The Most Influential Show You've (Probably) Never Seen

The Prisoner, explained and explored.
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Witten, performed and edited by Moid Moidelhoff
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#sciencefiction #scifi #sf

[@kuakilyissombroguwi]

The camera work in that show was way ahead of its time. It had fast cuts, edits and interesting angles that didn't become mainstream until decades later. Patrick McGoohan is severely underrated.

[@charlesdexterward7781]

I recognize a beautiful, unusually sunny summer day in Wales when I see it.

[@garethlewis8029]

You know when it's summer in Wales because the rain is warmish

[@elricofmelnibone425]

My only exposure to this show is Iron Maiden’s criminally underrated song “The Prisoner”.

[@samael2112]

Ditto!

[@martijnk2430]

Yeah! But I dont think its underrated, at least not by most Maiden fans I know (including myself).

[@djfoskey1]

Looking up where the voice over in that song came from led me to find this show!

[@Clanhalfdude]

I loved the saga of a man and his umbrells, nice of you to mention The Prisoner while you wre at it!

[@CaminoAir]

Now that the concept has proved viable, it is time to begin serialisation of 'Man With Umbrella'. He'll have to remain nameless, so as to avoid paying residuals to Moid. Looking for investment, so would you care to throw in a few thousand for pre-production?

[@markusmanstroma3156]

I watched it in the UK when it first aired in the 60s I was 10 years old and it was a totally baffling strange unique experience to my young mind. It holds a very special place in my heart and remains rightfully so one of the finest TV shows ever to be made. Thanks for the upload you brought back some great memories!

[@MediaDeathCult]

My pleasure, thank you

[@ProfessD]

Your battle with the storm added some awesome extra tension. Thank you for the doc!

[@DamienWalter]

Wales is where umbrellas go to die. Great video, you keep innovating.

[@MediaDeathCult]

Thank you, and of course the weather was lovely a whole week before and after the day we filmed

[@joem4585]

I finally saw this series last year. I'd been meaning to get around to it for ages. Now it's in my top ten of all time. The way I pitch it to my friends is: there's a giant balloon that goes around suffocating people, and that's probably the least confusing part of the show.

[@GayleenFroese]

I honestly thought everyone had seen The Prisoner. CBC used to show those episodes over and over for… I want to say decades?

[@lock67ca]

Moid vs. Umbrella. The lost episode of The Prisoner you never knew you needed.

[@brendanward2991]

One of the pinnacles of TV. It's nice to see it's finally receiving the credit it deserves. I would love to visit Portmeirion one day ... but not when it's raining.

[@jamestriplett5854]

"Dem bones, Dem bones,...."

[@michaeld.3504]

Along with Danger Man and Secret Agent, The Prisoner was one of my favourites. I saw this series on TV throughout the 70s, and in university in the 80s, the Media Department ran this series during lunch hour for students. It is my best memory from university days! Be seeing you! 👌

[@mikesnyder1788]

Saw this on public television in the late 1960's so how I found it still mystifies me to this day. There was NOTHING like this back in the day so, yes, it was must watch television for my younger soul-searching self. So glad you have drawn back the curtains, Moid, to show us what we missed and how to appreciate the genius of The Prisoner and the forever enigmatic # 6.

[@richardhalasz9664]

Great video, Moid! If one of the Media Death Cultist hasn't mentioned it, (during the 2nd time I watched The Prisoner) Harlan Ellison introduced and provided commentary for this program he very much enjoyed.

[@michaelj63]

This video is very well done. Good work!

[@MediaDeathCult]

Thank you so much

[@Lokster71]

Umbrellas were hurt in the making of this programme. Great video Moid. The Prisoner is - after Doctor Who - my favourite TV series of all time. I've even talked about two episodes on a KZbin/Podcast thing. Portmeirion is also used for Renaissance Italy in the Tom Baker Doctor Who story The Masque of Mandragora.

[@MediaDeathCult]

Thank you

[@hanswurst4768]

I’m familiar with this show due to the Iron Maiden song The Prisoner, on the Number of the Beast album, which uses dialogue of the show in the intro (still know it by heart, … “who is number one?” …). I believe the Simpsons also paid homage to the show. Always been intrigued, never seen it, maybe one day.

[@goawayinternet]

Thanks for putting the (probably) since I have seen it :D So cool you've gone to the village!

[@riva7rau]

My Dad and I watched this when it originally came out (yes, I'm old!). I loved it then and recently picked up a copy on DVD and aim to rewatch sometime. I even remember liking the original music better than what they changed it to later in the series :)

[@marcgoulding5230]

I taped The Prisoner on VHS in the early 90s in the states. Love the program. It's been a while since I've seen it - or Twin Peaks - and now is maybe a time to revisit. Thanks so much for the analysis.

[@MediaDeathCult]

You’re welcome, thank you

[@Hastur-kx6hb]

There is actually a six-part remake of the series from 2009 starring Sir Ian McKellen as Number 2 and Jim Caviezel as Number 6. Even if the aesthetics and depth of the original series are not achieved and there are also lengths to be noted, this remake was worth a look.

[@ChristopherZubin]

I love the ending, I was too callow a youth to do otherwise I suppose. It's also fun when the door to his London apartment closes just like the automatic doors in the Village.

[@HowardBrazee]

I've never had an umbrella do that.

[@D-osOrg]

Firm favourite series since the 70s. Thanks for bringing the subject matter up.

[@ThreeOldDudesshow]

I was in Portmeirion last month. You must have chosen the most Wales day to visit🤣. When I was there it was sunnier than Portugal or Southern Italy and I and my companion arrived late (but were booked for dinner at the Hotel so they let us in) and had the place to ourselves. She had been before but it was my first visit. As for the Prisoner I used to run home from the pub in the early 80's to catch it when Channel 4 did the first re-runs. Good times😊

[@bonfireatnight3998]

Quite possibly your best video to date. Now I want to rewatch the show.

[@MediaDeathCult]

Thank you very much

[@BlueDusk95]

The most original TV series before Twin Peaks.

[@wbbartlett]

Went there as a kid in the 80s. It was probably raining then too. Sadly, I am just a number.

[@tehdii]

Lost before Lost? ;) Moid I do not wish every video turned to plaza of questioning if videos will be coming back but will they? I love your channel. I am angry that I have not downloaded more of your stuff.... I live with one principle download everything and I had not listened to myself.... Great video. Cheers from the Sprawl/Sparrow/Imajica ;)

[@carlosbranca8080]

I'm half way through it for the first time and loving it. By recommendation of Doomcock.

[@KujoTV]

Oh the weather! I so miss the UK. Never carried a umbrella.

[@matthewconstantine5015]

Portmeirion looks lovely this time of year. I'm tempted to stay there, if just for a night. But it ain't cheap, and I've never even been to the UK (unless you count several transfers at Heathrow or an afternoon in Port Stanley on the Falkland Islands). The Prisoner is so good. In spite of seeing the first half (and last couple episodes) of the series probably a dozen times, I only just watched the rest of the back half last year.

[@cathrynbyrnes8737]

It brought back memories for me too. Thanks!

[@paulh7751]

I'm very new to this channel (don't hate me!!), this video made me laugh out multiple times, the glorious Welsh Weather, stunning!! Looking forward to digging into your back catalogue!!

[@XoineXronos]

Watched the The Prisoner when I was a kid in the 1960s along with The Avengers, 😍Diana Rigg.

[@joshsalwen]

I’m so jealous! As a kid in the 70’s, I remember my friend’s stepfather talking about this show. He saw it on PBS in the US. I finally saw it in the 1990’s. I now own it on DVD. I adore it, and I’m utterly confused by it. Since it lived only in my imagination for 20 years before actually seeing it, it is now one of my favorites.

[@camo_for_cocktails]

My favourite show of all time since finding it on PBS in the 80s. McGoohan kept referencing it all his career, especially on his Colombo appearances. Glad to see it get your quixotic treatment.

[@audioporcupine3725]

This is crazy, I just downloaded this from Amazon last week.

[@lucaricciardi8253]

One of my all time favorites

[@paulprice7482]

Infinitely quotable, allusive but satisfying and as surreal as they come the is THE cult classic. I have loved this show since childhood and that blooming white balloon used to scare the life out of me

[@mediumjohnsilver]

I fell in love with the show when the first episode aired in the USA on CBS in June 1968. It remains my all time favorite series. In the past week, I’ve been rewatching the episodes and watching reaction videos on KZbin. Someday I hope to visit Portmeirion, but now I will be sure to bring a raincoat.

[@RichardSekmistrz]

Neat place, thanks!

[@BookBlather]

What a great vid… thanks for taking us on the tour! OMG, the umbrella 😂. I’ve wanted to watch this for a while. It’s obviously different, but the basic premise reminds me a lot of Persons Unknown and Wayward Pines, both of which I loved. I was just going to go straight in, but after your comments, do you think it’s worth watching Danger Man first?

[@CaminoAir]

I've never seen 'Danger Man'. I watched 'The Prisoner' about 6 years ago and really enjoyed it. So I myself would say you don't need to watch the earlier series. However, I will defer to the opinion of the cult leader himself on this.

[@BookBlather]

@@CaminoAir Thanks!

[@MediaDeathCult]

Thank You, you don't need to watch Danger Man first, especially now that you know about the tenuous link, but if you have the time it is lovely slice of 60's TV.

[@garethlewis8029]

My parents allowed me to stay up specially to watch it when it originally came out - I think because they wanted me to explain it to them! Great video, great series. (Also reminded me of The Champions, Department S and Man in a Suitcase, among other ITC TV series)

[@timothybarnett1006]

Remember seeing it as a child when it was re-run on Channel 4 in the 80s, don't have much memories of that apart from it been weird. Watched it again at University in the 90s on VHS that my housemates & I hired and then discussing the ending. The lack of a definite resolution works in it's favour. The 2009 remake failed because it provides a singular explanation.

[@epone3488]

The Prisoner and Tomorrow People (original) are guilty pleasures of mine - I cant get enough - bill balls as villains in both!!! (That may say something about me, but lets ignore that). I had a banger idea for merch - Death cult Marmite!!!! (where its just a sticker for on your regular Marmite - ooohh the meta)

[@nunyabizness6595]

It's available on Tubi. Seen it a million times.❤❤❤

[@ezragoldstein1870]

As a note of Interest Portmeirion was used for exterior shots in the classic Dr.Who story The Masque of Mandragora.

[@zetectic7968]

"Where am I? In The village. Who are you? I am number 2. Who is number one? You are number 6. I am not a number, I am a free man!" Watched on the re-run in the early 70's as did friends. The Summer of '76 we went to N. Wales & visited Portmeirion (The brain child of Sir Clough Williams-Ellis). The tide was out 😁. Must watch the series again: such a good cast. Later I met a girl who drove a Mini-moke like a fiend, sadly it was green & not white. Thanks for the video.

[@pistos777]

I love your show. It's not just the content. You are an entertaining weirdo. As for your umbrella issues... you have to be smarter than the umbrella mate.😂

[@joshsalwen]

When my son was a little kid, I made him promise to buy me the car from the intro if he gets rich.

[@michaeljdauben]

I watched the series when it first appeared on public revision in the US. I loved the mysterious atmosphere and storyline of the show. It was so unlike anything else on TV at the time. Now I think I need to re-watch the series. 😁

[@c62west]

Thanks!

[@MediaDeathCult]

Thank You

[@dionturner4279]

Man that’s miserable weather, or is that just Wales?

[@garethlewis8029]

A poor imitation of Scotland...

[@johntowers1213]

its Wales... its so damp all the kids there have moss growing on them

[@ASSLEVANIA]

What a neat coincidence. I’ve been watching this show for the first time over the last few days. On Tubi. Throughly enjoying it and can see what people are talking about with its influence. Always known about it from cultural osmosis & watched the remake when it aired having only like tangential knowledge of the og (I live in the US for context). Only five episodes in the good series & I already know I’m gonna remember way more for way longer. Very interested in where it goes. It’s kind of a miracle this show even exists.

[@StepPodandSon]

Lovely village Portmeirion. Be seeing you 👌

[@raybarron316]

Fighting with an umbrella - priceless! 😉

[@ralfreinartz3562]

I am not a number! I am a free man, who thoroughly enjoyed watching this with the family and owning it on a disk! :-)

[@owenturley6214]

You know watching this excellent video makes me think that all Number 6 had to do was wait until weather like this and make a run for it. Rover wouldn't have stood a chance in that wind.

[@WildFungus]

WHO IS NUMBER ONE? YOU ARE ... NUMBER SIX

[@Richard_Jones]

Just want to say that Portmeirion has surprisingly good Korean streetfood.

[@TravelAnorak]

TV schedules dominated by police dramas and quiz shows sounds like today.

[@yammybobo]

Wow.... You really got the weather didn't you.

[@DamnableReverend]

I was a child of the 80s an 90s, but I kind of assumed everyone had seen thePrsoer. It was always being re-run on TV and it was referened all overthe plae. I figured, How cold anyone miss it? Just goesto showthat we didn' all have te sam experiences growing upI guess. i stillthin of he 60s show first when someonesays "The vengers" rathe than marvel comic or mvies. Anyway, love the show, and it' both wonderfully short (only seenteen episoes) and endlessl rewatchable. I enjoy Patrick Mcgoohans steey portrayaland the various no. 2s ad ther distinct persnalties.

[@Grimm44]

I saw this year's ago on the Syfy channel

[@uncleeric3317]

Be seeing you.

[@Teabonesteak]

My favorite show.

[@tobby12347]

Why was your review of the Book of the New Sun with Alzabo Soup private? Where can we watch it??

[@MediaDeathCult]

A bullshit copyright strike has led me to remove a lot of videos to protect the channel.

[@Pymmeh]

Dialogue, B roll, script? What... on ... earth?

[@tommonk7651]

I would have thought a UK subject would be experienced with umbrellas….

[@jinty83]

That weather wasn't taking any prisoners 🤣 those poor umbrellas! Great place though and amazing series. Patrick McGoohan is a great actor and this series was way ahead of it's time.

[@albertstebbins7590]

Adding a bit of punctuation You are. Number Six.

[@jeroenadmiraal8714]

Moid's umbrella represents the erosion of the individual.

[@mikesnyder1788]

Right! And the dichotomy of the zeitgeist! HaHa!

[@faustianbargains]

My favorite show of all-time. I am not a number , I am a man!

[@theangrygamer1008]

Free man

[@ChristopherZubin]

Never seen such abuse of a brolly before

[@scottygdaman]

you didn't do your umbrella research . any plans to rewind avengers ?

[@positronicfeed]

The umbrella is Moid's bouncing white blob.

[@CaminoAir]

Is the reason Number 6 resigned genuinely imortant to whoever controls the village? Do they already know (more or less) why? He has given an envelope to his superiors in the opening credits. Is it about extracting unknown info or just wanting to know ALL information about a person, even merely to confirm that info, or just to 'break' Number 6? I really liked that we simply don't know how authoritarian they are.

[@Fissi0nChips]

I used to watch this show. I think Iron Maiden may have brought a whole new audience to it lol.

[@Tommii38]

XTC with music show The Tube filmed a couple of Prisoner-themed videos there for broadcast in 1987.

[@DAGDRUM53]

My seven-year-old daughter sometimes watched The Prisoner with me and after one episode she announced, "I hate Number 6." I almost laughed, "Why?" "He always knows everything." "Why do you think that is?" "The midget butler hangs around Number Two all day then tells Six everything he said." SPOILER: Her hypothesis was right, the final scene is Six and the butler leaving the Village behind and driving straight to Six's former row house in town.

[@nicktreleaven4119]

What's the most original show after twin peaks?

[@munderpool]

Your bloody weather is as effed up as Long Island.

[@MediaDeathCult]

And is was fine for a whole week before and after, we made it work

[@jgingras2615]

@@MediaDeathCult So basically, you control the weather now.COOL!☔

[@trlspann]

Umbrella was shit, video though was a beauty. I’ve thought of giving the show a watch.

[@gwaptiva]

You're British, you should know why nobody in the UK owns an umbrella, unless it contains a sword

[@rogerc7960]

I'm not a number, I'm a free man. De-institionalism

[@MrBiff-ys8ff]

I thought it was great when I was watching it back in college in the 60's but nobody else seemed to agree with me...