The Freak has to be THE Ultimate Prisoner character. The 'dark, sadistic bulldyke' is the character everyone remembers when they think of Prisoner. Expertly played by Maggie Kirkpatrick, the character encapsulated every thing we both loved and hated about the show.
She may have been over the top and unrealistic, but she tapped into our darkest fears and made Prison an image in our minds.
If I have any criticism of her character, I would have to say that she could have been drawn better.
Take Vera for example. Yes, she was bitter and cold, but (not having seen every episode she featured in) I felt that her attitude was very well explained by her personal life.
Joan, on the other hand, was like two different people.
Working she was evil and sadistic, but at home (such as with her nephew and dog, Major) she was totally different. Unlike Vera, this difference was never explained. Who was Joan? Why was she so horrible?
I feel like I understand Vera. but not Joan.
But that ending was so much more satisfactory as a result......
