Number Two
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A number of fictional characters have been called "Number Two".
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[edit] The Prisoner
Number Two was the Chief Administrator[1] of The Village in the 1967-68 British television series The Prisoner. More than 17 different actors played the character during the 17-episode series (some episodes featured more than one "Number Two", most notably "It's Your Funeral" which featured two Number Twos in major roles and images of two others).
The Village is openly administered by an official designated as "Number 2". The person assigned to the position is changed on a regular basis.[2] There are two Number 2s with repeat appearances: Leo McKern appeared in three episodes, and Colin Gordon in two. With the exception of "Fall Out", this was the result of the actors performing their roles in two consecutive episodes filmed back to back. Colin Gordon was filmed in "The General" followed immediately with "A. B. and C." McKern was featured in the series' second transmitted episode, "The Chimes of Big Ben," and then featured in the next production episode to be filmed "Once Upon a Time."
The various Number 2s seem to make use of several symbols of their authority. One of the most striking is the Seal, a large golden medallion, somewhat in the style of a mayoral chain, with the penny-farthing logo and the official title "Chief Administrator". This is only seen in one episode, "It's Your Funeral". The two more visible signs are a multicoloured scarf and a colourful umbrella stick (used as a cane). Most, though not all, of the Number 2s seem to use these symbolic objects.
The first episode, "Arrival", established that the people holding the position of Number 2 were rotated on a regular basis. Some fans have interpreted the removal of a Number 2 exclusively as a punishment for failure, but there were only two individuals who actually fit this categorization. The episode "Free for All" maintained that Number 2s are "democratically elected by the people." However, this was a mock election.
Evidently this series was a favorite of Beatle George Harrison, whose son Dhani has formed a band named thenewno2 ("the new number two") in reference to this character.
[edit] Thunderball
In the James Bond film Thunderball, 'Number Two' refers to Emilio Largo and his rank in SPECTRE. In the novel, Thunderball, 'Number Two refers to Ernst Stavro Blofeld, the head of SPECTRE, although he is referred to as 'Number Two' for security reasons rather than rank.
[edit] Austin Powers Films
In the Austin Powers films, Number Two is Dr. Evil's second-in-command (who is actually keener to make money legitimately than engage in Dr. Evil's megalomaniac schemes). He is played by Robert Wagner; his younger self was played by Rob Lowe in Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me. Number Two is a parody of Emilio Largo from the James Bond film, Thunderball.
[edit] Douglas Adams' books
Number Two is a minor character in Douglas Adams' The Restaurant at the End of the Universe: the enthusiastically dramatic third-in-command on the Golgafrincham B-Ark. He is capable of "shouting through clenched teeth" and enjoys questioning prisoners.
[edit] The Railway Series
One of the engines from The Railway Series of childrens' books by the Rev. W. Awdry is known only as 'No. 2'. This character appeared in one story in the book Duke the Lost Engine. In his companion book The Island of Sodor: Its People, History and Railways the author later revealed that the engine was called Stanley. This name is not mentioned in the original book.
[edit] Codename: Kids Next Door
On the cartoon Codename: Kids llNext Door, the character of Hoagie is codenamed Numbuh Two.
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