Ep 13. A Change Of Mind

The Prisoner (1967) season 1 episode 13, "A Change Of Mind," follows the main character known only as Number Six as he challenges the mind control techniques employed by the Village's governing body. Number Six has shown a resistance to the Village's various methods of manipulation, and as a result has become a thorn in the side of the Village's leaders. In this episode, Number Six discovers that his rebellious nature has come under scrutiny, and he is subjected to a procedure designed to alter his personality to make him more compliant.

The episode begins with Number Six experiencing a new form of punishment for his continued defiance. He is subjected to a strange room filled with flashing images and loud noises designed to disorient him. Despite his initial resistance, he eventually succumbs to the effects of the room and begins to hallucinate. While in this state, he is approached by a group of Villagers who offer to help him escape. However, Number Six recognizes that the group is actually a trap and refuses their offer.

Following this incident, Number Six discovers that he has been deemed a danger to the Village due to his lack of conformity. He is scheduled to undergo a procedure known as "instant social conversion," which is designed to alter his personality and make him more compliant with the Village's rules. Despite his protestations, Number Six is taken to the facility where the procedure is conducted.

Within the facility, Number Six is placed in a white room and administered a series of drugs designed to put him in a suggestible state. While under the influence of the drugs, he is subjected to a series of images and messages designed to alter his thought patterns. Initially, Number Six resists the effects of the procedure, but eventually he begins to accept the ideas being presented to him.

As the procedure continues, Number Six becomes increasingly compliant and can be seen reciting the Village's slogans. However, as the drugs begin to wear off, he begins to regain his sense of self and resist the ideas being presented to him. He is eventually able to break free of the white room and confront those who subjected him to the procedure.

Throughout "A Change Of Mind," there is a strong emphasis on the importance of individuality and the dangers of conformism. Number Six's resistance to the Village's mind control techniques is portrayed as a heroic act, while those who comply with the Village's rules are shown as being duped into giving up their freedom. The episode's climax features a powerful speech by Number Six, in which he declares that he will never give in to the Village's demands and will always remain true to himself.

Overall, "A Change Of Mind" is a thought-provoking episode of The Prisoner that showcases the series' penchant for exploring complex themes of identity and control. Through its exploration of mind control techniques and the importance of individuality, the episode encourages viewers to question the world around them and to remain true to their own beliefs and values.