d more to offer than just a few good laughs. The time was right for a message. Many films and television shows from the era offered more than entertainment; they boldly reflected the revolutionary social and political ideas then emerging in our culture. Supposing the producers of the show actuall had some deeper, underlying message to convey? Let’s take a closer look at what’s really going on …here on Gilligan’s Island.
First, we look at the premise of the show; we find a small group of people shipwrecked on a deserted island together, spending every waking moment trying to devise a mode of escape. Among them ranges every American stereotype from the excessively wealthy Mr. Howell, to the everyday guy like the Skipper. We have more than a fair chance to pick a favorite character to identify with, or even just admire. Only one person seems to have the least to offer, although by far most endearing and that is Gilligan himself.
Second, we note the composure of Gilligan, especially in the face of almost hopeless disaster. Gilligan seems pretty much okay with being stuck in this remote paradise, away from all the worldly means that we feel we must have to live properly.
When we examine the character of Gilligan, we see someone who is has no special quality to offer the mix, and at times causes more trouble than not. Yet, it is Gilligan that seems the most content, feeling right at home on the deserted island, happy to sleep in his hammock, and eat bananas and coconuts all day. He is neither lazy nor industrious, and he is always willing to lend a helping hand to the effort of being rescued. Gilligan’s good nature makes him the hub of the group; everyone loves him and although they don’t seem to take him seriously, they all relate to each other, mostly through him.
Third, despite the diverse skills of the castaways, we quickly see their helplessness. It doesn’t take long to realize that their rescue cannot be bought with the extreme we
alth of Mr. Howell and Lovey, or figured out by the keen mind of the professor, or won by the beauty of Ginger, or charmed through the innocence of Mary Anne, or even earned by the expertise of the Skipper. It’s only Gilligan who seems to accept the circumstance and the possibility of never being found. He is unusually comfortable on the island. It may even be that were it not for the balance offered by Gilligan, the others may very well have not been able to cope with the circumstances.
alth of Mr. Howell and Lovey, or figured out by the keen mind of the professor, or won by the beauty of Ginger, or charmed through the innocence of Mary Anne, or even earned by the expertise of the Skipper. It’s only Gilligan who seems to accept the circumstance and the possibility of never being found. He is unusually comfortable on the island. It may even be that were it not for the balance offered by Gilligan, the others may very well have not been able to cope with the circumstances. It is never made known to us if Gilligan is the only one aware that all their money, intellect, beauty, knowledge, and sweetness are rendered useless on the island, just as they are in the God’s kingdom. Not unlike our worldly life, the efforts of castaways towards their want of freedom, do nothing to further their cause and only provokes constant struggle and frustration. If they would observe the guru of peace, Gilligan, who has found the setting most livable, they may abandon their desires to rejoin the rat race, and all its frustrations, in favor of the abundance of food, tranquility and beauty that they enjoy daily on the island for what turns out to be countless years. Gilligan’s lack of ego has allowed him faith beyond his own means; trust that he has enough food and shelter provided from the island, and love for his friends despite their discontent, none of which can be acquired through human will alone.
If we ponder the scenario of the castaways finally being rescued, we wonder how they would be able to re-adapt to life in the world again. I can only imagine they would become depressed and feel empty after a short time back, soon longing for the time they spent on the island. It’s harder still to see Gilligan wanting to leave the island, even if given a choice. The bubbling idiot who can’t seem to do anything right, turns out to be the spiritual master who recognizes the faith, love and truth in his kingdom of paradise, for which is aptly named, Gilligan’s island. ©
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