Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

Those who have commented about this series without seeing the original do not know whereof they write. The original series went beyond mere entertainment (and it was very entertaining) but also stimulated the viewer into thinking about subjects such as illegal incarceration, autonomy, the illusion of democracy, identity, education, truth, life, death, manipulation, propaganda, loyalty, war and violence (as well as innumerable other topics). As a youth, I was profoundly influenced by the exploration of the concepts in this series. Plus, I loved the car. Rover was cool too. I find it hard to believe that anyone could be remotely influenced by any of the ideas in this mini-series remake. In fact, I couldn't find any profound ideology in this mini-series. If one had not seen the original series, this new rendition would have had to have been completely incomprehensible. The fundamentals of the show were missing. Number Six was not defiant or angry, merely befuddled. Number Two was not desperately seeking information from Number Six while under the scrutiny of an anonymous Number One. He was also acting aimlessly. Everyone was wandering around as if they were in a dream (wow - a spoiler!) After waiting so long for something to be done with the Prisoner property; and with so many hard core fans craving to view a remake, I am surprised this weak series was the best effort that the entertainment industry could muster. For better alternatives for those of you who would love to see more shows similar to the original Prisoner, I would recommend: 1) Danger Man (TV Series) 2) Secret Agent (TV Series) 3) Kings and Desperate Men (VHS Movie with some familiar faces) 4) Shattered Visage (Graphic Novel sequel) 5) Nowhere Man (TV Series with a similar flow to the Prisoner) 6) Sleuth (with Olivier & Caine - a movie about mind games) 7) The Game (with M. Douglas - another mind game movie) 8) The Prisoner Original Movie Scripts (Two Volumes also containing original series material which was not used) It is a pity that producers have waited forty years for the deaths of Patrick McGoohan and Leo McKern, just to insure that they would not appear in any sequels. The graphic novel "Shattered Visage" was created 20 years ago with appropriately aged Numbers 2 & 6, undoubtedly with a movie sequel in mind which would have included these beloved actors. Another missed opportunity was that McGoohan's own sequel was not used. Perhaps in forty years hence a better sequel will be made.