In this memorable episode of Tattoo Fantasy Island, we get a rare glimpse into Tattoo stepping into Mr. Roarke’s shoes, promising a fantasy crafted entirely by him. The episode opens with an intriguing dialogue where Tattoo confidently announces his readiness to grant a fantasy, much to Mr. Roarke’s surprise. It’s a fun twist to see Tattoo taking charge, hinting at the behind-the-scenes preparations that usually remain unseen. This little exchange cleverly sets the stage for an episode where the usual dynamic is playfully shifted.
Tattoo: Well, you promised me that I could give a fantasy on my own. Roarke: Yes, sometime in the near future, but I had no idea you’d be ready so soon. Tattoo: But I am ready; I did all the research, all the preparation, and I’m ready. Roarke: Ah, how exciting for you. And uh, who is the lucky person or persons whose fantasy you’ve chosen to work on? Tattoo: Well, I’m not gonna tell you. This time, it’s your turn to be surprised.
The mystery deepens as Roarke questions the identity of the arriving guests, only to be met with Tattoo’s secretive charm. This playful ignorance from Roarke, while likely just for show, adds to the comedic setup. We soon meet Evelyn and Dee-Dee, the “attractive young ladies” hand-picked by Tattoo for his fantasy. Their desire? To marry millionaires. A classic Fantasy Island wish, delivered with a touch of Tattoo’s unique flair.
Roarke: Who are those attractive young ladies? Tattoo: They are the ones I chose to give their fantasy to.
The iconic welcome scene gets an adorable upgrade with Tattoo joining Roarke in greeting the guests. “And I’m your host, Mr. Tattoo,” he proudly declares, standing side-by-side with Mr. Roarke. It’s a heartwarming moment that underscores Tattoo’s enthusiasm and growing role within Fantasy Island. But amidst the charm, one can’t help but wonder – why isn’t Tattoo always enjoying a drink like Roarke? It’s one of those delightful, unanswered questions that adds to the show’s quirky appeal.
Roarke: My dear guests, I am Mr. Roarke, your host. Tattoo: And I’m your host, Mr. Tattoo. Roarke & Tattoo: Welcome to Fantasy Island.
The episode takes a hilarious turn when Roarke is led to “that old opera house”— a recurring location on Fantasy Island, repurposed for countless fantasies. This time, it’s transformed into a stage for Tattoo’s elaborate plan. The humor peaks when Tattoo appears in a top hat and producer getup, channeling a classic Hollywood vibe. The music swells, hinting at a song-and-dance number, and the anticipation is almost unbearable.
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.~
Roarke: That’s very good… boss.
Adding to the delightful absurdity, a tall piano mysteriously appears in Roarke’s usually pristine office. Its placement suggests a fourth wall, a subtle nod to the theatricality of the scene. This sets the stage for one of the most unforgettable moments in this tattoo fantasy island episode: the musical number.
Alt text: Tattoo standing next to a tall piano in Mr. Roarke’s office on Fantasy Island.
Tattoo’s intentions, initially appearing to be about splitting up Evelyn and Dee-Dee from their newfound songwriter loves, take a surprising and heartwarming twist. It turns out the songwriters are already millionaires! Tattoo, ever the romantic at heart, was simply ensuring the ladies got their wish in the most roundabout, comedic way possible.
The song-and-dance scene itself is pure gold. Roarke and Tattoo, in an unexpected duet, perform “Nothing Hurts Like Love.” The lyrics are wonderfully bizarre, comparing heartbreak to ankle sprains and concussions, culminating in the unforgettable “Shoobie doobie, shoobie doobie — yeah!” Ricardo Montalban and Herve Villechaize fully commit to the performance, delivering a scene that is both baffling and utterly captivating. One can only imagine the directorial instructions for this moment – were they asked to go all out, or was this level of delightful strangeness purely organic?
Here are those unforgettable lyrics:
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!)
Roarke singing “shoobie doobie” is a moment that defies easy description. It’s somewhere between a fever dream and a stroke of comedic genius, possibly something you never knew you needed, or perhaps something you definitely didn’t, but can’t help but be entertained by.
In a humorous nod to the episode’s lighter side, one online reviewer’s comments are mentioned, highlighting the reviewer’s repeated admiration for Barbi Benton and a slightly off-kilter take on Tattoo’s character. This meta-commentary adds another layer of amusement to the recap.
Alt text: A humorous comparison of Tattoo and Roarke’s musical performance to The Monkees, with Tattoo as Davy and Roarke as Micky.
The review also touches upon the slightly contrived B-plot of the episode, contrasting it with the sheer joy of the main storyline. The episode is full of delightful oddities: Tattoo having a drink, Tattoo addressing the guests upfront, and the absence of a typical farewell scene for Evelyn and Dee-Dee, likely sacrificed for the musical spectacle.
In conclusion, this episode of tattoo fantasy island is a standout for its comedic moments, Tattoo’s rare lead role in granting a fantasy, and the utterly bizarre yet captivating musical number. It’s a reminder that Fantasy Island, at its best, could deliver wonderfully strange and entertaining television, often not giving you the fantasy you expect, but definitely the kind of delightful absurdity you didn’t know you needed.
