I am – Hercules!!


Here at AICN's West Coast TV offices we’ve seen all six hours of AMC’s new “Prisoner” miniseries launching Nov. 15 and can tell you Jim Caviezel’s portrayal of Number Six is, predictably, nothing like Patrick McGoohan’s. The other big difference is we don’t know whether the world outside The Village is real or just a figment of Number Six’s imagination.

As to whether the new “Prisoner” is anywhere near as good as the amazing 1967 version, I’ll likely get into that closer to the premiere date. Until then, here’s “Dr. Manhattan” with a look at the first hour:

Hello, Harry & Co. You've never heard from me before, though I've been reading your entertaining and informative site for years. Tonight, I finally have something to give back, if you want it.

I was at the screening for episode 1 of AMC's "The Prisoner" tonight in, appropriately, the West Village at the IFC Center. Jim Caviezel., Ian McKellen, some of the writing/directing talent and a gracious and non-grandstanding Michael Gladis from Mad Men were all there; a too-crowded party at Vanity Fair editor Graydon Carter's pub/restaurant The Waverly Inn followed.

I'm a Big Fan of the original series and rooting for the remake to be good and it was. Not great, but good. There are flaws, but mostly what I saw was more film than television and I am eager to see the rest. As soon as it ended, somebody in the audience shouted "More, please!" and I could agree with that. It's not genius, but it's not an insult, either. It's good, solid, non-lowest common denominator entertainment.

The new "Prisoner" has core similarities to the original, but a lot of differences in the details. The new guy has amnesia, we're not even sure he's a spy, and we get flashbacks to his life in New York as his memory gradually comes back to him. The Village is in the middle of the desert and there's a romantic interest (maybe), but I guess we all know that from the extended trailer. Caviezel comes off as more of an enigmatic, narcissistic jerk than McGoohan's intense but disciplined stoic, but that's okay -- I don't want a rehash of the previous character. Honestly, I was just relieved that he didn't totally tank, since I've never considered him that great an actor.

There are numerous references to the original series, including a character I'm pretty sure is supposed to be the ORIGINAL number six, but I don't want to give too much away. Let's just say, check out the wardrobe of number 93 and the interior decorations at his place.

Ian McKellan is great, there's really not much more to say there. He's such a good actor I have no right to comment about him. The supporting cast is uneven, serviceable at best, and a few of the performances are stilted. You'll know when you see them.

What really bugged me was that after 40 pretty gripping minutes, the last 10 minutes or so suddenly cram in a ton of TV-series events and developments that made me wince. Big explosion. Dying revelation. Forced "I am not a number, I am a free man!" Rover. It went from movie to TV suddenly and jarringly.

If you use this, call me Dr. Manhattan. Thank you, and keep up the good work!

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NEXT WEEK!!!
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