The Worst Classic TV Show Ending: A Case Study in The Prisoner

A fascinating phenomenon in television history is the notion of a truly terrible show finale. While many conclude series with cliffhangers or cliffhangers that leave viewers hoping for more, one decision really stands out for its bluntness and impact: the finale of The Prisoner. This article explores why it remains a sore point for many fans, and the lasting impact on both the show and its lead actor, Patrick McGoohan.

Tracing the Thrilling Journey

The Prisoner was a unique series that wrapped an intriguing story around a simple premise: a man mysteriously disappears from his “perfect” life and wakes up in a remote village where his identity is stolen. The show delved deep into Cold War paranoia and psychological intrigue, blending elements of drama, horror, the spy genre, and science fiction. The initial sixteen episodes of the series were highly regarded, praised for their intellectual depth and the performances of Patrick McGoohan and his fellow cast members.

Paradigm Shift in the Final Act

The final episode, titled “Welcome to the Village,” marked a radical departure from the series’ previous trajectory. The show had built up a rich and complex narrative that made viewers question reality itself. The earlier episodes were full of ambiguity and subtle hints, leaving the audience to ponder what was real and what was controlled by an unknown force in The Village.

No Resolution, Only Mathematical Disillusionment

The culmination of the series' narrative arc did not offer any resolution to the core mystery. Instead, the finale introduced a bizarre mathematical solution as the answer to the series’ open-ended questions. This abrupt and surreal ending was met with widespread criticism, and many viewers felt that it left the show hanging in a way that robbed it of the satisfying conclusion it deserved.

It was absolutely infuriating. Well there’s no other way to put it.

This statement by a fan encapsulates the general opinion about the finale. The capstone of the series was criticized not just for being confusing or unsatisfactory, but for being utterly baffling. Many fans found it difficult to reconcile this sudden shift with the show’s earlier style, which had maintained a consistent atmosphere of psychological tension and mystery.

The Aftermath and Legacy

The impact of The Prisoner’s controversial finale was felt not just by the audience but by the key players involved, particularly Patrick McGoohan. The series’ abrupt and unfathomable ending led to an exodus of fans and a significant backlash, causing McGoohan to flee his home for a few days as furious viewers gathered outside his residence.

Damage to Career: The controversy surrounding the ending also had a lasting impact on McGoohan's career. The actor’s reputation in the UK took a hit, and this led to him working predominantly in American TV and movies for the rest of his career. Franchise Collaboration Hesitation: The Prisoner episodes were not originally considered for a film adaptation, but the finale was deemed controversial enough that even a feature film version faced some resistance from publishers and other creative teams. Adaptation Challenges: Any attempt to adapt The Prisoner into books, comics, or films has had to navigate the complicated legacy of the show’s final episode, often being met with critical interest rather than popularity.

Conclusion

The Prisoner remains a testament to the pitfalls of overambition in storytelling. While its initial episodes accomplished much in terms of creating a rich and complex narrative, the abrupt shift in the final episode clearly did not serve the story well. The controversy surrounding the finale reinforces the importance of crafting a cohesive and satisfying conclusion, especially in complex and psychologically intricate series. Despite its flaws, The Prisoner remains a fascinating case study in the challenges of television storytelling.

References and Further Reading

For a deeper dive into the nuances of The Prisoner, consider the following resources:

The Prisoner: A Television Mystery edited by Gary-tools (2012) TV Tropes at Backdraft Ending for more on the ending's significance The Wikipedia entry on The Prisoner for background information