A Scary Halloween Podcast

Count Floyd
Originally uploaded by Gordon D

Hey, kids, it's your old pal Count Floyd here, host of Monster Chiller Horror Theater. Since Gordon is away worrying about his mom, he asked me to post a blog. Blog.....oh, that's a scary word. Scarier than Sterling in evil clown make up, or Roger in sandals. Just the thought of Roger with open toes....gives me the heebie jeebies.

Anyway, I'm introducing the podcast where Gordon answers questions of people who read his blog, and it's scary 'cause it's....unedited...with ums and ahs....and awkward pauses. Boy, that's just a little bit too intense for me. I'd better take a nap, it's so scary.

But while I'm here, I just want to wish you a very happy Halloween, don't eat too much candy....always wash behind your ears....

And now, here's our really scary movie, Dr. Tongue's 3-D House of Comic Books. Trust me, it will really make you...crawl into bed...with a teddy bear.


Click here to get your own player.

As Charlie Brown Would Say, "Auuuuuugh!"

Everyone,

I know it seems like every other day, I post something to this effect (so much that I'll probably end up the curmudgeon of the blogosphere), and I've Twittered on this, but here's a heads-up.

My mom went into the hospital on Sunday night, coughing up blood. Her condition is...well, it's not going to get better. She's not dying, but it means that she's going to have to get some rest and take care of herself.

If you're of a particular faith tradition, please feel free to pray/worship in an appropriate way for me and my family.

If you are an atheist, good thoughts and well wishes are also appreciated.

If you believe in the Greco-Roman pantheon of deities, get real. I mean, come on, who are you going to pray to - "Hey, Ares, come on down and kick this sickness' butt"? "Oh, mighty Athena, tell Gordon's mothers doctors how to cure her"?

I kid, but seriously - I could use some support right now. (And I'll have the podcast up in a few days, and keep regularly blogging. Heaven knows, I could use the distraction)

Sunday In the Village: The Girl Who Was Death

(Revised 01/05/2023)

This episode, is....well, kind of an anomaly. It was intended to serve as a "distraction", a light-hearted foray before the more intense "Once Upon a Time" and "Fall Out." It's the first Prisoner episode that contains a semblance of humor - the first twenty minutes have a great, almost surrealistic quality. (It's also the first overtly "spy-ish" episode, even so far as to paraphrasing an episode title from its sister series The Avengers at a key moment.) Towards the end, it even takes on some slightly Pythonesque touches, from Number 6 dressing like Sherlock Holmes to the villain's Napoleon motif. At both ends, the episode contains some great, sly humor.

Unfortunately, the middle of the episode is disjointed and rather rushed. Since this had been (according to rumor) originally a two-part Danger Man episode, it has a rushed feel. (I am not suggesting that this would work as a two-parter; mostly, there could have been better choices in how edited material was handled. As it stands, at this point in the series' production, there was a mad dash towards the end. The fact that several key components - as well as one actor - were included in "Fall Out" says more about the 11th hour nature of ending the series than a deliberate setting-up of later plot elements).

Still, there are two things about this episode (framed as a children's bedtime story) that give it some importance (as well as providing some context). First, the plot of a woman who considers Number 6 her "opposite number"...well, remember last week's scenario? This - framed through Number 6's experience, of course - may explain a lot about his feelings towards women. Having someone simultaneously "love" you - and want to kill you - might have been one of the key issues that led Number 6 to resign.

Secondly, we see that there are children in the Village, which has both chilling and hopeful connotations. Chilling, because they may be the result of parents who chose to stay in the Village, who gave up their innermost secrets - in short, these children are paying for the sins of their fathers and mothers. Truly, they are innocents in the Village's plans.

However, there's something hopeful in Number 6 being their caretaker...perhaps he is, between episodes, encouraging them not to be pushed, filed, stamped, indexed, briefed, debriefed, or numbered...and that their lives are their own.

Coming soon: Degree Absolute. Number 6 on trial. Twenty years later.

Be seeing you.

Ave Atque Vale, Mr. Bacardi

As many of you may be aware, Johnny Bacardi is folding his comics blog after five years of hard work. (He's not giving up entirely - you can always visit him on his Livejournal page). I, for one, will miss it - it was one of the first comics blogs I read on a regular basis, and which had a small influence on me deciding to focus on comics.

But in tribute, I thought I would post a "meme" - it's one of those quizzes that crops up occasionally:

What female superhero are you??? Catwoman You are the anti-hero. Now quite a hero but prone to heroic actions and a protector of abused women. Dark, sleek and full of feminine wiles, you steal your way into people's hearts. Meow!

Click Here to Take This Quiz Brought to you by YouThink.com quizzes and personality tests.

As the Romans would say, Ave atque vale, Mr. Bacardi

Caliban with a PhD

When the long-awaited movie version of Watchmen comes out, it will undoubtedly (as it was when published) be compared with the Outer Limits episode "The Architects of Fear". (Much as the Heroes season closer is seen as an homage to Watchmen).

However, that is an unfair and wholly inappropriate comparison - whereas the "threat that unites us all" serves as a final goal for Watchmen and Heroes, that concept drives the plot of "Architects of Fear".

(First, a little bit of a history lesson - if you think of The Outer Limits as a hipper, slightly more literate cousin of The Twilight Zone in the 1960s, you wouldn't be too far from the truth. Now, The Outer Limits is better known as a Showtime/SciFi channel series, which is one of the few "revivals" that embraces the spirit of the original. But we're talking about the original 1960s series here).

After a nuclear "near miss", the intelligensia of the world (much like Adrien Veidt) decide that there needs to be a "common threat", based on a captured alien (which - let's be honest - looks like a sock monkey with dramatic lighting). They will sacrifice one of their own, and the ballot is cast for Allen Leighton (Robert Culp) to undergo major surgery and become a Thetan. He, then, will become the "big bad" that will threaten - and then unite - humanity.

Much like Veidt in Watchmen, we see Leighton gradually losing his connections with humanity, mostly through his wife. His death faked, he is gradually losing his humanity - as he himself says at one point in the episode, he is "Caliban with a PhD" - a creature to be "afeared", but also knowing that sacrificing his humanity means possibly redeeming millions, averting a possible disaster. He realizes what he is losing, and unlike Veidt, struggles to retain some vestige of his former life. (Veidt, in contrast, removes everything that connects him to the world, including his trusted servants - and his genetically enhanced lynx. Even when Dr. Manhattan announces that he is so interested in humanity that he'll "create" some, Veidt seems more perturbed at not hearing Manhattan than at the chilling nature of that statement).

It would be easy to spoil the ending of "The Architects of Fear" - but it's a nice, almost perfect piece of 1960's science fiction television. (You can either rent the DVD set or use Netflix's "Watch Now" feature to view it). Of course, the movie will be forever linked with this episode, but there is one key difference:

One man becomes a monster; the other regains his humanity.

5 Things That Keep Me From Blogging

I know that I've been away from the old blog awhile, and I have some good excuses. A temp assignment (in between consulting/grant writing gigs) has kept me busy.

However, I thought that, since several of you like it when I'm in crankypants mode, here are five things that you need to know about me, right now.

1. Feeling like I'm starring in a version of The Devil Wears Prada. Example: after running out to get paper due to a mistake by our normal supplier, I get called in and scolded for buying paper that was "too nice". Please excuse the sarcasm, but I apologize for making a temporary effort while continuing to create a long-term solution.
   
2. Richard Roeper - It's not enough that he makes himself out to be kind of a yuppie Mike Royko, or that he basically got his television job kissing up to Roger Ebert - he's rather obnoxious. Several of his recent columns in the Sun-Times - including one on teenage drinking - were full of I-know-better-than-you pronouncements. His interaction on At The Movies with various guest hosts has been short of annoying (but thankfully, one of my new role models can go toe-to-toe with him). So Mr. Roeper, here's a challenge - have me as a guest host. I won't tolerate that kind of behavior, no siree bob.
3. One thing I love about Chicago - Harold's Chicken Shack. It even has its own blog. And St. Louis needs a franchise as well.
4. Why do so many people hate on Kevin Smith's Jersey Girl - It's a well-crafted, heartwarming story about a young man adjusting to fatherhood. Besides, it's probably one of the few really solid performances from Ben Affleck. So why all the hate?
5. I'm planning on trying out for Wheel of Fortune - This weekend, tryouts are being held in the area. That way, once I get on and win....well, why should Roger have all the fun?

Yes, I'm working on the podcast - that should be recorded, edited, and up this weekend, along with the Sundays in the Village post. And November's Record You Should Own...may be a special report, with all the brouhaha in the music business.

Enjoy!

Sundays in the Village: Forsaking Harmony

Living in Harmony
Originally uploaded by Gordon D

(Revised 01/04/2023)

This week's two-fer shares one thing in common: a slight reference to High Noon, the "existential Western" that shares a similar one-man-against-the-community theme with The Prisoner. One episode references a key song; the other is a genre. And looking at both episodes, the differences are astounding.

"Do Not Forsake Me O My Darling" is...a mess. It isn't even a redeemable mess or even a Get Smart-Esque satire. Filmed while McGoohan was off working on Howard Hughes' favorite movie, the script could be more varied and cliche, and the acting could be better. It provides little - if any - information about Number 6 or the Village. It's about a step away from being openly mocked by Bill, Kevin, and Mike. Your life won't be changed if you never catch this episode. Definitely worth avoiding.

However, "Living in Harmony" - allegedly not shown in its original run in 1968 for various reasons (including a strong anti-Vietnam message and concerns about onscreen violence and drug use) - is not only an effective episode but serves to provide some really interesting grist for the mill. In this episode, the Prisoner is recast as a Western, with Number 6 attempting to "leave" as sheriff, only to find himself in the town of Harmony. Like in many episodes of The Prisoner, Number 6 (or "The Man With No Name") finds himself in situations similar to a usual Prisoner episode - fighting for a troubled young lady, as well as meeting up with a young, not-quite-there gunfighter...until we learn that it has all been a massive role-play - the 1960's equivalent of "virtual reality."

However, "Living in Harmony" contains a key piece of insight - something which tends to get overlooked, but I think is a great possible "theory" behind Number 6's resignation.

At one point in Harmony, Number 6 tells "the Mayor" that he will take "the badge, not the gun" - we see Number 6 relinquish firearms at the beginning of the episode, and throughout, he relies more on bare fist fighting for self-defense. However, at a later point in the episode, Number 6 takes a gun...and turns in his badge. (It's actually one of two instances we see Number 6 pick up a weapon - the second will be in "Fall Out"). Granted, Number 6 is drugged and being fed information, but given that even under the best of circumstances, there are still opportunities for Freudian slips - for Number 6 to reveal information subconsciously.

What do we know from previous episodes? Number 6 was a good worker who rarely, if ever, questioned orders. He distrusts women but repeatedly runs to the rescue of "damaged" women. "Many Happy Returns" shows Number 6's open disdain for gun runners. He has cited that his resignation is a "matter of conscience" and that he needed "time to think."

Scenario - Number 6 is placed on an assignment that involves the deliberate taking of human life, an assignment that goes against his moral code. During this assignment, he works with/is under the influence of a woman - a woman who initially demonstrates a weakness and/or "needs to be rescued" but who ultimately ends up betraying him. (Think "Big Ben" or "Schizoid Man"). During this assignment, Number 6 is forced - for survival reasons - to shoot and kill this particular woman. As a result, he realizes that his job will force him to make difficult choices - and by taking a deliberate life, he needs time to consider what he has done and how he wishes to conduct himself in the espionage world. In short, how does a moral man "live in harmony" with an amoral environment?

This scenario accounts for many aspects presented in the series yet still leaves the question of "what information does Number 6 possess?" open for speculation. It helps us understand why Number 6 relies on his brains/fists frequently (a more personal way of contact and does not bring up a very painful situation). This scenario also allows Number 6 to simultaneously distrust women (especially the four-legged variety) and yet act out of some chivalrous code in other situations. (It also explains why his relationship with his "fiance," Janet, seems rather distant in "Do Not Forsake Me...") Finally, we understand why Number 6 refuses to cooperate with the Village - he is very much like Rorschach in Watchmen, a man unwilling to bend to make life easier and refuses to compromise his principles.

Even in the face of Armageddon.

Which, in series terms, is about three episodes away.

Coming soon: A charming distraction. The episode that should have ended Prisoner. The one that did. And the graphic novel sequel.

Six Degrees of Gordon

While I'm recording a podcast and writing tomorrow's Prisoner entry, here's a quiz for my readers:

How does this YouTube relate to what you know about me through this blog? Discuss.



P.S. Yes, I know I'm being a lazy blogger. Go figure.

While I'm Writing Some Longer Posts....

... a quick reminder - you have until Thursday to submit your question for the next podcast. Click here for more details, but this is your chance to interact...and you have so many ways, including e-mailing an audio clip, sending a note, or through Twitter. (And thanks for those of you who've already sent questions)

And now, for your viewing pleasure, Mudhoney's "Generation Spokesmodel", or "Gordon's blog in three minutes or less":


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Now playing: radiofreeskaro55
via FoxyTunes

The Greatest Comic In the History of Western Civilization

When I was young, there was one artist who had a very formative influence on me - his mini-strips in DC Comics helped me acquire a warped sense of humor; his knowledge of comics history helped me learn more about the medium; and he had the backbone to destroy the entire Marvel Universe.

His name is Fred Hembeck.

And you can now purchase 900 pages of his groundbreaking art in one omnibus. Come on, deep down inside, you want this book. It's like oxygen - you can't live without it.

Go ahead. Buy a copy. Buy two, and give one to a young person. Help corrupt our youth.

There's even a link below this sentence to make it easy for you to order:

Between this and the debut of TV Party, my mind is now officially blown.

Thank you, Mr. Hembeck.

Sundays In the Village: Hammer Into Anvil

Number 2: "You shouldn't have interfered. Number 6....you will pay for this"

Number 6: "No....you will"

---

(Revised 01/04/2023)

Ten minutes into "Hammer Into Anvil," we have a classic setup: the suicide of a young villager due to the bullying of Number 2. Number 6 becomes more instigator than a reactor and confronts Number 2. Number 2 basically challenges Number 6 to a duel of wits. A phone call that inspires Number 6 to engage in full-out psychological warfare.

"Hammer Into Anvil" is just an intellectual bare-knuckle brawl, with Number 6 doing his best to tear down Number 2. Even though the DVD case indicates that Number 2 is not the same character as Thorpe from "Many Happy Returns"...the performances by Patrick Cargill suggest otherwise. (Plus, it gives some rationale as to why Number 6 is taking this so personally). Other reviews have called Cargill's performance hammy, but that's kind of the point - this is a professional sadist who reveals his hidden paranoia as his authority is threatened by a "conspiracy." After intercepting a note to "XO4" from "D6", Number 2 is convinced that Number 6 is a "plant,"...and Number 6 does nothing to change that perception.

If the Internet existed thirty years earlier, this episode might be accused of plagiarising "that old Angela Lansbury movie." However, it's a little more than that - it's a study of power and control. We see that, in the Village, people who die deep their number but lose their name. We see Number 6 engage in seemingly random behavior towards a malevolent end. In short, it's the kind of episode where the outcome is predictable, but getting there send chills down the viewer's spine.

"You must be hammer or anvil"

One of the more intriguing aspects of this episode is its blatant intellectualism - of all of The Prisoner episodes, this is the one that easily wears its literacy on its sleeve. For example, we hear quotes from Cervantes and Goethe (whose quote, according to Wikipedia, is misinterpreted) tossed as casually as pop culture references in contemporary conversation. Reflecting its science fiction basis, it is one of the first uses of voice print identification in popular drama. However, the use of music is key - many times, we see signs in the Village - Music begins where words lead off, Music makes a quiet mind - and several classical pieces are key to the plot. But in one key fight sequence, slow and thoughtful music is used to counterbalance a violent fight.

(One major quibble about The Prisoner is a shocking double standard - showing pleasant/romantic relationships between women and men is forbidden, but violence is OK. This subject has been touched on before - McGoohan was supposed to be a moral, very devout Catholic and wanted The Prisoner to be family-friendly. However, most of the women in the Village are either co-conspirators (remember, Number 6 stated that one should never trust women, especially the four-legged variety) or emotionally unstable. Yet, it is perfectly permissible to show two men in violent fighting and fisticuffs. Given that this happened at burgeoning movements examining violence on television and feminism, it seems rather....odd).

In the end, we see Number 2 and Number 6 in a confrontation, which is more a war of words than an all-out battle. Number 6 continues to berate the broken-spirited Number 2, mocking him by stating, "All this power at your disposal, and yet....you're alone." Further insults abound from Number 6, claiming Number 2 is "a blunderer who's lost his head...you've destroyed yourself..." The final insult - Number 2 is forced to report himself to his superiors (whom we know he fears most), and Number 6 walks off, leading to a very disturbing thought:

Number 6 would make an excellent Number 2

Coming soon: Howard Hughes' favorite episode? Cowboys and Villagers. And Number 6 versus Napoleon.

Be seeing you.

Saturday Stuff

Bender From Futurama
Originally uploaded by Gordon D

Well, I'm just coming down off a really cool-as-heck Legion of Super Heroes episode (well, that and being called "infamous", said with tongue firmly in cheek).

However, I wanted to invite you on Monday, to check out Comic Related for the premiere of my brand new monthly column, "TV Party", which will feature comic-related television & DVD news, reviews, and commentary. (Yes, it's named after the Black Flag song featured on an episode of Futurama). A special note of thanks to Chris Mosby, who featured this on his blog Tales from the Longbox, which is well worth adding to your blogroll.

Speaking of which, finally added Coffee Junkee's Cafe to my blogroll - it's a podcast that's well worth your time.

Also, there's still plenty of time to submit a question to the upcoming Blog This, Pal! Q & A podcast. So far, I have one question...which is going to make for a very short podcast. Plus, there are so many ways to submit a question, it's easy for you - the reader - to join on in.

Coming to the blog: Sundays in the Village, the Watchmen/Outer Limits post I keep threatening to write, and more comics related stuff.

Another Open Letter to Joe Quesada

Dear Joe,

Yes, it's me again - the really annoying comics blogger. It's been awhile since I wrote you, but in the wake of Captain America's redesign...I needed to speak up again.

Last time, I know I criticized you heavily, and I kind of understand where you're coming from - rather than cater to the older, more continuity obsessed fan (like your Distinguished Competition), you're going for the 18 - 30 male FHM/Maxim demographic. They don't believe that a "corny" character like Captain America can work unless you make him...extreme. He's got a knife, and a gun, and knows which bozos need trashing. In short, he's an indestructible tough guy...and that's part of the problem with your recent handling of the character.

In short, all your "new" Captain America needs is this not-safe-for-work-at-all song playing in the background. And I'm not being sarcastic or ironic. It's kind of the way we Americans behave, and why a lot of our fellow nations dislike us - the whole "might makes right" philosophy. Plus, as I stated in my previous letter, I take this seriously. Cap is not what I would consider a "favorite character"...but he's one that nearest and dearest to the the hearts of many people, and you're willing to ignore that just to appeal to a demographic that doesn't know better.

(And trust me, I was once an 18-to-30-year old male. I can speak from experience).

I'm also rather surprised that Alex Ross agreed to the redesign, because most of his work seems to focus on themes that are the exact opposite of what your new Cap stands for. In addition, he also did the art on Vertigo's Uncle Sam series, which...well, doesn't quite fit the idea for Captain America that you have. But even Mr. Ross can sometimes do things just for the paycheck.

In fact, it seems like you're making some creative decisions that don't make sense - the whole "Spider-Man works best single" idea; the whole post-Civil War Skrull invasion concept, and now this. It would be especially cynical to suggest that you are willfully alienating a huge chunk of the comic fanbase....but I do suggest that it might be good to listen to people who actually read Marvel comics, and who are not on your payroll.

Just one final thing, if you do ever read this letter - you are more than welcome to provide the "other side". As you know, I'm doing my semi-regular q & a podcast next week; you are more than welcome to submit a statement, or just call and tell me how wrong you think I am.

But in all honesty, Joe, this is a big mistake. Your name will be used with "Captain America" the same way Michael Cimino's is with Heaven's Gate.

Thanks for reading.

Your pal,
Gordon

It's Audience Participation Time!

Ironside
Originally uploaded by Gordon D

As many of you know, I like to do an "audience participation" podcast, and answer reader questions. (And usually, it's the same reader who asks). However, I'm trying to reach those of you who have either been too shy...or would like to actually hear your question on the podcast.

So, please feel free to submit your questions to me by 10/18 (next Thursday), and I'll answer them in the next podcast. If you submit a sound file, I'll just drop it in the podcast.

The great advantage is that there are numerous ways to contact me, including:

• leaving a voice mail message at 206-203-3032 (long distance charges may apply)
• recording a WAV/MP3 file on Audacity and e-mailing it to blogthispal (at) gmail (dot) com
• Contacting me on Twitter, and
• Sending me an e-mail to blogthispal (at) gmail (dot) com

(Blogger's comments section - especially at this end - are kinda hit or miss for me. I'm not discriminating, just letting you guys know that if you do leave a question on the comments and I don't get to it, I apologize in advance).

Thanks, and always remember - file sharing is killing music. Just read and hear these examples of how Radiohead is doing just that.

I Want My New Earth Three!

Crime Society
Originally uploaded by Gordon D

I have to be honest, I'm a sucker for parallel universes - especially "evil twin" universes. When Star Trek: Enterprise presented the two-part In A Mirror, Darkly, it felt like an excellent dark, twisted version of Star Trek. I'm also an incredible fan of the Crime Syndicate, from their initial appearanceto Grant Morrison's reinvention, and I even enjoyed Busiek's Syndicate Rules arc in JLA.

(For the uninitiated, Earth 3 is the "mirror universe" of the DCU, where assassin Abraham Lincoln shot President John Wilkes Booth; our evil is their good; and According to Jim is a well-written, well-acted television classic).

So, with some trepidation, I picked up the Crime Society edition of Countdown: The Search for Ray Palmer. Much of it is the shop where I chose to purchase it (A place near home with a sign on the door that said, "How is a comic book like a girl? It costs too much money and you can't have just one." Go figure.), but primarily, I haven't been following Countdown.

This book, however, has led me to one conclusion:

We need a Crime Society monthly. Now. And I want to write it.

Sean McKeever writes a simple story - the origin of the Jokester, one of the "heroes" of Earth-3. (Fortunately, Earth-3 does not automatically negate the Crime Syndicate...do I smell set-up?). It's an interesting variation on the "one-bad-day-can-drive-you-nuts" theme of The Killing Joke...or to put it another way: if Paul Dini believes that the Joker's raison d'etre is to make Batman laugh, the Jokester's is to laugh at Owlman. The story is filled with some clever twists, including a nice little pop culture reference that nobody else might get.

It's also one of the few done-in-one stories that actually works, with only a few missteps. (Like, if the Jokester only has facial wounds - how did his coloring change?). However, it's a rather solid story, and one that is a refreshing change from the rest of DC's usual books.

The art by Jamal Igle, Rob Hunter and John Kalisz is simply sublime - in fact, one set of flashbacks takes us through the various "looks" of Owlman. There is also a cool sequence which reframes Golden Age Batman covers to "highlight" classic Jokester/Owlman skirmishes. (Normally, it would seem rather hokey - however, it works in this context, telling us tons of story with a minimum of exposition).

Now, several reviewers on the blogosphere have all mentioned that they felt this was out of step with Countdown. However, as someone who has not been following Countdown, and is unsure what the weekly series is about (except "$3 an issue"), that the tie-in sequence feels forced. (Plus, if someone could please give me a legitimate reason for the revival of Mary Sue, er, I mean "Jason Todd", I would greatly appreciate it).

So, please go out and buy this issue, if only to support a possible "Crime Society" series. Heck, I've got an idea for a four issue mini...and Dan DiDio, if you're reading this, please drop me a line. You won't be sorry.

Sundays in the Village: A Change of Mind

"We deplore your spirit of disharmony"
Number 6: "That's...a common complaint around here, isn't it?

---

(Revised 01/04/2023)

I was going to review "A Change of Mind" along with "Hammer Into Anvil", but two things prevented me. One is that "Hammer Into Anvil" is an extremely intense episode that deserves its own column. However, recent events involving a presidential candidate and his unwillingness to "demonstrate his patriotism" make our present entry timely. Well, that and the Chicago Public Library's One Book, One Chicago selection.

"A Change of Mind" is The Prisoner demonstrating its strength in Orwellian allegory. The allegory is razor-sharp and serves as a timeless critique of movements ranging from the Red Scare to political correctness. It's also one of my favorite episodes, but for a different reason - I attended a for-profit graduate school in psychology for one year. While there, I encountered several dangerous tendencies towards groupthink, including being forced to leave due to an individual deciding to "leak" information from a confidential group therapy class, thereby painting me in a negative light. Luckily, after a year off, I attended a real graduate school...but enough of my ranting - onto the episode.

Number 2: There is a saying: "The slowest mule is nearest to the whip"
Number 6: Yes, and another: "He who digs a pit will one day lie in it"

The story begins with Villagers taunting Number 6, proclaiming that his behavior is "not (that) of a citizen" and that he will be brought before the "committee" for their unique "social work." It is this episode that sharply analyzes how group behavior can slowly but surely, degenerate into mass hysteria. Most of the Villagers' dialog consists mainly of buzzwords: "Disharmony." "Believe me," "Reactionary! Rebel! Disharmonious!" All this helps whip the Village against Number 6, who is determined to be "unmutual", which is "doubleplusungood" for Number 6.

What furthers this is Number 2, who serves as the kindly, Big Brother-Esque leader of the situation. Much like Lou Ford in Jim Thompson's The Killer Inside Me, this Number 2 decides to "kill with kindness," using banal phrases in an attempt to wear down his opposition. Since Number 6 will not overtly cooperate, Number 2 enlists the help of Number 86 (who is an attractive blonde and not Maxwell Smart) to insure Number 6's cooperation, eventually leading to a high-tech lobotomy to reduce Number 6's resistance.

Or does it?

As the lobotomy sequence proceeds, we see that on some level, The Prisoner reflects much of the "mental-illness-as-unconventional-thinking" philosophy of Thomas Szasz. However, it is soon revealed that the goal is to keep Number 6 drugged through Mytol (which, believe it or not, is a real drug), and Number 2 attempts to utilize the situation to gain the holy grail: the reason behind Number 6's resignation. We're given a tantalizing clue - Number 6 mutters, "Time to think" - but soon, Number 6 turns the tables on Number 2 and uses the Village groupthink against its initiator.

Admittedly, this is one of the episodes directed by Patrick McGoohan, and it's well-paced...except for the ending. Production around this time was hectic, with McGoohan and script editor George Markstein clashing over the direction (Markstein wanting a more conventional espionage thriller, McGoohan wishing a more allegorical direction). There are several episodes of The Prisoner that deal with the psychology of power and control between individuals. This week's episode handles group dynamics...but what about psychological dominance?

(EDIT - Looking at this episode from a 2023 perspective, it would be easy to see it as a cautionary tale against "political correctness" or "wokeness." However, it could also be seen as an allegory for those who engage in such behavior. After all, what is "unmutual" except another way of saying 'expressing values that bother the majority'?" Food for thought.)

Coming soon:

What if...the roles were reversed, and Number 6 "tested" Number 2?

What if...Number 6 was played by another actor?

What if...The Prisoner took place in the American West in the late 19th Century?

Be Seeing You.

For Your Weekend Listening Pleasure

Well, ok, you've listened to this month's Record You Should Own podcast, and you're looking for more podcast thrills? Here are some suggestions:

• Andy and Golfwidow have recorded a brand spanking new episode of Podcrapular - and I think that, given a certain sound bit, they should consider this as a sponsor
• Coffee Junkie - who has visited the comments section of his blog - has a pretty cool podcast and blog himself. Go visit.
• Finally, I am seriously loving Radio Free Skaro, which focuses on Doctor Who. It's actually fun, and doesn't seem to take itself too seriously, unlike Podshock. RFS has finished commentary on Season Three, so start downloading and start listening.

If It's Thursday, It Must Be Torchwood

When last we left the Torchwood crew, they had just defeated a gas monster that fed off of sexual energy. So now that we're in the hypersexual, murky world of our favorite paranormal investigators, what's next?

What's next is "Ghost Machine", which continues the series' unique tone, combining the slightly paranoid atmosphere of The X-Files with the alien-among-the-mundane motif from Doctor Who. It's the kind of episode that could have been a cliche - a machine that allows you to see and feel events from the past, leading to being able to view the future, and resolving an old murder case in a semi-tragic way. (It's strange to see the same actor who played Roj Blake portraying an elderly Welsh man...but that's the remarkable thing about British TV).

Personal highlight - the "shooting lesson" that Captain Jack gives Gwen. If done on American television, it would be filled with innuendo about pistols, some bad phallic humor, and a cliche "I-don't-need-a-gun." Here, it is one of the most blatantly erotic sequences ever filmed in an episode that's top notch.

Of course, an episode that is not top notch is "Cyberwoman". In fact, it stinks.

It attempts to be a tragedy about lost love and losing humanity. However, it's more camp than a sleeping bag.

First, a partially converted Cyberwoman is a great concept...but not in a costume that would have seemed over the top for an old Batman episode.

There are also massive leaps of logic - like Captain Jack, at one point, covering the Cyberwoman in a special "barbecue sauce" for the pterodactyl to attack her. Makes sense...but wait a minute: if she's made of mostly metal, then what's the point?

(Dear Chris Sims - I apologize, however briefly, for swiping your writing style. Your pal, Gordon)

Even moments that should resonate...don't. Ianto's harsh accusation to Captain Jack that Harkness is "more of a monster" doesn't ring true. In fact, if I were the good captain, I would have kidney punched Ianto and reminded him that he had hidden a partially converted cyborg - left over from the Battle of Canary Wharf - without even thinking to inform his teammates.

(This fact is supposed to reinforce the whole "don't-use-alien-tech-outside-the-office" theme introduced in the first episode. Doesn't work.)

"Cyberwoman" is, as I said long ago about a comic, double ham-fisted with a side of hash browns. Skip it. You'll thank me later.

Blogging Bits

Hey, everyone,

This has been an extremely tough week, so since things are starting to settle down, I thought I would do my usual random link blogging.

• No, I did not watch Pushing Daisies, because from the commercials, it contains Barry Sonnenfeld's usual look-how-quirky-we-are style. Plus, I hate what he did to Wild, Wild West.
• Caught the Bionic Woman premiere last week, and it was...well, dull. I give it three episodes before they start "showing skin", if you know what I mean.
• If you ever get teased for liking comics, or for taking them "too seriously", show the accuser Air Guitar Nation. Now these are people with no sense of irony.
• And now, an announcement - later this month, I will be writing a tv and dvd related review column for Comic Related. I'll give all of you the details later, but for now, a public thank you to Chris Mosby for featuring this on his blog.
• I would be sorely tempted to tease Greg about Arizona and the Cubs being in the playoffs, but since Phoenix consists mainly of transplanted Chicagoans....and it is the Cubs....Greg has the high ground on this one.
• Profound Thought of the Day: Deal or No Deal is simply Jeopardy for dumb people.
  
• Watching Doctor Who: Survival - besides it being one of the better DVD releases - has proven one thing, to be blogged about later. That fact, ladies and gentlemen, is that former script editor Andrew Cartmel can be just as annoying as Terrance Dicks.
• Thanks to Tom the Dog, I now realize I am no longer alone in hating the Spader love fest that is Boston Legal

And now, it's bed time.

October's Record You Should Own

If you are of the weak of heart, voted "Republican" in the last election, or suffer from any serious ailments, do not listen. This will make your head explode.

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