TVSquad

AMC is certainly pulling out all the stops to promote their re-imagining of The Prisoner. The new mini-series airs for three nights straight, starting Sunday November 15 at 8/7 Central. The network was kind enough to send out a press kit in anticipation of the new series, and right off I have to give them credit for sticking to their theme.

Some press kits seem to have random objects thrown in that have little or nothing to do with the show they're promoting. Everything that I found within this little box worked toward establishing the feeling of paranoia that pervades the world of The Prisoner. Even better, aside from the DVDs themselves, I could imagine this being the propaganda kit I would receive were I to ever wake up in the village.

The top of the box greets me with the slogan: "You Only Think You're Free." And then I am told that I am number 831. I don't know if AMC gave different numbers to all of these kits, but it would be pretty neat if they did.

The rest of the kit is described as a "Village Orientation Packet," which includes a map of the Village as well as a book filled with photos from the series and sayings. It reminds me of those inspirational books that sell so well, only instead of lifting me up, it says things like "Obey" and "There is nothing to escape from." Not exactly the stuff to inspire me to be my best.

It's not all bad, though, as the other side is represented as well, including the classic Prisoner expression, "I am not a number. I am a free man."

I don't know if I'm ready to move in just yet, but I'm definitely even more excited about the journey to come.

The Prisoner is a six-hour mini-series on AMC, starring Ian McKellan, Jim Caviezel, Ruth Wilson, Lenny James and more.