The Prisoner
  • Network: AMC
  • Series Premiere Date: Nov 15, 2009
User Score
3.6

Generally unfavorable reviews- based on 82 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 82
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 82
  3. Negative: 48 out of 82

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User Reviews

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  1. Flytrap901
    Nov 18, 2009
    6
    Has no one here ever done too many very good mushrooms; coming away from the experience feeling profoundly enlightened from seeing themselves inside out yet strangely relieved when the experience was over. It is an experience that changes the way you think about many things afterward.
  2. HennehnR
    Nov 20, 2009
    4
    Switching between time periods or reality and virtual reality was choppy and disorienting. The acting was good but the execution of the storytelling was a miserable disaster. By the third episode I began watching the show on Comcast On Demand. I fell asleep constantly by the 4th episode on through.
  3. MelindaS
    Nov 21, 2009
    4
    So disappointing. Even McKellen's performance failed to hold my interest.
  4. KevinH
    Nov 24, 2009
    4
    It could have been great. They had the actors to do it. Unfortunately it seemed this one was held back by a combination of the writing and directing. The first 2 episodes made you think it was something new, the next 3 made you want it to get over faster. The last ones explanation wasn't satisfying enough to make the last 3 episodes worth it. Oh well, maybe in another 40 years It could have been great. They had the actors to do it. Unfortunately it seemed this one was held back by a combination of the writing and directing. The first 2 episodes made you think it was something new, the next 3 made you want it to get over faster. The last ones explanation wasn't satisfying enough to make the last 3 episodes worth it. Oh well, maybe in another 40 years someone will do it right.… Expand
  5. JasperP.
    Nov 18, 2009
    4
    A total insult to the original. The original was maddeningly surreal, with the village seeming almost to be a true city, whereas this remake just seems to scream "THIS IS A PRISON. YOU CANNOT ESCAPE. MWAHAHAHA!"
  6. drlowdon
    Feb 27, 2013
    4
    This six hour mini-series is said to be a 'reinterpretation' of the cult British show. Having not seen more than a few clips of the original I can't really make comparisons but there is very little to recommend here as the slow pace and overly complicated plot make for rather dull television.
  7. thenthomwaslike
    Nov 20, 2011
    6
    it was strange for the sake of being strange, and mostly successful in drawing me in. sir ian made a great character and a great villian, but the show had no hope of being greenlighted for a second season due to the writing. it is unfortunate because it had a great cast and a strange affinity for making me feel empathetic for the ridiculous plights the main character found himself in. ifit was strange for the sake of being strange, and mostly successful in drawing me in. sir ian made a great character and a great villian, but the show had no hope of being greenlighted for a second season due to the writing. it is unfortunate because it had a great cast and a strange affinity for making me feel empathetic for the ridiculous plights the main character found himself in. if you liked the movie pleasantville you should give this show a try… Expand

Awards & Rankings

95
#95 Best TV Season of 2009
45
#45 Most Discussed TV Season of 2009

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
45

Mixed or average reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 21
  3. Negative: 6 out of 21
  1. Boston Globe
    Reviewed by: Matthew Gilbert
    40
    For the characters and for the viewers, the miniseries is a plodding excursion on the road to nowhere.
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  2. Chicago Tribune
    Reviewed by: Maureen Ryan
    30
    This Prisoner remake contains some striking visuals and intermittently effective performances, especially from the typically magnetic McKellan, but it’s also frequently too choppy and elliptical to build up much suspense or dramatic impact.
    Read full review
  3. Entertainment Weekly
    Reviewed by: Ken Tucker
    50
    It's self-absorbed to the point of incoherence.
    Read full review
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