There’s solely the Christmas episode of Gilligan’s Island

Vacation episodes have lengthy been a staple of tv sitcoms. Virtually each long-running collection manages to do not less than one Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas episode, whereas some exhibits (like “The Big Bang Theory”) make it a convention. When accomplished effectively, they will reveal extra about the primary characters by way of reflections on previous holidays of their lives or just by watching them take care of the strain of, say, discovering the proper costume or getting ready an unforgettable feast . At Christmas, there’s usually a contact of melancholy blended with the festive spirit. Some folks really feel lonely or have regrets at Christmas, so it is comforting to see a number of of our favourite characters do some soul looking out.

For those who’re on the lookout for characters who can take care of life’s difficulties in a significant manner, you are in all probability not on the lookout for “Gilligan’s Island.” Sherwood Schwartz’s sitcom, which tells the story of seven castaways stranded on a desert island someplace within the Pacific Ocean, is undoubtedly one of the crucial comedic sitcoms in tv historical past. The characters have been superficial sorts who fulfilled their narrative obligation in a totally predictable method each episode. And since “Gilligan’s Island” was constructed for the long run (which was unexpectedly interrupted throughout its building) canceled to keep the less popular “Gunsmoke” on the air), you watched each episode realizing that no matter foolproof plan the characters got here up with, they’d be caught on the island by the point the credit rolled.

But when Schwartz and his writers crafted their solely Christmas episode in the course of the first season, they managed to melt the craziness with only a contact of coronary heart.

The twelfth episode of the collection, “Birds Gotta Fly, Fish Gotta Discuss”, begins with the castaways adorning a bamboo tree for Christmas. Gilligan needs them to be rescued after which they hear on the radio {that a} US Navy destroyer has noticed a bunch of individuals stranded on an island. Whereas ready for the ship to reach, the gang shares reminiscences of their first day on the island. Because the collection pilot by no means aired, this implies viewers get a glimpse of not less than one of many characters (the Professor) earlier than their recasting (Russell Johnson replaced John Gabrielwhich lacked the gravity needed to seek out the correct general dynamic).

The massive twist of this episode comes after the characters study that the Destroyer has saved one other group of castaways. As they put together to expertise a miserable Christmas, the Skipper seems dressed as Santa Claus. After boosting the morale of his companions, he goes out into the jungle to get again on his sled. However simply as he leaves, the Skipper emerges in the wrong way. He could not have ditched his costume and run again so rapidly. Because the castaways attempt to perceive what has simply occurred, they hear sleigh bells passing overhead.

Once more, “Gilligan’s Island” was hardly subtle, however it was a uncommon case the place the collection truly hit a sentimental notice that rang true.