"Voodoo Something to Me" finds the Skipper frequently ducking his trigger happy first mate while something noisy almost awakens Gilligan during sentry duty (for this third episode there appears to be one hut for the castaways, and another for supplies). Gilligan's less than watchful eye allows the mysterious assailant to make off with the food, flashlight, and flare gun during the night (he insists he only slept during the robbery!). To the Skipper, an escaped convict running around is preferable to his notion that it's voodoo, the reason why they've had nothing but bad luck since their arrival on the island. Being a science teacher the Professor scoffs at this suggestion, the Skipper talking about a sailor who disappeared, seemingly replaced by a parrot who kept repeating the sailor's serial number! A mud bath for Gilligan is followed by his washing off in the lagoon, the unseen assailant finally showing himself, a chimp who makes off with Gilligan's clothes, leading poor Skipper to believe that his little buddy has become a victim of voodoo (Mr. Howell figures that some witch doctor should have his license revoked!) After the chimp runs off wearing the Skipper's hat, it's Gilligan assuming that the Skipper has been transformed by voodoo!
5 Reviews
Voodoo of the Primate Kind
kmcelhaney00526 July 2013
Warning: Spoilers
Before getting to the summary & review, it must be noted that as of 07/26/2013, the official IMDb episode description is wrong. It is lifted from another episode.
Gilligan, asleep as usual on guard duty, misses out on the fact that someone or something has stolen the flare gun and other valuables from the supply hut. The Professor and the Skipper set out to look for the culprit, who may be a vicious killer or thief, but the Skipper thinks its "voodoo".
Gilligan, having been roped into searching the island as well, gets really muddy and has to bathe in the lagoon. Meanwhile, the real culprit reveals "itself" and manages to fool both the Skipper and Gilligan of his true identity.
This episode moves in fits and starts, but does have some funny moments. Perhaps the highlight is the Skipper, convinced that voodoo has transformed his little buddy, telling him what he plans for their future. The line, "We'll get an apartment...one that takes monkeys." is very funny indeed.
Other highlights include Ginger's rather unique make up case and contents, Gilligan's well executed slide down the hill and into the mud, Mr. Howell breaking out in perspiration for apparently the first time in his life and the final, climactic scene which literally goes off with a bang.
Fitfully funny with the strain of trying to include all the castaways in their own scenes while moving the plot (the Professor gets the short end of the stick this week), this episode still has enough laughs to be enjoyable, if not all that memorable.
Gilligan, asleep as usual on guard duty, misses out on the fact that someone or something has stolen the flare gun and other valuables from the supply hut. The Professor and the Skipper set out to look for the culprit, who may be a vicious killer or thief, but the Skipper thinks its "voodoo".
Gilligan, having been roped into searching the island as well, gets really muddy and has to bathe in the lagoon. Meanwhile, the real culprit reveals "itself" and manages to fool both the Skipper and Gilligan of his true identity.
This episode moves in fits and starts, but does have some funny moments. Perhaps the highlight is the Skipper, convinced that voodoo has transformed his little buddy, telling him what he plans for their future. The line, "We'll get an apartment...one that takes monkeys." is very funny indeed.
Other highlights include Ginger's rather unique make up case and contents, Gilligan's well executed slide down the hill and into the mud, Mr. Howell breaking out in perspiration for apparently the first time in his life and the final, climactic scene which literally goes off with a bang.
Fitfully funny with the strain of trying to include all the castaways in their own scenes while moving the plot (the Professor gets the short end of the stick this week), this episode still has enough laughs to be enjoyable, if not all that memorable.
- A technical note. Much of the dialog that happens in the scenes that were clearly shot outdoors was added in later, a technique known as "ADR". This was probably because the lagoon set was next to a road that became noisy with traffic during rush hour.
- A little confusion about the hut situation. As of the previous episode "Home Sweet Hut", the castaways were building their own huts. However, all we see in this episode is the larger "community" hut and a supply hut. While it appears that the Howells have their own hut, it is only implied, but not stated.
- So, the Skipper apparently packed the Minnow with at least 150 flares. That seems just a bit excessive I would think.
- This is the episode that establishes the Skipper's belief in voodoo, a theme that would continue throughout the series.
- A clean transfer reveals that the "creature" which attacked Gilligan in the supply hut was little more than a monkey-sized doll made from very dark fabric.
- The Professor's statement as to walking "at least 20 miles" and being lost for a couple of hours speaks to the substantial size of this island.
- While it is implied that all the flares are still in the hut when Gilligan fires the flare gun, he did discover a box that is labeled "Flare Signal" out in the jungle...which implies that some flares may be inside the box.
- So, the flare gun was apparently loaded when it was taken...that seems pretty careless, Skipper. :) - Although the castaways are a forgiving bunch, you have to admit that they were severely tested in their feelings for Gilligan after he took dead aim at the supply hut with the flare gun. However, ringing Gilligan's neck for what he did, while satisfying, would leave them without someone to do most of the work on the island.
Island of the chumps... and a chimp...
mark.waltz25 November 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Gilligan's Island was filled with a lot of monkey business, and in the first season alone, we got a chimpanzee and an spe. Gilligan's on sentry duty, sleeping through duty, pulling the trigger before thinking, and because he's sleeping, causing the supply hut to be robbed. The skipper believes that voodoo has something to do with it, although the audience is aware that there is something real out there. Gilligan ends up being face first in a mud puddle and loses his clothes to the adorable chimp who makes the skipper think that his little buddy has been a victim of voodoo.
This is one of several episodes where Gilligan gets the gag of agreeing with everyone which the skipper tells him that not everyone can be right. In one of the first cases of common items being used in unique ways, Ginger utilizes sea shells as makeup cases (along with various island berries as makeup). My issue is that the unseen chimp does not sound like a monkey when making its grunts, and the shadowed fight in the supply hut isn't realistic either. But there are plenty of funny moments, and the slapstick is quite memorable. Whatever happens to the chimp is never explained, although later seasons will feature another chimp appear out of nowhere.
This is one of several episodes where Gilligan gets the gag of agreeing with everyone which the skipper tells him that not everyone can be right. In one of the first cases of common items being used in unique ways, Ginger utilizes sea shells as makeup cases (along with various island berries as makeup). My issue is that the unseen chimp does not sound like a monkey when making its grunts, and the shadowed fight in the supply hut isn't realistic either. But there are plenty of funny moments, and the slapstick is quite memorable. Whatever happens to the chimp is never explained, although later seasons will feature another chimp appear out of nowhere.
BEGINNING OF THE VOODOO CONSPIRACIES!
tcchelsey5 February 2024
This third episode officially began the long, long line of voodoo "dilemmas" inserted in so many episodes, whether it would come from a witch doctor or just plain old superstition. After all, the gang was stranded on a strange island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean with natives hidden around somewhere???
The supply hut is burgarized, and right off the bat the skipper suspects it has something to do with voodoo! Perfect timing for Judy, the famous tv chimp, to make an appearance, causing all sorts of trouble for the castaways. Best scene has Gilligan meeting up with Judy, wearing the skipper's hat, thinking she's the Skipper. Yet another gag in the series that would get lots of mileage; either Gilligan or the Skipper being mistaken for monkeys or other animals. Stay tuned...
Judy the chimp was discovered in Kenya, and around the time this episode was shot, she was appearing regularly on the BEVERLY HILLBILLIES as Ellie May's pet. Later, Judy would appear on DAKTARI and LOST IN SPACE, as Debbie "bloop bloop."
Well directed by sitcom guru John Rich, who was directing the DICK VAN DYKE SHOW at the time, later so many iconic episodes for ALL IN THE FAMILY.
If you are a DOBIE GILLIS fan, you have to admit, Bob Denver puts a bit of his old Maynard character into Gilligan --minus his short beard. That was also the big draw to this series as it was long bantered about that Denver should have had his own sitcom. Maynard basically was re-vamped into Gilligan, more or less, and the rest is history.
Classic early stuff for all us fans. SEASON 1 EPISODE 3 remastered color and black and white.
The supply hut is burgarized, and right off the bat the skipper suspects it has something to do with voodoo! Perfect timing for Judy, the famous tv chimp, to make an appearance, causing all sorts of trouble for the castaways. Best scene has Gilligan meeting up with Judy, wearing the skipper's hat, thinking she's the Skipper. Yet another gag in the series that would get lots of mileage; either Gilligan or the Skipper being mistaken for monkeys or other animals. Stay tuned...
Judy the chimp was discovered in Kenya, and around the time this episode was shot, she was appearing regularly on the BEVERLY HILLBILLIES as Ellie May's pet. Later, Judy would appear on DAKTARI and LOST IN SPACE, as Debbie "bloop bloop."
Well directed by sitcom guru John Rich, who was directing the DICK VAN DYKE SHOW at the time, later so many iconic episodes for ALL IN THE FAMILY.
If you are a DOBIE GILLIS fan, you have to admit, Bob Denver puts a bit of his old Maynard character into Gilligan --minus his short beard. That was also the big draw to this series as it was long bantered about that Denver should have had his own sitcom. Maynard basically was re-vamped into Gilligan, more or less, and the rest is history.
Classic early stuff for all us fans. SEASON 1 EPISODE 3 remastered color and black and white.
Gilligan makes monkey business
Ralphkram27 February 2017
Warning: Spoilers
It's safe to say the very early episodes of GI are a mixed bag. There are problems with pacing, plotting, shifts in tone, and underdeveloped characters. Take this outing. It's a slight improvement over Home Sweet Hut. At least it has a plot, the first mystery of the series, and it's a pretty good one. It establishes the Skipper's firm belief in spirits and native superstition, which the show gets a lot of mileage out of, and the Professor is presented as his logical counterpoint.
Unfortunately, it also has a punny title --never a good sign-brings over some of the same broad gags that didn't work in Hut, and adds that old stand-by, mistaken identity. Twice. Yes, a real mixed bag.
The castaways have been firing one flare a night to signal for help. Gilligan, of all people, is put on sentry duty to guard the supply hut where the castaways keep the cases of flares, armed with their only revolver. Naturally, just like deputy sheriff Barney Fife, he is inept at the duty and falls asleep at his post (on his feet no less).
One night, with Gilligan out on his feet, the supply hut is ransacked. In later episodes, the castaways would suspect each other, but here they are all living in the communal hut, so there is no chance of one of them slipping out without disturbing the others. The sentry is blameless of course, being fast asleep. So the Professor concludes that there must be an eight castaway on the island, and everyone is put on edge.
So far, so good.
The next night, Gilligan hears strange sounds coming from the supply hut and is attacked by a shadowy figure who escapes into the jungle. The superstitious Skipper pins the attack and the theft on voodoo. Gullible Gilligan takes his side, while the others share the Professor's skepticism.
In each of the early episodes, the castaways encounter a different feature of the island they haven't run into before and won't again. This time it's a mudslide. Gilligan tumbles all the way down and splash lands into a mud hole. While he washes himself off in the lagoon, his attacker slips out of the jungle and sneaks off with his clothes.
So far, so...
Oh. It's a chimpanzee. On a South Pacific island.
Okayyy.
For reasons only known to sitcom writers, the chimp puts on Gilligan's cap and shirt and returns to the camp. The Skipper sees him and believes the evil spirits have zapped his little buddy into Bonzo. While their encounter is cute, it's better appreciated if you're not yet old enough to legally drive. The same goes for Gilligan finding him wearing the Skipper's cap and thinking the same thing.
All this silliness and fluff ends back at the communal hut when Gilligan saves the others, only to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory by accidentally setting off the stockpile of flares. (If only the Skipper had confiscated his flare gun the way Sheriff Andy Taylor would have on that other show).
COCONOTES:
So the Skipper was able to store one hundred-and-fifty flares onto the Minnow alongside a crewman, five passengers, and all their luggage? Not bloody likely.
Major plot hole: Why would the Skipper continue to have his first mate on sentry duty knowing he couldn't stay awake? Especially after the theft? Why not rotate the duty?
Seeing Gilligan with a revolver is really odd. And very scary.
In the eternal debate of Ginger v Mary Ann, some give the farm girl the edge due to her sunny disposition and attitude toward Gilligan. Ginger doesn't do herself any favors in this episode. The haughty, sarcastic tone of the first Ginger from the Marooned pilot returns, and it's not attractive.
Gilligan-Mary Ann shipper alert: Mary Ann, on the other hand, practically swoons over Gilligan's story. "Isn't he marvelous?"
"We'll get an apartment. One that takes monkeys."
Unfortunately, it also has a punny title --never a good sign-brings over some of the same broad gags that didn't work in Hut, and adds that old stand-by, mistaken identity. Twice. Yes, a real mixed bag.
The castaways have been firing one flare a night to signal for help. Gilligan, of all people, is put on sentry duty to guard the supply hut where the castaways keep the cases of flares, armed with their only revolver. Naturally, just like deputy sheriff Barney Fife, he is inept at the duty and falls asleep at his post (on his feet no less).
One night, with Gilligan out on his feet, the supply hut is ransacked. In later episodes, the castaways would suspect each other, but here they are all living in the communal hut, so there is no chance of one of them slipping out without disturbing the others. The sentry is blameless of course, being fast asleep. So the Professor concludes that there must be an eight castaway on the island, and everyone is put on edge.
So far, so good.
The next night, Gilligan hears strange sounds coming from the supply hut and is attacked by a shadowy figure who escapes into the jungle. The superstitious Skipper pins the attack and the theft on voodoo. Gullible Gilligan takes his side, while the others share the Professor's skepticism.
In each of the early episodes, the castaways encounter a different feature of the island they haven't run into before and won't again. This time it's a mudslide. Gilligan tumbles all the way down and splash lands into a mud hole. While he washes himself off in the lagoon, his attacker slips out of the jungle and sneaks off with his clothes.
So far, so...
Oh. It's a chimpanzee. On a South Pacific island.
Okayyy.
For reasons only known to sitcom writers, the chimp puts on Gilligan's cap and shirt and returns to the camp. The Skipper sees him and believes the evil spirits have zapped his little buddy into Bonzo. While their encounter is cute, it's better appreciated if you're not yet old enough to legally drive. The same goes for Gilligan finding him wearing the Skipper's cap and thinking the same thing.
All this silliness and fluff ends back at the communal hut when Gilligan saves the others, only to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory by accidentally setting off the stockpile of flares. (If only the Skipper had confiscated his flare gun the way Sheriff Andy Taylor would have on that other show).
COCONOTES:
So the Skipper was able to store one hundred-and-fifty flares onto the Minnow alongside a crewman, five passengers, and all their luggage? Not bloody likely.
Major plot hole: Why would the Skipper continue to have his first mate on sentry duty knowing he couldn't stay awake? Especially after the theft? Why not rotate the duty?
Seeing Gilligan with a revolver is really odd. And very scary.
In the eternal debate of Ginger v Mary Ann, some give the farm girl the edge due to her sunny disposition and attitude toward Gilligan. Ginger doesn't do herself any favors in this episode. The haughty, sarcastic tone of the first Ginger from the Marooned pilot returns, and it's not attractive.
Gilligan-Mary Ann shipper alert: Mary Ann, on the other hand, practically swoons over Gilligan's story. "Isn't he marvelous?"
"We'll get an apartment. One that takes monkeys."
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