There was plenty of hoopla for upcoming TV fare at last weekend’s San Diego Comic-Con, chief amongst them being the news that Russell T Davies, David Tennant and Julie Gardner didn’t announce that they were making a Doctor Who movie. Indeed the trio seemed to be more than happy to just chew the fat over the last four years and recent experiences making the final specials to finish off Tennant’s tenure in the TARDIS. And unveil a cracking preview of The Waters of Mars.
And don’t let this get around, but from the other treats on show at San Diego, I was even impressed by the trailer for the upcoming Stargate: Universe, the new entry into the seemingly endless franchise. Perhaps I’m slipping.
But for the discerning fan of all things telly, the major talking point seems to be the nine-minute preview of the forthcoming AMC/ITV co-production remake of The Prisoner (click to read more and to see the video!)
Yes, that’s right a remake of the 1967 cult classic, that sacred cow that starred Patrick McGoohan running around Portmeirion for 17 episodes.
The remake, as we have previously touched on, Hollywood turn Jim Caviezel as Number Six, and the always-wonderful Sir Ian McKellen as Number Two (a role taken by various actors in the original including Leo McKern and Derren Nesbitt). The new production, written by Bill Gallagher (Lark Rise to Candleford, Conviction) keeps many of the motifs from the original, but swaps the location of The Village from picturesque Portmeirion to a Truman Show-esque housing estate in the middle of the desert.
I can understand why there has been some resistance to a new spin on The Prisoner, despite the fact that remakes and movies have been discussed for years (Mel Gibson? Really?). Much of what made The Prisoner unique came from the mind of McGoohan himself. But what can new people bring to that?
On the basis of the preview, quite a lot. The look of the piece is distinctive, with the regimented suburban houses providing an effective contrast to the Baroque terraces of Portmeirion. There are no black jackets with white piping, but there is a Village Shop and the ritual goodbye of “Be seeing you”. And there’s a thrill a few minutes into the preview as we see Number Six attempting to escape and being stopped by the ominous sight of Rover - the ubiquitous white balloons that once menaced Patrick McGoohan. Now that has to make the heart of any fan of The Prisoner sing.
I am going to sound a cautiously optimistic note about The Prisoner. There are things to be wary of, but enough to make this preview exciting, intriguing and one to watch out for. ITV has chosen to hold the six-part series back until 2010 for reasons unknown - perhaps keeping some powder dry for leaner times next year?
But in the meantime, enjoy the preview, and be seeing you…
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