kmcelhaney005 Reviews

Star Trek: Picard: Penance (2022) Season 2, Episode 2

Solid, but with Reservations

[7/10 · 10 March 2022]

There is a lot of promise in this episode. The old Star Trek did time travel and alternate universe plots with great panache. Whether this still applies to this version of Star Trek remains to be seen, but at least they are on familiar ground.

The positives. Everything starts with Q (John de Lancie) and his rather odd behavior even for a Q. And while all the characters save for Agnes (Alison Pill) are still bland, IMHO, at least the plot device of alternate timeline and time travel makes watching the episode interesting.

The negatives. There are some real questions about this alternate timeline. Small issues include the use of the term "Confederation" which implies an alliance, but if this society is xenophobic, then who exactly is humanity allied with? And don't get me started on the "solar shields" or the lack of lighting technology which has all the sets looking dank.

The big question that remains to be answered is how all this ties together. What is implied in this episode is that fixing the timeline and whatever "test" Q has in store are two different things. And what does this have to do with Picard's mother?

Writing has been a sore spot for the Paramount Plus iteration of Star Trek, IMHO. I can only hope that things get better and the story tightens up as the episodes progress.

One Step Beyond: If You See Sally (1960) Season 3, Episode 5

If You See Sally

[9/10 · 2 June 2021]

The plot of this episode has been fully described. But if you have not read it I advise that you do not. What may be most remarkable about "If You See Sally" is the twist which is fully set up at the beginning, yet still comes as a surprise near the end.

"If You See Sally" is not your typical episode of "One Step Beyond" and that is what makes this one of the best. Sure, it's sentimental, but it is perfectly executed with John Newland himself delivering a great two-line capper.

One Red Nose and a Wedding (2019 TV Short)

Not Bad for a Quick Wedding

[7/10 · 28 March 2019]

We catch up to most of the "Four Weddings and a Funeral" characters in this nostalgic short. The wedding of Charles & Carrie's daughter to the daughter of Fiona may be done for politically correct reasons, but it's still great to see the old cast, even David (David Bower) who has not been on-screen in a while.

The jokes are mostly culled from the movie, so they are mostly hit or miss. Still, it was delightful to see Tom (James Fleet) get to do one of Charles' best bits from the film.

I didn't expect a laugh riot, so this short given it's limited production time is pretty much what I expected. Even if the Richard Curtis and Mike Newell return to their respective roles of writer and director.

One bit of disappointment is that Simon Callow does not make an appearance. Sure, Garreth died in the original film, but this type of short should've allowed for the actor to return even in another role. Oh well. It's still enjoyable, if not quite hilarious fun.

More Dates for Kay (1952)

More Time to Kill

[3/10 · 12 October 2016]

It's almost as if the creators of this short film had a pretty strong idea of what it was supposed to be about, then kinda forgot about halfway through. "More Dates for Kay" is a typical 1950's "educational" short that turns out to be more unintentionally hilarious than instructive.

The plot? Mary hears the story of how Kay nabbed one date after another as told by her sister. It all starts with good grooming, using a good underarm deodorant, and being "helpful" or in other words, put yourself out there so to speak.

Everyone appears a bit too old to be in high school, but on the positive side the casting of Kay seems rather spot on as she's nice looking, but rather innocuous despite the horrid hairstyle that would make you believe guys overlook her.

The basic problem is that is the total amount of advice which lasts all of two minutes and is stretched well beyond that. This leads to some unintentional hilarity when Kay volunteers to do the "dirty work", meets a new student and perks up when she hears she has a brother.

This short was given new life during the MST3K Reunion Show by Rifftrax. Trace Beaulieu and Frank Conniff who played Dr. Forrester and TV's Frank respectively riffed this short up one side and down the other to hilarious effect. That's about the only way I'd recommend you see this effort.

A Word to the Wives... (1955)

And the Word is Unintentionally Hilarious

[5/10 · 7 October 2016]

"A Word to the Wives" not only stars a hyperactive Darren McGavin, but was directed by none other than Norman Lloyd. Most short films that were made during the 1950s had some type of product promotion or useful advice. However, it's not really all that clear what exactly is going on with this particular effort.

The plot? Jane (Janet Riley) is tired of her old house, so her friend Alice (Marsha Hunt) convinces her to take a few days off to see her mother and let Jane's husband George (McGavin) and her son Jimmy (no actor credit) suffer in the old house by themselves.

Without giving anything away, the acting by McGavin is so over-the-top even for him that it's rather perplexing. He is "acting" in the most obvious sense of the word and even looks into the camera at one point, breaking the fourth wall for no reason.

However, he is so bad, it's very funny and it carries over into the rest of the short film. There is no obvious product placement, apart from the water heater (another unintentionally hilarious scene) and the advice seems to be that if a wife really wants something expensive from her husband, trick him into buying it.

This particular short received new life this year when it was riffed by Mary Jo Pehl and Bridget Nelson for Rifftrax. Their riffing, particularly for the live MST3K Reunion was hilarious, but they had plenty of bad material to work with.

Another Period (2013–2018)

Excellent Premise, Bad Execution

[5/10 · 16 July 2015]

This was a show I really, really want to like and admittedly there are some chuckles in the first four episodes. However, the show itself suffers from a combination of poor writing and bad structure to really make it work.

While everyone has their own sense of humor which means that what is hilarious to one person is eye-rolling to another, the big issue I have with "Another Period" is that the structure of the show is very schizophrenic.

The always hot Christina Hendricks plays "Chair", a newly arrived servant in a house full of servants and is seemingly at first the center of the series. A sort of "Barney Miller" set-up where Chair is the sane person surrounded by all the crazy people in the house.

However, the structure of the show is more in line with the classic Christopher Guest films such as "Best in Show" where all the major characters talk to us (the audience). With so much time given to the "crazy" people, the "Barney Miller" effect is greatly reduced and so is the comedy.

It also doesn't help that the delivery of the jokes is as subtle as a hammer to the head. Too much invested in "shock" and not enough in story makes this a real hit and miss affair.

On the positive side, Riki Lindhome (Beatrice) can act stupid with the best of them and Brian Husky (Victor) seems to get what's going on. However, Michael Ian Black (Peepers...really?)is an acquired taste for sure as he tries to manage a half of a facial expression, much less act.

There are moments, fleeting moments where I can feel the show start to really take off and then SPLAT, it just sits there staring at you as if they are surprised you are not laughing at bad joke they just told. Oh well, at least it doesn't seem to have cost too much and perhaps someday a good writer will craft something really funny out of this material.

United Passions (2014)

Worse than Bad, it is Boring

[1/10 · 10 June 2015]

There is very little to say about "United Passions" that has not been covered in other reviews. However, the biggest crime committed other than the celebration of FIFA as this above-board, honest organization thanks to Sepp Blatter (not), is that the film itself is dreadfully boring.

Essentially, United Passions starts with the beginnings of FIFA as they must contend with racist English people (their view, not mine) in the 1920s and works its way through the decades until the end when South Africa is awarded the 2010 World Cup, something we now know to be fixed.

Virtually every scene that is not stock footage of the World Cup games is a meeting between executives. While there might be some that find well dressed people muttering in low tones for two hours to be riveting, I was not so moved.

Furthermore, the film makes being a FIFA president appear to be the most boring, most uninteresting job on the planet and even the fancy locations like Rio for example cannot crack a smile for anyone. Sam Neill and Tim Roth who carry most of the picture seem half-unconscious throughout.

Even the framing device of kids playing a soccer game is dull, despite the only girl on either team (playing the goalie) who apparently cannot block a shot, suddenly takes the ball down the pitch like Pele and nails a 20 foot shot. She is carried off the pitch by players from BOTH teams and yet even that was boring.

Even as a propaganda device, this is a horrible film. It's little wonder that it made less than $1,000 on its opening weekend in the US, a figure that is virtually impossible to obtain, yet it is somehow fitting for both FIFA and this film.

Gilligan's Island: Seer Gilligan (1966) Season 2, Episode 19

If only they could read my mind...

[7/10 · 18 April 2014]

Certainly one of the more memorable episodes of Gilligan's Island, we begin with Gilligan building a larger birdhouse when we discover he can read the Skipper's mind. The secret it seems comes from Gilligan eating seeds from an unusual bush. Pretty soon, all the castaways are wanting their own seeds and trouble breaks out.

Highlights include the Skipper trying to read Gilligan's mind, Gilligan reading Mr. Howell's mind and Jim Backus going into full comic mode, especially when he and Mrs. Howell pace the floor in their hut, Gilligan telling Ginger the "psychiatrist" how his parents used to beat him...in a manner of speaking, the castaways plotting to find the bush that produces the seeds and practically running over Gilligan when he produces them, the castaways starting to tear each other apart after gaining the ability to read minds, the Skipper informing Ginger that indeed he does know what she thinks and Gilligan being complimented by the other male castaways for burning the bush with the seeds.

Overall, this is actually a pretty good episode that gives all the castaways something to do or "think" for once. While the idea of mind-reading seeds is way out there, it's actually handled in a pretty good way.

Tidbits & Trivia

• We actually get to see two huts at once early on in this episode, something that is rather rare.

• Gee, even after we see the Professor convinced that Gilligan can read minds, we see him later arguing with the Skipper that he can't...so what happened?

• Funny, the Skipper is now in the top hammock, something we rarely see. But for some reason they switch back at the end of the episode.

• The Professor's assertion that the fights occurring between the castaways are the first real ones they have had since being on the island is simply not true, although the intensity of the arguing may be greater.

• With the bush already uprooted, wouldn't it be better to just toss it into the ocean? Besides, how could such a little bush produce so many seeds in the first place?

Gilligan's Island: The Postman Cometh (1966) Season 2, Episode 18

And the Postman Taketh Away...

[6/10 · 17 April 2014]

Mary Ann sends out messages in bottles meant for her boyfriend, Horace Higgenbothem on a regular basis. When the other castaways discover that the boyfriend in question is going to get married, the single men on the island decide to "woo" Mary Ann to help ease her pain...well, as soon as they tell about her boyfriend of course. Meanwhile, Mary Ann misinterprets their actions and thinks she may be dying from eating poisonous mushrooms.

Highlights include the wonderful recharging machine complete with coconuts, wires and the Skipper running the bicycle device, the Skipper and the Professor using the "democratic" way to have Gilligan tell Mary Ann, the "Old Doctor Young" radio broadcast, Mr. Howell explaining why he can't be Mary Ann's "dream man", Mrs. Howell teaching Gilligan to be more romantic, the professor's "load" comment to Ginger (very nice), Gilligan trying to be Charles Boyer, the Skipper like Marshall Dillon and the Professor as Larry Storch imitating Cary Grant, the Skipper beating Gilligan at arm wrestling over and over again, the dream sequence is well done, particularly Jim Backus and his wacky wig and the old "walk this way" joke.

Overall, an interesting premise, although it is rather funny that Mary Ann never mentioned Horace before now, especially after considering the possibility of hooking up with Gilligan in the previous season. The silliness reaches new heights with all three bachelors acting like...well, idiots in trying to be Mary Ann's "dream man". Plus, the episode is stretched when the dream sequence basically repeats the previous scene of the men trying to "woo" Mary Ann in her hut.

Still, if you can take all the silliness, it's not a bad episode and at least features Mary Ann which is something rather rare for the three seasons of Gilligan's Island.

Tidbits & Trivia

• The first time we see Mary Ann, we see her bellybutton as well. This was a big no-no for television censors at the time, but for some reason she got away with it many times, including in this scene.

• So, Mary Ann has been sending out a bottle a week? Just where do all the bottles come from and why use them for that? Later, Gilligan says it's "every day"...that's a lot of bottles.

• As Gilligan leaves Mary Ann in their first scene, she smiles and "grits" her teeth while opening her eyes really wide. It would seem that Dawn Wells thought the scene was over, yet they kept this really odd reaction.

• We see the Skipper utilize a seemingly more practical way to recharge the batteries, but why are they still in the radio? You can't recharge them unless both the positive and negative pole are connected to the recharger...oh well, this is Gilligan's Island after all.

• This episode does continue Mary Ann's obsession with radio dramas. Interestingly enough, in last season's episode "X Marks the Spot" she talked about another radio drama she enjoyed which was the same episode in which the radio batteries were recharged, just like this episode.

• So, all three of our bachelors attempt to "woo" Mary Ann at virtually the same time? Well, the episode is only a half-hour I suppose.

• We hear Gilligan mention that he has a sister for perhaps the first time in the series.

• When Mary Ann Wakes up from her dream, Ginger, Gilligan, Skipper and the Professor stand in her room in a similar position to the farmhands in "The Wizard of Oz" when Dorothy wakes up from her dream.

Gilligan's Island: You've Been Disconnected (1966) Season 2, Episode 17

Calling for a Plot...

[4/10 · 17 April 2014]

After a very violent storm, a telephone cable washes ashore and allows the castaways to actually make a phone call for help. However, they have to find the right phone line first and remember how phone calls work for them to be rescued. Meanwhile, Ginger finds out that her life story is going to be made into a movie.

Highlights include the Professor walking up and down the cable with Gilligan and the Skipper mimicking his moves, Ginger finding out about the movie on her life, Mr. Howell ranting about his silver lame' polo shirt, the Howells describing why they celebrate certain events such as December 14th, the continued discovery of just how many things Gilligan has screwed up, the Skipper sniffing the gas and doing his own "happy dance" and the many phone calls that go awry.

Overall, this is a middling episode with one absolutely enormous hole in the story logic. Even if you cannot remember someone's phone number, you can always ask the operator to connect you to a particular person and reverse the charges. It seems that no castaway remembers that little bit, so naturally they don't get rescued. Otherwise, there are a few laughs as always and the episode itself is passable, but certainly not memorable.

Tidbits & Trivia

• Laugh tracks are really strange beasts in that they tell us when to laugh. So when it's used under the Skipper's line, "...and I'll make some coffee." it makes absolutely no sense.

• The Professor's blowtorch cannot work the way he is using it. While there may be gas inside the bottle, nothing is forcing it through the opening. If anything, the gas would blow up when ignited.

• When the Skipper tells the Professor they've had no luck in finding someone they could understand, he certainly does understand the Hawaiian dialect because he translates what they are saying to Gilligan.

• The actual "dialing" of the numbers seems rather odd. Wouldn't you rather be connected to the operator? And if so, wouldn't you try to just have the "0" connection activated?

• Why is the Professor setting up such an elaborate series of colored vines? Just what does he hope to accomplish that a simple color chart wouldn't do?

• As it has been mentioned, the rain started before Gilligan would have been able to cover the wires with the liquid rubber. However, Gilligan did cut some of the wires earlier in the episode which should be enough for the phone company to investigate. Although, the phone cable could be many miles away by now.

Gilligan's Island: Not Guilty (1966) Season 2, Episode 16

Who's Not Guilty?

[6/10 · 7 April 2014]

We start with Gilligan and the Skipper landing a box full of coconuts wrapped in newspaper, a story on one of which reveals that a passenger on the SS Minnow is suspected of murder.

Highlights include the Professor proudly showing off his new coconut splitter, the girls happily cooking up some poison, the Skipper and Gilligan fumbling around in the Howells hut, Gilligan and the Skipper suspecting each other in the night, Mr. Howell complaining about the hut not being properly cleaned, the scene with everyone agreeing not to be suspicious (nicely done), everyone save for Gilligan and the Skipper confessing that they knew and hated Randolph Blake, the Skipper shooting his own photo right between the eyes, the overly-dramatic way the camera pans down to the feet of each potential "killer" right before its revealed that they don't kill Blake and the epilogue scene with a nifty visual gag involving the Skipper.

Overall, this is an above average, but still rather middling episode since there are several flaws in logic (mentioned below) and the middle part is stretched to fill time as the "shock" of seeing the Professor and his guillotine is repeated again and again. However, enough of the castaways have some nice moments which makes it an okay, but hardy memorable episode.

Tidbits & Trivia

• The opening shot of the lagoon with Gilligan fishing and the Skipper building a raft is straight from "Mine Hero" two episodes earlier. You'll note that the raft the Skipper was working on is nowhere in sight after the first shot.

• One confusing element of the story is that the Skipper and Gilligan didn't know the murder victim, yet according to the newspaper article they are suspects as well.

• Nice Perry Mason mention as it was also a CBS show at the time, although for long time Perry fans like myself, the butler "rarely" did it despite Gilligan's belief otherwise.

• Once again proving that one episode has little to do with the other, in "Mine Hero" the Professor was desperately searching for metal which is scarce on the island, yet the guillotine blade in this episode is loaded with metal. Perhaps he shaped some from the exploded mine?

• You can see the splits in the coconuts before the Professor drops the blade.

• So, the Skipper thinks the Howells may not actually be rich? Assuming he never heard of them before, then he must have forgotten the radio report of their fabulous wealth in "Two on a Raft" that described them as billionaires.

• It is implied strongly by the Professor that the SS Minnow left on a night cruise, yet we all know it was broad daylight and probably in the morning.

• The Skipper shooting his own photograph between the eyes is a nice touch, but the photo itself appears to be part of the publicity stills for Gilligan's Island.

• When Gilligan leans into the cash register after the Howells leave, a "No Sale" sign pops up.

• Mary Ann sports a dramatically different hairstyle than normal, an interesting touch.

• Funny that the Skipper was so convinced that the killing was an accident and yet seems so surprised when that turns out to be the case.

Gilligan's Island: Erika Tiffany-Smith to the Rescue (1965) Season 2, Episode 15

One Interesting Episode, Dah-ling!

[7/10 · 5 April 2014]

The very famous and fabulously wealthy Erika Tiffany-Smith lands on Gilligan's Island looking for a deserted island and finds the castaways instead. It's not long before Ms. Smith is smitten with the Professor, but will love really prevail?

Highlights include Gilligan's first reaction to meeting Erika Tiffany-Smith, Mrs. Howell not being too happy about being rescued by Ms. Smith and their first meeting, Mr. Howell mispronouncing Mary Ann & the Professor's last names, although it's understandable given how few times we hear them, Mr. Howell's reaction to Ms. Smith gazing upon the Professor, Ginger being playful with Gilligan as his eyes are shut, the Skipper asking Ginger for advice and reciting a poem straight from the "...Nantucket" school of thought, Ginger "schooling" the Professor, and the final scene of Gilligan tossing out the Skipper's clothes from his sea chest.

Overall, this is actually a fun episode that allows Zsa Zsa Gabor to interact with all the castaways in her unique manner. The fact is that Erika Tiffany-Smith is basically Zsa Zsa Gabor anyway, which makes it all the more fun. Admittedly, the reaction to her arrival does seem rather odd considering that immediate rescue would be on their minds instead of trying to impress Ms. Smith, but it does work well enough to make this one of the better episodes of the season.

Tidbits & Trivia

• Arguably the most famous aspect of this episode is the implausible nature of the ending where Ms. Smith cannot remember the location of the island. She doesn't have to remember, there is Johnny whom we saw in the episode who can remember it for her. Even producer Sherwood Schwarts admitted that it was a goof beyond comprehension.

• This is the first color episode where a motorized boat appears in the lagoon.

• The scene of the Professor talking to Gilligan about Ms. Smith uses words that are about as close to sexual metaphors as we ever get on Gilligan's Island, even if that was not the Professor's intent.

• The brief shot of the turtle the Professor is talking about is clearly stock footage in what appears to be semi-arid or even desert environment, something not found on a tropical island. Plus, we see a turtle in the epilogue scene, why didn't they shoot a single shot of that instead?

• Oddly, the Professor is pacing in the Skipper and Gilligan's hut when Mr. Howell arrives to tell him the bad news. Shouldn't he be in his own hut?

• The epilogue scene is another rare one for the series as it ends the plot of the show rather than comments on it. However, why after three days is the Skipper still packing his sea chest when he was packing it during the storm just after Ms. Smith left?

Gilligan's Island: Mine Hero (1965) Season 2, Episode 14

A Mine Disaster, that's for sure...

[4/10 · 4 April 2014]

Gilligan manages to catch more than he bargained for when he pulls a World War II mine up from the lagoon while fishing. After some misconceptions, the others discover the mine and try to disarm it. However, Gilligan naturally fouls it all up and then heroically decides to get rid of the mine himself...or does he.

Highlights include the Skipper restraining himself after hitting his thumb with the hammer, the design of the mine itself which is quite impressive, so kudos to the props department on that one, Mrs. Howell beating Mr. Howell at badminton and letting him know it, the Howells discussing the "iron mine" with Gilligan, Gilligan getting his lucky charm back from Ginger, the men running over Gilligan to get away from the mine, Mr. Howell explaining the insurance options for the Professor, and Gilligan towing the mine out into the lagoon.

Another middling episode that doesn't get much farther than it's idea, what if Gilligan brought a WW2 mine ashore. While there are a few laughs and some nice sight gags, the whole episode feels stretched as if they had 10 minutes of ideas and packed in about 15 minutes of filler.

Tidbits & Trivia

• We start the episode at the lagoon and the large rock formation last seen in "The Chain of Command" has made a return. Those rocks sure do get around.

• The buoyancy of the mine is not consistent. When Gilligan first pulls it from the lagoon, it's almost fully underwater with some seaweed on it. Later, when it goes back into the lagoon it's almost too buoyant, floating up really high on water.

• I know one thing, I want some of Gilligan's fishing line that enabled him to pull a mine weighing hundreds of pounds. Of course, just how did skinny Gilligan manage to pull the mine up onto the beach, anyway? - When the Skipper is explaining to Gilligan that he should fillet whatever it is he caught, he's clearly hold a rope that is trying to pass for a vine.

• You know, the Professor's idea of a floating SOS in the shipping lanes is a good one. Strange he dropped the idea after this episode. Still, with so little metal on the island it would seem that rocks would be a better solution to act as the anchor.

• Mr. Howell's statement, "Your serve, Pancho" to Mrs. Howell is probably a reference to Pancho Gonzales, one of the greatest tennis players of any era who dominated the sport for most of the 1950s and early 1960s.

• Mary Ann's jewelry box is the "Jewel" cracker box which made its debut in the 1st season episode, "New Neighbor Sam".

• The Professor's idea to short circuit the magnetism is just plain goofy as the radio doesn't broadcast, it only receives.

• So, if they were so short of metal, why is there a metal rudder on the raft?

Gilligan's Island: Gilligan Gets Bugged (1965) Season 2, Episode 13

Is This Our Last Hour with Gilligan?...well, maybe not...

[6/10 · 23 December 2013]

While building a bathtub, Gilligan gets bit on the neck by a big green bug with yellow wings. According to the Professor's book, it is the deadly "mantis canti" whose bite will kill a human in just 24 hours. Is Gilligan doomed? Well....

Although any episode would be a letdown after "Don't Bug the Mosquitoes", this one is a read downer all on it's own. However, it does have some redeeming qualities.

Highlights include the Skipper telling Gilligan to never send out his bathtub navy without air cover, Gilligan showing the symptoms of being bit, even though we know the real causes, the Skipper breaking the news about Gilligan to the girls apparently without being tactful, the Howells in practically everything they do, the Professor explaining to Gilligan the importance of the syrup...um, serum, the castaways all dressed to protect themselves, only to get bit, the castaways begging the Professor for serum that he hasn't developed yet, the castaways reacting to the Professor holding the bug close to them and finally the epilogue scene which is actually quite good.

This episode does highlight something that castaways would face, the threat of deadly insects, snakes or other creatures. Unfortunately, the seriousness of the issue does work against the comedy. The party they throw Gilligan ends so sadly that the rest of the show really never recovers, no matter how many castaways get bit on the rear. Still, the ending is quite nice with the Skipper's final line almost being out of character. A nice, but not so memorable episode.

Tidbits & Trivia

• Since we've seen very little of the shower stall these days, I suppose the castaways need a bathtub. As usual, the bathtub is never to be seen again after this episode.

• Why would the Skipper ask Gilligan if he was actually bit by the bug, couldn't he look himself?

• Gilligan saying the bath is for "Saturday nights" reflects the old tradition of taking a bath only one night a week. It's often used as a joke in many movies and TV shows of the time, but now it's rather lost.

• As Mary Ann leaves the Skipper with the pie, she runs into, then ducks under a big leaf.

• We do not see the Howells until almost 9 minutes into the episode and we catch them just starting to walk when they should have been walking for a while.

• In addition to his inability to secure a decent education, Skinny Mulligan cheats at bobbing for apples.

• It seems that Gilligan, Mrs. Howell and the Professor have derrières that this dreaded bug does not find attractive.

• The bug itself is not a very good looking prop as it only sits there.

• So, just how does the Professor know that the bug is not poisonous? Of course, since Gilligan didn't show any symptoms after a while, I suppose that would have been a really good clue. Still, shouldn't the rest of the castaways continue to get the ingredients needed for the serum anyway?

• Hmm, I wonder where Gilligan got the red and yellow plastic boats?

Gilligan's Island: Don't Bug the Mosquitoes (1965) Season 2, Episode 12

Get Us Off the Island. Yea! Yea! Yea!

[10/10 · 23 December 2013]

The Mosquitoes, the most popular rock band right now (back then) decide to get some R & R on a deserted island that just happens to have Gilligan 'n crew.

An excellent send-up of The Beatles, the British rock invasion and the youth culture, this episode hits on all cylinders.

Highlights include Gilligan jamming out to the songs while the Skipper gets more and more furious, Mr. Howell's almost sliding entrance when first seeing The Mosquitoes, in fact, all of Mr. Howell's reactions to the Mosquitoes are priceless, the girls reaction to first seeing the band and Mrs. Howell trying to give them haircuts, the initial concert with Mary Ann and Gilligan nearly freaking out, the conga line the castaways form when thinking they are going home the next day, the Skipper ranting about having to be put in an isolation ward, the absolutely horrible singing group formed by the men and the absolutely wonderful group formed by the girls, Mr. Howell's Ed Sullivan impersonation as he introduces the Honeybees, and the epilogue scene that pretty much wraps up the show.

While this episode stretches reality even further in some ways than far out episodes like, "Smile, You're on Mars Camera", it really works. The band itself is a thinly veiled reference to The Beatles, even down to the head-shaking and the songs are actually pretty good. There are lots of big laughs and many little comedy bits which will make you smile. This is arguably the best Gilligan's Island episode ever.

Tidbits & Trivia

• This episode starts during the daytime and NOT at the lagoon, which is a real change of pace.

• Even Mr. Howell knows who The Mosquitoes are? Shoot, they must be huge.

• We are suppose to believe that the tiny helicopter carried all four band members, equipment and luggage to the island...really? Well, I suppose if I can buy that they are playing their guitars without any electricity, amps or speakers....

• If the Mosquitoes are only a recent phenomenon, then how can Gilligan possibly have all their albums? - Apparently, Irving is in the band for his looks because his bass playing ability is not exactly setting the world on fire.

• While being on the island another month may seem torturous, considering how long our castaways have already been on the island...

• While noise-making plan makes some sense, wouldn't it just be easier to find the transmitter they must have about?

• One of the Mosquitoes wears a hairnet to bed while the drummer has a great nightshirt. Irving it appears has no change of clothes and while he apparently doesn't talk, we do hear him scream as he is fleeing from Mrs. Howell.

• With the wig on, Bob Denver is a near-dead ringer for Ringo Starr.

• The name of the male "singing" group is "The Gnats".

• The Honeybees are really exceptional and even Mrs. Howell is strangely delightful and actually gets a rare close up.

• The final resolution in the epilogue is a rather cruel turn by the Mosquitoes...you'd think that they or perhaps the helicopter pilot would tell someone at some point about the castaways....

Gilligan's Island: The Chain of Command (1965) Season 2, Episode 11

And Just Who Thought Gilligan Should Be in Charge?

[7/10 · 22 December 2013]

After finding what appears to be the headdress from a fierce native tribe, the Skipper realizes that if something were to happen to him, there needs to be a new leader and Gilligan is the rather non-logical choice.

A plot that is more down-to-Earth than in recent episodes. Despite one glaring exception, this is actually a pretty good episode that addresses a pertinent question about the castaways which is who should be in charge in case something were to happen to the Skipper.

Highlights include Gilligan trying to keep the tree from falling on the Skipper, the Professor rambling on about the history of fortifications (he's actually pretty accurate), the Howells debating on the proper type of outfit to wear in a capture situation, Mrs. Howell "fanning" the Skipper and then Mr. Howell with money, Gilligan practicing on Mary Ann to be a Skipper (the "sucking in the gut" was a nice touch), Ginger convincing Gilligan that she should be a spy, Mr. Howell "beating" the truth out of who he thinks is a savage, and the final epilogue scene which is apparently Gilligan's punishment for being such a thick-headed leader.

I actually enjoyed this episode a lot, although I will have to point out that the entire plot is resolved based on a misplaced hat by Mrs. Howell...really? I would think that the Professor would have spotted that, but hey, this is Gilligan's Island after all. However, the main problem with the story is the fact that while everyone TALKS about how the savages could attack at any moment, no one actually ACTS like it could happen at any moment. That discombobulates the story which makes it less interesting that it could have been.

Tidbits & Trivia

• We begin yet another episode at the lagoon. In fact, the episodes that begin during the day most often start at the lagoon.

• The tree that Gilligan chops down is next to a very large boulder formation that we have never seen at the lagoon before. In fact, the hut which was next to the lagoon in "The Sweepstakes" is now missing...maybe it was blown away by the typhoon in the previous episode, "Hi-Fi Gilligan"?

• You know, last season they did have an election in "President Gilligan" which seemed to settle the leadership issue...for that episode anyway.

• That is one elaborate model of a fort the Professor has built which must have taken hours considering he painted it as well. Of course, it also appears that Gilligan has fashioned a bow (a really bad one, but still...) and apparently several slingshots in just a few minutes as well.

• We get to hear yet another tale about Skinny Mulligan whose educational development seems to have endured several setbacks.

• The gorilla that kidnapped Mrs. Howell in the first season episode "Diamonds are an Ape's Best Friend" is back.

• During the Skipper's demonstration of the castaways picking up the appropriate items, Mrs. Howell does a few "salutes" along the way.

• Speaking of which, since the Papuan savages (really? Papua is thousands of miles away...oh well) probably don't understand English, then what is the point of assigning letters to names?

• You know, the Professor's approach at checking the tide is actually a smart one. Of course, if he did conclude that the Skipper was taken from the island, just what exactly are the castaways suppose to do about that?

• Mrs. Howell actually turns with Gilligan when he tells them "Left Face" (Natalie Schaffer is working double-time in this episode).

• The shot where Gilligan is holding onto the branch is from the earlier episode "Agonized Labor".

• So, did Gilligan pass his test of being a leader? Considering how everyone, including the Skipper reacted to his orders, I think the answer would be "yes". However, following Gilligan is not something any sane person would do.

Gilligan's Island: Hi Fi Gilligan (1965) Season 2, Episode 10

An Episode Lucille Ball Would Be Proud of...

[5/10 · 21 December 2013]

A typhoon is going to hit the island, so Gilligan and the Skipper start making preparations. However, when shoving in a crate, the Skipper accidentally smacks Gilligan in the mouth and suddenly he can pick up radio transmissions.

To say the plot is a bit out there is like saying that ice is sorta cold. However, the plot is helped by the fact that such occurrences are the stuff of urban legend, even of that time, Lucille Ball being the most famous example.

Highlights include the first time we hear music emanate from Gilligan's mouth, Gilligan's reaction to the Professor's solutions about what to do with his tooth, Mr. Howell plotting the many different ways he can make money from Gilligan's teeth, the Skipper trying to stifle Gilligan's radio mouth and Gilligan's subsequent attempts to find a place to sleep, Mr. Howell explaining the virtues of his "belting Gilligan with a rock" plan, including cradling the rock like his teddy bear, Mrs. Howell telling the Skipper to "belt him good", Mr. Howell's moneybag trap, the castaways trying to cram into the small cave, the Professor and the Skipper's reaction to Mr. Howell's claim of pushing the others out of the way to draw the first straw, the Skipper and the rest of the castaways joining Gilligan, and the final resolution of the episode.

If the darn plot wasn't so contrived, this would actually be a really good episode. The scene of the rest of the castaways joining Gilligan is arguably one of the most touching from the series and Jim Backus is always reliable for a laugh. Unfortunately, there are not enough laughs to sustain this episode, so it falls to the "middling" category.

Tidbits & Trivia

• The writer of this episode is Mary C. McCall, Jr. So I'm assuming "Mary" is a guy. To be fair, I've met guys named "Beverly", but not Mary but that is just me.

• Skinny Mulligan gets another mention by Gilligan, he must have led some kind of rough life.

• This is another example of how one episode has little to nothing to do with other episodes in the series. We've seen far bigger caves on Gilligan's Island, including in the premier episode, "Two on a Raft". So why now is this tiny cave the only one that can provide shelter? Because Mary's script says so apparently.

• You know, the Skipper's pants are starting to look a bit worn...finally.

• I have less of a problem with idea that two molars jammed together could make someone a radio receiver. I do have an issue with how they could actually broadcast the transmissions into something you could hear. That requires a speaker unit to convert the electronic signals.

• You know, any excuse to get Ginger and Mary Ann into skin-tight outfits is one where everybody wins.

• On the radio, you can barely hear it above the noise, but the announcer states that the typhoon will strike some "uninhabited island" that is "southwest" of Hawaii. Two things, first, it appears that everyone is aware of Gilligan's Island even if its uninhabited and second, the island has been well established in previous episodes to be southeast of Hawaii.

• You know, if the Professor had simply told Gilligan that he could sleep in his hut, then the radio would still be intact.

• The storm footage that we see when Gilligan and the Professor are talking is from the opening credits.

• We'll see the very narrow cave set again in "Forward March".

Gilligan's Island: Nyet, Nyet, Not Yet (1965) Season 2, Episode 9

The Cold War comes to Gilligan's Island

[8/10 · 21 December 2013]

Off course by a little more than 18 inches, a spacecraft from the Soviet Union lands in the lagoon. The two cosmonauts are not happy about landing so far off target, but the castaways think they are going to be rescued.

Arguably, this is the most timely of all Gilligan Island episodes as it reveals much about the Cold War effect on the country. Mr. Howell's attitude towards them in particular is reflective on many Americans at the time.

Highlights include Igor's "wolf" tendencies towards Ginger, the Howell's first encounter with the cosmonauts, Gilligan's first attempt to pull the capsule to the shore, the male castaways and the cosmonauts have their separate secret meetings, the suitcase gag with the girls, and finally the switching of water for vodka.

Overall, this is a very entertaining episode that is well paced with two interesting cosmonauts to say the least. However, some of the plot contrivances, particularly in getting the men drunk but not the women so they can leave the island secretly is frankly absurd. But overall, this is a very good episode that reveals much about the Cold War mindset at the time.

Tidbits & Trivia

• Gilligan is disturbed by the Skipper's snoring...after all this time?

• The Soviet craft sure looks much more like an American Gemini spacecraft. Plus, Soviet spacecraft were designed to touchdown on land, not the water. Even so, it appears awfully lightweight when Gilligan pulls on it.

• We see the cosmonauts peer out of their spacecraft at night, yet apparently they do not attempt to leave until the next morning.

• It is rather clever that Ivan does not reveal he speaks English to the castaways.

• Seeing the two cosmonauts celebrating after telling the Professor that they've received a message from the submarine seems a bit backwards in order.

• I wonder what Mrs. Howell added to her luggage that required removing three fur coats?

• Funny that Gilligan doesn't seem to notice that Ivan can speak English when overhearing their plot.

• Why would the Skipper be suspicious that the cosmonauts have weapons? If they did, would they use the weapons to then tie them up?

• The rather bright, jazzy incidental music underneath Gilligan switching the vodka with the water is my favorite of the entire series.

• You can really hear the coconut cups "clink" when they are toasting, indicating that they are definitely not coconuts.

• Maybe they should have followed Gilligan's advice about guarding them.

Gilligan's Island: Agonized Labor (1965) Season 2, Episode 8

Please Don't Toss the Salad Anymore...

[9/10 · 19 December 2013]

The Skipper and Gilligan learn from a radio report that the Howell's are broke. After tying to keep the news from them, eventually the Howells find out and the world as they know it is crushed. The rest of the castaways take it upon themselves to teach the Howells some working skills, but after many failures Mr. and Mrs. Howell decide to end it all. But is that the end for the Howells? This is an exceptional episode which focuses on the Howells which means that the comic talents of Jim Backus and Natalie Schaffer are at the forefront.

Highlights include Gilligan trying to breathe really deep, another story about Skinny Mulligan, the Skipper trying to show Gilligan how to tell the Howells that they are broke, Mr. Howell marking out his new dining table, the Howells hiding their cash...temporarily, Mary Ann trying to console the Howells, the fish slapping Mr. Howell in the face, Mr. Howell looking for ways to end it all, Gilligan missing Mr. Howell and going over the cliff (a really nice bit of stunt work), the castaways teaching the Howells their trades, the Howells spectacular failure as domestic servants and the final fate of the Howells.

This is a very funny episode that just keeps building higher and higher in hilarity. Jim Backus simply owns this episode and the humor is nearly dead on perfect. One of the highlights of the season, no doubt about it.

Tidbits & Trivia

• The homemade telescope makes a return appearance in the Skipper & Gilligan's hut. Interestingly enough, it does not appear to have it's front lens in place.

• We see the practice polo pony Mr. Howell uses for the first time...and the last time.

• There's oil near Gilligan's Island? Really? Well, maybe not.

• Mary Ann has an interesting "sailor" type outfit on when the Howells find out that they are broke.

• Apparently, the waterfall is fresh water. And after two episodes in the first season that focused on not having any fresh water...

• Ginger seems really excited to see Gilligan fishing.

• Mr. Howell's mustache is a real nice touch.

• So, where did the Howells get all the doilies for the dinner table. Of course, I could ask where they got all the lettuce for the salad as well.

• The final resolution occurs during the epilogue scene which is unusual for Gilligan's Island. The epilogue usually is a scene that comments on the resolution after it happens. Of course, how the radio announcer could for days on end get the wrong name is...well, I suppose expected on Gilligan's Island.

Gilligan's Island: Castaways Pictures Presents (1965) Season 2, Episode 7

You Ought Not to be in Pictures...

[7/10 · 16 December 2013]

Gilligan discovers a sunken yacht in the lagoon. Gilligan and the Skipper manage to fish out two large crates which contain costumes and an old fashioned film projector with plenty of new film to shoot. Seeing this as their chance to be rescued, our castaways make a film that turns out to be far less clear than it is funny.

Silly? Of course! But this particular episode manages to overcome that aspect by being a little clever and the silent gags fit right in with the sense of humor that Gilligan's Island is all about.

Highlights include Gilligan describing the location of the ship he found, the Skipper being embarrassed at being seen in his underwear, Mr. Howell not being quite so home on a raft. Gilligan have a bit of an issue with his scuba suit, Ginger, Mary Ann and Gilligan having fun with the costumes, any scene with Mr. Howell as director of the picture, and the shooting and showing of the picture which are the real highlights of the episode.

Funny, silly and sometimes hilarious, this is one of the better episodes of the season. Well worth viewing and can serve as an introduction to Gilligan's Island for the one or two people who have not seen any of the episodes yet.

Tidbits & Trivia

• So, where did the scuba suit come from? Well, If I'm going to ask that, I might as well ask just how they made the air hoses out of bamboo.

• The famous goof mentioned in the "Goof" section of seeing a car in the background is actually more pronounced than that. You can actually see a wall and other equipment lying around as well. This appears to be near the entrance to the set itself.

• The fate of Fifi La France and Ricardo Laughingwell, the husband and wife owners of South Seas Film Productions remains unknown. Although it may be fair to say that they did not survive whatever wrecked their boat.

• The Skipper's line, "...we are not here to have fun, we are here to get off the island." always cracks me up.

• The very idea of shooting a film as the story of how they were shipwrecked and got the idea to get off the island is certainly bizarre to say the least, but somehow it fits in with the crazy logic that our castaways have demonstrated since the beginning.

• "Cecil B. Howell" is a marvelous, almost different character than Jim Backus normally plays. His continued yelling of "Quiet!! You Birds!" before each scene is particular funny, especially because its a silent picture with no sound required at all.

• For an experienced movie actress, Ginger seems awfully amateur during this production. Flaunting herself in front of the camera and continually preceding the call for "Action". Well, she probably is excited to get in front of the camera again.

• One thing that is unexplained is who got the camera out far enough to get a complete shot of the island? - Mr. Howell's line, "I'd walk out of that picture even on an airplane." is arguably one of the great lines of the series, one I've certainly used from time to time.

• So, no one recognized any of the castaways when their film was viewed? Not even Mr. or Mrs. Howell who appeared without makeup on? At least they must have packed maps, charts and directions to their island...right?

Gilligan's Island: Quick Before It Sinks (1965) Season 2, Episode 6

Cast Adrift on a Sinking Island..

[5/10 · 12 December 2013]

Because a stick the Professor is using to measure the incoming tide is sinking, he believes the island is sinking as well. All the men are informed and start to build a hut on higher ground, but after a while all the women find out and start to build a raft. In the end, we can figure out that the stick is not getting lower on its own, but it has the help of a certain red-shirt wearing first mate.

This is one of those episodes that takes a rather serious situation and stretches it for all the comedy they can muster. Unfortunately, with so little to actually work with it doesn't really succeed. The premise is stretched pretty far to say the least.

Highlights include Mr. Howell's rather animated reaction to missing the big putt, Gilligan on and then falling off the stilts, the Professor handling the rock for the rock garden, Mr. Howell trimming a single blade of grass, Mary Ann waking up the boys after a full night's work, the guys pushing the decision of who is going to tell the women onto each other, the girls taking action when finding out the island is sinking, and finally the rickety raft itself in all its glory.

If there is one main problem, it's that it's obvious the water has not risen on the shoreline, which would be verification of the Professor's theory. I understand that this is "logic" which generally doesn't apply to Gilligan's Island, but here it's so obvious that it undercuts the whole episode.

The result is a middling episode with some forced, elongated comedic bits about building the new hut, "beautifying" the island, faking that the transmitter is working, and building a rickety raft. Still, there is enough decent material to save this episode from the "boring" pile.

Tidbits & Trivia

• We see the nice waterfall into the lagoon at the beginning of the episode which naturally begs the question "Is that fresh water?" ... If so, then why all the episodes about not having fresh water before?

• So, it appears that Mrs. Howell does play golf. It's a skill she has yet to develop in the third season episode, "Bang! Bang! Bang!"

• The nice rock garden the Professor made doesn't last past this episode.

• At the beginning of the transmitter scene, the barrel that is placed in front of the bicycle has "Dynamo" written on it.

• The lift float has "II" written after "The Minnow" - The epilogue scene is rather unusual in that it concludes the story, rather than commenting on what happened as usual.

Gilligan's Island: The Sweepstakes (1965) Season 2, Episode 5

Will the Winner Please Show his Ticket.

[7/10 · 11 December 2013]

The Exclusive Howell Private Country Club gains a member when Gilligan wins the South American Sweepstakes. But sitting around with Mr. and Mrs. Howell just isn't that much fun, so Gilligan pays for everyone's initiation and soon the Howells are inundated with members.

Understandably ticked off, Mr. Howell demands the sweepstakes ticket be revealed and Gilligan has lost it which results in every non-Howell gets thrown out.

One of the more fun episodes of the season which offers a little insight into the Howell lifestyle.

Highlights include Gilligan's over the top reaction in winning the million dollars, learning how to drink tea from Mrs. Howell, sitting with Mr. Howell who is enjoying a wonderful dream, Ginger slapping Gilligan hard...twice, the Howells unhappy at the riff-raff that has now invaded their club, especially when the Professor addresses them as "Thurston" and "Lovey" for possibly the first time ever, Gilligan recreating winning the ticket by his yelling, and the wonderful dream that Mr. Howell has which is a highlight of the episode.

Overall, this is a better-than-average episode that is a lot of fun, especially the great Jim Backus when he gets all riled up. However, his reaction to the drinks in the saloon is one for the ages.

Tidbits & Trivia - The semi-hut next to the lagoon we saw in the previous episode makes a return appearance as part of the Howell Private Country Club. However, where exactly did the chain come from that surrounds the property? Oh well, I might as well ask where Gilligan's servant outfit comes from as well.

• Bob Denver almost misses the post after Ginger tries to kiss him. He actually has to use his hand to guide him down. As per usual, Ginger turns to us and shrugs her shoulders.

• It certainly seemed that the Howells did see the sweepstakes ticket at the beginning of the episode...oh well.

• It appears that we are on the Gunsmoke set again in the dream.

• As Prospector Howell watches the Professor weigh the gold, something drops down on the right side of the screen. Clearly it's not something that was suppose to be seen, perhaps the boom mike.

• Mrs. Howell does not appear in the dream.

• Well, Gilligan's putting skills have soured since the first season episode, "Three Million Dollars More or Less".

• A pretty good audio gag on the radio is nearly missed over the talking of Mr. Howell and Gilligan. The actual winner of the sweepstakes, a Mr. Hugo Abernathy, attributed his good luck to clean living and a lifetime of gambling.

Gilligan's Island: Smile, You're on Mars Camera (1965) Season 2, Episode 4

The Chicken People of Mars

[6/10 · 11 December 2013]

A Probe that was on its way to Mars gets diverted and lands back on Earth. However, those back at NASA are not aware that the probe has actually landed on Gilligan's Island. Needless to say, once the castaways discover the probe, they attempt to tell NASA their plight. But someone, and you can guess who, manages to destroy that chance from ever coming true.

This is certainly one of the more farcical and fantastic plots of the Gilligan's Island series. Credit must be given to Booth Coleman and Arthur Peterson as the two NASA scientists making their observations in rather comical fashion.

Highlights include Mr. Howell's demand for getting more feathers and getting furious with Gilligan over "not" telling the secret, Gilligan describing the probe to the Skipper, the Skipper casual laughing at Gilligan who is listening to the radio, the interview of the two NASA scientists by the CBS reporter, Gilligan trying to keep up with the sap pouring from the trees. the visual gag of the Skipper's shoes and socks getting stuck in the sap, Bancroft checking his own name tag when answering the phone (a great little bit), and the final glue plus chicken feather fiasco.

All in all, this is an episode perhaps just a bit too strange to take. It moves in fits and starts and is really just too far out there to believe. However, it must be said that the first sight of the "chicken people" is quite funny indeed.

Tidbits & Trivia

• For the first time (and only time I believe) we see a hut close to the lagoon. From the tools outside, it appears to be some type of equipment or tool shed.

• So, Mrs. Howell doesn't know what a lens is? Anyway, her huge diamond engagement ring last scene in the first season episode "The Big Gold Strike".

• You can see the CBS "eye" symbol on the interview's microphone.

• The discussion about getting sap out of a tree makes it appear that they've never done that before...but they certainly have, just consider the first season episode, "Goodbye Island".

• So, if they have finished with the glue after repairing the lens...why is Gilligan still boiling the pot full of glue?

• You know, all the castaways had to do was put a single sign up in front of the probe instead of waiting around. Oh well.

Gilligan's Island: The Little Dictator (1965) Season 2, Episode 3

A Real Winner of a Dictator

[9/10 · 10 December 2013]

The former Dictator of El Quarico is exiled to Gilligan's Island where he promptly takes over thanks to his gun.

A wonderfully animated performance by Nehemiah Persoff as Rodriguez the cast out dictator highlights this episode. While it can be argued that Persoff's character is a stereotype, his dress, demeanor and speech pattern are more comical than offensive in nature. Especially when compared to Vito Scotti's more stereotyped performance as the Japanese Sailor from the previous season.

Highlights include Gilligan casually discovering the "pistola", Rodriguez continually referring to Gilligan as "George", Gilligan & Rodriguez's off-screen struggle with the gun, the "monetary" system as discussed by Rodriguez and Mr. Howell, Ginger with the gun, but not having quite the quickness of thought to give it to the Professor. Gilligan's execution scene, Rodriguez realizing the possibilities of being in a free society, and finally the wonderful dream sequence which is one of the best in the series.

This is reportedly Sherwood Schwartz' favorite episode and it's rather easy to see why. Persoff is really delightful as the dictator and the comic gold that is struck which is very reflective of many 20th century banana republic dictators of that time. The dream sequence is an absolute delight, especially in the use of stock footage and the nifty song sung in Gilligan's praise.

This is arguably the best episode of the season and certainly one of the best of the series itself.

Tidbits & Trivia

• The boat in which our fearless Dictator arrives and leaves the island is marked "El Presidente"

• You know, this may be the only episode where Gilligan's Island actually gets a name, "El Quarico West" or if Mr. Howell's suggestion is taken, "Howell Hills".

• The homemade telescope reappears from the first season, used as a prop in the background of El Presidente's hut.

• Gilligan controlling the crowds' cheering is straight from Chaplin's "The Great Dictator".

• Gilligan has so many medals that some adorn his back.

• In the dream, Natalie Schaffer wears a green hat with a clover symbol. Plus, the Professor is the only one who doesn't speak a word.

• It's implied that the little boat that delivers and picks up Rodriguez actually makes the journey from his country which must be hundreds of miles away. Of course this is nonsense, but it would explain why the castaways were not picked from the island.

• You know, Rodriguez did have two witnesses that would confirm that the island did have castaways. I suppose that they were parachuted into the Andes as well.

Gilligan's Island: Beauty Is as Beauty Does (1965) Season 2, Episode 2

The Most Beautiful Castaway on the Island

[8/10 · 10 December 2013]

After learning over the radio that a certain over-aged raven hair co-ed has won a beauty contest, Ginger gets rather tiffed. This causes the Skipper to proclaim Ginger the most beautiful castaway on the island. However, Mr. Howell and the Professor respond by naming Mrs. Howell and Mary Ann as the most beautiful, so Gilligan suggests holding a beauty contest.

Easily one of the most recognizable episodes of the series, this plays a great deal on the "Ginger or Mary Ann" debate with Mrs. Howell thrown in for good measure.

Highlights include Ginger's reaction to the radio report at the beginning of the episode. Gilligan helping the Professor to reel in a big fish which turns out to be Mary Ann's swimsuit, Mr. Howell convincing Gilligan in patriotic fashion that Mrs. Howell deserves to win and finally the pageant itself which gloriously unfolds as each contestant is sabotaged ruthlessly by Mr. Howell and the Professor.

This is an episode that starts off a bit slowly, but has a rousing second act with the pageant that collapses into Mary Ann stepping in glue, Mrs. Howell going into a sneezing fit, and Ginger getting tweaked by paper-wads. A great sequence of events that highlights the episode.

If there is a real star in this episode, it's Jim Backus and his wonderfully expressive performance. Kudos to Russell Johnson for his more animated turn and the Alan Hale does a nice bit in admiring Ginger. Plus, the ladies deserve a lot of credit for their performances as well.

If there are any issues with this particular show, it is in the selection made by Gilligan at the end. It's not so much the selection itself, but the fact that it is rendered rather obviously because of a "guest" actor who is prominently displayed for the first and really only time in the entire series (a brief appearance was made in a first season episode).

Still, this is one of the best episodes of the season featuring good writing and delivery by all the actors involved.

Tidbits & Trivia - Gladys was very briefly seen in the epilogue of "Diamonds are an Ape's Best Friend" in the first season. By today's standards, it's not a very convincing outfit, but the actor inside is quite good.

• The repeated scenes of Gladys and Gilligan gets a bit wearing, but this is to help seal in the final decision so that it doesn't catch us off-guard.

• It's actually somewhat refreshing to see Ginger sport her traditional cocktail dress in the pageant as its about the only outfit that we've seen before. How Mrs. Howell creates that Revolutionary War outfit is beyond me, but this is Gilligan's Island.

• While having a bottle of pepper nearby and Mr. Howell carrying straws is one thing. The random bucket of glue that just happens to be next to the steps is just a little too much to believe.

• At the fade-out before the epilogue, it's pretty clear that none of the ladies are happy with the decision. Yet, we only see the men approach Gilligan after the show is over to determine who really won.

• We will revisit Gilligan's Tic-Tac-Toe obsession in the third season episode, "The Secret of Gilligan's Island".