Free For All

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A weekly look at one of the most enigmatic tv shows ever made, Patrick McGoohan's 'The Prisoner'. Each week screenwriter Cai Ross and media lecturer Chris Bainbridge, delve into the 17 episodes of The Prisoner interpreting them in their own unique way. Wi

Chris Bainbridge


    • Mar 19, 2023 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 1h AVG DURATION
    • 28 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Free For All

    McGoohan and Columbo (Number 26)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 19, 2023 90:05


    In this special episode of Free For All, Cai Ross and Chris Bainbridge discuss Patrick McGoohan's work on the classic detective show, Columbo. The pair look at McGoohan's contribution to the show as director, writer and actor, which earned him a special place in Peter Falk's circle of trust. Joining Cai and Chris is Columbo expert Mark Dawidziak, author of The Columbo Phile. As ever, minutiae will be scrutinised and tangents will be explored with discussion, interpretation, trivia and humour. The only Prisoner podcast produced in north Wales, home of the Village itself, Portmeirion. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    The Christmas Special (Number 25)

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2022 72:56


    In this special festive episode of Free For All, Cai Ross and Chris Bainbridge discuss the absence of religion in The Prisoner. Questions pondered include 'What if there was a Prisoner Christmas special?' and 'What would Number Two's Christmas party look like?' Sanity is restored as legendary movie director and Prisoner fan, Alex Cox joins the duo to discuss his love of the show and his book 'I Am Not a Number: Decoding the Prisoner'. As ever, minutiae will be scrutinised and tangents will be explored with discussion, interpretation, trivia and humour. The only Prisoner podcast produced in north Wales, home of the Village itself, Portmeirion. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Conclusion and Conclusions (Number 24)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 3, 2022 108:08


    In the final episode of season/series two, Screenwriter Cai Ross and lecturer Chris Bainbridge draw to a close their discussion on the seventeen episodes of the prescient 1967 TV show, The Prisoner. From Campbell's Monomyth to the Beatles' mono mixes, this feature length episode goes off on several pop culture tangents because why the hell not? It's the last episode so why not go out with some fun? Cai and Chris discuss their episode running orders with episodic and narrative justification and generally wrap up the conversation. As ever, minutiae will be scrutinised and tangents will be explored with dash of light humour, with discussion on interpretation, trivia, humour and an exploration of the production process. The only Prisoner podcast produced in north Wales, home of the Village itself, Portmeirion. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Fact and Fiction: The Prisoner in Literature (Number 23)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2022 63:03


    Screenwriter Cai Ross and lecturer Chris Bainbridge discus the books inspired by the prescient 1967 TV show, The Prisoner. In this episode Cai and Chris look at the plethora of literature that has been created over the past 50 years that has kept interest in the show alive. As ever, minutiae will be scrutinised and tangents will be explored with dash of light humour, your hosts will cast their critical eyes over the Prisoner literature, with discussion on interpretation, trivia and humour. The only Prisoner podcast produced in north Wales, home of the Village itself, Portmeirion. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Fall Out: Part 3 (Number 22)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2022 86:24


    The Fall Out Tripartite: Part ThreeScreenwriter Cai Ross and lecturer Chris Bainbridge continue discussing the seventeen episodes of the prescient 1967 TV show, The Prisoner. The final fifteen minutes of episode seventeen, Fall Out are deconstructed and explored. Chris and Cai leave the cave via the A20 and head back to normality ably abetted by their special guests: Six of One Founder Dave Barrie, Prisoner expert and curator of TheUnmutual.co.uk Rick Davy, and Six of One's PortMeiricon Organiser Anthony Brierley. As ever, minutiae will be scrutinised and tangents will be explored with dash of light humour, your hosts will cast their critical eyes over the episode, with discussion on interpretation, trivia, humour and an exploration of the production process. The only Prisoner podcast produced in north Wales, home of the Village itself, Portmeirion. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Fall Out: Part 2 (Number 21)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2022 82:28


    The Fall Out Tripartite: Part TwoScreenwriter Cai Ross and lecturer Chris Bainbridge continue discussing the seventeen episodes of the prescient 1967 TV show, The Prisoner. The next twenty minutes of episode seventeen, Fall Out are deconstructed and explored. Chris and Cai are joined by author Robert Fairclough (The Prisoner: The Official Companion) who talks about working with Kenneth Griffiths and provides some interesting trivia from the production. As ever, minutiae will be scrutinised and tangents will be explored with dash of light humour, your hosts will cast their critical eyes over the episode, with discussion on interpretation, trivia, humour and an exploration of the production process. The only Prisoner podcast produced in north Wales, home of the Village itself, Portmeirion. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Fall Out: Part 1 (Number 20)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 5, 2022 88:14


    The Fall Out Tripartite: Part One. In this episode, screenwriter Cai Ross and lecturer Chris Bainbridge continue discussing the seventeen episodes of the prescient 1967 TV show, The Prisoner. The first fifteen minutes of episode seventeen, Fall Out are deconstructed and explored. Chris and Cai descend into the subterranean world of Plato's Cave to the strains of the Beatles, armed with etymological dictionaries and the York Notes guide to Freud. As ever, minutiae will be scrutinised and tangents will be explored with dash of light humour, your hosts will cast their critical eyes over the episode, with discussion on interpretation, trivia, humour and an exploration of the production process. The only Prisoner podcast produced in north Wales, home of the Village itself, Portmeirion. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Once upon a Time (Number 19)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2022 60:33


    In this episode, screenwriter Cai Ross and lecturer Chris Bainbridge continue discussing the seventeen episodes of the prescient 1967 TV show, The Prisoner. Was Once upon a Time, a very personal piece of work for Patrick McGoohan? What are the numerous connections to professional theatre? As ever, minutiae will be scrutinised and tangents will be explored with dash of light humour, your hosts will cast their critical eyes over the episode, with discussion on interpretation, trivia, humour and an exploration of the production process. The only Prisoner podcast produced in north Wales, home of the Village itself, Portmeirion. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Special - Discovering The Prisoner (Number 18)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2022 65:16


    In this special episode, screenwriter Cai Ross and lecturer Chris Bainbridge looks at the broadcast and home media history of The Prisoner. This week, a multitude of special guests including Dave Barrie, Rick Davy, Robert Fairclough and Anthony Brierley discuss their first 'Arrival' at The Village. The only Prisoner podcast produced in north Wales, home of the Village itself, Portmeirion.3rd party audio clips copyright belonging to Channel 4, ITC, ITV, Precision Video, Channel 5 video, ATV and Polygram. Copyrighted material as 'fair usage' for limited and “transformative” purposes, such as to comment upon, criticise, or parody a copyrighted work. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    The Girl Who Was Death (Number 17)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2022 54:25


    In this episode, screenwriter Cai Ross and lecturer Chris Bainbridge continue discussing the seventeen episodes of the prescient 1967 TV show, The Prisoner. This week, special guest Rick Davy (writer, researcher, and curator of TheUnmutual.co.uk) weighs in on The Drake Debate, following our Twitter poll - Was Number 6 actually John Drake? Minutiae will be scrutinised and tangents will be explored with dash of light humour. Regular feature Who's The Two looks at the career of Welsh actor Kenneth Griffith, with input from writer Robert Fairclough (author of The Official Prisoner Companion). As ever, your hosts will cast their critical eyes over the episode, with discussion on interpretation, trivia, humour and an exploration of the production process. The only Prisoner podcast produced in north Wales, home of the Village itself, Portmeirion. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Living in Harmony (Number 16)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 9, 2022 58:06


    In this week's episode, screenwriter Cai Ross and lecturer Chris Bainbridge continue discussing the seventeen episodes of the prescient 1967 TV show, The Prisoner. This week, special guest Dave Barrie (writer, and founding member of Six of One: The Prisoner Appreciation Society) discusses Living in Harmony and how his friendship with episode writer Ian Rakoff helped produce the book Inside The Prisoner: Radical Television and Film in the 1960s. Minutiae will be scrutinised and tangents will be explored with dash of light humour. Regular feature Who's The Two looks at the career of American actor David Bauer. As ever, your hosts will cast their critical eyes over the episode, with discussion on interpretation, trivia, humour and an exploration of the production process. The only Prisoner podcast produced in north Wales, home of the Village itself, Portmeirion. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Do Not Forsake Me Oh My Darling (Number 15)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2022 50:51


    In this episode, screenwriter Cai Ross and lecturer Chris Bainbridge continue discussing the seventeen episodes of the prescient 1967 TV show, The Prisoner. This week, special guest Rick Davy (writer, researcher, and curator of TheUnmutual.co.uk) defends Do Not Forsake Me Oh My Darling and why he feels this episode deserves much more appreciation. Minutiae will be scrutinised and tangents will be explored with dash of light humour. Regular feature Who's The Two looks at the career of Welsh actor Clifford Evans. As ever, your hosts will cast their critical eyes over the episode, with discussion on interpretation, trivia, humour and an exploration of the production process. The only Prisoner podcast produced in north Wales, home of the Village itself, Portmeirion. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    tv village wales regular prisoners acast welsh forsake minutiae oh my darling portmeirion do not forsake me oh my darling
    A Change of Mind (Number 14)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2022 57:14


    In this second episode of series/season 2, screenwriter Cai Ross and lecturer Chris Bainbridge discuss the seventeen episodes of the prescient 1967 TV show, The Prisoner. This week, Number 6 is deemed 'unmutual' and undergoes a staged lobotomy in A Change of Mind. Minutiae will be scrutinised and tangents will be explored with dash of light humour. Regular feature Who's The Two looks at the career of actor John Sharp. As ever, your hosts will cast their critical eyes over the episode, with discussion on interpretation, trivia, humour and an exploration of the production process. The only Prisoner podcast produced in north Wales, home of the Village itself, Portmeirion. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    It's Your Funeral (Number 13)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2022 55:54


    In the first episode of series two, Chris and Cai discuss episode 11, It's Your Funeral. Who's The Two looks at the career of actor Derren Nesbitt with the added pleasure of interviewing him first hand (the full length 30 minute version of the interview is also available). As ever, your hosts will cast their critical eyes over the episode, with discussion on interpretation, trivia, humour and an exploration of the production process. The only Prisoner podcast produced in north Wales, home of the Village itself, Portmeirion. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    (Special) In Conversation with Derren Nesbitt

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2022 32:33


    The full length 30 minute interview with Number 2 actor Derren Nesbitt. Derren discusses his career highlights to date including Where Eagles Dare, The Prisoner, Doctor Who, Special Branch and most recently Tucked. Contains strong language. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Hammer Into Anvil (Number 12)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2022 55:36


    In this final episode of series/season 1, screenwriter Cai Ross and lecturer Chris Bainbridge discuss the seventeen episodes of the prescient 1967 TV show, The Prisoner. This week, Number 6 goes up against a sadistic Number 2 in Hammer Into Anvil. Minutiae will be scrutinised, tangents will be explored and some new elements added to the show for comic effect. Regular feature Who's The Two looks at the career of the inimitable Patrick Cargill. As ever, your hosts will cast their critical eyes over the episode, with discussion on interpretation, trivia, humour and an exploration of the production process. The only Prisoner podcast produced in north Wales, home of the Village itself, Portmeirion. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Checkmate (Number 11)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 13, 2022 53:09


    Happy Valentine's Day! Love is in certainly the air for Number 8 as she fawns over our hero in Checkmate. It's the penultimate episode of season/series 1, screenwriter Cai Ross and lecturer Chris Bainbridge are still trapped in the studio discussing the seventeen episodes of the prescient 1967 TV show, The Prisoner. The board is set, the pieces assembled and 'Chess for Beginners' has been consulted, the game begins! One of the most iconic and enduring episodes of The Prisoner is deconstructed, square by square, piece by piece. Regular feature Who's The Two looks at the career and influence of the legendary Peter Wyngarde; the man whose myths forged his own unique legend. As ever, your hosts will cast their critical eyes over the episode, with discussion on interpretation, trivia, humour and an exploration of the production process. The only Prisoner podcast produced in north Wales, home of the Village itself, Portmeirion. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Dance of the Dead (Number 10)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 6, 2022 59:05


    Screenwriter Cai Ross and Lecturer Chris Bainbridge continue to discuss the seventeen episodes of the prescient 1967 TV show, The Prisoner. This proves to be a polarising episode for Chris and Cai, with different opinions over meaning and quality. Sleeves will be rolled up, Hoyle's rule book observed, but hopefully they can find some common ground! As ever, your hosts will cast their critical eyes over the episode, with discussion on interpretation, trivia, humour and an exploration of the production process. The only Prisoner podcast produced in north Wales, home of the Village itself, Portmeirion. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Many Happy Returns (Number 9)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 31, 2022 68:31


    Screenwriter Cai Ross and Lecturer Chris Bainbridge continue to discuss the seventeen episodes of the prescient 1967 TV show, The Prisoner. In episode nine, Cai celebrates his birthday by watching and discussing Many Happy Returns featuring the best fruitcake he has ever tasted! As ever, your hosts will cast their critical eyes over the episode, with discussion on interpretation, trivia, humour and an exploration of the production process. The only Prisoner podcast produced in north Wales, home of the Village itself, Portmeirion. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    The General (Number 8)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 24, 2022 53:50


    Screenwriter Cai Ross and Lecturer Chris Bainbridge continue to discuss the seventeen episodes of the prescient 1967 TV show, The Prisoner. In episode eight, Chris gets on his educational soapbox to discuss the elements of The General that have come to pass in the 21st Century. As ever, your hosts will cast their critical eyes over the episode, with discussion on interpretation, trivia, humour and an exploration of the production process. The only Prisoner podcast produced in north Wales, home of the Village itself, Portmeirion. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    The Schizoid Man (Number 7)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 17, 2022 65:24


    Screenwriter Cai Ross and Lecturer Chris Bainbridge continue to discuss the seventeen episodes of the prescient 1967 TV show, The Prisoner. In this seventh episode, Chris and Cai take on The Schizoid Man with special guest Jane Merrow, who shares her experiences working on the episode. Who's the Two looks at Anton Rodgers' wonderful portrayal of the village administrator and as ever, your hosts will cast their critical eyes over the episode, with discussion on interpretation, trivia, humour and an exploration of the production process. The only Prisoner podcast produced in north Wales, home of the Village itself, Portmeirion. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Free For All (Part 2 of 2 - Number 6)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 10, 2022 44:47


    Screenwriter Cai Ross and Lecturer Chris Bainbridge continue to discuss the seventeen episodes of the prescient 1967 TV show, The Prisoner. In this sixth episode, your hosts conclude their look at Free For All, its satirical take on politics as well as its predictions for automated processes. Who's the Two looks at the inimitable Eric Portman and new feature Supporting Artist of the Week pays tribute to the non credited background artistes. As ever, your hosts will cast their critical eyes over the episode, with discussion on interpretation, trivia, humour and an exploration of the production process. The only Prisoner podcast produced in north Wales, home of the Village itself, Portmeirion. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Free For All (Part 1 of 2 - Number 5)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 3, 2022 47:11


    In this episode, hosts Cai Ross and Chris Bainbridge continue discussing the seventeen episodes of the prescient 1967 TV show, The Prisoner. Chris and Cai discuss the episode Free For All and its satirical take on politics as well as its predictions for instant and fake news. As ever, your hosts will cast their critical eyes over the episode, with discussion on interpretation, trivia, humour and an exploration of the production process. The only Prisoner podcast produced in north Wales, home of the Village itself, Portmeirion. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    A. B. & C. (Number 4)

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 27, 2021 59:48


    In this fourth instalment of Free For All, hosts Cai Ross and Chris Bainbridge continue discussing the seventeen episodes of the prescient 1967 TV show, The Prisoner. Chris and Cai discuss the dreamy episode A. B and C, looking at interpretations, influences, guest stars and the production process. Regular feature Who's the Two? looks at Colin Gordon's initial but arguably second portrayal as the village administrator, shedding light on his work and career. As ever, your hosts will cast their critical eyes over the episode, with discussion on interpretation, trivia, humour and an exploration of the production process. The only Prisoner podcast produced in north Wales, home of the Village itself, Portmeirion. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    The Chimes of Big Ben (Number 3)

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 20, 2021 52:27


    In this third episode, hosts Cai Ross and Chris Bainbridge continue discussing the seventeen episodes of the prescient 1967 TV show, The Prisoner. Chris and Cai discuss the strange scheduling of The Chimes of Big Ben, beard issues, show bibles, plot holes, themes and production. Regular feature Who's the Two? looks at Leo McKern's portrayal as the village administrator, shedding light on his work and career. As ever, your hosts will cast their critical eyes over the episode, with discussion on interpretation, trivia, humour and an exploration of the production process. The only Prisoner podcast produced in north Wales, home of the Village itself, Portmeirion. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Arrival and a Rival (Number 2)

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 12, 2021 60:40


    In this second episode, hosts Cai Ross and Chris Bainbridge continue discussing the first episode of The Prisoner, Arrival. Chris and Cai discuss the prescience of McGoohan's masterpiece as Arrival sets out to create the world of The Prisoner and set out its own unique set of rules. Regular feature Who's the Two? looks at Guy Doleman and George Baker's portrayals as the village administrator, shedding light on their work and careers. As ever, your hosts will cast their critical eyes over the episode, with discussion on interpretation, trivia, humour and an exploration of the production process. The only Prisoner podcast produced in north Wales, home of the Village itself, Portmeirion. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Preamble to Arrival (Number 1)

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 6, 2021 56:54


    In this inaugural episode, hosts Cai Ross and Chris Bainbridge introduce and discuss the first episode of The Prisoner. The hosts cast a critical eye over the episode Arrival, with discussion, interpretation, trivia, humour and an exploration of the production process, giving kudos to those behind the camera as well as in front. This week, Cai and Chris cast their minds back to 1990, as they remember their own introduction to the show. Along they way they look at The Prisoner's title sequence and the opening scenes of Arrival whilst regularly going off on tangents. The only Prisoner podcast produced in beautiful north Wales, home of the Village itself, Portmeirion. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Free For All - The Prisoner Podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 9, 2021 1:09


    New podcast arriving on 6th December 2021 dedicated to the classic 1967 tv show The Prisoner. Join your hosts, screenwriter and film journalist Cai Ross (HeyUGuys, CinemaRetro) and Chris Bainbridge, lecturer in creative and broadcast media. Recorded in beautiful north Wales, home of the real life Village, Portmeirion. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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