It was said that Bob Denver had 104 degrees fever when they shot this episode; you can tell, as he really looks kind of awful in it. I consider this an inspiration, though; it was amazing that he could work under those physical conditions.

I wondered why the spy chose to romance Ginger for inspiration; if he had been observing them,wouldn't he see that it was Maryann in whom Gilligan was interested, not Ginger? Unless this was to be a "surprise" from Gilligan.

Do you think Gilligan's "changes of behavior" were really so strange, especially the one about accusing Mr. Howell of cheating--he's not always the most honest when it comes to competition!

The Skipper and Professor really got in a state over that pie!!!

I think the 2 actors (Bob Denver and "double") did a great job with the mirror scene!

I wondered why the spy chose to romance Ginger for inspiration; if he had been observing them,wouldn't he see that it was Maryann in whom Gilligan was interested, not Ginger? Unless this was to be a "surprise" from Gilligan.


I always assumed the spy was acting out of his own preferences and attractions, not necessarily staying true to "Gilligan" in this case. Maybe he had seen Ginger vamp him for some reason - as she did on occasion - and misinterpreted? I tend to lean toward the former, though - he just couldn't help himself, haha.

This is my favourite episode. Its brilliant plot is rife with dramatic irony: none of the characters ever truly understands what's going on, though the audience does. Gerald Fried cleverly alternates the Russian folksong "Korobushka" with Gilligan's Irish sea-chanty as leidmotifs to clue the audience in as to which of the two "Gilligans" is on screen.

Though the double schtick is a popular conceit in sitcoms, Bob Denver does the best job of it I've ever seen. His Russian spy definitely comes across as a completely different personality, while his Gilligan remains consistent.

Contrast this with Tina Louise's double roles in "All About Eva". While her Eva Grubb is totally convincing as a different person, Tina overcompensates in her performance as Ginger in that episode, using an overly breathy Marilyn Monroe-style voice and constantly batted eyelashes in an attempt to contrast the two characters. Consequently, Ginger just doesn't seem like Ginger.

The Skipper and the Professor do come across as rather nasty in the early part of this episode. Even though Gilligan's arriving with the empty pieplate is very incriminating, they assume he is lying about his innocence even though he rarely ever lies. I admire the fact that Gilligan refuses to confess just to mollify them.

The spy's advances towards Ginger are a hilarious reversal, and it's touching to see how forgiving of "Gilligan" she is here. Ginger keeps saying, "Sweetie, I don't want to hurt your feelings," even as she's struggling with him. I don't think there are many men whose unwanted advances Ginger would treat in such a way!

I do find the ending just a bit confusing, though. Did the discovery of the pocketknife convince them that Gilligan had been right about his evil double? As that why Gilligan hides at the end - at his realization that he could have been killed?

Help me out, folks!:confused:

I love Gilligan v Gilligan, and read about the 104 degree fever in Bob D's book. At times he does look a bit sick but it suits Spy Gilligan's grumpiness that he should look a bit :( at the same time. Couldn't have been much fun filming though.

Spy Gilligan's face when he spots Ginger lighting the tiki torch-- he's not thinking of the most suitable strategy, he's thinking with his nether regions! If he were a more capable spy he would work on Mary Ann, woo her and get his info out of her with sweet talk. But no, obviously in his former life he was a rogue and a charmer, and if it works in Paris, why not here? He doesn't know that Gilligan would be the very last person that Ginger would expect to declare undying love for her, and that it would rouse her suspicions.

Once the Professor explains about 'heading for real psychological problems', the other castaways are happy to humour Gilligan's 'odd' behaviour. However, not one of them seems to notice the gold spoon he keeps thrusting in their faces every time he wants them to talk.

Unless of course, they do notice it, but ignore it as part of his supposed 'madness'.

I think the Professor's discovery of the pocketknife proved that Gilligan wasn't lying, but Gilligan would prefer to believe that it had all been a hallucination, because now it means that he came very close to being laser beamed to a crisp.

I do get excited about Spy Gilligan. I think Bob Denver's portrayal of him was subtly sinister and superb. :D

Ginger has rarely looked better than when Gilligan's evil twin tries to seduce her. The hair, dress, and overall appearance were in one word STUNNING