Ian McKellen and Jim Caviezel
The Prisoner: Episodes 1 and 2: “Arrival” and “Harmony” Sunday, November 15th, 8/7 p.m.
AMC
Nov 14, 2009
Web Exclusive
AMC's three-night, six-episode, miniseries remake of Patrick McGoohan and George Markstein's late 1960s touchstone is the first true television event of the season. And, thankfully, it gets off to a strong start.
A mysterious man (Jim Caviezel) wakes up outside a bizarre small town with little memory of who he is or how he got there. The inhabitants of The Village, especially their leader, known as Two (Ian McKellen), take a keen interest in the man, who they call Six. Soon, Six comes to realize that he is trapped and, for his own safety and sanity, must find a way to escape.
Viewers unfamiliar with the source material will be pulled in by the legitimate star power of McKellen and Caviezel. Fans will appreciate how the new version treats key characters, including respecting the Rovers and dramatically developing the character of Two. And, most importantly, tone—which is simultaneously more bizarre and more grounded than the original—shows influence of the Bourne films and ABC's Lost, both excellent choices that, ironically, probably would not have been possible without the 1960s Prisoner.
Why don't more networks remake shows like this? After the success of Battlestar Galactica, why haven't there been more remakes of cult favorites? Movie stars will do passion projects for less than their normal quotes. International co-productions and/or working in remote locations (in this case Namibia) will almost definitely bring additional financing and tax incentives. And, more than anything, you have years of market testing to understand what can be expected in terms of a return. It is definitely possible to remake television that is tasteful, intellectually stimulating, and profitable.
AMC, who's been stepping it up with Mad Men and Breaking Bad, seems to be trying. Hopefully The Prisoner is a huge success. And, even if it collapses on itself somewhere near the end, you'll be glad you watched it. These days this sort of programming is few and far between.
The Prisoner will run two hour-long segments per night from Sunday, November 15th to Tuesday, November 17th. (www.amctv.com/originals/the-prisoner)
Author rating: 8/10
Average reader rating: 8/10
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January 6th 2010
6:10am
I recently heard that the governmentOnline Tax Preparation might be offering tax incentives for the purchase of a home this year to spur the housing market. If they do this does it matter if I close anytime during the year? Also this will be my first home and my primary residence.
July 11th 2010
11:43pm
After the success of Battlestar Galactica, why haven’t there been more remakes of cult favorites? Film stars will do passion projects for less than their normal quotes. International co-productions and/or working in remote locations (in this case Namibia) will definitely bring additional financing & tax incentives