issues with the production itself. In written form, "The Prisoner Companion" does a great job of explaining some of the things you bring up involving the production. It is meant to be art and metaphor and at its best the show succeeds wonderfully. It is, as you note, not averse to playing word games with the viewers; "Who is Number 1?" .... "You are Number 6" Or is it, "You are, Number 6." I guess that would be telling!!!!! Thanks for the fun review!
Cool. Glad you enjoyed it. I think it is a little scrappy, though it's often inspired. And I always liked McGoohan in Columbo... and didn't he directed a few episodes of that, too?
That show is completely different, thanks for sharing your review! 🙆♀️
thanks for the review, Jerome!
I was a fan of Danger Man and The Prisoner was very different and at times baffling.
The ending was unfathomable , the village was supposed to be on an island yet next minute they are driving into London .