Thursday, 26 September 2013

The Prisoner -A Self-Questionnaire

Favourite episode..... ‘Arrival’ because it sets the scene perfectly for what is about to come. Proving that there is no escape from the village. Its frightening, because of the white membranic guardian "Rover." The beauty of the village is displayed perfectly, such is the charming, picturesque Italianate village that can be ever so quite and tranquil, its facade hiding the awful truth behind the village.

Favourite Number 2...... No.2 of ‘The Chimes of Big Ben,’ and ‘Fall Out,’ because of the rapport he shares with No.6. The one to one trial between No.2 and No.6 in Once Upon a Time is pure genius and works so well between the two men who come to like one another.

Least favourite episode...... ‘Do Not Forsake Me Oh My Darling’ my least favourite episode, becasue there are too many holes in the episode, too many imponderables!

Favourite female character..... Nodia-No.8 of ‘The Chimes of Big Ben,’ Nadia has a certain sex appeal, is very attractive and a woman whom No.6 might have found himself in a relationship with. Certainly Nadia-No.8 enjoyed a certain relationship during their time in the village. Yet in the end Nadia was a plant, who actively betrayed No.6, which does not turn me away from this character.

Least favourite female character...... Where do I begin? No.240-the observer in ‘Dance of the Dead,’ the doctor-No.22 in ‘Checkmate’.... that's two!

Favourite male character....... I would say the Prisoner-No.6 but that's both a bit too obvious and boring. So I plump for No.2 of ‘The Chimes of Big Ben,’ ‘Once Upon a Time’ and ‘Fall Out.’ Second favourite male character No.2 of ‘A B and C’ and The General.
Least Favourite male character....... the doctor No.40 of ‘Dance of the Dead.’
A favourite scene of any three episodes........ ‘A B and C’ when No.2 realises that he has failed, and that No.6 succeeded. Its Your Funeral the opening scene between No.6 and No.50-Monique. ‘Hammer Into Anvil’ between No.2's assistant No.14 and No.6; "You're a troublemaker Number six. Do you know what I'd like, really like? To dust you down, I'd really enjoy it."
Is there anyone in the Village we should feel sorry for........ the Professors wife. I find the final scene of ’The General’ when No.6 returns to the Professors house where his widow is sitting out on the veranda. At that moment the Professors widow makes for a very sad figure, and what's more she is now all alone in the Village, with no one to protect her, save possibly for No.6. But perhaps in time her pain will ease, after all she is an artist and therefore may make herself useful in the Village, Arts and crafts perhaps, art exhibitions maybe. One thing is certain, the Professors widow would not be allowed to leave the village!

A definitive moment of the Prisoner........ This has to be the unmasking of No.1.

B e seeing you

2 comments:

  1. Dear David
    Here are some of my answers to the above questions – I can’t resist a Prisoner questionnaire (even though they are supposed to be a burden to others, ha, ha!).
    My favourite episodes: I have 3 very favourite eps: Arrival (because it’s the most perfect episode ever & the best No.2), Hammer into Anvil (because it’s one where he wins, good storyline & characters, and I like the music!), and Dance of the Dead (deep, dark & mysterious). Overall I like the village-based episodes best.
    Favourite Number 2: Guy Doleman, Arrival.
    Least favourite episode: Do Not Forsake Me… Funny how this episode always draws the short straw in polls. To me it doesn’t fit in with the rest, just a very straightforward (and at times boring) spy story. Lacks the wit and depth of the other episodes. Also explains too much about his past – I like a man of mystery!
    Favourite female character: Nadia (of course!). And Sonia – would like to have seen more of her in the series.
    Least favourite female character: Janet. Like you say, she’s just not his type. And also I would have preferred No.6 to be unattached as it would have added to his mystery.
    Favourite male character (apart from No.6 & Guy’s No.2!). Probably No.14 in Hammer and No.12 in the General. Also No.100 in Its your Funeral. They are all interesting characters.
    Least Favourite male character: Second No.2 in Arrival – he totally lacks the wit, charm and good manners of his predecessor.
    A favourite scene of any three episodes: Dance of the Dead - scene on beach at sunset; Hammer – No.6 catches the pigeon to send a message, Change of Mind – when No.6 is declared unmutual and wanders around the woods lonely as a cloud watching the geese fly by. Also, I like the scenes in Chimes when he’s talking to No.2 – I just love his cocky attitude “I’d like to be the first man on the moon”,(swoon!)
    Is there anyone in the Village we should feel sorry for? Yes, lots - the White Queen and Rook in Checkmate, Dutton in Dance of the Dead, No.12 in the General to name a few.
    A definitive moment of the Prisoner; in Arrival when No.6 realises he’s not going anywhere! Also Hammer as he realises he can beat the village in some ways.

    Be seeing you!
    Nadia
    x

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    Replies
    1. Dear Nadia,
      Thank you for a wonderful response, and for taking the time to go into such detail, and for sharing your thoughts with us all.

      Very best regards
      David
      BCNU

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