I know many people make a big fuss about this episode but it's not really one of my favorites. I don't think the castaways need all this external stuff to be entertaining. I do think, though, that Dr. Balinkoff and Igor are funny. I also think some of the body-switching stuff is funny, of course. I love the Skipper acting like Lovey and Igor acting like Ginger. It is also impressive to see how the actors actually mimicked each other down to the very mannerisms and facial expressions. I didn't see it so much with Maryann and Ginger's performances, but the others were impressive, I thought.

I remember my son used to find this episode "scary." I guess to a kid, it can be, with the dungeon and everything.

I was a little surprised by Maryann's reaction to Ginger's kissing Balinkoff. After all, she'd been on the island with Ginger for about 2 years by then, heard her comments and seen her interact with other male visitors.Maybe she didn't get the merely being a "man" thing.

Do you think Gilligan was being too much when he threw the switch on the two villains when they were trapped in the machine?

Pretty scary that the Skipper didn't realize the boat wasn't seaworthy.

Some of the one-liners are funny in this one--like Thurston's "a high piercing scream" and some of Gillligan's comments in the castle.

The cast mimicking one another is what floors me in this episode every time. The men mince around while the women act tough...and Igor! Mike Mazurki is a riot! Talk about the transsexual from Transylvannia!

The Skipper and Gilligan's banter is pretty funny too. "If I'm so dumb, how come I'm out here and you're in there?" "What do you think he'll turn me into?" "Oh, probably a scrawny, pint-sized chicken!"

I wasn't so surprised that Gilligan locked Igor and Balinkoff in the cabinets, but that he did it to the dog and cat! He's usually so fond of animals, and he certainly seemed to like those two. I do hope they ended up in good homes!


Yep - the Skipper's seamanship seems a bit sketchy, all right. Gilligan was right: they were lucky they made it back.

The setting here is a thing that certainly sets this episode apart. Without using a dream sequence, the castaways actually leave their island. There is such a contrast between Balinkoff's gothic castle and the fresh, innocent beauty of the castaway's island. Each island reflects the personalities of its inhabitants.

Igor (in Ginger's body): "In here! Feels good!"

Ginger (in Igor's body): "Don't hurt my beautiful, beautiful body."

SKipper (in Mrs. Howell's body): "Kiss me, and I'll belt ya!"

That one's the best episode of all!! Can't beleive that Sherwood Schwartz didn't even comment on it in the DVD sets of a few years ago! The castle is from the 1961 "The Pit & The Pendulum" movie, and of course Igor or the doc HAD to be switched with Ginger, due to the odd number of castaways. And--callen--you're right, they really did leave the island for once, and your comment about the islands's respective looks is right on. The cue music underscore is excellent! Especially that familiar music riff played over the castle [see my comments on "V for Vitamins"].


Skipper to Boris Balinkoff: "It was an accident!"