The Prisoner, April 17, 1996

This episode was a complete departure from all previous ones in that the focus was on character development rather than action. Oh the storyline was good, as was the script. But these served as vehicles for the exploration of Harm's character, and Meg and Krennick's as well, as shown in their reactions to Harm's disappearance. There was a bit of shooting at the end, but really, that doesn't count much, IMO.

We know that Harm's father was MIA, and that Harm was trying to emulate him. In fact, we are told this in the intro to each episode, which TPTB tacked on part way through the season. There have been tantalizing mentions of Harm Sr. but no details. Until now. In this episode, Harm got shot full of drugs by his interrogator, and was led to believe that his father was the other prisoner in the cell underneath his. He played a desperate game of cat and mouse with this prisoner as he tried to find the truth. Could this indeed be his long-lost father?

I found it interesting and totally engrossing to watch Harm as he worked his way through the maze. The voice was interesting too: fatherly, kindly, full of sadness, and yet rock solid. Harm was on the verge of tears several times as he relived his childhood memories of his father. Those scenes were so well done. DJE should have been nominated for an Emmy for this episode. The acting was the best. His attention to every little nuance of his art, from the pitch of his voice to the smallest little flicker in his eyes made this the best episode of the season. Kudos to DJE for a real tour de force.

I wish that TPTB had gone a step further and actually allowed Harm to cry. I don't believe that tears would diminish this man.

As for Meg and Krennick, we now know the truth. Both of them love Harm, and neither one got to first base with him. Apart from that little detail, which had become a bit of an obsession with fans, (we fans want to know everything), it was quite enlightening to watch the two women's differing reactions. Meg was worried and upset. She showed it, and had some trouble keeping her equilibrium. Krennick was equally upset. She managed to keep her emotions tamped down, but the catch in her voice when she told Baird that Harm was missing was extremely revealing. This was Krennick worried sick. I really enjoyed the conversation between the two women at the pavilion as they waited for word of Harm. It shed a lot of light on the relationship between them, and increased my respect and liking for Krennick.

Finally, I love that unforgettable scene at the embassy when Krennick and Meg blackmailed Baird into helping them make a deal for Harm's release: Krennick stalking poor Baird, and Meg, with a butter-won't-melt-in-my-mouth face, helpfully offering to take the pretend call from Mrs. Baird. "Dear Mrs. Baird, I LOVE your husband ... " How many men would be able to make a stand against Krennick? The answer: only one, Harmon Rabb.

previous episode review//next episode review