NOW FEATURING...BIG MAN ON LITTLE STICK

[lm]

First of all--applause for Denny Miller (does he get enough credit?). Here he played someone not all too different from the "Tongo" actor but actually does come off as a completely different character. They're both attractive, self-important, celebrity-type guys but we would never confuse them. Good job, Denny!

I love the "smorgasbroad" joke--that was really clever!

The whole situation with the Howells thinking that Duke is a "Duke" is hysterical! I wonder if they named him "Duke" for that reason or if it was the other way around.

Duke was one of the nicest visitors to the island. His only crimes were liking the girls and delaying his return because of this and hitting his head.

It's funny that Duke comes from Kansas (of all the states), just like Maryann, yet this conjures up no connection or conversation about it between them.

It's kind of impossible, I would think that Duke would be able to ride in on a tsunami! Here's probably some true GI fantasy!

It's really nice of the girls to share Duke like that--no fierce competition or anything. I guess that's what helped lead Joey Green to his "menage" theory about the girls.

Speaking of the "romance" component--alot of problems here. First of all, I just don't get Ginger's running from Duke? Is this just a necessary plot element at the expense of character? What do you think? Ginger loves men, she's experienced and she is very attracted to Duke and handsome men, in general. She certainly likes spending time around Duke--she doesn't just conclude he's "cute" but not bother with him because he's not her type. Yet, when he pursues her, she runs for her life. I don't get it in light of everything I've said.

Secondly on romance, I don't get Maryann's preferences. She is definitely attracted to Duke, this big, muscular, blond, self-important athletic type. Yet, she has also shown herself in other episodes to be crazy about Gilligan in what looks like a more than "platonic" way. Gilligan and Duke are really two different types. I can see a girl saying "Well, OK Gilligan, I'll go out on a date with you" and then being floored by Duke. But I can't see a girl who seems to be enamored of Gilligan (or a Gilligan type) then being SO interested in Duke (although I can see a girl crazy about Gilligan acknowledging that Duke is handsome). I don't get this either.

Thirdly, on romance--hey, what do you MAGs and GN/Ps make of this episode???? You all thought these couples were interested in each other and they supposedly put on an "act" to make Duke jealous. Maryann sounds as if she's coming up with ridiculous/untrue compliments with Gilligan and Gilligan seems to complain alot ("You're breaking me."). Ginger, of course, is an actress supposedly playing a role and the Professor is stiff and awkward with her. It's funny that the Professor has no trouble acting the suitor with Mrs. Howell in "Mr. and Mrs." Come on, MAGs and GN/Ps, you can't ignore this episode--what do you say to all this? Maryann even says after it's all over, "He fell for it!"

I find it ridiculously unbelievable that Gilligan, who is twentysomething and has graduated high school and been in the Navy and a close friend of his buddy, the Skipper, needs a talk on "the birds and the bees," unless that is just a term here for male/female relationship/interaction stuff.


OK--I've said alot here--please join me--don't let me be the only one!

[Céline]

This is funny episode.Duke was nice but,a little too quick with the girls...I thinks that was the problem,he didn't just want to flirt them but,he wanted to go all the way.That's funny because the two girls acted the same way...they were attracted by his muscles and they thought that he would just want to flirt nothing more.Remember that it was in the sixties,a girl who would go all the way with a guy they just met would have a really bad reputation.It was a family's show.

I like the sketch of MAG.They were so cute together but,Mary Ann was trying to be romantic but,Gilligan is Gilligan,shy & ackward as always but,G/P came out weird.I thought that I was watching 2 robots.You are right that the professor sounded much better when he pretended to flirt with Mrs.Howell in Mr & Mrs than with Ginger.

But,tsunami's rescue,I didn't get it at all.I know that Duke was a champ but,it was extremely dangerous.Sometimes,when they think about stupid plans like that,I'm glad that they don't get rescued.They are always thinking about rescue but,never about the guy who almost kills himself in the process.

[lm]

Re: Duke and the girls. I didn't get the impression from things Ginger's said in other episodes that she had these kinds of restrictions. Some of the people she talks to/about are not serious relationships but the coast guard, sailors who "picked" her up, etc. I don't see the difference between Duke and one of these other types of guys, especially since she's so attracted to Duke. Of course, I agree, the show couldn't show her succumbing to him but it seems to be at the price of her character consistency--unless, for some reason, Duke just didn't make "that" kind of a cut.

[callensensei]

Originally Posted by lm

Duke was one of the nicest visitors to the island. His only crimes were liking the girls and delaying his return because of this and hitting his head.

Speaking of the "romance" component--alot of problems here. First of all, I just don't get Ginger's running from Duke?!

I'm not so sure Duke was one of the nicest visitors. He seemed to be hitting on the girls hard enough to frighten them: even Ginger.

Originally Posted by lm

I find it ridiculously unbelievable that Gilligan, who is twentysomething and has graduated high school and been in the Navy and a close friend of his buddy, the Skipper, needs a talk on "the birds and the bees," unless that is just a term here for male/female relationship/interaction stuff.

I agree. Perhaps Gilligan simply didn't know what the idiom referred to. He certainly seems more nervous than naive about male/female interaction in other episodes, and even here, he's the one who figures out why Duke won't leave, long before the Professor does. "Professor, while you're building him up, they're knocking him down!"

Interesting that here it's the girls who very nearly sabotage the rescue, and are quite oblivious and selfish about it! Also, here's a rare and very sweet instance where we see Mrs. Howell acting as a mother towards the girls. I wish we'd seen more of these moments.

[littlesoprano]

Originally Posted by lm

First of all, I just don't get Ginger's running from Duke? Is this just a necessary plot element at the expense of character? What do you think? Ginger loves men, she's experienced and she is very attracted to Duke and handsome men, in general. She certainly likes spending time around Duke--she doesn't just conclude he's "cute" but not bother with him because he's not her type. Yet, when he pursues her, she runs for her life. I don't get it in light of everything I've said.

First, I think the audience is supposed to imply that Duke's come-on to Ginger was more... involved... shall we say, than it appeared. Family show and all. Ginger would have picked up on this and despite the fact that she seems experienced, I think a lot of that is part of the starlet persona that she plays up. Like some of her acting credits, her stories of conquests past are probably... creatively embellished.

Even if we take Duke's come-on at face value and don't imply more, Ginger running from him is still in character. Why would she do this, when she's been flirting with him like mad and is obviously attracted to him? It's the same contradiction in her character that has her slapping Gilligan for "propositioning" her after she's come on to him very strongly countless times. Same contradiction that has her completely scandalized at Gilligan wearing a towel in front of her, when she did the same to him in a much earlier episode.

When it comes to male/female romantic interaction, she absolutely has to have control, and she uses overt flirting to get it. If she loses control, her response is to become indignant or afraid, even running away. It isn't because she's a control freak, it's probably insecurity/fear. Maybe she has a fear of intimacy, or maybe she's just been fending off "casting couch" situations for too many years. Arguably part of the reason she's so attracted to the Professor is because he's romantically harmless (yet attracted to her), and because she's gotten to know him as a friend-- probably a first for her. The same might be said about her relationship with Gilligan, but I think he's probably TOO "harmless" for her.

[callensensei]

Originally Posted by littlesoprano

When it comes to male/female romantic interaction, she absolutely has to have control, and she uses overt flirting to get it. If she loses control, her response is to become indignant or afraid, even running away. It isn't because she's a control freak, it's probably insecurity/fear. Maybe she has a fear of intimacy, or maybe she's just been fending off "casting couch" situations for too many years. Arguably part of the reason she's so attracted to the Professor is because he's romantically harmless (yet attracted to her), and because she's gotten to know him as a friend-- probably a first for her. The same might be said about her relationship with Gilligan, but I think he's probably TOO "harmless" for her.

I think you've got Ginger dead on, and that insecurity is quite an appealing aspect to her character - it allows everyone to identify with her.

The Professor is the one man Ginger ever permits to "come on" to her, in the scene where he is trying to figure out what perfume she's wearing. Her delighted laughter is a testament to her trust in him, as well as her attraction. In a somewhat similar way, her friendship with Gilligan allows her to quickly forgive him for seemingly trying to get the upper hand (on those rare occasions when it ever happens!). She's very kind to him after she realizes the towell business was unintentional, and when Gilligan's double jumps her in the jungle, she's actually calling him sweetie and saying she doesn't want to hurt his feelings while he's pawing her.

You and I have talked about Ginger's courage in the episode, "The Hunter." In light of her insecurity, her actions in this episode become doubly impressive. Kinkaid is enough to scare anybody already, and his confident and very aggressive attentions towards Ginger, not to mention his ominous suggestion that he spares her because she is female, should be enough to send her running for the hills. Yet she permits Kinkaid to embrace her and risks much more, to save the friend she loves. It is arguably her noblest moment in the series.

[GI1234567890]

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Thirdly, on romance--hey, what do you MAGs and GN/Ps make of this episode???? You all thought these couples were interested in each other and they supposedly put on an "act" to make Duke jealous. Maryann sounds as if she's coming up with ridiculous/untrue compliments with Gilligan and Gilligan seems to complain alot ("You're breaking me."). Ginger, of course, is an actress supposedly playing a role and the Professor is stiff and awkward with her. It's funny that the Professor has no trouble acting the suitor with Mrs. Howell in "Mr. and Mrs." Come on, MAGs and GN/Ps, you can't ignore this episode--what do you say to all this? Maryann even says after it's all over, "He fell for i
Well I think that Mr. Bowel said it wood be like taking candy from a baby because he knew that thay liked each other I mean look at the episode castaway pictures presents and the match maker

[DMills52]

I love episode analysis and this is my favorite episode. Thanks for choosing it among the first in this series. That said if I ramble on about this episode please let me know.

This time I just want to address some of the thoughts surrounding Mary Ann. I agree it seems a bit odd for her to be so into Gilligan then toss him aside for a completely different type. I think, however, that Mary Ann's small-town, sheltered upbringing gives her lowered expectations. Not that there's anything wrong with the big-hearted Gilligan it's just that a tall, handsome, confident, bronzed muscleman like Duke (who even causes the worldly Ginger to swoon) was unknown to her. When Duke says, "Stop dreaming The Duke has arrived!" I think in her case it's an understatement...Even the men in Mary Ann's dreams couldn't match up to Duke!

Believe this is proven when Ginger rushes into the hut out of breath and upset. Instead of her normal concern for a Castaway in distress when she hears Duke's name mentioned she just sighs dreamily and says, "there's nothing wrong with him..." She even tries to put the blame on Ginger for being "too glamorous" and then goes to Duke despite the warnings of Ginger who acts as her mentor on men in other episodes.

Even after Duke's failed come-on he tells Skipper he was talking to Mary Ann before she turned in and she shows up at the lagoon to watch him surf off. It appears Ginger never spoke to Duke after their ill-fated encounter and she was the only one not watching Duke at the lagoon.

I just think Mary Ann was so overwhelmed by Duke physically based on where she had come from that she lost her idea of what she really wanted temporarily. Once she's had time to get Duke out of her system the MAG dance resumes.

Sorry for getting verbose, but I love the comments here and look forward to more. I have some thoughts about the Mary Ann/Ginger jealousy angle, but I'll save them for next time. Thanks!

[Bonniegirl]

I liked this episode! I like the color episodes much better, seeing the beautiful colors on the island made the show so much better. For you guys , I'm sure you liked seeing Ginger's pretty red hair! So therefore more color epps are my favs than the black and white. I really liked Big man on little stick and also Japanese sailor though.

[DMills52]

I agree it was nice of the girls to share Duke in this episode, but we only see one day with him and I think the underpinnings for some jealousy/cattiness were there. If he had stayed just a bit longer it could of been fun to see how this worked.

I'm thinking about the scene where Duke is showing off for the girls down at the lagoon. Ginger strikes a sexy pose, Duke compliments her deltoids and even though Mary Ann is just feet away and obviously heard Ginger repeats the compliment to her as if to say "see he likes me".

Not to be outdone Mary Ann does her own pose, Duke compliments her lattissimus dorsi and Mary Ann repeats it right back at Ginger. However, Ginger acts like that's no big deal saying, "whatever that is".

Ginger probably doesn't know where either muscle is or care. She's obviously just trying to play down Mary Ann's chances with Duke and play up her own.

Would've been fun to see how Ginger and Mary Ann in a full blown competition over Duke would play out...

[Bonniegirl]

OK I am new here, and this is a PG or R rated forum, so I don't want to make waves!!!

BUT!!!!!!!!!

How about Ginger and Maryanne doing Duke together!!!!!

[DMills52]

Originally Posted by bonniegirl62

OK I am new here, and this is a PG or R rated forum, so I don't want to make waves!!!

BUT!!!!!!!!!

How about Ginger and Maryanne doing Duke together!!!!!

LOL bonniegirl62 if Duke hadn't gotten amnesia he might be on this thread right now saying he likes the way you think! Of course they couldn't even hint at this at the time so Duke makes no attempts at it. As for Ginger I agree with littlesoprano, she had to be in control and would've wanted Duke to herself. Even if we imagine Duke and Ginger at their wildest Mary Ann would always be the fly in the ointment. Can't imagine even in the deepest, darkest recesses of her heart (if she even has them) that she would be part of that. Fun to imagine though!

[Bonniegirl]

Originally Posted by DMills52

LOL bonniegirl62 if Duke hadn't gotten amnesia he might be on this thread right now saying he likes the way you think! Of course they couldn't even hint at this at the time so Duke makes no attempts at it. As for Ginger I agree with littlesoprano, she had to be in control and would've wanted Duke to herself. Even if we imagine Duke and Ginger at their wildest Mary Ann would always be the fly in the ointment. Can't imagine even in the deepest, darkest recesses of her heart (if she even has them) that she would be part of that. Fun to imagine though!

OH I know, the 60's TV couldn't go there, there would never be a hint of a threesome going on back than on TV!!!

OK, now I am really going to get carried away, out on a limb here. How about if Mrs. Howell was tired of old Thurston, like if he was having "bedroom issues". No Viagra back than !! Mrs. Howell sees that young hotty on the island and thinks, mmmmm, wouldn't mind having some of that Duke!!!!!

[DMills52]

Now you are really out there imagination-wise bonniegirl62...I like it...pushing the envelope. Who knows? If Duke were stuck there and the girls stayed mad maybe it would be an "any port in a storm" scenario for him. As for Lovey she's very uptight, but would a little dalliance with the hunky pool boy, so to speak, really weaken any rescue effort...Guess we'll never know...LOL!

Originally Posted by callensensei

Interesting that here it's the girls who very nearly sabotage the rescue, and are quite oblivious and selfish about it!

callensensei you nailed what I always thought was the biggest character conundrum here. The girls liking then rejecting Duke can be chalked up to the more sexually conservative times or Ginger's control issue. But Mary Ann did long to see her family and Ginger wanted to get back to her career so why would they not be onboard with the Reverse Tsunami?

I think the answer lies in the walk they take with Duke after Professor announces the wave will be back in 48 hours. Gilligan says, "that means you can get us all rescued" and the girls look to Duke expectantly. For his part he brushes it off with "yeah we'll have to talk about that" and takes off with the girls.

Talking about it is I think what happens on that walk either thru prodding by the girls or as a pre-emptive strike by Duke. He probably went to the two excuses he ultimately uses with Skipper as a means to prolong his stay. First he'd tell them what he told Skipper at the beginning of the episode...that he doesn't need a tsunami to surf back to Hawaii. He's a champ on the board and obviously knows more about it than Prof so the girls might buy it. He probably even believes himself that when he gets tired of the girls he can surf/paddle his way at least back to the shipping lanes.

Second I think he'd go with what he tells Skipper the next night that, "I'm in no shape for a tsunami". One might think this hard for the girls to fathom since they spent the day watching Duke flex his muscles, perform feats of strength, toss around a barbell Gilligan couldn't budge and do 180+ pushups, but it would play right into their nurturing side. Mary Ann would be happy to make him special meals to build up his strength and even gather and prepare provisions for his ultimate ride. For her part Ginger has always considered herself a healer. She plays nurse, therapist, lab assistant throughout the series so she'd be thrilled to be Duke's masseuse, physical therapist, mental motivator, so on.

As enthralled as they were with Duke physically I think they would've bought this and figured it would give them more time with Duke. Ginger might get her tumble in the jungle, Mary Ann might win Duke's heart and they'd still get rescued in the end. So I guess I don't think they were oblivious, but I agree they were selfish and trying to have it all.

Obviously there was no hanky-panky in the jungle that night since the girls still liked Duke the next day...Does the Duke Excuse theory make sense...Love to hear folks thoughts!

[Teebs]

Originally Posted by bonniegirl62

OK I am new here, and this is a PG or R rated forum, so I don't want to make waves!!!

BUT!!!!!!!!!

How about Ginger and Maryanne doing Duke together!!!!!

LOL! I'd love to see you when you ARE making waves!!!

ay carumba