"Just a bit of a punch up in the woods" was how Michael Billington described his role in 'The Prisoner' episode 'A Change of Mind', but, it was the skirmish that paved the way for the role he would probably become most remembered for portraying, Colonel Paul Foster.

The Prisoner starred Patrick McGoohan as the Prisoner himself plus a beautiful village in Wales called Portmeirion !

Filming began in 1967 and a total of 17 episodes were made. McGoohan was also the Executive Producer of the series made by Everyman Films as an ITC production.

'A Change of Mind' is episode 11 in 'The Prisoner' series. Mike is credited as 'Second Woodland Man', for some reason, rather than by the number on his village identity badge - number 58 - as most cast members were credited !

I vaguely remember the first time I saw 'The Prisoner'; it was in black and white, my parents having not yet invested in a colour television. I didn't understand then why this man with the strange name of Number Six was so grumpy most of the time. When he smiled, I thought he looked so silly ! I did like to watch Rover (the large white balloon who kept people from running away from the village) wake up, chase and catch any escapee. The highlight of each episode then for me, however, was watching the penny-farthing bicycle come together at the end of each episode.

On later screenings of 'The Prisoner', eventually for me in colour, I became more intrigued by this puzzling programme and, as I expect most viewers did, tried to analyse what it was all about.

No 6, we can assume, had been a secret agent who chose to resign, but found for him, resigning was not an option ! The organisation he worked for, or whoever his captors actually were, wanted to know why he'd resigned. Drugged and transported to an amazing location, No. 6 was a prisoner, well, not just a prisoner but The Prisoner ! No 6 refused to co-operative with his captors, instead, opting to assert his individuality and constantly plot his escape from the village.

The Prisoner actually covers some very serious issues through the episodes, such as personal identity and freedom, democracy, scientific progress, advances in technology and medical experimentation as we watch No 6's escape attempts foiled. No. 6 seems always to win the battle against his captors, but never quite the war by escaping !

I found it hard to imagine why anyone would want to leave the enchanting village of Portmeirion. I hoped, after staying at the village myself, Rover would arrive as I approached the gates to insist I stayed. I wouldn't have needed much persuasion ! Unfortunately, Rover didn't make an appearance and I had to leave.

In the episode 'A Change of Mind', Mike portrays one of the two thugs who attack No 6 in the woods. No. 6, as always, wins the fight. Not exactly happy to be defeated, Mike's character, or as I like to think of him, No. 58, threatens to inform 'The Committee' of No. 6's aggressive defence.

Number Six is declared 'unmutual' (a kind of non-conformist to village society) by the Village Committee who recommend he undergo 'instant social treatment'. The treatment is explained to No. 6 -a lobotomy by laser - but No. 6 is not actually administered the treatment, only tricked into thinking he has received the laser surgery.

Drugs, and not the surgery, have achieved the effect of calming Number six ! There is a small band- aid on No. 6's temple, placed there by his captors to fool him into thinking he has had surgery, but, typical for No 6, it gives him doubts about the surgery rather than evidence the surgery has taken place !

No. 6 soon realises the real reason for his reluctant calmness and confusion when he sees the village doctor trying to slip more drugs into his tea. Much to No. 2's annoyance, No. 6 tricks the doctor into taking the drugs and she goes off into a little world of her own !

No. 6 encounters the two thugs once again, they expect a changed and submissive opponent this time, but No.6 defeats them both once again ! Now No.6 now knows he is back to his normal self and is ready to hatch his plans for No. 2 !

Mike thought he could have improved his performance in the Prisoner. The delivery of his final line, when the two thugs first encounter Number Six; he was most critical of. Mike believed maybe he should have taken Patrick McGoohan's advice to slow things down. I disagree. Mike rasps the line fast and breathless. I can't imagine a better delivery of the line. For me it's the perfect representation of a bully's churlish reaction to losing a fight to his intended victim.

Mike, you did great !