Seattle to host convention for cult classic ‘The Prisoner’

Does the phrase “I am not a number, I am a free man!” mean anything to you? Can you also hear the maniacal laughter that follows?

If so, you may be excited to learn that Seattle will be hosting a three-day worldwide convention (Sept. 29-Oct. 1) for fans of the iconic and groundbreaking British television series “The Prisoner” on the 50th anniversary of the series’ debut.

The 17-episode series, which is often listed among television’s greatest shows, premiered in England on Sept. 29, 1967, and is considered the grandparent of riddle-based programs such as “Lost” and “The X-Files.” 

Described by the Los Angeles Times as “James Bond meets George Orwell filtered through Franz Kafka,” the cult favorite is built around the resignation of a British secret agent, played by Patrick McGoohan, who also created the cult classic.

McGoohan’s character, who is known throughout the series only as “Number 6,” is kidnapped and sent to an apparently idyllic seaside resort town known as The Village, from which there is no escape. He is there because authorities, usually presenting as “Number 2,” want to know what he knows and why he quit.

The series ends with a puzzle rather than an answer, and McGoohan — who died at age 80 in 2009 — said he had to hide from fans unhappy with the lack of a clear resolution.

Karl Frunz, the organizer for the convention, said there are two key reasons why he chose Seattle for the event.

The philosophical reason, he said, is that the main character’s effort to be an individual in the midst of society is an evergreen and timeless quest, one that can be represented anywhere. Therefore, “The Village” can be anywhere and the prisoner, any person.

The logistical reason is that Frunz, a corporate educator, lives here.

The Seattle event will feature 17 programs about the history, impact and legacy of the show, two evening events at the Triple Door and the Century Ballroom, and 10 “special guests,” including several of the show’s original actors.

Tickets are $75 and $95 for the single evening programs, and $295 for the full three days. Broadway Performance Hall, the Triple Door, and the Century Ballroom will hold events.

For more information, see the group’s webpage or Facebook page.