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I Am (Not) a Number: Decoding The Prisoner
The enormously puzzling TV series The Prisoner has developed a rapt cult following, and has often been described as “surreal” or “Kafkaesque.” In I Am (Not) a Number , Cox takes an opposing view. While the series has surreal elements, he believes it provides the answers to all the questions which have confounded who is Number 6? Who runs The Village? Who—or what—is Number 1? According to Cox, the key is to view the series in the order in which the episodes were made, not in the order of the UK or US television screenings. In this book he does exactly that, and provides an entirely original and controversial “explanation” for what is perhaps the best, and certainly the most perplexing, TV series of all time.
- GenresNonfictionTvFilm
206 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
May 21, 2025
Excellent short analysis of what is actually going on in the surrealist series that what was really 'our' Twin Peaks; written with style and where appropriate, anger, by the 90s film TV guy who directed Repo Man. Very good on the series' strengths, the moments in which it is silly, the moments in which it is enduringly brilliant, and on the complexities of the main character, with a 'well, duh' explanation of what/who is 'Number 1'.
June 8, 2018
A very short book, but quite a good one for fans of the original television series, THE PRISONER. The writer sets forth on the task of “decoding” the secrets of a series that has baffled aficionados for decades. His approach is remarkably simple ... watch the episodes in the order in which they were filmed, not the reshuffling that went on afterwards for broadcast.
At first blush, this would seem to be too easy. However, the writer has a very valid point. How much more difficult is it to decipher a challenging series that demands viewer attention when the episodes are shown out of sequence? (The enigmatic Patrick McGoohan as star, producer and occasional writer and director always maintained that all of the answers you seek about THE PRISONER are contained within the episodes!)
For the most part, these were not stand alone episodes. They did provide answers when taken in sequence and, while I don’t agree entirely with Alex Cox’s interpretations (he tends to dismiss as anomalies those moments that don’t support his position regarding The Prisoner’s profession), he really did open my eyes to things I’d completely missed even after multiple viewings (albeit out of sequence).
The sole argument I have with his approach of watching in filmed order is placing the episode, Once Upon A Time, in position 6 of the total 17 episodes instead of in its traditional position as the penultimate episode. For me, it is obviously designed to set up the final episode and really makes no sense appearing much earlier in the sequence. Otherwise, the clarity watching in filmed order adds to the series is amazing.
There are other books that detail the goings-on behind-the-scenes of the series and you’ll need to read one of them for a more thorough understanding of the turmoil that was present. Incidents are mentioned in this book, but do not go into much depth.
Every once in a while, a television series is mentioned as being transformative and elevating television into the realm of Art. I’ve heard this said of DOWNTON ABBEY and THE SOPRANOS, although TWIN PEAKS is usually the most universally acclaimed title for that distinction. Before them all, though, was THE PRISONER. Those of us who watched it when it was first broadcast (minus one episode that the networks thought didn’t fit) realized that we were witnessing something unlike anything we’d ever seen before. It was ... and still is ... amazing to watch.
At first blush, this would seem to be too easy. However, the writer has a very valid point. How much more difficult is it to decipher a challenging series that demands viewer attention when the episodes are shown out of sequence? (The enigmatic Patrick McGoohan as star, producer and occasional writer and director always maintained that all of the answers you seek about THE PRISONER are contained within the episodes!)
For the most part, these were not stand alone episodes. They did provide answers when taken in sequence and, while I don’t agree entirely with Alex Cox’s interpretations (he tends to dismiss as anomalies those moments that don’t support his position regarding The Prisoner’s profession), he really did open my eyes to things I’d completely missed even after multiple viewings (albeit out of sequence).
The sole argument I have with his approach of watching in filmed order is placing the episode, Once Upon A Time, in position 6 of the total 17 episodes instead of in its traditional position as the penultimate episode. For me, it is obviously designed to set up the final episode and really makes no sense appearing much earlier in the sequence. Otherwise, the clarity watching in filmed order adds to the series is amazing.
There are other books that detail the goings-on behind-the-scenes of the series and you’ll need to read one of them for a more thorough understanding of the turmoil that was present. Incidents are mentioned in this book, but do not go into much depth.
Every once in a while, a television series is mentioned as being transformative and elevating television into the realm of Art. I’ve heard this said of DOWNTON ABBEY and THE SOPRANOS, although TWIN PEAKS is usually the most universally acclaimed title for that distinction. Before them all, though, was THE PRISONER. Those of us who watched it when it was first broadcast (minus one episode that the networks thought didn’t fit) realized that we were witnessing something unlike anything we’d ever seen before. It was ... and still is ... amazing to watch.
November 14, 2017
After reading some reviews, I was aware that this was a less-than-accomplished book on The Prisoner. But I had thoroughly enjoyed Alex Cox' previous book "10,000 ways to die," a wonderful story of the spaghetti western, so I decided to give it a go. The book turned out as I expected: a very estimulating but very flawed take on the series. Exactly like Cox's filmography.
The best part of the book is that it decides to ignore completely the fandom and the countless amateurish literature that it has generated, with its libertarian slant and its hagiographies of McGoohan. Alex Cox is out there to question EVERYTHING, even that Number 6 was a spy. Kudos for acknowledging the role of casting director, Rose Tobias Shaw, basically the only woman in the production crew.
The worst part of the book is that, despite this great rejection, it is full of inaccuracies inherited from other texts (such as that McGoohan's pen name for the script of "Free for all" was taken from a Herman Hesse novel). Also, his theories do not stand any minor scrutiny. And when the evidence is overwhelming against them, Cox distorts the facts. Also, the book sometimes reads as an old man's rant on modern television. More importantly, the book is articulated as a sequence of rather factual episode summaries. Something useful in the 80s but unnecessary in the 21st century when The Prisoner is readily available.
So, if you are a Prisoner completist or you are fed up with the fandom, its infighting and the cult of McGoohan, this book will interest you. If you are new to the series, read Fairclough's guide instead. If you look for a deeper analysis, go for Stevens and Moore or the French book by Ducher and Philibert.
The best part of the book is that it decides to ignore completely the fandom and the countless amateurish literature that it has generated, with its libertarian slant and its hagiographies of McGoohan. Alex Cox is out there to question EVERYTHING, even that Number 6 was a spy. Kudos for acknowledging the role of casting director, Rose Tobias Shaw, basically the only woman in the production crew.
The worst part of the book is that, despite this great rejection, it is full of inaccuracies inherited from other texts (such as that McGoohan's pen name for the script of "Free for all" was taken from a Herman Hesse novel). Also, his theories do not stand any minor scrutiny. And when the evidence is overwhelming against them, Cox distorts the facts. Also, the book sometimes reads as an old man's rant on modern television. More importantly, the book is articulated as a sequence of rather factual episode summaries. Something useful in the 80s but unnecessary in the 21st century when The Prisoner is readily available.
So, if you are a Prisoner completist or you are fed up with the fandom, its infighting and the cult of McGoohan, this book will interest you. If you are new to the series, read Fairclough's guide instead. If you look for a deeper analysis, go for Stevens and Moore or the French book by Ducher and Philibert.
April 7, 2024
As much as I love Alex Cox, this book adds next to nothing to McGoohan’s brilliant landmark television masterpiece The Prisoner.
Just see the show and I’ll Be seeing you 👌
Just see the show and I’ll Be seeing you 👌
February 6, 2023
A very plausible and well thought out take on the surreal 1960s series The Prisoner. Lacks footnotes or a bibliography but contains enough clues to track down sources for his descriptions of what happened on the set.
Mr Cox writes up the episodes in production order, as stated by call sheets he located. An episode synopsis with production notes is followed by a statement on what that episode tells us about the Prisoner.
The last chapter presents his conclusions on who runs the Village, the profession of Number 6, and the identity of Number 1. All plausible.
If you're a fan, definitely worth reading. I'm intending to rewatch the series in his suggested order.
Be seeing you
Mr Cox writes up the episodes in production order, as stated by call sheets he located. An episode synopsis with production notes is followed by a statement on what that episode tells us about the Prisoner.
The last chapter presents his conclusions on who runs the Village, the profession of Number 6, and the identity of Number 1. All plausible.
If you're a fan, definitely worth reading. I'm intending to rewatch the series in his suggested order.
Be seeing you
January 2, 2020
I find myself at odds with many of Cox's conclusions, but the book was great fun - it had the feel of a spirited, friendly debate between fans of the great series, which is as it should be. His points are still well argued and worthy of consideration.
January 7, 2024
THE PRISONER was ground breaking TV from the late 60's I was fortunate enough to see as a kid--probably thanks to PBS where I also found Monty Python--both equally influenced the "adult" I turned into. Mind blowing show about mind control vs the individual among other things that seemed to stand outside of everything else being produced as entertainment at the time. This solid synopsis of the show and "decoding" of what was going on held my attention because I've been a fan for nearly 5 decades--and that has only compounded with interest over time. There are other books that the author even recommends for a fuller presentation of what was going on in and around the show--but this was meant as a personal view of what the show was trying to say and the mysteries it never quite revealed. On that level it was interesting if unexceptional. But why are you reading this when you should be running out to find access to this 17 episode show that may still be ahead of it's time. Stay away from the more recent reimagining of the series produced in 2009--they appear to have watched an episode or two of the original and then read 50 pages of THE HANDMAID'S TALE and started drinking.
December 23, 2018
Like the author I first saw 'The Prisoner' when I was barely a teenager and, like him, was enthralled, bemused and amazed. When it became available on DVD I bought the box set and binge-watched it. Although, by modern standards, the sets are often creaky and the acting rather wooden, it still retains its ability to intrigue. The final episode is still maddeningly unclear, though Alex Cox does provide reasons why that may be so. I did not know that the episodes had been shown out of production order and will watch them again in the order he suggests. I don't know if I buy into his final analysis. To me the genius of 'The Prisoner' was that it encouraged multiple interpretations with its weird, surreal, Kafka-esque blend of terror and whimsy. I do remember how 'Rover' terrified me as a child though.
November 7, 2017
Alex Cox offers his own interpretation of Patrick McGoohan's celebrated 1960s TV series 'The Prisoner' in this excellent book. 'I Am (Not) A Number' is a thrilling guide to what remains possibly the biggest enigma ever delivered to the viewing public via cathode ray tube. Cox's enthusiasm for his subject is clear throughout, but he's also clear-eyed about the occasional creative shortcomings of the show. And as you turn the final page, you may well find it hard to disagree that 'The Prisoner' presents a prophetic vision of our contemporary surveillance society.
February 23, 2019
An interesting take on one of the single greatest tv shows ever produced. Too bad it reads like an old LiveJournal entry penned at 3 in the morning after having binged all 17 episodes alongside a case of Stroh’s.
February 17, 2025
I recently finished The Prisoner television series from the 1960s. It is probably the most 'literary' (whatever that means) television show I have ever seen. I also just finished the television series Devs (or is it Deus?) by Alex Garland which is probably one of, if not the most, philosophical shows I have ever seen. But The Prisoner is an amazing piece of story due to its profound way that you can interpret it in a multitude of contradictory ways and also for its influence on television as a whole.
The intro scene for each episode perfectly sets up the premise. Patrick McGoohan's character resigns from his (unknown) position, and then is kidnapped and brought to a Kafka-esque village with surreal images. The people who run the village are trying to extract information as to why the protagonist resigned from his position (I believe he was a secret service agent). So many episodes were precursors to other science-fiction stories, like the dream episode definitely being the source of inspiration for Inception and the clone episode being the inspiration for Living With Yourself. There were about four stinker episodes which were banal. But every other episode was a mind-blowing journey to see a story I have never seen before.
Anyways, my interpretation of this show is not that it is about a literal village that takes people who know 'too much' and brain washes them into conformity. That idea itself is very profound. Instead, I love how the last episode recontextualizes the entire series with only less than a minute. The leader of the village, Number 1, is who Number 6 (the protagonist) has been trying to meet since the beginning. And when Number 6 finally meets him and tears off two masks, he sees that Number 1 is actually his own evil, twisted shadow (quite literally the same as the ending to Twin Peaks, decades later).
I love interpretating this show as Number 6 having to escape the prison of his own mind, where the various people who take on the role of Number 2 are trying to break his mind to find information that Number 6 is unwilling to share. But I also interpret the show as being the depiction of school, where teachers and peers are trying to drill you into a state of sameness. My belief in this is exemplified in the episode where the village introduces 'Speed Learning' where you can learn entire college courses in a few minutes. But the result is that you will only be able to repeat information but not say anything new. That was my favorite episode, other than the one where Number 6 finds someone else in the village who is more like him, than he is (and it is not Number 1).
I should note this show is not perfect. There is one actor who plays Number 2 that just SCREAMS all his lines. It makes my head burst. The worst thing is that he does that throughout all the second to last episode and for a bit in the last episode. And there's another actor in the last episode who is dreadfully irksome to watch. Further, the western episode and a few other episodes were pure filler. Yes, you heard that right, a western episode.
In terms of this book...
It's alright. It really is just a Wikipedia page about the television show. Some interesting behind the scenes. Alex Cox's interpretation of Number 6 being a rocket scientist and the whole show revolving around that idea is also interesting due to the American history of Operation Paperclip which allowed Nazi scientists to live comfortably in American society in exchange for their information. But that interpretation does not really provoke anything profound in my soul like my other interpretations do. Either way, Alex Cox does not say much that I did not already know by watching the show. And he is way too positive about the show and does not even critique it in the slightest.
The intro scene for each episode perfectly sets up the premise. Patrick McGoohan's character resigns from his (unknown) position, and then is kidnapped and brought to a Kafka-esque village with surreal images. The people who run the village are trying to extract information as to why the protagonist resigned from his position (I believe he was a secret service agent). So many episodes were precursors to other science-fiction stories, like the dream episode definitely being the source of inspiration for Inception and the clone episode being the inspiration for Living With Yourself. There were about four stinker episodes which were banal. But every other episode was a mind-blowing journey to see a story I have never seen before.
Anyways, my interpretation of this show is not that it is about a literal village that takes people who know 'too much' and brain washes them into conformity. That idea itself is very profound. Instead, I love how the last episode recontextualizes the entire series with only less than a minute. The leader of the village, Number 1, is who Number 6 (the protagonist) has been trying to meet since the beginning. And when Number 6 finally meets him and tears off two masks, he sees that Number 1 is actually his own evil, twisted shadow (quite literally the same as the ending to Twin Peaks, decades later).
I love interpretating this show as Number 6 having to escape the prison of his own mind, where the various people who take on the role of Number 2 are trying to break his mind to find information that Number 6 is unwilling to share. But I also interpret the show as being the depiction of school, where teachers and peers are trying to drill you into a state of sameness. My belief in this is exemplified in the episode where the village introduces 'Speed Learning' where you can learn entire college courses in a few minutes. But the result is that you will only be able to repeat information but not say anything new. That was my favorite episode, other than the one where Number 6 finds someone else in the village who is more like him, than he is (and it is not Number 1).
I should note this show is not perfect. There is one actor who plays Number 2 that just SCREAMS all his lines. It makes my head burst. The worst thing is that he does that throughout all the second to last episode and for a bit in the last episode. And there's another actor in the last episode who is dreadfully irksome to watch. Further, the western episode and a few other episodes were pure filler. Yes, you heard that right, a western episode.
In terms of this book...
It's alright. It really is just a Wikipedia page about the television show. Some interesting behind the scenes. Alex Cox's interpretation of Number 6 being a rocket scientist and the whole show revolving around that idea is also interesting due to the American history of Operation Paperclip which allowed Nazi scientists to live comfortably in American society in exchange for their information. But that interpretation does not really provoke anything profound in my soul like my other interpretations do. Either way, Alex Cox does not say much that I did not already know by watching the show. And he is way too positive about the show and does not even critique it in the slightest.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 26, 2021
Really? The director of Repo Man puts out a Prisoner fan-theory / episode guide? How odd.
The episode summaries are pretty good. Accurate, well written, engaging tone. But . . . they're episode summaries. Does the world need a new set of Prisoner episode summaries? I would think not.
Then comes the theory of the case, the Alex-Cox-branded interpretation of the surreal, metaphorical, allegorical, self-contradictory fantasia known as The Prisoner. And it's all of three pages. And it's pretty silly. I won't give it away in its entirety, but I will share this: He takes the series literally. All of it. If all this really happened, exactly as depicted, what kind of job must the prisoner have had prior to this series?
Which is quite possibly the exact least-interesting question I could ever dream up about this eternally fascinating show.
You can't take the show literally. I recall trying to when I was fourteen: "But how could Number 2 have learned the secret code from Number 12 in time to take over the helicopter while Number 6 is flying it?" And I recall watching again in my twenties and thinking to myself, "Oh, of course. It's an allegorical, self-contradictory fantasia constructed by a team of creators with wildly differing views on what they were creating. One can reflect on what the show attempts and achieves, the union of theme and design, and the prescience of its dystopian vison of information technology . . . but you certainly can't take it literally. That would be like critiquing the plot of a Rothko." I thought to myself.
Alex Cox had a different thought.
The episode summaries are pretty good. Accurate, well written, engaging tone. But . . . they're episode summaries. Does the world need a new set of Prisoner episode summaries? I would think not.
Then comes the theory of the case, the Alex-Cox-branded interpretation of the surreal, metaphorical, allegorical, self-contradictory fantasia known as The Prisoner. And it's all of three pages. And it's pretty silly. I won't give it away in its entirety, but I will share this: He takes the series literally. All of it. If all this really happened, exactly as depicted, what kind of job must the prisoner have had prior to this series?
Which is quite possibly the exact least-interesting question I could ever dream up about this eternally fascinating show.
You can't take the show literally. I recall trying to when I was fourteen: "But how could Number 2 have learned the secret code from Number 12 in time to take over the helicopter while Number 6 is flying it?" And I recall watching again in my twenties and thinking to myself, "Oh, of course. It's an allegorical, self-contradictory fantasia constructed by a team of creators with wildly differing views on what they were creating. One can reflect on what the show attempts and achieves, the union of theme and design, and the prescience of its dystopian vison of information technology . . . but you certainly can't take it literally. That would be like critiquing the plot of a Rothko." I thought to myself.
Alex Cox had a different thought.
January 12, 2025
An interesting book, all in all, in something that I've had confusion about for many years. Mr. Cox takes the time to explain his own conclusions about what it all meant. I can't agree with a lot of it, I don't believe that The Prisoner was a rocket scientist, e.g., in spite of phrases like "this isn't rocket science", rocket science to me is relatively easy. I worked on limited ones for a while (rockets, not missiles), so I know the basics of it. I have to imagine that the British Government felt that they knew enough of why The Prisoner first resigned that they would let him return home at the end. What I felt as I finished the book was to remember part of a book a fourth cousin wrote more than 100 years ago, called Jürgen. After a series of interactions with a number of magical creatures, his fairy godmother again visits Jürgen. They discuss what meaning there is to life. The fairy godmother asks, "It may be that there is no meaning. Could you face that, Jürgen?" It may be in the case of The Prisoner that there is no overarching meaning, that it was just a series of episodes that are largely separate, not intended to be a progression but individual exercises in thought. Mr. Cox notes that 2001: A Space Odyssey was being filmed at the same time as The Prisoner in the same studios, and people have puzzled over the ending of that for years. Is there a relationship that there were two productions going on that people would puzzle over for years? Probably not, but the coincidence intrigues me. And for the record, Jürgen replied, "No. I have faced god and demon, but I will not face that."
September 5, 2018
This is a personal interpretation of this celebrated UK TV series from the 1960s. Alex Cox offers a brief precis of each episode, given in the order in which the programmes were made, as opposed to their order of first broadcast. In Mr Cox's opinion, this provides a greater clue as to what the programme was actually about and provides an explanation as to who No 6 is, who No 1 is and where The Village is situated.
I will not spoil the thesis by disclosing it here. Suffice to say that while it is plausible, I think it relies too much on the final episode, which in my opinion was scrappy, self-indulgent and had an air of improvisation.
What this book is good at is offering an interesting and perceptive account of how the series was made and the strengths and weaknesses of individual episodes.
The book is an useful and provocative companion to the series. It does not entirely overcome the view that The Prisoner was a triumph of style over substance. For all that, it remains a great piece of television. It was a period piece which still commands interest and respect. Mr Cox reflects this and so for fans of the genre, this will be a stimulating assessment.
I will not spoil the thesis by disclosing it here. Suffice to say that while it is plausible, I think it relies too much on the final episode, which in my opinion was scrappy, self-indulgent and had an air of improvisation.
What this book is good at is offering an interesting and perceptive account of how the series was made and the strengths and weaknesses of individual episodes.
The book is an useful and provocative companion to the series. It does not entirely overcome the view that The Prisoner was a triumph of style over substance. For all that, it remains a great piece of television. It was a period piece which still commands interest and respect. Mr Cox reflects this and so for fans of the genre, this will be a stimulating assessment.
January 19, 2020
I came late to The Prisoner, but I'm a huge fan. This book has lots of interesting theories and was fun to read, but I'm not sure about there being any great plan behind the series or the individual characters. It always seemed to me like the product of a lot of behind-the-scenes television production problems and something that was very quickly careering out of control due to various factors. But it became a great series in spite of these factors. I was also uncertain about the reappearance of certain actors in different roles having any real significance. This used to happen a lot in 60s series like this (Donald Sutherland appeared in 'Man in a Suitcase' playing two different characters, for example). I'm surprised, considering the 'Is Number Six John Drake or not?' arguments throughout the book, that Alex Cox failed to mention that the actor playing the batsman in The Girl Who Was Death was called John Drake!
May 6, 2022
If you've ever watched the Prisoner, this book is a guide that can help you re-watch it and maybe sort out some of the issues you might have with this series. Especially if you've watched it decades after the 60s when it was shot. It does the following things:
- It suggests a proper viewing order
- It offers a theory on who Number 6 is
- It offers a theory on who Number 1 is
- It has more information on every episode than you ever wanted to know
I know there are sites and other books dedicated to the series, and I will tell you that at times the book might bore you out if you're not in the film industry, but then again it could be that some episodes are with issues and it tries its best to interpret them.
All in all, if you ever loved the idea behind the Prisoner, this books serves to uphold your feelings about the show and renew your interest.
- It suggests a proper viewing order
- It offers a theory on who Number 6 is
- It offers a theory on who Number 1 is
- It has more information on every episode than you ever wanted to know
I know there are sites and other books dedicated to the series, and I will tell you that at times the book might bore you out if you're not in the film industry, but then again it could be that some episodes are with issues and it tries its best to interpret them.
All in all, if you ever loved the idea behind the Prisoner, this books serves to uphold your feelings about the show and renew your interest.
May 1, 2023
Potential readers should be aware that 90% of this book comprises episode summaries. I would have thought that most people interested in reading about The Prisoner would have already seen them all.
Sadly, the other 10% of the book isn't very illuminating either. Each episode summary is followed by a very short opinion piece, these have a few interesting snippets but nothing that can't be found elsewhere. Finally there is a wrap-up at the of the book supposedly explaining what the whole series was really about. All I can say is this was an enormous let down coming from a writer with such a wealth and depth of knowledge on cinema. One reviewer described the conclusions as 'banal' and I couldn't agree more.
Sadly, the other 10% of the book isn't very illuminating either. Each episode summary is followed by a very short opinion piece, these have a few interesting snippets but nothing that can't be found elsewhere. Finally there is a wrap-up at the of the book supposedly explaining what the whole series was really about. All I can say is this was an enormous let down coming from a writer with such a wealth and depth of knowledge on cinema. One reviewer described the conclusions as 'banal' and I couldn't agree more.
June 13, 2018
Well worth checking out if you're a fan of the show and/or of Alex Cox's movie writings... he examines the show in production order (the order in which the episodes were shot & yet another 'proper' way to view this show) and does make some good points, although I suspect there's some deliberate trolling thrown in at the end to keep people on their toes. Be seeing you...
December 22, 2019
Controversial but compelling
Whilst I do not necessarily agree with Cox's conclusions this is a thoughtful and helpful guide to arguably the best and most perplexing TV series of all time. The book takes us through each episode and asks what we learn from each one. I found it a compelling read and it certainly has made me watch the series again in a new light
Whilst I do not necessarily agree with Cox's conclusions this is a thoughtful and helpful guide to arguably the best and most perplexing TV series of all time. The book takes us through each episode and asks what we learn from each one. I found it a compelling read and it certainly has made me watch the series again in a new light
May 1, 2024
I read this as I was rewatching the series. This might be the best book for such an endeavor. Cox really has thought about this stuff deeply and did his research. It's obvious to me that there is NO clear answer to the mystery of the Prisoner, but that hopefully was McGoohan's intent. Nonetheless, Cox gives us plenty to think about without ever ruining the fun. Solid!
July 9, 2025
I'm a huge fan of the Prisoner. Been watching and re-watching since the 70's. Groundbreaking series. This book explains a lot of what went on behind the scenes making the series, but doesn't enter much into the whole psychology of the series - which is really the point. While I did learn some new things from this book, overall I was disappointed.
May 29, 2018
An episode by episode break down of the TV show The Prisoner. Dealing with the theories of what things were supposed to mean, what the writers, directors and of course McGoohan thought it all meant.
A quick but good read for anyone that watched it.
A quick but good read for anyone that watched it.
March 30, 2019
'The Prisoner' was a highly influential genre breaking television series. Alex Cox takes his readers back through the series in an attempt to unpick some of the great mysteries which continue to surround this storyline.
November 12, 2019
Great structure for people like me, who have a hard time remembering details about the episodes. Obviously this is not the definitive explanation, but it does offer answers and pointers that help with ones own interpretation of the story behind the Prisoner.
January 24, 2020
Mostly a summary of the episodes, with a little behind the scenes info and some speculation. Nevertheless, interesting tidbits and a convincing conclusion, providing an agreeable literal meaning to the show in parallel to its allegorical one.
February 17, 2018
I am not convinced by Alex Cox's thesis on The Prisoner, but the writing is very readable.
February 22, 2018
I’m a big fan of the prisoner but Alex Cox’s decoding is an okay interpretation rather than a revelation. He writes well but the episode by episode pace drags.
March 11, 2018
Alex Cox's examination of the great cult, TV series is an enjoyable read but, his interpretations should definitely be taken with a grain of salt. Recommended for fans of the show.
April 1, 2019
I love "The Prisoner" - I read everything I can about it. This was one of the better books written about it, and from the creator of REPO MAN!!!!
May 7, 2019
Interesting and clear deciphering of this classic British 60s series. Enjoyed the read.Be Seeing You.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews