What's That No.6 Up To?

    Here we see Number Six having just returned from taking part in the round............. well we're not to sure where the 'round the what' race took place, because we don't know where the Village is! But it would seem that the Stone Boat is good in any weather, and that Number Six had a good trip, apparently finishing fifth in his class. Here Number Six is about  to address those who were at the quayside to welcome his happy return, and a tremendous victory, seeing as how Number Six now enjoys a new found freedom in the Village, in front of the lights and cameras of Pathe news.
BCNU

The Therapy Zone

   “Address us….a true statement which could only be yours, but for us”

“I feel that despite the devolution  of the pound, nevertheless…..”

   It is such a pity is it not, that 'Sir' was never given the chance to address the assembly in the proper manner. That he was shouted down by members of the assembly at each attempt of his speech. After all the youthful and rebellious No.48 was given the opportunity to state his case before the assembly, even if it was only to run around causing chaos, and then to bring even more chaos to the members of the assembly by singing "Dem Bones."

   And then came the 'late' No.2, an established member of the establishment who turned on the hand that fed! He was allowed to address the assembly, not only that, but to be able to speak his mind.

  But 'Sir' was a different kettle of fish. His words could not be allowed to be heard, either that or they just didn't want to hear! But then what would 'Sir's' words have been, apart from telling the assembly exactly what he thought of their village and the proceedings of Fall Out. What would McGoohan have actually said if he had put his mind to it? I suppose that McGoohan saw the possibility of giving too much away if he had written a speech such as Leo McKern's. So he couldn't allow the Prisoner to speak, or at least his words to be heard by the viewer. And what we do hear is made up "I feel...." "I feel that despite the devaluation of the pound, nevertheless......." And "I'm pissed off" can be lip read at the end of 'Sir's' ranting!

  So whatever the Prisoner was going to tell the assembly, you can bet your bottom dollar that he was going to give them a mouthful, just as he had done to the man sitting behind the desk in that office during the opening sequence to the Prisoner. And you can be sure that it won't be too long before he does it all over again!

BCNU

A Favourite Moment Comes In The Prisoner when..........

..................In A B and C No.6 pours his drugged nightcap of hot chocolate into the sink. Then having filled a glass of water from the cold tap, he takes a sip, smacks his lips, and turning collapses on the floor. Leaving the television viewer wondering if it was the water or not!      Be seeing you........but whatever you do, don't drink the water!

Thought For The Day

    The Balloon - Rover: symbolises repression and guardianship of corrupt authority which, when corrruption is finally overcome, disintegrates.         {from the guidelines for the Prisoner series}

   So, is that what Rover is at the end of Fall Out, disintegrating because the repressive authority, and corrupt guardianship of the Village has finally been overcome? Could be, and if it is, I've never quite looked at it that way before.  Be seeing you.

Arts And Crafts

    The Village!

BCNYOU

Collectors Corner

    Here is a collector's item, although from time to time there are plenty of them about, it's just that they exceed the price I wish to pay, that's why there is not one of these record albums within my collection. Although I do have the self same recod album in my collection, but without the 'gate-fold' bars. I did go after this one on ebay yesterday, but was out bid. Oh well, better luck next time.   Be seeing you

The Therapy Zone

 Had The Prisoner Learned Nothing At The End Of His Ordeal?

   It has been said that you can put the order of episodes in the correct sequence judging by the development of the Prisoner's character. But does the character of No.6 actually change that much during the 16 episode ordeal?

   At the beginning the Prisoner is confused, angry and aggressive towards his captors. He rejects both the village and his number, refuses to settle down and join in. He stubbornly refuses to conform to the rules of the society of the village.

   Of course the Prisoner attempts to escape, he even pokes his nose in where it has no concern. He becomes involved with a fellow citizen, No.12 of administration, and conspires to bring down the General, and the project of Speedlearn. Takes it upon himself to take out revenge on No.2. To stop an assassination/execution of a retiring No.2, and thereby saving the community from mass reprisals, a never to be forgotten deterrent. But then he becomes a loner again, preferring his own privacy in the woods as he works out in his own private gymnasium.

   But there are times when No.6 does accept the village, the village which looks after him, feeds him, gives him a credit card, looks after his health and welfare. He joins in, he plays chess with fellow citizens down at the old people's home, Kosho in the village gymnasium. He obliges No.118 by sitting to have his portrait painted, and when he sees this abstract, he says it's a perfect likeness. Was No.6 simply humouring the artist, or is No.6 really something of an abstract character?

   Either way, by the time of Fall Out it appears that the character of the Prisoner has learned nothing whatever, he's just as stubborn at the end as he was at the beginning, in rejecting the offer of ultimate power, and that of his future as a PRISONER. And perhaps the same can be said of McGoohan since his experience of doing the Prisoner, he only achieved in making people angry, mad at him. No person can be completely free, but in the case of the Prisoner he seems to have done nothing to come to an understanding of what the village is, why he was there, which side runs the village. Or then again perhaps he knew all along, after all he knew that No.9 had been assigned to him during his Arrival, he knew about the system "Degree Absolute", and he knew who No.2 was "I know you. In my mind, in my mind... you're smart!" And in that perhaps McGoohan was attempting to out-smart us all, nice try Pat. Better luck next time

Be seeing you... won't I?