PODCAST · tv
Free For All
by Chris Bainbridge
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. With guest interviews including original cast members, Free For All is a light hearted, funny, critical and sometimes analytical exploration of McGoohan's televisual magnum opus. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
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Live from PortmeiriCon - Dave Barrie Book Launch (Number 48)
In this very special follow-up episode, Chris and Cai once again swap the studio for the stunning North Wales village of Portmeirion—the iconic filming location of The Prisoner—returning to record live from PortmeiriCon 2026. Surrounded by devoted fans, striking architecture, and no shortage of...
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A Splash of Objection on a Canvas: The Prisoner, Sixty Years On (Number 47)
In this special episode, Chris Bainbridge and Cai Ross are joined by ITC Entertained the World's Rodney Marshall and Al Samujh, along with The Unmutual's Rick Davy to discuss the launch of the new Prisoner book - A Splash of Objection on a Canvas: The Prisoner, Sixty Years On. Recorded live at...
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Rebellion on Prime Time: The Press and Public Reactions to The Prisoner (Number 46)
In this episode, Chris Bainbridge and Cai Ross dive deep into the original press and public reactions to The Prisoner when it first aired in 1967. Lauded by some as visionary and condemned by others as baffling, Patrick McGoohan’s enigmatic series sparked one of the most divided responses in...
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Return to Wandering Planet - Special (Number 45)
In this special episode of Free For All, Cai Ross and Chris Bainbridge are once again joined by Wandering Planet's own Gavin Hignight and Chris "Doc" Wyatt to discuss the recently released Wave Two Prisoner action figures with exclusive news on the upcoming Wave Three! Not only that but Gavin and...
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Live from PortmeiriCon - Part 2 (Number 44)
In this second special live episode, Chris and Cai trade the studio for the beautiful north Wales village of Portmeirion—the iconic filming location of The Prisoner, to record straight from Six of One's PortmeiriCon! Joining Chris and Cai is editor and PortmeiriCon host Cyril Martin, who takes us...
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Live from PortmeiriCon - Part 1 (Number 43)
In this very special live episode, Chris and Cai trade the studio for the beautiful north Wales village of Portmeirion—the iconic filming location of The Prisoner, to record straight from Six of One's PortmeiriCon! Surrounded by die-hard fans, eccentric architecture, and plenty of Number Six...
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Artificial Intelligence and The Prisoner - Part 2 (Number 42)
The Prisoner. 1967. A Village where everyone is watched—and no one is free. But what happens when we look at it through the lens of AI? In Free For All, we dive deep into The Prisoner, the groundbreaking cult TV series starring Patrick McGoohan, and explore how its themes of surveillance…
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Artificial Intelligence and The Prisoner - Part 1 (Number 41)
The Prisoner. 1967. A Village where everyone is watched—and no one is free. But what happens when we look at it through the lens of AI? In Free For All, we dive deep into The Prisoner, the groundbreaking cult TV series starring Patrick McGoohan, and explore how its themes of surveillance…
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The Prisoner and the Beatles - Part 2 (Number 40)
Return to the kaleidoscopic world of 1967, a year when pop culture bent reality, and nothing was quite what it seemed. In this episode, Chris and Cai explore the surreal, symbolic, and subversive parallels between the cult TV show The Prisoner and the cultural phenomenon of The Beatles. From the...
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The Prisoner and The Beatles - Part 1 (Number 39)
Step into the kaleidoscopic world of 1967, a year when pop culture bent reality, and nothing was quite what it seemed. In this episode, Chris and Cai explore the surreal, symbolic, and subversive parallels between the cult TV show The Prisoner and the cultural phenomenon of The Beatles. From the...
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Man in a Suitcase - The Prisoner's Production Twin (Special)
In this special episode, Cai Ross and Chris Bainbridge celebrate the release of Imprint's Man in a Suitcase Blu-ray box set. ITC expert and author Rodney Marshall shares his thoughts about the synergy between the two shows. As ever, minutiae will be scrutinised and tangents will be explored with...
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Portmeirion - The Real Life Village - Part 2 (Number 38)
In the final episode of series four, Cai Ross and Chris Bainbridge spend an afternoon recording in the Hotel Portmeirion. 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...
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Portmeirion - The Real Life Village - Part 1 (Number 37)
In the fifth episode of series four, Cai Ross and Chris Bainbridge travel to Portmeirion to meet the managing director and grandson of Sir Clough Williams-Ellis, Robin Llewellyn. As ever, minutiae will be scrutinised and tangents will be explored with discussion, interpretation, trivia and…
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The Proposed 1996 Prisoner Movie - Part 4 (Number 36)
In the fourth episode of series four, Cai Ross and Chris Bainbridge conclude their look at Patrick McGoohan's 1996 first draft for a proposed Prisoner movie. What will marine scientist Tom Yates discover as descends into the depths of the Village? As ever, minutiae will be scrutinised and…
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The Proposed 1996 Prisoner Movie - Part 3 (Number 35)
In the third episode of series four, Cai Ross and Chris Bainbridge look at Patrick McGoohan's 1996 first draft for a proposed Prisoner movie. What dangers face marine scientist Tom Yates, as he orientates in a familiar-looking Italianate village? As ever, minutiae will be scrutinised and tangents...
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The Proposed 1996 Prisoner Movie - Part 2 (Number 34)
In the second episode of series four, Cai Ross and Chris Bainbridge look at Patrick McGoohan's 1996 first draft for a proposed Prisoner movie. Who will marine scientist Tom Yates meet as he awakens in a familiar-looking Italianate village? A familiar figure from the Village's past is keen to...
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The Proposed 1996 Prisoner Movie - Part 1 (Number 33)
In the first episode of series four, Cai Ross and Chris Bainbridge look at Patrick McGoohan's 1996 first draft for a proposed Prisoner movie. What will marine scientist Tom Yates discover as he awakens in a familiar-looking Italianate village? As ever, minutiae will be scrutinised and tangents…
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The Cooler by George Markstein, with special guest David Hughes (Special)
In this bonus episode of series four, Cai Ross and Chris Bainbridge speak to David Hughes about his 2024 reprint of George Markstein's The Cooler. As ever, minutiae will be scrutinised and tangents will be explored with discussion, interpretation, trivia and humour. The only Prisoner podcast...
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Merchandise and Memorabilia - 'Danger Man' (Number 32)
In this special episode of Free For All, Cai Ross and Chris Bainbridge geek out over the wealth of merchandise available to fans of Danger Man including jigsaws, novels, annuals and even bubblegum! As ever, minutiae will be scrutinised and tangents will be explored with discussion…
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Merchandise and Memorabilia - 'The Prisoner' (Number 31)
In this special episode of Free For All, Cai Ross and Chris Bainbridge geek out over the wealth of merchandise available to fans of The Prisoner from 1967's Dinky Mini Moke to the recent Wandering Planet Toys action figures. Joining Cai and Chris are Wandering Planet's own Gavin Hignight and…
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Danger Man (1964) - Part Two (Number 30)
In this special episode of Free For All, Cai Ross and Chris Bainbridge conclude their look at the second iteration of Patrick McGoohan's classic spy show, Danger Man (1964). The pair look at McGoohan's work on the show, firstly as actor and later as a director, building up his creative...
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Danger Man (1964) - Part One (Number 29)
In this special episode of Free For All, Cai Ross and Chris Bainbridge look at the second iteration of Patrick McGoohan's classic spy show, Danger Man (1964). The pair look at McGoohan's work on the show, firstly as actor and later as a director, building up his creative collaborations and skills...
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Danger Man (1960) - Part Two (Number 28)
In this special episode of Free For All, Cai Ross and Chris Bainbridge conclude their discussion on the first iteration of Patrick McGoohan's classic spy show, Danger Man (1960). The pair look at McGoohan's work on the show, firstly as actor and later as a director, building up his creative...
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Danger Man (1960) - Part One (Number 27)
In this special episode of Free For All, Cai Ross and Chris Bainbridge discuss Patrick McGoohan's classic spy show, Danger Man (1960). The pair look at McGoohan's work on the show, firstly as actor and later as a director, building up his creative collaborations and skills which paved the way...
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McGoohan and Columbo (Number 26)
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....
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The Christmas Special (Number 25)
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…
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Conclusion and Conclusions (Number 24)
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…
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Fact and Fiction: The Prisoner in Literature (Number 23)
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...
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Fall Out: Part 3 (Number 22)
The Fall Out Tripartite: Part Three Screenwriter 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...
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Fall Out: Part 2 (Number 21)
The Fall Out Tripartite: Part Two Screenwriter 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...
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Fall Out: Part 1 (Number 20)
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...
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Once upon a Time (Number 19)
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…
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Special - Discovering The Prisoner (Number 18)
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…
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The Girl Who Was Death (Number 17)
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…
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Living in Harmony (Number 16)
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…
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Do Not Forsake Me Oh My Darling (Number 15)
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...
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A Change of Mind (Number 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...
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It's Your Funeral (Number 13)
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…
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(Special) In Conversation with Derren Nesbitt
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...
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Hammer Into Anvil (Number 12)
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...
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Checkmate (Number 11)
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...
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Dance of the Dead (Number 10)
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...
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Many Happy Returns (Number 9)
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…
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The General (Number 8)
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…
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The Schizoid Man (Number 7)
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...
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Free For All (Part 2 of 2 - Number 6)
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.…
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Free For All (Part 1 of 2 - Number 5)
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...
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A. B. & C. (Number 4)
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…
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The Chimes of Big Ben (Number 3)
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...
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Arrival (Number 2)
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…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
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. With guest interviews including original cast members, Free For All is a light hearted, funny, critical and sometimes analytical exploration of McGoohan's televisual magnum opus.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
HOSTED BY
Chris Bainbridge
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Free For All have?
Free For All currently has 50 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Free For All about?
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. With guest interviews including original cast...
How often does Free For All release new episodes?
Free For All has 50 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Free For All?
You can listen to Free For All on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Free For All?
Free For All is created and hosted by Chris Bainbridge.
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