Episode 16

Synopsis

This episode brings back a previous Number 2 (Leo Kern, from Chimes Of Big Ben) in a last-ditch effort to extract the precious information from Number 6. This Number 2 is belligerent from the get-go, ordering the diminutive butler around, informing a superior that he’ll do things his way, and asking Number 6 via video screen: “Why do you care?”

Number 2 sets in motion an interrogation plan, code named “Degree Absolute.” The lamp hanging over Number 6′s bed lowers to induce a hypnotic state while Number 2 recites nursery rhymes. A smiling, befuddled Number 6 is escorted to a special room filled with props, toys, and spot lights associated with various stages of childhood. The silent butler is there, standing in a crib while ominously shaking a baby rattle.

Using the props and with Number 6′s mental state regressed to that of a child, Number 2 hopes to raise him to adulthood at which point he’ll extract the information. Number 2 is granted a week to succeed or be held accountable.

The interrogation-therapy becomes a surreal play. Number 6 rides a see saw and graduates from school. There’s a boxing match, numerical chants, taunts, and more nursery rhymes. An omnipresent light shines from above, softening Number 6′s brain. Number 2 repeatedly probes for a confession but is unsuccessful. He even asks Number 6 to kill him.

Numbers 6 and 2 wind up in a “box car” apartment with barred walls. Number 2 interviews Number 6 for a job interview. Number 6 is assigned to a confidential job. Number 2 acts as judge while the butler spins wheels on a tinker-toy like sculpture. Number 2 demands to know the nature of Number 6′s job. Number 2 asks Number 6 to count up even numbers: 2, 4, and 6. Number 6 is unable to say six, remaining stuck on five. Eventually he’s locked in the apartment-crate as punishment.

A frazzled Number 2 awakes from a rough night’s sleep on a table. He asks Number 6 through the box car bars – “why did you resign?” The answer, “for peace, peace of mind – too many people know too much.” It’s unclear if Number 6 is bluffing. Number 6 calls Number 2 a fool, and demands to be killed by a kitchen knife.

The pair next ride the see saw, wearing air masks in a simulated bombing run. After a countdown and bailout, Number 6 is interrogated as a prisoner of war – but once again, Number 2′s efforts are in vain.

By this stage, “Degree Absolute” has flipped, to where Number 2 has regressed to childlike, hypnotized state and Number 6 is the sane one. Number 6 locks Number 2 in the barred apartment and removes the key (the butler is now helping Number 6). With a clock marking a week’s time running down, Number 6 chants “die, die, die,” – and Number 2 collapses from a psychic break.

With Number 2 dead, the bald security chief enters the room to congratulate Number 6. He escorts Number 6 out to meet the as-yet-unseen Number 1. The camera pans over the childhood toys. Number 6 is still a prisoner, but on the cusp of escape – and possibly learning the inner workings of The Village.

Thoughts

This episode contains the return of my favorite Number 2, Leo Kern. He’s a highly charged foil for the pensive Patrick McGoohan. I also enjoyed the omnipresent butler assisting in the various interrogations.

Notes

• The jail-cell apartment represents the show’s title and The Village
• Leo Kern also appears in the episodes Chimes Of Big Ben and Fall Out.
• The various therapies are inspired by Shakespeare’s Seven Ages Of Man.
• The introduction may reveal the identity of Number 1 as Number 6, as Number 2 emphasized the phrase “You are Number 6″ to sound more like “You are, Number 6″ in response to the question “Who is Number 1?”

Next Episode: Fall Out
Previous Episode: The Girl Who Was Death

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Related Posts:
The Prisoner: Fall Out
The Prisoner: The Girl Who Was Death
The Prisoner: Living In Harmony

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