Thoughts From the Gilligan's Island Episode Don't Bug the Mosquitoes

Synopsis: The castaways have an opportunity to be rescued when a popular rock band lands on their island seeking a quiet place to take a break. There's just one problem, the Mosquitoes (the Wellingtons) won't leave until they are fully rested, something that could take months.

My Thoughts:

This is another one of those episodes where the castaways could have been rescued simply by being a bit patient. A month honestly wasn't that long of a time to wait (it's not like they were starving or needed medical attention) but, rather than doing nothing, they just made things worse by first getting the Mosquitoes to extend their stay then leave them behind.

That being said couldn't the Mosquitoes have rescued the castaways first then stayed behind? They obviously had the ability to leave anytime the helicopter returned with provisions. They could have followed through with the rescue then have the island to themselves. Everyone would be happy.

This episode is a good reason to have a signal fire 24/7. Obviously, their rescue plan (which doesn't even seem to exist) doesn't work. Had they had a signal fire, SOS message or something else, the helicopter pilot would have spotted it instantly and they wouldn't have had to rely on the Mosquitoes keeping their word. Yes, I get this is a sitcom but, if you want me to believe the Professor (Russell Johnson) and Skipper (Alan Hale, Jr.) are intelligent enough to keep seven people alive on a remote island, you can't tell me they weren't smart enough to do something that simple.

I think the thing I liked best about the Honeybee's performance was Mrs. Howell (Natalie Schafer). I loved how she tried to keep up with the dance steps, etc. but was still just a little off from Ginger (Tina Louise) and Mary Ann (Dawn Wells). It fit her character perfectly.

So, is Mrs. Howell the island's official barber? Seeing her chase after the Mosquitoes with those scissors made me wonder that. After all, it's not like any of the men don't have perfectly trimmed hair despite being stranded. Though, admittedly, that is something that would seem a bit out of character for her.

Final Opinion: Other than the fact it doesn't explain how the Mosquitoes are using electric instruments, this is a well-written episode that is fun to watch and even has a couple fairly catchy songs. I enjoyed it.

My Grade: A