THE UNMUTUAL PRISONER ARTICLE ARCHIVE
THE PRISONER AND DANGER MAN - AN INTEREST
by Annonnee
Moosee
©2018
I watched The Prisoner when I was young (first run). As a young fan of all things
sci-fi and otherwise unusual, I must admit to not really understanding the show
at that age. But even so, I found The Prisoner fascinating in its own right.
Just recently I had the opportunity to watch all 17 episodes. My favorite is undoubtedly “Hammer into Anvil”. Afterward, it got me to thinking this concept of turning the tables on number two could easily have been used on subsequent number twos, or even on the entire Village. While later number twos would surely have read number six’s dossier, including the outwitting of a previous number two, I think number six was certainly clever enough to continue the ruse in even more creative ways.
Everyone is susceptible to doubt. Given the appropriate mental manipulation/conditioning, anyone can be made to doubt their own beliefs. Especially in today’s world, where lies have become the new norm. What is truly true and which facts are absolute? “Alternative facts”? “Truth isn’t truth”? Once a person begins to doubt his/her own reality, virtually anything becomes questionable. Especially in the spy business, where the observers’ duty is analyzing and questioning the motives and actions of others. Misdirection. Obfuscation. Manipulation. Paranoia runs deep, especially when you’re conditioned to expect it.
“What do you want?”
“Information”
Let the recipient try to discern facts from fiction. Too much “information” can be far worse than none at all. “Follow the white rabbit” ...if you dare!
But what I really wanted to mention is that I’ve recently begun to watch Danger Man. Did you notice the early use of the “Be seeing you” phrase in a few of the earliest episodes? I think always uttered by only the John Drake character, if I’m not mistaken. Curious! Whenever I get the chance, I watch Danger Man/Secret Agent. I’m old enough to remember the popular song at the time. The song ties nicely into The Prisoner. “They’ve given you a member, and taken ‘way your name.” vs “ I am not a member — I am a free man!“
I find Danger Man quite
enjoyable. Especially good considering its time. Most US stuff back then was
“campy” at best. Now I’m almost finished watching—currently
watching season three. Patrick McGoohan was quite talented, wasn’t he?
I understand he turned down being the first James Bond, partly because he felt
it wasn’t family oriented enough for his tastes. In Danger Man, he’s
unarmed and doesn’t jump in bed with every pretty face he encounters.
He definitely didn’t fit the Hollywood mold.