The Prisoner: Episodes Five and Six: “Schizoid” and “Checkmate”

The Prisoner: Episodes 5 and 6: “Schizoid” and “Checkmate” Tuesday, November 17th, 8 PM

AMC

Nov 17, 2009 By Paul Bullock Web Exclusive

Tonight's final two segments of The Prisoner will provide endpoints for each of the major storylines, give the history and function of the Rovers, as well as reveal the location and true nature of the Village.

In "Schizoid," an alarming visitor starts us down the path to solving a number of the mysteries of Six's (Jim Caviezel) past while Two (Ian McKellen) helps his son (Jamie Campbell Bower) come to terms his mother's (Rachael Blake) sickness. And, in "Checkmate" all of the rules of the Village will be explained.

Some fans will not be pleased by the firmness of this finale but that is always the case when remaking a cult classic. Overall, writer Bill Gallagher and director Nick Hurran did an excellent job with this miniseries. They managed to create an impressive update that handles the source material with exceptional dignity. I was also relieved how little platforming was accomplished here. If a series were forthcoming, it would almost have to be a prequel, which could be fascinating.

I don't want to spoil too much so I'll just leave you with this quote from Two that, as you'll see, does a good job to sum up this reimagining: "The mind is capable of anything because everything is in it: all the past as well as all the future." (www.amctv.com/originals/the-prisoner)

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