For me, Checkmate has to be my favourite episode. It's just a very fun episode, especially so the first time you watch it. It's by far Number Six's best attempt at escaping the Village... And it very nearly works. I love the whole chess symbolism and simplicity of the plot... Oddly, your favourite episode is my second to least favourite. I just don't think Do Not Forsake Me, Oh My Darling works. The whole thing falls apart for so many reasons. Mainly because it lacks McGoohan, I think. I'm not saying Nigel Stock is a bad actor, but...I am never convinced that this is Number Six in a different body. He just acts so differently. Also, the whole backstory that just doesn't fit. I just can't imagine Six having a fiancee and asking her father for permission to marry her. It just isn't Six. He's a loner, an individual. He just wouldn't ever fall in love, I don't think. He's too distrusting and already feels complete in himself. That's just my opinion, though. Anyway, in case you're interested, here's my list of favourite to least favourite episodes of The Prisoner.
1. Checkmate
2. The Schizoid Man
3. Hammer Into Anvil
4. The Chimes of Big Ben
5. A. B. and C.
6. Arrival
7. Many Happy Returns
8. Once Upon a Time
9. It's Your Funeral
10. A Change of Mind
11. The General
12. Fall Out
13. Dance of the Dead
14. Free For All
15. The Girl Who Was Death
16. Do Not Forsake Me, Oh My Darling
17. Living in Harmony
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moogie (205)
7 years ago
h-oates: Your viewpoint was impressive and welcomed, yes Stock did not act like Number 6 but I had no problem with this. And though I commend 6 for his individuality, I know so little about his private life that I'm believing it's possible he is engaged. New facts and behavioral displays only added more excitement to the story for me. Checkmate was excellent and so true he almost made it. Speaking in terms of "falling apart" or "not fitting", though I love Many Happy Returns, I have a hard time with it. After all his struggling does he really see his car, go inside his old residence and eat all of Mrs. Butterworth's sandwiches and fruitcake, or was he drugged once again and awakens in time to see Number 2 bringing in his birthday cake?
Your listing of favorites in their order from best to least really got me to thinking what my order would be. All of the stories are good in different ways. Do Not Forsake Me and Schizoid Man are tied for first place, and I love that 6 calls her Allison- the only time this was done. Harmony just leaves me a little flat though nice to see some new attire, and Fall Out eludes me in some ways. Of course I'm glad he escapes but unsure how I feel about how he went about it and I've no suggestions for a different ending. Funny though he takes the little butler with him. The DVD commentary was saying perhaps Angelo might be Number 1 LOL! Here's my list for the record:
1. Do Not Forsake Me Oh My Darling
2. The Schizoid Man
3. Many Happy Returns
4. The Girl Who Was Death
5. A. B. and C.
6. A Change of Mind
7. Checkmate
8. Hammer Into Anvil
9. The General
10. The Chimes of Big Ben
11. It's Your Funeral
12. Free For All
13. Dance of the Dead
14. Once Upon a Time
15. Arrival
16. Living in Harmony
17. Fall Out
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