TVJunkie: Patrick McGoohan, Creator of 'The Prisoner' RIP

Patrick McGoohan in "Danger Man" We're shattered over the death of Emmy-award winner Patrick McGoohan who died yesterday in LA at the age of 80. McGoohan made his first mark on TV in the series "Danger Man" (released in the US as "Secret Agent") and won his two Emmy awards for his work on Peter Falk's "Colombo" which he acted in, produced, directed, and wrote several episodes.

But McGoohan is most known for his creation of the series "The Prisoner", about a former secret agent who is kidnapped and wakes up in a prison disguised as a holiday resort. His unnamed character, Number Six, is tortured and tormented though the episodes as he attempts to escape and otherwise undermine the repressive system. McGoohan produced, wrote, directed, and acted in the series.

"The Prisoner" has had an effect on many actors, musicians, writers, and other artists since it was first broadcast in 1967. The AMC network will launch a long-awaited remake of the series sometime in 2009 (production wrapped on December 12th, 2008). Rest In Peace Patrick McGoohan, you will be missed.

The TV Junkie Plan: "Make 'em Laugh", "Damages", Letterman

8:00pm Make 'em Laugh: The Funny Business of America PBS/KCET - The outsider has always been a source of amusement; the domestic farce is viewed as the most American of comic concepts.

8:00pm American Idol FOX - Auditions continue as singing hopefuls strut their stuff before the judges, hoping to me invited to the Hollywood Round.

9:00pm Criminal Minds CBS - The team searches for answers when a young woman is abducted from an affluent community in Atlanta.

10:00pm Steve Fossett: What Went Wrong? Discovery - Scientists investigate the disappearance and plane-crash death of the businessman/adventurer.

10:00pm Damages FX - Patty suspects there is more to Daniel Purcell's case than simple murder

10:00pm Top Chef Bravo - Contestants shop for fresh ingredients at a farm and then create a dinner for the farm workers

11:35pm Late Show With David Letterman CBS - Director Clint Eastwood; The Randy Rogers Band performs.

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Comments (3) [rss]

Very sad. I just started renting the complete Prisoner series last weekend & have been really enjoying watching it again. Required viewing for any fan of surrealism.

While I seriously doubt the remake will be worth anything, I guess I'm glad he got to see it made, that he knew his creation was still worthwhile, and had something to say to a new audience.

In case you didn't already know, you can watch all episodes of the 1967 version of THE PRISONER at the AMC website. One ad at the beginning of each ep. and then uninterrupted.
http://www.amctv.com/originals/the-prisoner-1960s-series/

I am not a number! I am a free man!

Be free now, Patrick.

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