Welcome back to the enchanting world of Fantasy Island, where dreams – and sometimes slightly bizarre scenarios – come true! In this episode, we see a delightful twist as Tattoo, Mr. Roarke’s ever-enthusiastic assistant, steps into the spotlight to grant a fantasy of his own. While the island is usually under the masterful guidance of Mr. Roarke, this episode offers a charming glimpse into Tattoo’s capabilities, making it a memorable installment for fans of the classic series. Let’s dive into the fun and unexpected turns of events when Tattoo takes charge and explores what makes this episode a unique gem in the Fantasy Island collection.
This particular episode opens with a curious conversation between Roarke and Tattoo, hinting at something unusual brewing. Tattoo is visibly excited, brimming with a secret, and reveals that he has prepared to grant a fantasy himself. Roarke, ever the composed host, expresses surprise and amusement. This sets the stage for a departure from the usual format, immediately piquing the viewer’s interest. Tattoo’s eagerness and the air of mystery around his chosen fantasy guests create an engaging start. It’s a refreshing change to see Tattoo in a more proactive role, moving beyond his iconic announcements and taking on a central part in the island’s magical operations.
The lucky recipients of Tattoo’s inaugural fantasy are revealed to be two attractive young women, Evelyn and Dee-Dee, played by Barbi Benton and her friend. Their fantasy? To marry millionaires. This classic, somewhat cliché, yet eternally appealing dream perfectly fits the whimsical nature of Fantasy Island. When Roarke questions Tattoo about his choices, there’s a playful ambiguity. It’s unclear whether Roarke is genuinely unaware of the guests or simply playing along with Tattoo’s surprise. This humorous interaction highlights the dynamic between the two characters and adds to the lighthearted tone of the episode. The arrival scene, with Roarke and Tattoo welcoming the guests with the iconic “Welcome to Fantasy Island!” line, feels particularly warm and amusing in this context, with Tattoo sharing the spotlight.
Roarke: Who are those attractive young ladies?
Tattoo: They are the ones I chose to give their fantasy to.
Roarke, intrigued by Tattoo’s initiative, is then invited to witness the preparations for Evelyn and Dee-Dee’s millionaire-seeking fantasy. Tattoo leads Roarke to what is described as “that old opera house,” a recurring location on Fantasy Island, often used for various fantasy settings. This familiar backdrop serves as a humorous nod to the show’s production efficiency, and the dialogue gently pokes fun at this. The scene then shifts to Tattoo in a surprising costume – top hat and producer getup – indicating his theatrical approach to fantasy granting. The setup hints at a musical element, which adds an extra layer of entertainment and unexpectedness to Tattoo’s fantasy execution.
Roarke: Well, when you offered to show me the preparations for Evelyn and Dee-Dee’s fantasy, I never expected to be brought to ~this old opera house.~
The musical element fully emerges when we see a grand piano in Roarke’s office, an unusual addition to the typically formal setting. This visual foreshadowing builds anticipation for the musical performance to come. Tattoo proudly presents his plan, believing he’s ensuring the women achieve their fantasy. However, in a comedic twist typical of Fantasy Island, Evelyn and Dee-Dee fall for two songwriters, Bernie and Jack, seemingly derailing their millionaire marriage plans. Tattoo, in his well-intentioned but slightly misguided approach, initially plans to separate the couples, believing this is necessary to fulfill the original fantasy.
alt=”Tattoo standing proudly next to a tall piano in Mr. Roarke’s office on Fantasy Island, showcasing his musical fantasy preparations.”
The climax of this episode is undoubtedly the song-and-dance number, featuring Roarke and Tattoo performing “Nothing Hurts Like Love.” This scene is both unexpected and hilariously memorable. The lyrics themselves are quirky and amusing, adding to the overall lightheartedness of the episode.
They say a knife in the back can cause you pain
Well, so does an old ankle sprain
Concussion can kill you
But it can thrill
Or carry your heart high above
‘Cause nothing I say nothing
Hurts like love
Shoobie doobie, shoobie doobie — yeah!
Nothing hurts like love (Yeah!)
Mr. Roarke singing “shoobie doobie” is a moment of pure comedic gold, showcasing a side of the usually composed character that viewers rarely see. The performance is wonderfully bizarre, leaving audiences both amused and slightly bewildered, perfectly encapsulating the unique charm of Fantasy Island.
alt=”A humorous comparison image of Tattoo as Davy Jones and Roarke as Micky Dolenz from The Monkees, highlighting their unexpected musical performance on Fantasy Island.”
Adding to the episode’s charm are subtle, recurring elements such as Roarke and Tattoo’s drinks. The observation that Tattoo even has a drink in this episode, a rare occurrence, further emphasizes the unusual nature of Tattoo taking a lead role. The episode also cleverly subverts expectations. Instead of the women needing to choose between love and money, it’s revealed that Bernie and Jack are millionaires after all, neatly resolving the romantic entanglements and fulfilling the original fantasy in a roundabout, feel-good way.
In conclusion, this Fantasy Island episode, where Tattoo takes the reins, is a delightful and quirky entry in the series. It’s memorable for its focus on Tattoo, the comedic musical number featuring both leads, and the lighthearted resolution of the millionaires fantasy. It deviates from the typical Roarke-centric narratives and provides a fun showcase for Hervé Villechaize’s Tattoo, making it a must-watch for fans seeking a bit of whimsical fun and a unique “Fantasy Island Tattoo” experience in spirit – even if the tattoos are metaphorical in this case!
