There is only a Christmas episode on Gilligan’s Island

Holiday episodes have long been a staple of television sitcoms. Virtually every long-running series airs at least one episode on Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, while some show (like The Big Bang Theory) turn it into a tradition. If done well, they can reveal more about the main characters by reflecting on past holidays in their lives, or simply by seeing how they tackle the challenge of, say, finding the perfect costume or throwing a feast to remember. At Christmas, the festive spirit is often mixed with a touch of melancholy. Some people feel lonely or feel sorry for themselves at Christmas, so it’s nice to see one or more of our favorite characters do a little soul searching.

If you’re looking for characters to deal with life’s challenges in a meaningful way, you’re probably not looking for Gilligan’s Island. Sherwood Schwartz’s sitcom about seven victims stranded on a deserted island somewhere in the Pacific Ocean can be called one of the most popular comedy sitcoms in the history of television. The characters were minor types who fulfilled their narrative duty in entirely predictable ways in every single episode. And because Gilligan’s Island was built for the long haul (which was unexpectedly cut short when it was canceled to keep the less popular “Gunsmoke” on the air.), you tuned in to each episode knowing that no matter how solid a plan the characters came up with, they’d be stuck on an island by the time the credits rolled.

Still, when Schwartz and his writers created their only Christmas episode in the first season, they managed to temper the craziness with a simple touch of heart.

The 12th episode of “Birds Must Fly, Fish Must Talk” begins with the castaways decorating a bamboo tree for Christmas. Gilligan makes a wish for them to be rescued, and lo and behold, they hear on the radio that a US Navy destroyer has spotted a group of people stranded on the island. As they wait for the ship to arrive, the gang shares memories of their first day on the island. Considering the pilot never aired, this means viewers will get to see at least one of the characters (the Professor) before they are remade (Russell Johnson replaced John Gabrielwhich lacked the importance needed to achieve the desired ensemble dynamics).

The big twist in this episode comes after the heroes learn that the Destroyer saved another group of disaster victims. Just as they are about to settle in for a depressing Christmas, Skipper shows up dressed as Santa Claus. After encouraging his companions, he leaves for the jungle to get back on the sleigh. But as soon as he leaves, Skipper appears from the opposite side. There was no way he could drop his suit and run back so fast. As the shipwrecked try to comprehend what just happened, they hear the sound of a sleigh whizzing overhead.

Again, Gilligan’s Island was hardly complicated, but it was a rare occasion where the show actually hit a sentimental note that rang true.