The metaphor of Hammer and Anvil is apt because everyone in the episode forgot how hammers and anvils work. The anvil wins every contest except the last one. Far more hammers shatter on anvils than anvils crack. And when an anvil cracks, it is useless. I have to wonder if Number 6 knew that. I have a feeling the scriptwriter did, even if he didn't explain it to anyone.

I like the idea that the two more nervous Number 2's were in episodes that should run later in the series, indicating increasing pressure from their masters and increased dislike of the continued failures.

I agree this episode shows the brilliance of Number 6 as an agent once more. We have to keep being reminded of it since he is required by the plot never to actually escape The Village. This time, he isn't trying to escape and he succeeds at his goal. He can analyze Number 2 nearly instantaneously, determine how to undo him, and then work out the details as he goes, using superior spycraft. That he uses the innate paranois of The Village as one of his tools was also wonderfully handled. He also uses a code that he knows The Village must already have, rather than something meaningless.

But, speaking of meaningless, we have Kosho again. Worse than that, it's a clip from an earlier episode, which will become more frequent as we keep going. McGoohan was getting tired and the budgets were getting strained.

Very good review, once more.

Be seeing you.