On a very basic level, the series is the story of an ex-secret agent held against his will in a bizarre village where his former employers attempt to determine the reason for his resignation. But one glance at the audaciously stylised title sequence and it's clear The Prisoner represents much more. The dialogue is so sharp it's a surprise the celluloid wasn't sliced to shreds and the vivid visuals are more art house cinema than archive TV. The show emerges as a rich, absorbing allegory investigating the nature of government, media and the individual.
The charismatic central character, known simply as 'Number 6', constantly endeavours to escape or destroy the Village from within, all the time resisting the probing persecutors who, with varying degrees of cruelty, attempt to take his secrets and his individuality. All their efforts to make this Everyman figure conform are met with a strong, thoughtful defiance. "I am not a number," he repeatedly declares, "I am a free man."
Despite the eye-catching scenery of Portmeirion, where much of the series was shot, and a host of excellent guest stars, Patrick McGoohan's contribution proves the most potent ingredient in this curious cocktail. After co-creating The Prisoner, the American-born actor scripted and directed several episodes in addition to serving as executive producer and, of course, starring as the eponymous lead.
He guides the show as if he's playing poker, never letting the audience guess his intentions and remaining straight-faced throughout the most outrageous gambles. The Prisoner frequently switches genre, veering from science fiction to surrealism, traditional spy fiction to post-modern Western. But each approach follows the same narrative concern of 'Number 6' versus the Village and each is intelligently handled, ensuring that the series never lapses into a pointless procession of outré images.
A cult classic for over three decades, The Prisoner unquestionably retains its ability to captivate.
Gavin Collinson
The bespectacled, bald-headed man to whom McGoohan's character proffers his resignation is George Markstein, the script editor for the majority of episodes.