TVSquad

Do not adjust your web browser. You are now entering the Retro Squad, where we are reviewing past episodes of your favorite shows, in order, every week.

(S01E01) "I am not a number. I am a free man!"

You can't get much more "retro" than The Prisoner, which first appeared on British television in the fall of 1967 and then in the U.S. about a year later. It starred Patrick McGoohan, who also served as the 17-episode show's executive producer. (You may remember him as the warden of Alcatraz in Escape from Alcatraz starring Clint Eastwood.)

When you watch this show, it seems other-worldly. Granted, it's nearly 40 years old, but it also was ahead of it's time, especially in the blending of technology into the stories. (Dig those cool cordless phones!) It also has influenced many television shows and movies (just do a Google search and you'll see what I mean). It's very difficult to talk about a show you've seen many times and have enjoyed for just as long without giving away too much, but let me set you up with the basic premise and take off from there.

The opening credits depict a top British secret agent resigning from his job. As he returns home and begins packing his bags, a gas is shot through the front door keyhole which leaves him unconscious. When he wakes up, he thinks he's in his house, but when he looks out the window, he discovers that he is now in "The Village."

Being a secret agent and naturally curious, he has to find out where he is and how he got there. As he makes his way around, he comes across other villagers who wear badges with numbers on them. He asks questions about his surroundings, but he can't seem to get a straight answer. The villagers seem pre-programmed in their responses and their actions. He discovers that this white balloon aka "Rover" has the power to overpower and capture any potential escapees. He finally is summoned by Number 2, the leader of the village, and is told that he will be kept here indefinitely until he explains his resignation. From that point on, the secret agent is known as "Number 6."

Number 6 refuses to explain his actions, and Number 2 intimates he and his team will get him to talk "by hook or by crook." (Ensuing episodes will show you exactly what they mean by that.) Number 6 devises an escape plan with the help of a seemingly helpful woman who, of course, works for Number 2 and double-crosses him with the help of an old colleague of his, Cobb. Number 6 tries to escape by hijacking a helicopter, but the aircraft is taken down by security force and Number 6 is thwarted.

Of course, there are many plot twists and turns that will constantly keep you on the edge of your seat and leave you guessing what will happen next. There are many questions that viewers will have while viewing this episode, including:

• Why is it so important to know why Number 6 resigned?
• Where is the Village located?
• Who is Number 1?

These are just a few of the many questions that will crop up as you watch this show. In addition, you may want to pay particular attention to the opening credits each time, especially when the mention of "Number 2" comes up.

Next week we'll begin getting into the story of each show, but I thought it was important to give a cursory overview and allow those of you who have never seen the show before to draw your own conclusions. So until next week:

"Be seeing you!"