This series is more relevant today than it was 57 years ago

And if you hadn't guessed, the hint was in the opening conversation on every episode. "Who is number one?" "You are, number six"

Once in a very long while, a tv series manages to get onto the screen that is mind-bendingly wonderful. More recently we have been given Twin Peaks and Legion, but The Prisoner was the first to challenge the viewer every week.

Its always the Village. He is still in the Village. Thats why his door makes the noise of the Village doors at the end.

Thanks Medusa Cascade for all your wonderful reactions to The Prisoner, I'll miss them. It's been really great. Be Seeing You.

The Prisoner was absolutely the best thing I had ever seen on tv to date.

The number one was always at his door. You could check it in episodes where he came back to London such as "Do Not Forsake Me Oh My Darling" and "MANY HAPPY RETURNS". I think that there is no place for a number one in the village, hence the leader is an ever-changing number 2. You couldn't have a number one because it means individuality. And then people still discuss what this series means to them, it is very open-ended.

You can never unbreak your mind after watching this.

Fun fact, Patrick McGoohan took a three week holiday immediately after this episode aired, in order to be out of the country and avoid the many many irate viewers who were NOT happy with the ending. Do yourself a favour, Medusa, find a copy of the DC comics graphic novel 'The Prisoner: Shattered Visage'; it's an authorised sequel to the series and it's bloody good. Largely retcons the final episode, and it's chock full of things you probably won't notice on first reading.

First time I've seen a review of this episode containing the statement "...it all makes sense!"

Time for a pilgrimage to Portmeirion. Well done on finishing the series. There is no prison greater than one's own mind. Be seeing you.

Congratulations on experiencing The Prisoner from beginning to end. It was a real pleasure sharing your journey through it. Loved your reactions...By the way, I wasn't sure if you noticed that when the Butler entered 6's London home the door opened and closed by itself, just like the doors in the Village.

Oh, yes! A wonderful reaction to one of the most unusual - and brilliant - series I have seen. Thanks for sharing.

Would recommend checking out the 4-issue follow-up miniseries from DC comics, published 1988-89 & later collected as the “Shattered Visage” graphic novel 📚

Hi Medusa! Glad to see you stuck with The Prisoner! The finale is quite a mindbending trip!

Wow, amazing view on this. This is a show and episode that is still discussed today on what it means. Especially with the door opening by itself at the end.

I can see you enjoyed this, i remember watching The Prisoner as a ten year old in late 1967, it's still the greatest tv series ever made, a series of it's time the mid 1960's the best time to have been young.❤❤

The triumphant trumpet-based version of the music at the end is what gets to me, it really does make you feel like you've been on this huge journey along with No.6 and can finally share in his, what, elation, catharsis, realisation, destruction?

After all these many years, it's still good to see it through fresh eyes. That was a fun ride! Thanks, MC!

I'm SO happy you got to see these. You KNOW a series is special when you're forced to call nearly half a dozen of the seventeen episodes "the best one yet," which I think is where you ended unless I missed my count. It's a piece of genius everyone should see, particularly in these times. Thanks for posting your sweet and very charming reactions to a show I've loved since first seeing it on American TV back in the mid-70s(!).

I've absolutely loved watching your reactions. And the beautiful thing is: This great work of art will always reward repeat viewings.

This is a great episode with so many different layers and interpretations to it. Which is what Patrick wanted. Was Number 6 always Number 1? Did he become Number 1? Did Number 2 really win, and this was all a part of Degree Absolute? You decide! Also, the one who headed the "trials" was from Girl Who Was Death, which also had a missile. Coincidence?

Ms. Medusa Cascade, thank you for your insights on the last episode of the Prisoner which were very similar to my own when I saw this episode in 1968 on American tv and if I can be so bold, the clue to Number 1's identity is given in the opening sequence by Leo McKern's number 2, listen to him closely because it was not done in the pilot episode! When number 2 answers the question "who is number1?" He answers with a slight pause after the word are, goes you are, pause, number 6, and that clue told me the identity! I would to discuss the series the series in general and certain episodes in particular for I honestly dig the way you reason things out and how intelligent your mind is and I suspect you're a great conversationalist as well! Please feel free to write me back if it suits you, and if not, I've enjoyed your musings greatly! Again, thank you and GOD bless you!

I have to say that watching you go through this series has been a delight. It's nice to see something you're very familiar with through the eyes of another - it's almost like seeing it anew.

There's a marvelous video here on you tube called "The Prisoner Puzzle with Patrick Mcgoohan" which is a 1977 interview from Canadian tv of Patrick talking about the behind the scenes of the show, and taking questions from fans. It gives some nice insight into the show, if your curious M.C.

I love all the actors are introduced by their real names at the end of the episode, all except Patrick McGoohan. The Prisoner is introduced as "himself" since, though he may escape the Village, he will always be The Prisoner.

The reuse of the one No2 who recognized he and No6 were the same is the most intriguing aspect. But viewers in 1967... yeah, another comment already pointed out what happened to McGoohan. Note how the location filming has been virtually nil. The show's episode count was extended, and they had to pad it out. And that's how they padded it out. Quite a contrast as the show also was taking and modifying unused Danger Man scripts (e.g. episode 15), so they had to hurry up to do something.

I'm a bit late and I'm sure others have said it and said it better; but this to my mind is the single greatest final episode of an TV series ever (open to suggestions for others). I was discussing recently how one of the great problems with Hollywood today to the need to explain everything, so the audience go away satisfied....but empty. I was contrasting with certain Japanese films i had recently seen which did not seem to have that need. Can you imagine the furore this would create on the internet now? Anger and condemnation. It caused a pretty big stir when it happened first time round. I generally watch reaction to relive shows that I really haven't got the time to watch again, but your reaction here has really made me want to find the time to watch the whole damn thing again. Thank you.

Rover is still employed at the hotel this series was set. Now it used on guests who try to skip out on the bill.

Notice the number on his front door is 1

From what I've read about the aftermath is that a LOT of fights broke out and many calls were made to complain about the ending. Most people didn't understand it. Many people had fist fights over their interpretations of the ending. It got so bad that McGoohan had to flee the UK to the US. Obviously there are many interpretations about the meaning of the ending, some of them in universe and some at a metaphorical level. Personally, I think the Village cloned #6 in order to use his own mind against him. And why did he resign? He basically stated that he was tired of it, was done with it, knew too much about too many things, and wanted to quit while he was still alive. And he wanted to take a holiday to figure out his next career or what to do during his retirement.

I have watched the series several time and the last two episodes were a trip.

So pleased that you appreciated this, it's a magnificent piece of television. If after all the build up this had given us a conventional ending and reveal of number one then it would have been bound to end in disappointment. Possibly my favourite episode of the entire series, such beautifully created visuals and music.

I enjoyed your speculations so very much. 'The Prisoner' is one of my favorite things.

Interestingly, the Prisoner's London home's door opens automatically and with the same sound as door in the Village.

Who is number 1? You are number 6. .... Who is number 1? YOU ARE , number 6 !! 😊 We can see it so much in today's society . Welcome to 1984

Number 2 & a blind community can become an external dictatorship while Nunber 1 is oneself, our internalisation of Authoritarian beliefs that imprison oneself.

Medusa Lassie, you're reactions and observations on Living in Harmony and Once Upon A Time as well as Fallout were so like mine in 1968 that's it took me back to when I first saw them is such a joy to see and experience! You're such an intelligent Woman who's reactions are so fucking beautiful to behold! A true disciple of this revolutionary super creative program! I really want to discuss this series with you! I dig, the front door opening on it's own as Angelo Muscat stepped in freaked me out like nothing I'd ever seen before and you're thoughts and observations are right on!!!🌋💥👼🏿🌹🌷🍀

Serach "Doctor Who Titles - The Prisoner Style" here on YT. Just discovered it myself....

I first saw this episode in September 1969 and was utterly baffled -- as were most people at the time. But your enthusiastic response makes me see it in a new light. Maybe times had to change before people could appreciate this. After all, Shakespeare was out of fashion for a good hundred years before the Romantics realized how great he was. One thing you might have mentioned is how good the music is during the final quarter of this episode. I'm sorry this is over; I've enjoyed your passionate & sincere responses.

Much like the whole series, this episode is mind-bendingly brilliant. It operates on a level of artistic logic that we grasp more through intuition and emotional resonance. We may not be able to explain why it all makes perfect sense, but we know it does anyway. Shows like The Prisoner are rare, and thank you for sharing your reactions to it with us. Be seeing you.

You got it all right but you missed the door shutting with an electronic sound. Like the doors in the village. He's inside his own mind. He's always going to be the prisoner of his own imagination.

Greatest programme ever on tv ... BCN You 👌

I'm sure others have speculated what I'm about to say. My What-If Scenario. What if Our Number 6, either quit The Service, or was contemplating doing so, and then he caught some illness that gave him a prolonged fever dream in which he was trying to come to terms with it. And this entire series was that dream. Anyway, glad you cleared copyright to post this one - I thought it might be difficult to clear for content and for music.

Truly a lady after my own heart. Be seeing you.👌🏻

The village is the Hotel California... We are all just prisoners here, of our own device.

If you haven't seen it already (and I suspect you will have done), watch Patrick McGoohan's interview "The Prisoner Puzzle". Fascinating. If you have the DVD or Blu-ray set, also watch "In My Mind". As absorbing as the episodes themselves.

I have a soft spot for TV shows that have the nerve to end on a completely bizarre, off the wall note. The Prisoner, Twin Peaks, I May Destroy You, Lady Dynamite.

Trippy XD

It is a great series currently watching it again, Portmeiron is a good place to visit as well.

The Prisoner is my all time favourite TV show and it's wonderful that you enjoyed it so much. Did anyone warn you about the mind blend that FallOut is before you watched it? You must be the first person in history to watch this and say it all makes sense!

Everyone who watches the prisoner will come to their own conclusion. In the end, the programme comes full circleand he will go back to the village as the world is the village. We are all numbers, back account no, employer number, insurance number, car registration, and we can go on and on. Think of one saying ....... look after no 1. If you do not know who is no one, you never will.

Thank you for explaining it to me medusa, for years I've never really understood it. Still dont understand why there was a rocket there. I've really enjoyed your reactions, thanks for doing it. I look forward to whatever your next reaction series is! 🙂👍

1969 - thereabouts. The roads weren't as bad then as they would be now. You could nip across and be okay. I used to do a great deal of distance walking in my youth. Hate to think how many miles I clocked.

I wish my gen Z kid would give this series a chance. So far it's 'No Way Dad!' 😞

It has been fun watching you come to know the show. Now you can ponder the meaning and intricacies and relish rewatching of the episodes like we have done for years & decades. :-) I am sure at some point you will dig into the behind-the-scenes lore about the production of the show, how episodes were added, how some were never made, the alternate versions of scenes & episodes that exist. I will close with a reference to something made but not broadcast to entice you to begin that search: P.O.P. Protect Other People.

The last episode, written and directed by Patrick McGoohan. I've tried to make sense out of it, but haven't succeeded. The series ran as a summer replacement in the U.S., and developed a fan following.

It’s been an amazing ride - I’ve loved your enthusiasm! If you haven’t watched Twin Peaks then I’d love you to!

As I understand it, McGoohan deliberately gave 6 little dialogue and left him sitting on a chair as a passive observer for most of the episode, due to the strain of having to write and direct under enormous pressure. 2's shave and haircut was for real world purposes: almost a year had passed between the filming of Once Upon a Time and Fall Out, and McKern had changed his appearance and lost some weight in the meantime.

Have you ever watched any Columbo? I went back to it recently and discovered about 4 episodes that co starred Patrick Mcgoohan in a wonderful variety of very different roles, he even directed an episode. Always delightful to find him in a film or tv show :) Great reactions Medusa! Be seeing you.

Glad you like this one; I found it totally confusing.

My mother told me she and her friends debated for hours what it all meant...

Why did they shave No 2? Episode 16 was actually made about halfway through the first production block (6th IIRC) but was always intended to be shown as the penultimate episode. By the time they made this episode Leo McKern had shaved off his beard and refused to wear a fake.

Long Live, John Drake!

One theory about the Butler is that his character represents the everyman, the silent majority, which is why he never speaks. The Butler also never wears a number, or is ever referred to as a number. At the end, when the Butler steps into the home, the front door opens and closes the same way the doors for people's homes in the village do. I always thought the show may be saying that the entire world we live in is The Villlage, and we are it's unknowing prisoners.

Medusa: The Prisoner is the Grandad of all shows that mess with your mind, and to me, its still one of the best. Fall Out is very polarizing . To some, its an overbaked mess with them trying to tie up everything and not really caring about continuity. That's not my opinion. My take on this, and the character of #6, and again this is only my take So obviously do what you will with it. 1) I'm convinced that the character IS John Drake from Secret Agent Man. 2) #6 doesn't have to meet# 1 because he IS #1, and has been all along. He is the original 'Undercover Boss' who goes to the Village to test its defenses and take records on what works. How else is this character so resourceful? By the second last Episode, after he dispatches yet another #2, their attitude towards him changes dramatically. NOT because he's proven himself as an ' individual'. But that the literal cat is out of the bag, and his real identity as the leader of the Villages is now known, so everyone involved are now covering their asses and toadying to him ( the response of the hooded chorus, The head of the dept. calling him ' SIR' in a subordinate manner.) Fall Out has that mid to late 60s batshit tone about it when everyone realized that the gloves were off and you could indeed go there. Mass slaughter depicted to the Beatles 'All You Need Is Love'.....But the final piece that sells it to me is when #6 ( or John Drake) is at his apartment. The Butler regards him with the same respect, but there is also loyalty there now, as Drake gets into his KAR 1200 and the door of his apartment swings shut....in the manner of The Village. I interpret that as if this Character IS #1, then London, to him and his organization , is a giant Village and he controls it. The Village we know is almost like a ' testing ground' for them to work out the kinks. Perhaps, in this reality, large Villages like London exist in every country, run by their respective governments. This almost 60 year old series still has a lot to teach us about the state of ' freedom', democracy, and Truth....but, that would be telling. Rumor has it that Christopher Nolan is looking at doing some version of the series, so keep an eye open for that. This is one of the best limited series that TV made, and continues to confound people decades later. oh, yeah....Be Seeing You.

Medusa, you might be interested in watching "The Cube." It's a one-shot from 1969 which has some similarities to The Prisoner and is on KZfaq.

Here's the big question, is it really over? It ends with the opening scene. He's in his car driving somewhere. I personally think #6 is trapped in an endless loop.

I heard it took McGoohan longer than expected to come up with the final episode, cause he and his team were stuck for ideas on how to end it. There's a documentary around KZfaq that would explain it better - sort of.

the reaction to this ending was volatile, McGoohan went into hiding after this.

Originally McGoohan only wanted to do seven eps

Glad you got the issues with releasing this review sorted. Before watching this review, I have you down for 17 ‘What The Hell Is Going On’s (or words to that effect). Let’s see if I am right…

considering the door was automatic at the end, do you really think he escaped?

If it wasn't for the powdered whigs I'd swaer thsi was a session of the US House of Representatives

How did they drive to London? Was the village in Brittan?

I still don''t know if I like it or not. I still don't know if I even understand it.

I recall watching this back in the 70's- still doesn't make sense

I'd like to point out how the episode ends as the first one starts ... The never-ending cycle of fighting for individuality inside a society.

I didn’t understand it the first time I saw it, and I still don’t.

Your confusion through the series has made me laugh. It's such an amazing disjointed series and so little makes sense. They did a remake, you know. But it was terrible.

Shame you chopped off your reaction to the different opening credits,otherwise great as usual 👍🎩

STrange thing is, no one knew who Number One was going to be until Patrick McGoohan wrote the script. Not even McGoohan knew, yet, in most of the episodes, we are told who Number One is in the opening. "Who is Number One? You are, Number Six.'

Tongue in cheek... Number One, was actually... Mrs Rumpole... ('She who must be obeyed") Or Number One was actually.... Willy Wonka

Who is number one? You are number six. or Who is number one? You are, number six. Just change how the phrase is said and go from just a statement (you are number six) to a revelation that he was number one the whole time (you are, number six)