I recently rewatched this newer adaptation of the Prisoner and while it was mostly not great, I really did think McKellen has what it takes to be a great #2.
The remake has a problem that you can see all over the place: it mistakes allegory for weirdness, or vice versa. While the original series is pretty weird, it's also got a lot to say, and weirdness is in service of theme. The remake is just a bunch of fucking around.
You're absolutely right about McKellen, though. He almost makes the remake watchable.
There seems to be very little allegory or subtlety in any shows these days. I remember having high hopes for this Prisoner remake based almost solely on McKellen being cast in it. This was my first re-watch after watching it as it aired. I thought I'd give it another chance and maybe pay more attention to see if I missed something. I didn't, what a disappointment.
I tried the same, made it maybe a couple episodes.
Questions are a burden to others; answers, a prison for oneself.
Watch all episodes online for free at https://www.shoutfactorytv.com/series/the-prisoner