Re: The Prisoner: "Arrival" and "Harmony" 11/15/09 - Grading & Discuss
So far I'm liking it. As I said earlier, I was against the idea of a remake, but if they're going to do it, then do it well. And so far it's working for me.
I also have a theory that this show takes place in the same "universe" as the McGoohan show. Between having the original Rover to having the original Number 6 -- complete with his original apartment (barring some minor changes) -- making an appearance (yeah I know he's Number 93. But 9 minus 3 equals 6), it's starting to feel like a follow-up more than a remake.
I'm not too sure what to make of the Lost-style NYC flashbacks, though I will say the girl is a lot more attractive than any old mist-through-the-keyhole. Not sure if I like the idea of us knowing so early on what he did for a living, though.
The doctor is also an interesting character, though knowing the series the words "Cobb's girlfriend" keeps coming to mind. That and "Nadia". If you know the original you know what I'm talking about. Keep an eye on the actress, though. She's only done a few other things before this and I'm getting a "Carey Mulligan Mk. 2" vibe from her.
The music is cool. It's idiosyncratic - especially the backwards nightclub music and the "Village Theme" - and that's another connection to the original.
If I had a criticism 2 episodes in, it would be AMC's hand-holding with those commercials saying "figure out the pills to solve the mystery" and all that. They shouldn't be doing that. If people can't figure things out for themselves, that's their problem and you didn't have anyone holding viewers' hands for the original series. I'm also concerned about Number 2's "aliens" comment. It better not be. If AMC pulls a "Life on Mars US" with the ending of this one I will become a basher of the remake, no matter how good it is.
There are still 4 hours left in which they could drop the ball. But so far it's working for me. And just like the original, people who love it really love and people who hate it just hate it.
Alex