THE PRISONER FALLOUT & 60s SATIRE/SURREALISM

With Network's release of the rare spy show, The Corridor People, Spy Vibe explored the larger context of the satire and surrealist boom in 1960s England. Yesterday we looked at key figures in the movement, including Peter Sellers, Peter Cook, Dudley Moore, John Lennon, and Richard Lester. Their work challenged traditional conventions and became a major influence on the cultural landscape of the second half of the 20th Century and beyond. Today I thought it would be fun to see The Prisoner in this context. As Tanner mentioned the final Prisoner show "Fallout" in his review of The Corridor People at Double O Section, let's take a look at the preview and an excerpt from the episode.


"Fallout" has been controversial among Prisoner fans since its debut. I remember my own reaction. After recording the synopsis of each show in my own home-made episode guide as a kid, I was utterly confused and somewhat outraged by the show's conclusion. What did it mean? Why was it so crazy? I thought I liked "out-there" work- certainly by the slightly surreal and cartoony standards of The Avengers and A Hard Days Night. What I was missing was the larger context Spy Vibe looked at yesterday and the degree of chaos that the episode embraces. "Fallout" doesn't flow beautifully from watching other spy shows of the period. Of course it looked crazy compared to James Bond or Mission Impossible. But next to satirical and outwardly surreal work like The Bed Sitting Room, How I Won the War, and Magical Mystery Tour, McGoohan's social satire is a special feast and a surreal revolution. John Lennon returns to the conversation once again as an influential voice. Although the music of The Beatles and Lennon has rarely been licensed for TV or film, Lennon's All You Need is Love is featured prominently in the climax of The Prisoner. Look through the clips from the last two days. Hopefully within the context of yesterday's post, Spy Vibers will see "Fallout" with a new appreciation.

Check out The Prisoner Online and the Prisoner Appreciation Society for more info and discussions about "Fallout" and the series. Above image from Pop Matters.