The Therapy Zone

Symbolism

     Over the decades, much has been made of the symbolism within ‘the Prisoner’ series, and indeed I have played my part in that, and yet there is always something which remains a puzzlement.

   Take those two Pegwooden dolls seen in ‘Arrival,’ and ‘Checkmate.’ To me something is made of their appearance in the Prisoner series, as though they should have some symbolic meaning, but of what they symbolise is beyond my reasoning. It might be that they are simply used for effect! Somehow I don't think the Pegwooden doll is simply there for window decoration, or to prop a welcoming card up against.

I Have Command - Obey Me And Be Free

   Just as No.6 predicted, and indeed as he told No.2 "Everyone votes for a dictator," and so it proved to be with the electorate. But as it turned out, it is No.6 who is the dictator, trying to force his freedom on all the citizens of the village. Had it never once occurred to him that many of the good citizens of that community did not want to be free, certainly not his kind of freedom forced upon them? After all what would they do with freedom in the outside world, what is the outside world to those who have never known it?

   No.6 is a persuasive character, but is not up to the manipulation of the citizens, nor does he have the administrative ability to follow through on his policies. Nor do I think that he can be trusted!

   The Schizoid Man - No.2 has lost his agent - Curtis. He has failed to break No.6, which in itself is something of a surprise, as previous No.2's don't want No.6 broken, he doesn't want "A man of fragments!" and they most certainly must not "Damage the tissue." However, so it doesn't look too good for this particular No.2. But at least he does redeem himself to some extent, by preventing No.6 from escaping. Yet thinking about it that is but a stroke of luck! So one could call this a stalemate, a draw.

The Prisoner

   Given No.6's unusual qualities and the extent of his knowledge, especially about The Village, it's very existence and location. It is therefore not surprising then that it is necessary that he should be held in a place of confinement, and not be allowed to roam free after his sudden resignation. Such a person is extremely dangerous to the security of both the Nation and The Village.

Be seeing you