Gilligan may be fair, but this episode is above average and hilarious, especially at a pivotal moment near the end. The idea of Gilligan becoming a Howell works better than expected; the pace moves at breakneck speed, and there are fine performances by the cast. Only a weak dream sequence, one of the weakest in the series, and the usual skewed logic keep it from classic status.
In the cold open, Gilligan is back adding to his butterfly collection when he accidentally loosens a boulder with his heel. Mrs. Howell, taking a picture of her husband, is directly in the boulder's path. Gilligan prevents a certain disaster by bravely pushing her out of the way. The Howells are so grateful for his heroics that they decide to make him an official member of the family on the spot. With very little fuss or paperwork, he is adopted, named G. Thurston Howell the IVth, and moved into the Howell's hut.
In a flash, our lead gets his own quarters, an extensive Howell wardrobe, and his copy of the social register. Mr. Howell takes it upon himself to teach Gilligan what it is to be a Howell, and in scenes that are funny but feel rushed for the sake of the plot, he gives his protégé the Eliza Doolittle treatment and turns him into a Howell overnight.
Our lead finds it difficult to adjust to his new social status. He can no longer do anything considered beneath a Howell, like go butterfly hunting with Mary Ann, tar the roof with the men (don't want to get those new duds dirty), or hang the wash with Ginger. His new duties consist of lounging and being waited on hand and foot. Gilligan grows tired of the royal treatment and becomes lonely for his old lifestyle.
His unhappiness leads to that forgettable dream sequence. He dreams he is a petulant boy king who disposes of his subjects because they bore him and won't play with him. The dream slows down the pace, offers few laughs, and ends with Gilligan waking in a clichéd cold sweat.
The episode returns to solid ground in an understated scene where Gilligan shares his unhappiness with his old bunk mate. He wants out of the Howell adoption without hurting anyone's feelings. The castaways solve his dilemma when Ginger comes up with a brilliant plan that is the highlight of the episode.
Our lead follows Ginger's plan at his Howell coming out bash. His disruptive antics and hilariously obnoxious attitude infuriate Mr. Howell and ultimately cause him to nullify the adoption. The billionaire isn't really all that displeased, however, as, in a nice denouement, he once again shows he secretly has a heart of gold.
COCONOTES:
Very good episode for Bob Denver, who displays good range at playing his usual self, his stuffy impression of a Howell son, and the impetuous boy king in the dream sequence. Especially like how he misses his 'little friends' and yearns for his old life back.
An equally strong performance from the other main player, Jim Backus, who is his normally reliable self. He is adept at being blustery and demanding of his son early on, being proud as a peacock over his transformation, and then showing his warm, paternal side at the end.
The castaways accept the adoption way too easily, plus Gilligan's own parents are never mentioned.
Just where are they getting those financial reports? Writer Joanna Lee should have cut the dream sequence so there could have been more time spent on Gilligan's Howell lessons.
The dry martini bit with the Professor and Gilligan is chuckle-worthy.
In the cold open, Gilligan is back adding to his butterfly collection when he accidentally loosens a boulder with his heel. Mrs. Howell, taking a picture of her husband, is directly in the boulder's path. Gilligan prevents a certain disaster by bravely pushing her out of the way. The Howells are so grateful for his heroics that they decide to make him an official member of the family on the spot. With very little fuss or paperwork, he is adopted, named G. Thurston Howell the IVth, and moved into the Howell's hut.
In a flash, our lead gets his own quarters, an extensive Howell wardrobe, and his copy of the social register. Mr. Howell takes it upon himself to teach Gilligan what it is to be a Howell, and in scenes that are funny but feel rushed for the sake of the plot, he gives his protégé the Eliza Doolittle treatment and turns him into a Howell overnight.
Our lead finds it difficult to adjust to his new social status. He can no longer do anything considered beneath a Howell, like go butterfly hunting with Mary Ann, tar the roof with the men (don't want to get those new duds dirty), or hang the wash with Ginger. His new duties consist of lounging and being waited on hand and foot. Gilligan grows tired of the royal treatment and becomes lonely for his old lifestyle.
His unhappiness leads to that forgettable dream sequence. He dreams he is a petulant boy king who disposes of his subjects because they bore him and won't play with him. The dream slows down the pace, offers few laughs, and ends with Gilligan waking in a clichéd cold sweat.
The episode returns to solid ground in an understated scene where Gilligan shares his unhappiness with his old bunk mate. He wants out of the Howell adoption without hurting anyone's feelings. The castaways solve his dilemma when Ginger comes up with a brilliant plan that is the highlight of the episode.
Our lead follows Ginger's plan at his Howell coming out bash. His disruptive antics and hilariously obnoxious attitude infuriate Mr. Howell and ultimately cause him to nullify the adoption. The billionaire isn't really all that displeased, however, as, in a nice denouement, he once again shows he secretly has a heart of gold.
COCONOTES:
Very good episode for Bob Denver, who displays good range at playing his usual self, his stuffy impression of a Howell son, and the impetuous boy king in the dream sequence. Especially like how he misses his 'little friends' and yearns for his old life back.
An equally strong performance from the other main player, Jim Backus, who is his normally reliable self. He is adept at being blustery and demanding of his son early on, being proud as a peacock over his transformation, and then showing his warm, paternal side at the end.
The castaways accept the adoption way too easily, plus Gilligan's own parents are never mentioned.
Just where are they getting those financial reports? Writer Joanna Lee should have cut the dream sequence so there could have been more time spent on Gilligan's Howell lessons.
The dry martini bit with the Professor and Gilligan is chuckle-worthy.