(S01E08) This time around we get to see what lengths the powers-that-be at The Village will go through to get Number 6 to tell them why he resigned. After engaging in a mind-reading exercise with an attractive fellow resident, Number 6 is removed from his quarters while asleep. We then see him wake up with a moustache and darker hair--or, at least we think that's Number 6. It appears that the new Number 2 is leading a plot whereby an exact replica of Number 6 (Number 12) has been surgically altered to look like our hero Number 6. Got that so far?

In addition, Number 12 has been programmed/taught to speak, think, and act exactly like Number 6, while at the same time, doing his best to confuse Number 6 so that he will end up questioning himself. Number 2 believes that Number 6 will eventually crack, and then will subsequently tell all about his resignation.

After a series of scenes where Numbers 6 and 12 confront each other and do their best to reveal who is the true Number 6, the "real" Number 6 begins to figure things out and true to his secret agent nature, turns the tables on Number 12 and (especially) Number 2. Eventually, Number 6 is poised to make his escape from The Village, but as we have learned by watching so far, things don't turn out the way we expect them to.

What I particularly liked about this episode is the attention to detail. Every little nuance is covered, including the bruise to Number 6's fingernail to the date that appears in a picture (February 10). In addition, although we've seen many instances where an exact double of a main character shows up and engages in a confrontation with the "real" character, you're able to look past that and really get into what is going on and see how Number 6 fights to maintain his own identity and not crack under the pressure.

This episode's Number 2 is fairly straightforward in his pursuit of breaking Number 6. It appears that Number 1 or whomever is in charge is trying to utilize different personalities in order to get Number 6 to talk. So far, so-so. Let's not forget this episode features a terrific ending, even though you pretty much know how things will turn out.

Until next time

Be seeing you!