PAIRINGS TO THE MAX...THURSTON AND GINGER

[lm]

OK--Put on your imagining caps once again and decide how far you think these 2 would possibly go romantically (infidelity, once again, not an issue).

[old grouch]

Anyone who's ever watched 'Gilligan's Island' regularly knows that Mr. Howell and Ginger had a thing for each other. And Mrs. Howell was also extremely jealous of Ginger. So I could see it happening, but if Mrs. Howell ever found out, she would scratch Ginger's eyes out.

[Bonsai]

It was natural that there would be sexual tension and a kind of "thing" going on between Ginger and Mr. Howell. She liked rich powerful men who could buy her things and help her career. He liked young sexy forward women--- especially those who flattered his vanity and let him think he still "had it." They also had a sneaky conniving ambition in common.

[lm]

OK. But's let's be more specific with these pairings--just what do you think would "happen." OK, for Thurston and Ginger, my guess is that there would be some fancy, lavish dates on the island, champagne, dressing up, etc. that the two of them would enjoy and also I could see it going to some sexual episodes--not necessarily in conjunction with the dates. I don't see an emotional relationship, though or any kind of commitment even as boyfriend and girlfriend.

(This is my guess here if Ramoo is pointing a spear at me but I've always been confused about whether Ginger really did find Thurston attractive to a degree or whether she was just "acting" or even just enjoying her own flirtation skills here. Give your opinion.)

[littlesoprano]

Originally Posted by lm

OK. But's let's be more specific with these pairings--just what do you think would "happen." OK, for Thurston and Ginger, my guess is that there would be some fancy, lavish dates on the island, champagne, dressing up, etc. that the two of them would enjoy and also I could see it going to some sexual episodes--not necessarily in conjunction with the dates. I don't see an emotional relationship, though or any kind of commitment even as boyfriend and girlfriend.

(This is my guess here if Ramoo is pointing a spear at me but I've always been confused about whether Ginger really did find Thurston attractive to a degree or whether she was just "acting" or even just enjoying her own flirtation skills here. Give your opinion.)

I think Ginger does have a certain amount of respect and admiration for Mr. Howell, and she is fond of him, but I don't think she's attracted to him in a romantic/physical way. We know from the episode "Court Martial" that she considers him completely off-limits because he is married, and she is scandalized at even the mild suggestion of something between them.

So why the mild flirting? Habit, maybe - she's used to flirting with men of power and money to get what she wants, and would see it as harmless. Her flirting with him is much less direct than with, say, Gilligan, and it is more focused on flattering his ego than appealing to his attraction. Sometimes she does it as part of a plot with other castaways ("Love Me, Love My Skipper") but mostly I think it is because she wants his goodwill in the future. I don't remember the exact episode, but in a scene where Mary Ann is complaining about them having to clean the Howell hut everyday, Ginger flat-out says she does it because she hopes it will pay off for her later in terms of help for her career.

Something to note is that this mainly occurs in S1 and S2. In S1 we see Ginger teamed up with Mr. Howell frequently, often to trick Gilligan. As the series goes on, this stops and Ginger is more likely to stand up for Gilligan. I think it is because her time on the island (and away from Hollywood) makes her more of a team player and less likely to use people for her own gain.

[PartyOfOne]

Originally Posted by lm

OK--Put on your imagining caps once again and decide how far you think these 2 would possibly go romantically (infidelity, once again, not an issue).

If Mr. Howell had the chance, he would throw Lovey over and marry Ginger. That's my opinion.

[Teebs]

Originally Posted by PartyOfOne

If Mr. Howell had the chance, he would throw Lovey over and marry Ginger. That's my opinion.

Awww! Poor Lovey The Howells have a strong marriage and love each other to bits, but if he wasn't married, I could see Mr. Howell as Ginger's 'Sugar Daddy', with all that it implies.

[PartyOfOne]

Originally Posted by Teebs

Awww! Poor Lovey The Howells have a strong marriage and love each other to bits, but if he wasn't married, I could see Mr. Howell as Ginger's 'Sugar Daddy', with all that it implies.

My apologies, I am blurring several things together. It's more of a matter of my own dislike with Ginger (Bob Denver apparently did not get along with Tina Louise either). Ginger, as someone pointed out, wouldn't actually do that.
Still, I have thought of the following couples:
Gilligan&Mary Ann
Skipper&The Professor
Mr. Howell & Ginger

That leaves Mrs. Howell out. I know in most versions it's the Skipper...