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The Official Prisoner Companion
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 his uncrushable spirit.
256 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 1988
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March 15, 2018
Number Six : Where am I?
Number Two : On Goodreads.
Number Six : What do you WANT?
Number Two : Answers.
Number Six : Whose SIDE are you on?
Number Two : That would be telling. Why did you rate all these books one star?
Number Six : Such a good question.
Number Two : So what is the answer?
Number Six : There was an old lady tossed up in a BASKET seventy times as high as the moon.
Number Two : You will not wear me down, Number Six. 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 : That would be telling.
Number Six : I see you deleted several of my most trenchant reviews.
Number Two : We would like to know why you wrote them.
Number Six : That would be telling.
Number Two : We already know. We would like you to confirm our knowledge, that's not so much to ask, is it, Number Six?
Number Six : I am not a number. I will not make any deals with you. I will not be pushed, filed, stamped, indexed, briefed, debriefed, numbered or CENSORED. My life is my OWN. I RESIGN!
Number Two : Muh-ha-ha-ha-HAAA-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA!
Number Two : On Goodreads.
Number Six : What do you WANT?
Number Two : Answers.
Number Six : Whose SIDE are you on?
Number Two : That would be telling. Why did you rate all these books one star?
Number Six : Such a good question.
Number Two : So what is the answer?
Number Six : There was an old lady tossed up in a BASKET seventy times as high as the moon.
Number Two : You will not wear me down, Number Six. 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 : That would be telling.
Number Six : I see you deleted several of my most trenchant reviews.
Number Two : We would like to know why you wrote them.
Number Six : That would be telling.
Number Two : We already know. We would like you to confirm our knowledge, that's not so much to ask, is it, Number Six?
Number Six : I am not a number. I will not make any deals with you. I will not be pushed, filed, stamped, indexed, briefed, debriefed, numbered or CENSORED. My life is my OWN. I RESIGN!
Number Two : Muh-ha-ha-ha-HAAA-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA!
May 2, 2021
Cool overview and analysis on probably (in my opinion) one of the coolest and most original shows of all time. The first chapter goes into each of the seventeen episodes to include: the synopsis and observations unique to each episode. Chapter 2 is Notes, Anecdotes, and other things uniquely specific to the show. Chapter 3 was various debates and theories about the show about the characters, the Village, etc. Chapter 4 was my favorite as it discussed various themes layered in the show to include: the nature of man, individual against society, and religious prophesy.
I re-watched the entire show as I read along. Good stuff!
I re-watched the entire show as I read along. Good stuff!
February 2, 2018
Like other reference books to TV shows: "The Twilight Zone Companion", "The Outer Limits the Official Companion", and "Rod Serling's Night Gallery An After-Hours Tour", it has episode synopsis, episode commentary and due to the unusual nature of the series, episode analysis. "The Prisoner" is one of my all-time favorite TV show and I was thoroughly enthralled with this book with it's behind the scenes stories, its version of the episode order, many fun facts and even a short interview with Mr. McGoohan. I recommend this book to any fan of this fascinating one-of-a-kind TV series.
September 15, 2013
I have often said that “The Prisoner” was the only objectively good thing ever produced for television. While other television programs are entertaining, and have varying degrees of subjective value for their viewers, only this single 17-episode series (or mini-series) ever actually achieved the status of Art.
That’s deliberately provocative, and obviously impossible to defend, but it makes the point of how strongly Prisoner fans feel about their favorite show. “The Prisoner” dealt with contemporary social issues such as prejudice, the national security state, technology’s ability to dehumanize, peace and war, but so did other programs, such as “Star Trek.” What made “The Prisoner” stand out was that the entire series was cast to bring to light a fundamental philosophical question: the tension between the Rights of the Individual and the Needs of Society, and it took a decided stance on the side of the Individual. So far as I know, no other program has done that; certainly none has done so with more success.
And so, as the authors of this book observe, the show has produced more literature than would seem normal for a show that only ran for one season in the 1960s. They claim (although I’m not sure I agree) that most of this literature is of a “scholarly” nature, and that this book is a more accessible product. It does, however, deal with the symbolism and philosophical questions of the series, if only in the sense of framing questions which readers can explore or discuss for themselves in greater detail.
The main reason I picked it up was for the alternate orders it provides. Although the series is only 17 episodes long, one of the great debates is what order they “should” be viewed in. It was broadcast in different orders in the US and UK markets, and shot in a different sequence altogether. Certain “hints” in terms of continuity suggest that none of these orders may have been the “intended” order. Finally, since the original shooting script only called for seven episodes, it may be that there is no truly definitive “correct” order for the other ten. This is the sort of esoterica that Prisoner fans thrive on. While the book is labeled as “official,” happily the authors do not attempt to resolve the issue once and for all, but merely list the production order and the US screening order, and then discuss some of the criteria used to devise alternate orders.
In general, that is the tone of the book. It is not a final word on anything, but a way for fans to begin their search to find more discussion of elements that interest them or that they would like to grapple with. It has many high-quality stills from the series and includes some original production notes, including the original proposal for the series. There is much here for a fan, and it would be a good “companion” for a first-time viewer as well.
That’s deliberately provocative, and obviously impossible to defend, but it makes the point of how strongly Prisoner fans feel about their favorite show. “The Prisoner” dealt with contemporary social issues such as prejudice, the national security state, technology’s ability to dehumanize, peace and war, but so did other programs, such as “Star Trek.” What made “The Prisoner” stand out was that the entire series was cast to bring to light a fundamental philosophical question: the tension between the Rights of the Individual and the Needs of Society, and it took a decided stance on the side of the Individual. So far as I know, no other program has done that; certainly none has done so with more success.
And so, as the authors of this book observe, the show has produced more literature than would seem normal for a show that only ran for one season in the 1960s. They claim (although I’m not sure I agree) that most of this literature is of a “scholarly” nature, and that this book is a more accessible product. It does, however, deal with the symbolism and philosophical questions of the series, if only in the sense of framing questions which readers can explore or discuss for themselves in greater detail.
The main reason I picked it up was for the alternate orders it provides. Although the series is only 17 episodes long, one of the great debates is what order they “should” be viewed in. It was broadcast in different orders in the US and UK markets, and shot in a different sequence altogether. Certain “hints” in terms of continuity suggest that none of these orders may have been the “intended” order. Finally, since the original shooting script only called for seven episodes, it may be that there is no truly definitive “correct” order for the other ten. This is the sort of esoterica that Prisoner fans thrive on. While the book is labeled as “official,” happily the authors do not attempt to resolve the issue once and for all, but merely list the production order and the US screening order, and then discuss some of the criteria used to devise alternate orders.
In general, that is the tone of the book. It is not a final word on anything, but a way for fans to begin their search to find more discussion of elements that interest them or that they would like to grapple with. It has many high-quality stills from the series and includes some original production notes, including the original proposal for the series. There is much here for a fan, and it would be a good “companion” for a first-time viewer as well.
February 15, 2008
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
"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
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 17, 2008
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!
Kill your gods! Kill your teachers! Become your own person and don't listen to me!
January 20, 2013
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.
November 21, 2017
A pioneering guide. Outdated. Source of many factual errors later repeated in other guides. Too shallow for my taste.
November 4, 2025
This book was published in 1988, so maybe it was adequate then, before the internet was ubiquitous. Now, it is poor, indeed. The requisite episode guide that every Prisoner books has takes up half the pages. Most of the second half is just reprinted mediocrity from other sources, including a list of "fan clubs", and old interview with McGoohan, and about 60 pages of reprinted scenes from episode scripts. Only chapter 3, 10 pages, offers any semi-original analysis of the what The Prisoner was all about. I gave it two stars because Goodreads doesn't allow a 1.5 review.
March 9, 2019
I read and reread this book as a kid when my dad had it, and I was thrilled to find a used copy to add to my library (rather than “borrow” his). It was one of the first fan books and is a well-researched hodgepodge of info about the show, making-of and history. Don’t read it though until you see the actual series so you can make up your own mind.
November 30, 2017
Finally found it?
I had so many questions. I needed answers. In true Prisoner fashion, I got only opinions and more questions. God bless Patrick, wherever he is!
I had so many questions. I needed answers. In true Prisoner fashion, I got only opinions and more questions. God bless Patrick, wherever he is!
November 15, 2018
Adequate, but with most of its volume taken up with episode synopses and script excerpts, there's not much room for interesting analysis.
December 24, 2020
Strange and dated hodgepodge of television show episode guide, production anecdotes, armchair philosophy, and a reprinted/repurposed interview with actor-director-Number 6, Patrick McGoohan.
April 20, 2021
Must read if you love the series. Answers, anecdotes, and trivia.
June 18, 2021
Interesting overview of the brilliant series, but a bit too dryly written.
August 23, 2024
Worth it for the description of that absolutely deranged press screening and the bit where the script editor calls the series rubbish.
August 28, 2024
A companion to the cult 60s TV show, it includes episode write-ups, black and white photographs, and discussions of The Prisoner's big allegorical questions. It's the kind of book they don't make anymore - they list mailing addresses for fan clubs, Wikipedia has more information about individual episodes, and the whole thing is insistent that you agree with the authors that the show was "television's greatest intellectual achievement and (...) it's proudest moment." But there's a sweetness to all this enthusiasm and it's fun to read, particularly if you're old enough to remember what it was like to be a fan of something offbeat before the internet.
January 18, 2016
The Prisoner: The official companion to the TV series.
July 12, 2022
Acquired Sept 1990
Probably from Coles Bookstores in Montreal, Quebec
Probably from Coles Bookstores in Montreal, Quebec
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews