Recap
The events of the previous episode, "Once Upon A Time," are recapped. Number Six defeats Number Two in "Degree Absolute" and demands to be taken to Number One, while Number Two's corpse is sealed away...
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Episode Notes
Patrick McGoohan (Number Six), Angelo Muscat (The Butler), Peter Swanwick (The Supervisor), Leo McKern (Number Two), Colin Gordon (Number Two), Denis Shaw (The Shopkeeper) and Bee Duffell (The Psychiatrist) are the only actors to play the same character in more than one episode of the series.
This is the only episode not to feature Number Two's office.
This is the only episode in which both Angelo Muscat (The Butler) and Alexis Kanner (Number Forty-Eight) appear.
Kenneth Griffith (The President) wrote his speech himself as Patrick McGoohan (Number Six) was so pressed for time.
The script for this episode was written over two days by Patrick McGoohan in his dressing room.
This is the first and only episode to acknowledge the fact that the series was filmed in Portmeirion, Wales. Specifically it states: In the grounds of The Hotel Portmeirion - Penrhyndreudraeth, North Wales - by courtesy of Mr. Clough Williams-Ellis
Kenneth Griffith (The President of the Assembly) previously played Dr. Schnipps and Number Two in "
The Girl Who Was Death".
Along with "
Living in Harmony", this is one of only two episodes not to feature opening credits.
Frank Maher believed this episode to be "bullshit" and was quite candid with his feelings to star, writer and director
Patrick McGoohan (Number Six).
Alexis Kanner's name is in a box in the opening credits. At the end, Alexis Kanner's name is flashed beneath his character on screen. Angelo Muscat is then shown on screen with the actor's name superimposed. Patrick McGoohan is seen driving through the streets of London with the word "Prisoner" superimposed. Finally, Leo McKern's character is seen on screen with the actor's name flashed beneath the character. In the end credits, Muscat is credited but McGoohan, McKern and Kanner are not.
The name on the for sale sign, "Lageu & Son," is an in-joke reference to set dresser John Lageu.
Episode Quotes
The President: We understand he survived the ultimate test. Then he must no longer be referred to as "Number Six" or a number of any kind. He has gloriously vindicated the right of the individual to be individual. And this Assembly rises to you... sir.
The President: Youth, with its enthusiasms which rebels against any accepted norm must because it must - and we sympathise - it may wear flowers in its hair, bells on toes, But when the common good is threatened, when the function of society is endangered, such revolts must cease. They are non-productive and must be abolished.
Number Two: New allegiances. Such is the price of fame...and failure. Dear me, how sad. My Lords, Ladies and Gentleman, a most extraordinary thing happened to me on my way here. It has been my lot in the past to wield a not inconsiderable power. Nay, I have had the ear of statesmen, kings and princes of many lands. Governments have been swayed, policies defined and revolutions nipped in the bud at a word from me in the right place, and at a propitious time. Not surprising therefore, that this community should find a use for me. Not altogether by accident that one day I should be abducted, and wake up here amongst you. What is deplorable is that I resisted for so short a time. A fine tribute to your methods.
The President: We...have just witnessed two forms of revolt. The first, uncoordinated youth. Rebelling against nothing it can define. The second, an established, successful, secure member of the establishment, turning upon and biting the hand that feeds hm. Well, these attitudes are dangerous. They contribute nothing to our culture and are to be stamped out! We are honoured to have with us a revolutionary of a different calibre. He has revolted. Resisted. Fought. Held fast. Maintained. Destroyed resistance. Overcome coercion. The right to be a person, someone or individual. We applaud his private war and concede that despite materialistic efforts he has survived intact and secure. All that remains is recognition of a man. A man of steel. A man magnificently equipped to lead us. That is, lead us...or go.