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Official Prisoner Companion

3.81 of 5 stars 3.81 · rating details · 31 ratings · 4 reviews

It is called, with deceptive simplicity, The Village. It is the world of tomorrow, or today. A man known only as Number 6 enters its storybook-like confines. He will learn, over and over again, that inside it there is no freedom, and from it there is no escape. He is without defenses, except for one invisible weapon: his uncrushable spirit.

Paperback, 256 pages

Published July 1st 1988 by Grand Central Publishing

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Feb 15, 2008 J.P. rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: fans of classic TV shows

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I read this years ago. I picked it up again recently, after receiving "The Prisoner" DVD set for Xmas.

"The Prisoner" (1967-68) is, bar none, the most intelligent, creative TV series ever produced. If you like spy stories, allegories or mysteries, "The Prisoner" is for you.

The basic premise: a nameless secret agent resigns and refuses to say why. As he prepares to leave town (London), he's knocked out by a mysterious gas piped into his apartment through a keyhole. Some time later, he wakes up--...more I read this years ago. I picked it up again recently, after receiving "The Prisoner" DVD set for Xmas.

"The Prisoner" (1967-68) is, bar none, the most intelligent, creative TV series ever produced. If you like spy stories, allegories or mysteries, "The Prisoner" is for you.

The basic premise: a nameless secret agent resigns and refuses to say why. As he prepares to leave town (London), he's knocked out by a mysterious gas piped into his apartment through a keyhole. Some time later, he wakes up---in the Village, the holiday resort from Hell. Its location is unknown. Each Village resident has a number rather than a name (the secret agent's is Number Six). Everyone is mindlessly happy and docile. The Village is run by Number Two, who is bent on learning why---"by hook or by crook"---why Number Six resigned. Number Six is just as determined to do three things: 1.) to keep his reasons for resigning to himself; 2.) to learn the identity of the Village's unseen ruler, Number One; 3.) to escape from the Village by any means possible. According to creator/star Patrick McGoohan (the original choice to play James Bond; he turned the part down, so Connery got it), the entire purpose of the show was to invite interpretation, analysis and even controversy. If you aren't familiar with "The Prisoner", do yourself a favor and check it out.

Once you've done so, check out this fine companion volume. The authors provide complete explications of all 17 episodes of this show, including some of the more obscure and easy-to-miss references (there are many). There's plenty of fascinating behind the scenes info as well, and generous illustrations (black and white). There is even an interview with the reclusive McGoohan himself.

Don't be scared off by the book's late-1980s publication date. The subject matter dealt with in "The Prisoner" was purposefully timeless. Issues such as politics, free will vs. orderly society, man's inhumanity to man and choice vs. predetermination are among the themes explored---and the authors do a great job of breaking them all down for us, episode by episode.

There's a lot to consider in any episode of "The Prisoner". This well-written, easy-to-read book helped to deepen my appreciation for this groundbreaking show. I recommend it highly.

"I am not a number — I am a free man!"
---Number Six (less)

1 like · like · see review

Mark I used to love this show, and you have inspired me to check it out again and put this book on my list. And let's not forget the creepiest guardian eve...more
15 de Feb 10:12

J.P. Mark:

Thanks for your comment. I'm glad you've decided to check out the book, and reacquaint yourself with "The Prisoner". Ah, for the days when TV was...more
19 de Feb 11:57

J.P. Dave:

Thanks for your comment. Yes, as a matter of fact, the authors of THE PRISONER COMPANION, White & Ali, do address that question in the book....more
updated 19 de Feb 12:15

May 19, 2012 Paul rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: misc

Number Six : Where am I?

Number Two : On Goodreads.

Number Six : What do you WANT?

Number Two : Reviews.

Number Six : Whose SIDE are you on?

Number Two : That would be telling. We want reviews...

Number Six : You won't GET them!

Number Two : By hook or by crook, we will! The butcher with the sharpest knife has the warmest heart.

Number Six : Who are you?

Number Two : I am the new Number Two.

Number Six : Who is Number One?

Number Two : You are Number Six.

Number Six : WHO IS NUMBER ONE ?

Number Two : Questi...more

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Apr 16, 2008 Bobby rated it 1 of 5 stars

I hate it. You who rate it 5-stars are mere idolaters of individualism. Those who truly understand Patrick McGoohan's message must now reject it if they hope obtain unadulterated non-conformity!

Kill your gods! Kill your teachers! Become your own person and don't listen to me!

1 like · like · see review

Jan 20, 2013 Mike Jensen rated it 3 of 5 stars

The information this book gives you about the series is great, but they shy away from interpretation and depth. Since this show seemed so deep, I wanted more. The safe road which is better than getting it wrong, but the book is still a disappointment. Worth reading for facts, more than ideas.

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Feb 02, 2013 Bob Schnell rated it 4 of 5 stars

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Jan 18, 2013 Chris Ogle rated it 3 of 5 stars

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Dec 23, 2012 Jason rated it 4 of 5 stars

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Jul 30, 2012 Al rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

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