The
Prisoner becomes middle-aged this year and to help celebrate
the programme's fortieth anniversary Telos have produced a brand
new guide to the celebrated TV series.
Written by Alan Stevens and Fiona Moore (who previously wrote
Liberation, a guide to Blake's 7, also published by Telos) the
book makes a brave attempt to tie-in all the varying interpretations
applied to the series over the past four decades since it was
first transmitted as well as take a look at the production of
the programme.
The book begins by giving an overview of the production of the
series before moving on to put the programme in context with
film and TV shows preceeding it. Next we have a chapter devoted
to Danger Man and the links between this show and The Prisoner.
Each of the seventeen episodes are covered in depth with full
credits, a synopsis and an analysis of the themes, imagery and
symbols contained in the story. This section also serves as
a review of the episode and the connections it may have with
other episodes or productions. The book also features several
essays that cover particular topics of the programme including
the history and the meaning of the iconic Rover, as well as
the gender, sexuality and ethnicity aspects of the series. These
essays can become a little over egged and wander into media
studies overkill, an effect of discussing some the observations
made on the series by previous authors. Other sections feature
unmade episodes, original fiction and the programme's influence
on popular culture.
The book attempts to stick soley to the facts and tries to avoid
repeating gossip and rumours and it has to be congratulated
for this. However, there is no new information here, but the
book has made a brave attempt of unifying the majority of theories
that the programme has attracted over the decades. A major plus
for the book is an index at the rear of the volume that certainly
helps quick referencing. On the flip side the book lacks any
photographic illustrations, something that affects not only
this release, but also Telos' over publications. This is purely
a matter of economics as Telos is only a small publisher and
does not have a budget to blow on photographs - something we
at Action TV have struggled with.
Despite some minor failings this is still a solid book, and
the timing of its release is ideal as the programme enters its
fifth decade. If you've purchased the recent Network DVD then
this will make an ideal viewing companion and offer a comprehensive
overview of the cultural impact, themes and production of the
programme. Hardcore fans may not learn anything new, but will
find it a useful quick reference and an enjoyable read. And
if you are new to the wonders of The Prisoner this is the perfect
starting point for you. Possibly the best guide Telos have published
so far.
