I am Number 2 - You are Number 6

[ITSec]

And this is Number 50.

Fifty years, that is, since filming began for one of the most intelligent, most intriguing, and no question the strangest of all spy thrillers to be seen on television. http://www.bbc.com/news/in-pictures-37232329 There was never any question that Patrick McGoohan was an exceptional actor, but when Danger Man (Secret Agent in the US, complete with a new hit theme by Johnny Rivers) segued into The Prisoner, McGoohan's imagination and writing ability went over the top.

"They've given you a number, and taken 'way your name"... and the only thing more mysterious than the Rovers, or the odd bit of coastal somewhere that was The Village, or even the idea that a penny-farthing could have a sunshade, was the identity of Number One.

Releases of episodes began in Britain a year later, and in the US in 1968 - so we can spend the next two or three years examining, appreciating, re-watching, and arguing the meaning of the last bizarre episode of the scant 17 hours of this show.

"Be seeing you!"

[LowRyter]

[Dofin]

 

[LowRyter]

[normzone]

Well, THERE'S  song that the opening guitar line will be going through my head as I try to go to sleep tonight. Not complaining, thought. That lick was part of the rites of passage for kids with their first electric guitars back around 1966-67.

[azguzzirep]

My brother has one of those. 1964 Lotus  Super Seven.

[Arizona Wayne]

My brother has one of those. 1964 Lotus  Super Seven.

Didn't recognize it as a Lotus 7 with the frontal angle and license plate on the radiator grill. 

[not-fishing]

Yes I lusted for a Lotus 7 for many decades after seeing that show then a friend told me they ride like buckboards.  and I like Italian suspensions

Still I have the disks which along with other shows like "Have Gun Will Travel" which are good to watch again after many decades.  It's all about the story...... 

  and they are watching

[Zoom Zoom]

The Prisoner was remastered several years ago and released on Blue Ray. Bought it right away.

John Henry

[Aaron D.]

'Twas my favorite TV show for a long time.

[twhitaker]

One of my favorites until Emma Peal came along.

[Penderic]

I thought 6 would have thought of a way to attack that "rover" balloon some how! A little disappointed, Patrick.

[ITSec]

I thought 6 would have thought of a way to attack that "rover" balloon some how! A little disappointed, Patrick.

Ahhh, but that's the point - he was showing that against some forces even the most capable man might be powerless!

[JeffOlson]

I love that show! I have it on DVD or Blueray (I have forgotten which). It is time for another binge...

[LowRyter]

I'd like to see all those "Secret Agent Man" shows again.  No. 6 was either that same guy, John Drake, or not, depending on who you believe.  I think those shows were probably hidden gems but I don't remember them.  But I saw "The Prisoner" many times including the recent remake.

I wonder if "Secret Agent Mam" is on netflicks or something?

[rboe]

Wow! I have heard of and used to watch (and bought the CD collection) but was not aware of this other previous show. Thanks!!! 

[LowRyter]

Wow! I have heard of and used to watch (and bought the CD collection) but was not aware of this other previous show. Thanks!!! 

and of course.  the song:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6iaR3WO71j4

[ITSec]

I'd like to see all those "Secret Agent Man" shows again.  No. 6 was either that same guy, John Drake, or not, depending on who you believe.  I think those shows were probably hidden gems but I don't remember them.  But I saw "The Prisoner" many times including the recent remake.

I wonder if "Secret Agent Mam" is on netflicks or something?

I thought the remake was actually fairly good, but definitely a different show.

The original series is available on Amazon Video, but not on Netflix right now. Not sure about other streaming services...

There's no question that John Drake was the character that was called Number 6 - several of the books referred to Number 6 by name as 'Drake'. That may not have been McGoohan's intent (he did prefer uncertainty), but his co-writers and producers seem to have been clear.

As for the other question, after all - there is only one person who truly cannot be allowed to resign, and for whom any measures might be taken to retain. 

[Zoom Zoom]

What recent remake???

John Henry

[Lannis]

and of course.  the song:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6iaR3WO71j4

NOW it makes sense.   All these years I thought it was "Secret Asian Man".   I wondered what the big secret was ....

[sbaker]

Who is number 1?
You are number 6
I am number 2

[oldbike54]

 So who's on first ?

 Dusty

[ITSec]

What recent remake???

John Henry

AMC did it a few years back - see https://www.amazon.com/Prisoner-Miniseries-Jim-Caviezel/dp/B002U0KHNS/ref=sr_1_2?s=movies-tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1473224008&sr=1-2&keywords=the+prisoner

It had some of the feel, many of the characters, a few other similarities - and a very different take on the concept. As I mentioned, I thought it was a worthwhile watch, but it (wisely) didn't try to be the original, redux.

[wil b.]

"The Prisoner" one of the best shows ever. I accidentally stumbled across in my college days.  There's also a Simpsons episode where Homer is on the island with Number 6!

Wil B.
Broadview, IL

[redrider]

I was also hooked on the British TV offerings and still watch whenever they appear. How's about The Saint? I remember Roger hitching a ride in the Kestrel, Harrier progenitor. Clever editing. Of course, now I have the ear worm of the into to deal with for a few days.

[ScepticalScotty]

Never saw the Prisoner but I have been to where it was made - Portmeirion on the Welsh coast.

I have a great appreciation for the Quatermass movies...if anyone knows those. especially Quatermass & the Pit and the second one...The Quatermass Experiment?

And of course Dr Who, Space 1999 and The Thunderbirds!!!

F.A.B.

[redrider]

Captain Scarlet, Atragon and something from second grade I cannot remember. I had the toy though-it looked like an x15 with side by side seating in the cockpit. Later, I had a Jimmy Jet.

[ScepticalScotty]

And of course this had me spellbound at the time!!!

https://youtu.be/8CvURidpkCY

[ITSec]

And of course this had me spellbound at the time!!!

https://youtu.be/8CvURidpkCY

I couldn't get past the funny pink wigs...