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Saturday 14 July 2012

It’s All In The Series

     With ‘The Prisoner’ and we can sit back in our comfortable armchair, in the relative comfort of our homes and enjoy watching a series which has captivated thousands over the decades, and still does today. Why? Well probably because its all happening to someone else. It wouldn't be so funny if it were happening to you, would it now? If it did you would probably see yourself in No.6's shoes, well you wouldn't be quite that, would you? And there are those of you who would not be abducted, but be taken to the village of your own volition, perhaps seeing yourself as No.2. Not as an ordinary citizen then? I suppose it all depends on what you have to offer the community, as a gardener, electrician, postman, window cleaner, they are just as important to the community as anyone else you know. Well you wouldn't want to be in old Roland Walter Dutton's shoes now would you? Because look what happened to him. Dutton told them all he had to know, but the doctor didn't believe him, and by the time he did, it was all too late. And you wouldn't want that happening to you, would you now?
   Yet the Prisoner can be a joy to watch, and I think that the episode of ‘The Chimes of Big Ben’ is probably the most enjoyable to watch of all the 17 episodes. Why? Well there's that rapport between No.6 and No.2 to enjoy. The fact that No.6 thinks he's being so clever in carving out that hull of a boat out of a tree trunk, and putting it together with two other pieces, on display at the "Arts & Crafts" exhibition for all the citizens to see. No.6 thought No.2 didn't know what he was about, but No.2 was playing No.6 for a fool, as he knew what No.6 was about all the time.
   If there is anything which can only be fully enjoyed the once during ‘The Chimes of Big Ben’ it is the moment No.6 realises what time it is, that Big Ben has just struck eight, that No.6's watch says eight. The watch given to him by a man in Poland, where there is one hours difference between English and Polish time! And that moment after the Butler has set out the tea things on the table in No.2's office - the Butler wheels away his tea trolley, and as he does No.2 looks at his manservant he shivers - have you noticed that? Well perhaps you will the next time you watch ‘The Chimes of Big Ben.’

    If you're quiet you can just hear the chimes of Big Ben. If you live or work in London, you can hear them all the time......... be seeing you.

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