What is The Prisoner?
The Prisoner is a television series created by Patrick McGoohan, who also plays the title role. It first aired in the UK on October 1, 1967, and has retained a strong (some would say "cult") following ever since. There are reasons for this.
It consists of 17 one-hour episodes. While each makes sense when viewed alone (The Prisoner is no soap opera), they also come together as a complete story. The series has a definite beginning and a definite end; the conflicts are resolved and the questions are answered (more or less). There are no transparent hooks for a movie sequel, and there is no room for a "next generation" :-).
[Although ITC is going to make a movie anyway; filming is scheduled to begin in 1995. The producers are looking for a big name star and McGoohan's involvement.]
On the surface, it is a well done action/suspense show, and is quite enjoyable as such. But closer inspection reveals multiple levels of meaning and numerous possible interpretations, many of which are still debated today. It has a lot of intellectual appeal, with a feel reminiscent of Huxley and Orwell. The Prisoner is a refreshing change from the mindless sludge so common on modern television.