The Prisoner -

Premise: The Prisoner is a British television series that revolves around an unnamed former government agent, played by Patrick McGoohan, who resigns from his position and is subsequently abducted and imprisoned in a mysterious and isolated coastal village known only as “The Village.” In The Village, residents are identified by numbers instead of names, and surveillance is omnipresent. The protagonist, known as Number Six, finds himself constantly monitored and subjected to psychological manipulation as he tries to escape, uncover the identity of his captors (referred to as Number One), and maintain his individuality in a conformist society.

Main Central Characters:

Number Six (Patrick McGoohan): The central character of the series, Number Six is a former government agent who is imprisoned in The Village. He is determined to resist the authorities and uncover the truth behind his captivity.
Number Two (various actors): A rotating cast of Number Twos serves as the Village’s authority figures and attempts to break Number Six’s will and extract information from him.
Number Forty-Eight / The Butler (Angelo Muscat): Number Forty-Eight serves as the Village’s butler and is one of the few characters who assists Number Six in his attempts to escape.

Themes: The Prisoner explores themes of individuality, surveillance, control, resistance, and the struggle for identity. The series delves into the psychological and philosophical aspects of freedom and conformity, often blurring the line between reality and illusion. It questions the role of authority, the loss of privacy, and the consequences of rebellion against a faceless and all-encompassing system.

Critical Consensus (Rating: 5/5): Critics widely praised The Prisoner for its unique and thought-provoking storytelling, as well as Patrick McGoohan’s enigmatic performance. The series was lauded for its groundbreaking and surreal narrative, which challenged conventional television norms of its time. Its complex and allegorical nature captivated audiences, and the ambiguity of the ending sparked discussions and interpretations. Critics admired its philosophical depth and lasting cultural impact, earning it a top rating.

TV Parental Guidelines Rating: The Prisoner received a TV-PG rating. While the series doesn’t contain explicit content, its mature themes and complex narrative make it more suitable for older viewers.

Original Network and Run: The Prisoner originally aired on ITV in the United Kingdom. The series ran for one season consisting of 17 episodes from 1967 to 1968.