Ep 1. Marooned

Gilligan's Island premiered on September 26th, 1964. The first season consisted of 36 episodes and followed the castaways as they tried to find a way to escape the island.

The first episode, Marooned, begins with the S.S. Minnow, a small boat captained by the bumbling and naive Skipper (Alan Hale Jr.) and his first mate, Gilligan (Bob Denver), heading out on a three-hour tour with five passengers: the millionaire Thurston Howell III (Jim Backus) and his wife, Lovey (Natalie Schafer), the movie star Ginger Grant (Tina Louise), the wholesome girl-next-door Mary Ann Summers (Dawn Wells), and the brilliant and handsome Professor Roy Hinkley (Russell Johnson).

As the boat sets sail, a storm brews and the radio goes out. The rough seas cause the boat to capsize, leaving all seven passengers stranded on a deserted island. After assessing their situation, the group realizes that they are completely alone with no help in sight. They have no way of contacting anyone for rescue and must rely on their resourcefulness to survive.

Right from the start, the first episode sets up the character dynamics that will define the show. The Skipper is regrettably inept and struggles to lead the group, while Gilligan is a bumbling yet lovable sidekick who often causes problems but has a good heart. Thurston Howell III is a wealthy snob who has trouble adapting to life on the island, while Lovey is more pragmatic and resourceful than her husband gives her credit for. Mary Ann is kind and innocent, and Ginger is glamorous and used to being the center of attention. Finally, the Professor is the brains of the group, using his vast knowledge of science to help them solve problems and survive.

The group quickly realizes that they will need to work together to survive. They begin to build shelter, gather food, and explore the island in hopes of finding a way to signal for help. In the first episode, they also make two important discoveries: they find a radioactive seed that the Professor uses to start a fire, and they make contact with some researchers who happen to be on a nearby island.

Despite their resourcefulness, the castaways quickly realize that their situation is dire. They are stranded on the island with no means of escape, and they have to rely on each other to survive. Throughout the season, they face a variety of challenges and obstacles, including jungle predators, disagreements among the group, and failed attempts to escape the island.

One of the unique aspects of Gilligan's Island is its combination of comedy and drama. The show is often silly and lighthearted, with Gilligan's antics providing plenty of laughs. However, the show also explores deeper themes of survival, isolation, and the human condition. The characters must not only survive physical threats but also grapple with their own emotions and fears as they come to terms with their situation.

In Marooned, the first episode of Gilligan's Island, the stage is set for a classic TV show that would go on to entertain audiences for years to come. The cast of characters is likable and interesting, the setting is beautiful and intriguing, and the mixture of humor and drama keeps viewers engaged. As the castaways settle into their new life on the island, audiences are left wondering what new challenges they will face and whether they will ever escape their deserted paradise.