The Prisoner, TOS, Ep.2: The Chimes of Big Ben

[Chicago Jake]

Hey, that title fit in the subject line! Probably won't work every week.

Anyhoo, it's Sunday, so it's time to launch the second TOS Prisoner thread. This week's ep, Episode 2, is "The Chimes of Big Ben." What do you think? I'm going to watch for parallels with the new version, as well as any other interesting tidbits that I'd forgotten in the intervening years since I've last seen it........Jake

All TOS episodes are here:
www.amctv.com/videos/the-prisoner-1960s-video/

[Ardbeg... innit]

Leo McKern, probably my favorite #2, and in my opinion the best.

The geopolitical ambiguities are further muddled, and appears from 6's reaction to his "arrival in London" to reach well above the level he held before resigning.

When I think of this series this is the episode that to me, most typifies it. Elaborate charades to bend the mind of #6 with the hopes he will slip up.

[Chicago Jake]

Finally got around to watching this episode. I agree with Gordon that this is an archetypal episode and one of the most memorable.

A few interesting observations (spoilers, beware):

1) I also rank Leo McKern as my favorite Number Two. He's the only one that I can remember as vividly from long ago. And I love his scarf.

2) Number Six seems to have assimilated pretty quickly. He is mighty handy with the "Be seeing you!" and with helping to show Number Eight the ropes. Or maybe he was just horny.

3) No alcohol in The Village! No wonder he's working so hard to escape.

4) I liked how all the artwork included some depiction of Number Two. Was that in the rules of the competition? Maybe it was a requirement and I missed it. I also liked how Number Six used the tapestry to make his sail.

5) I liked Number Six's description of his goal: "I want to be the first man on the moon." When this was made, in 1967, that must have been especially poignant.

6) Plot quibble: when #6 and #8 sail away, they are met by an accomplice of #8. How did she get word to him of their plan? I mean, we know how she did it by the end of the episode, but how did she explain to #6 that she could contact a condederate?

7) They showed the wrong credits at the end! They listed several characters that did not exist in this episode, and listed Colin Gordon as #2 (he does play #2 in two upcoming episodes, but not this one). Dumbasses. Or is this another elaborate mind-fuck on the part of the producers to confuse us?