QUARANTINE WATCHING #003 The Prisoner

Rarely a show comes along that embeds itself into my lifestyle and habits, however when it does its usually one of those super original one season shows, like Cowboy Bebop or in this case - The Prisoner!

Available for free streaming here: http://www.shoutfactorytv.com/series/the-prisoner

This show captures the banal luxury of the modern panopticon, an inescapable Russian doll set of conspiracies and duplicity between allegiance to any nation. A global shadow organization jails countless citizens of every nation on a resort island made inescapable by giant balloons that chase you and scores of double agents.

Visually impeccable and full of bright colors and mid 1960's science fiction interiors and props, this show is surprisingly relevant and insightful about psychology, government and the role technology and aesthetics play in normalizing society and its absurdities.

The pacing is slow by today's standards, but like Twin Peaks, it carries a blanket of ambience that I look forward to being immersed in time and again. Maybe thats a weird metaphor.

I tried watching it on my VR headset a few nights ago, I felt kind of like Alex in Clockwork Orange with his eyes taped open being forced to watch a brainwashing feed. Fans of that movie will enjoy this too, similar ideas and aesthetics but much less punk and violent.

Okay tune in yer tellies and enjoy!
- Joey B