| "Free For All" | |||
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| The Prisoner episode | |||
| Episode no. | Season 1 Episode 4 |
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| Directed by | Patrick McGoohan[1] | ||
| Written by | Patrick McGoohan[2] | ||
| Cinematography by | Brendan J. Stafford[1] | ||
| Production code | 2 | ||
| Original air date | 20 October 1967 | ||
| Guest stars | |||
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Number Two - Eric Portman |
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| Episode chronology | |||
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| List of The Prisoner episodes | |||
Free For All is a television episode of the British science fiction-allegorical series, The Prisoner. It originally aired in the UK on ITV on 20 October 1967. This episode was filmed second, and was titled "Episode Two". It is usually broadcast fourth, but is located second in The Prisoner DVD Megaset.
The central theme of this episode is the difficulties with the democratic election process.
Contents |
Number Six runs for election to the post of Number Two when it is suggested to him by the then-current Number Two, who promises that Number Six will meet Number One if he won. A woman who speaks only an unidentified foreign language is assigned to Number Six as his assistant. Both men campaign for the office, with Number 6 offering freedom if he is elected. However, he is drugged[3] and coerced into believing he is part of the Village, and wins the election. As he and his assistant go to the dome, the assistant destabilises him by playing with the buttons on the control panel before slapping him and stunning him with bright lighting. As Number 6 attempts to broadcast to the Villagers that they are free to go, he is beaten up by a group of mechanics, and the assistant, now speaking perfect English, reveals herself as the real incoming Number 2, while the previous Number 2 heads off the island and gives his regards.
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