Arrival saw the Prisoner abducted to the village soon after his act of resignation. He was given an aerial tour of the village, and there was a hint of a possible positing of authority. He was warned that if he did not give them what they wanted, that they would take it. He was numbered, attempted to escape, twice, and was allowed to keep the electro pass just to remind him that escape is not possible.
‘The Chimes Of Big Ben’ saw a winked blind surveillance eye on the part of No.2, although he wasn't missing out, because Nadia was surely keeping No.2 well informed. And even if she wasn't, only a blind man could not see what No.6 was up to in building that boat of his.
This was an attempt to extract the secret of No.6's resignation, this by introducing an old colleague.... the Colonel. But due to an error on the part of Post 5, in not having adjusted the time of his wrist watch, No.6 was able to see through the attempt just in time one might say. Depending of course which side you are on.
‘A B and C’ saw another attempt to discover the reason for No.6's resignation. Again it was a failure brought about by the doctor not informing No.2, that whilst in the laboratory No.6 had opened his eyes for a moment and had seen the doctor. There seemed little in this episode for No.6, unless it was the change of scenery that did him a bit of good! But even then he wasn't really in the party spirit! Whilst the Village authorities achieved absolutely nothing at all.
Free For All an election period for the village, not that there's too much democracy to be enjoyed in the village. but No.6 just could not resist the chance to run for office, well he might as well while he was waiting! But he might have know it was all a fix, but No.6 is never one to let any such opportunity pass him by. What was achieved here was a demonstration, that they have many ways and means, but that they don't wish to damage No.6 permanently. In this they have taught No.6 a hard lesson, in that this is only the beginning!
‘The Schizoid Man’ is another attempt to extract the reason behind No.6 resignation, it is a failure for No.6, with the only saving grace in that No.6 did not actually manage to pull of an escape!
‘The General’ the first episode that does not involve No.2 directly with No.6, well not until No.6 concerns himself with "the General" that is. Speedlearn is an experiment in education, using the citizens of the village as guinea pigs.
This might be seen as a failure for No.2 and the experiment of Speedlearn, the destruction of the computer "the General" and the death of the Professor all due to the intervention of No.6. Although a failure for No.2 himself, this is more likely to be simply a set back for the Village authorities and the experiment of Speedlearn.
‘Many Happy Returns’ is a much simpler lesson for No.6. In that the village demonstrates that wherever he goes, whatever he does he is always under surveillance from agents of the village. That he can be extracted and brought back to the village at any time, that there is no escape!
‘ Dance of the Dead’ is a trial for No.6 in itself, as he is put on trial for a breach of the rules. In that he was in possession of a radio set! He is sentenced to death in the name of the people, the people are to carry out the sentence in the name of justice. However the death sentence is never carried out. No.6 discovers a tele-printer in a very elaborately decorated and furnished room. He rips out both the wiring and paper from the very heart of the tele-printer in a frenzy of destruction, yet the machine begins its typing despite the damage. Despite everything, they never win. Then how very uncomfortable for you old chap! Thus is the demonstration made by the village administration, as they see No.6 having a future with them.
‘Checkmate’ and at last an escape attempt by No.6 and other selected men who No.6 and the Rook can trust. A game of psychology played by both the doctors at the hospital and No.6. and it would have worked to. However at the end of the day it all comes down to a question of trust, as the Rook puts to No.6 his own tests and find him out to be one of them! Pity, the escape attempt might have succeeded.
‘Hammer Into Anvil’ No.2 a weak link in the chain of command waiting to be broken. And he was, he played into the hands of No.6 simply because he would not trust those closest to him, No.14 for example.
‘It’s Your Funeral’ and an assassination plot, or rather an execution of a No.2 who is set to retire, but as a pawn is about to render one final act for the village which he has already done so much for. Of course it is the heir presumptive who is carrying out the orders of No.1. Overseeing the execution and the mass reprisals which are to follow, as never to be forgotten deterrent. That is until the involvement of No.6, and the heir presumptive-the new No.2 has only himself to blame for this failure!
‘A Change of Mind and the threat of Instant Social Conversion for No.6 who has been posted as being unmutual! Of course this is an empty threat, and No.6 is simply being kept heavily tranquillised. This in order t make No.6 believe that he has actually undergone the process of Instant Social Conversion. but No.2 has the tables turned on him, because like some of his predecessors he is too over confident.
‘Do Not Forsake Me Oh My Darling’ is concerned with finding Dr. Jacob Seltzman, and the only person who knows where he is, because he is the last man to have had contact with him, is No.6! But it is not No.6 this time who turns the tables on No.2, but Dr. Jacob Seltzman himself!
‘Living In Harmony’ and yet another failure for No.2 who will have to pay for this just like those of his predecessors. Perhaps a little too elaborate a plan, which seems to have worked before. But you cannot make provision for the human element of involvement can you?
‘The Girl Who Was Death’ is a fairy story told by No.6 to three children in the nursery. But they are not the only ones listening in. So are No.'s 2 and 10. "Well it was worth a try Number.2," but No.6 wouldn't drop his guard with his won Grandmother! Oh well goodnight children everywhere.
‘Once Upon A time’ No.2 was a good man, is a good man. But if they can get No.6 he will be better! One week, one teeny weenie week and that would be enough for anybody, especially if they have problems of their own, as indeed did No.2! The better man emerged victorious, but didn't seem happy somehow with the result did he? It seems there had been a building of a relationship between the two. certainly there was the rapport and relationship between the two during The Chimes of Big Ben. Well that was only to be expected I suppose, and No.2 did tell the Butler
‘Fall Out’ another utter disaster for the villages administration. No.6 refusing the offer of ultimate power, mass evacuation of the village and the loss of the rocket and No.1 into the bargain! doesn't look good does it? What was it that retiring No.2 told No.6 that time..... oh yes..... "You've never understood us number 6... we never fail!"
You can't blame a man for being over confident in the system, but where is the victory here?
Be seeing you
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