I've asked this on another thread. What is Maryann's problem here? She comes out of the hut with Ginger. Ginger looks ok but Maryann looks especially downcast. She gives a negative look in Gilligan's direction and purses her lips. Actually, Gilligan has done nothing wrong in this episode--it was Thirston's fault that the letter miscarried--no one is blaming Gilligan and it was the Skipper who initially made a fuss about not being invited--the others then all went along with their rebellion against the Howells. To continue, then the Skipper turns to Maryann and asks her if she feels alright and she answers with a nod but still a downcast, exasperated look. Gilligan also looks worse after the girls come out of the hut. Does anyone have any ideas about this?

The costumes are hysterical. Lovey and Ginger both look beautiful in their costumes. What the heck is Maryann supposed to be--I can never figure that out. I would really appreciate it if someone can finally solve that mystery for me.

Wow! What the (heck) happened at that party? It started out with the customary buffet spread on the table but the next day involved cleanup of food and plates, etc. all over the floor. This was a party for 7 adults--6 of whom are past college age. My husband suggests: "The party must have degenerated." We need a fanfiction that covers from the end of the dancing scene to the next morning. Any takers?

I wonder what the proposed Howell cotillion would have been like with just the two of them! I have trouble envisioning it.

I agree that the Skipper often gets the short end of the stick; it's a little pathetic. Any thoughts on why? (this isn't a homework question--I'm really asking).

I feel a little sorry for Maryann having to undo her sewing--more wasted work for her--like all her pies that get destroyed.

Why does the Skipper suddenly ask the Professor if he's making something--in mid-sentence. The professor is always experimenting on the island. Do you think the question was part of the Skipper's subterfuge in bringing up the invitation lying on the table? Possibly, but it seems as if he might not have noticed it yet when he asked that. What do you think? (Again, not homework, I really am asking. I say this because I once asked a Gilligan question on yahoo answers and was accused of trying to get the respondents to do my homework for me--I didn't know they were teaching Gilligan as part of the public school curriculum now).

Mary Ann's expression in the hut/table scene is a rather lame set-up for a very lame sight gag. Her sour expression is to give the Skipper an excuse to ask, "Do you feel all right?" so that when she nods her head, Gilligan can react automatically and do the same thing the Skipper has just done to him. However, it's totally out of character for Gilligan to yell at Mary Ann, let alone try to hit her (!), and Mary Ann's sour expression goes unexplained. As I said, lame.

I think Mary Ann might be dressed as Daisy May from L'il Abner. Aren't they all wonderful costimes? I hope they had more parties like this! And I assume the mess the morning after was the result of Gilligan's impromptu Tarzan-swing across the buffet table, but I like your explanation better, Im!

I hadn't ever thought of the Skipper always getting the short stick, though he certainly thinks he does, and likes to complain about it. He does like to indulge in self-pity sometimes, and this time he jumps right in and wallows in it. Still, his insecurities and vulnerability are part of what make him so appealing.

This is such a great story: fraught with personal insecurities, group dynamics and misunderstandings that everyone can relate to. Like "It's Magic," it really shows the castaways functioning as a family, with all the pros and cons.

I agree that the bit with Mary Ann is just a poor set-up for the running gag. It fails on many levels. Not only is Gilligan out of character in trying to hit her, but there are better ways to get her to nod if that's the objective. Plus, Skipper asks "do you feel alright?" instead of "are you alright?" which would be the more appropriate question. Maybe there was some deleted scene in which Mary Ann ate bad clams, because that's what it looks like. :confused:

The scene with the Prof and Skipper is also not particularly well-constructed. It looks like Skipper did see the invitation on the table as he came up, but it isn't as obvious as it should be. He probably jumped in with the "are you making something?" because it suddenly occurred to him how he might find out about the invite without looking obvious. His questions about the experiment were definitely subterfuge, I believe.

Just thought of something. (You will like this, LS.) Ginger really is the heroine of the hour here. She not only thinks of the clever plan to switch the womens' costumes, but also convinces both of the reluctant Howells to attend the party. Her concern for Gilligan after his fall and her joyous invitation to the Skipper to dance round out an episode that shows how much she truly cares for her friends.

Just thought of something. (You will like this, LS.) Ginger really is the heroine of the hour here. She not only thinks of the clever plan to switch the womens' costumes, but also convinces both of the reluctant Howells to attend the party. Her concern for Gilligan after his fall and her joyous invitation to the Skipper to dance round out an episode that shows how much she truly cares for her friends.

You're right, I did like that. Ginger needs more fan appreciation.

Here is a comment to add to yours. In S1, Ginger flat-out said in one episode (I don't remember which one) that she was extra nice to the Howells, even when she didn't feel like it, because Mr. Howell could make her career once they were rescued. During the presidential elections, trial over the treasure chest and the turtle races, she acted against the Skipper on behalf of Mr. Howell. In this episode, she stands up against the Howells in defense of Skipper because she feels he was treated unfairly. It's really a nice progression in her character.

Anyone else think the whole husband-wife in masquerade plot in this episode is a lot like the operetta "Die Fledermaus?"