John,
You’ve highlighted one of the better episodes. I especially like the fact that No. 6’s discussion with his former colleagues/superiors shows he fears his own government might be the force behind The Village.
For the uninitiated, here’s a very brief thumbnail sketch of the series:
A British secret agent resigns. Before he can leave London on vacation, he’s abducted and transported to a mysterious Village. He does not know who has abducted him. He does not know where he is. He does not know any of the names of his fellow captors and their wardens. Everyone has only a number. His is No. 6. He knows only that his captors want to pry his knowledge from him — starting with the question of why he resigned. Escape is impossible, but almost every episode involves some effort to leave The Village and/or to thwart his captors’ objectives.
Patrick McGoohan (No. 6) uses the series to skewer government, authority, and conformity.
1 p.m. update: Plus the show had a cool opening sequence.
