How to Be a Hero

There are some creepy moments amongst the giggles in this episode thanks to the scary performance by an uncredited Russ Grieve (with the help of some effective makeup), and for dedicated fans of the late Dawn Wells as "Mary Ann", this episode is memorable for the tight short shorts which provide ample proof of why so many tripods choose "Mary Ann" over "Ginger". Such beauty!

"How to Be a Hero" opens with a lone head hunter (Russ Grieve) paddling up the lagoon, hiding his craft and biding his time in checking out the castaways. It's a fitting set up for the premise, as Skipper saves Mary Ann from drowning, even though Gilligan got there first, so the first mate has a chip on his shoulder for not being able to rescue the girl. Attempts to give Gilligan the chance to display heroism all fail due to his usual incompetence, and when Skipper suggests dressing up like a head hunter he overhears the conversation and is downtrodden. As it turns out the actual native, whom only Gilligan has seen, starts kidnapping the castaways with great ease, until only the Skipper and Gilligan are left. Believing the head hunter to be the Skipper, Gilligan leads him on a merry chase, which ends in typical botched fashion, his seat cooking in the fire, rushing toward the lagoon for the long swim home. The unbilled Russ Grieve would be back in native garb for both "Music Hath Charms" and "Gilligan's Mother-in-Law," more angry head hunters soon to follow.

This episode was created in 1965, but at the end of the showthere was an American Flag with 49 stars, which was only valid for a short time during 1959.

The biggest debate for all us true G. I. fans is which episodes are the funniest -- the ones with gorillas or headhunters? Close tie...

The Skipper becomes a hero, all because he saves Mary Ann from drowning. A blow to Gilligan's ego, so the castaways have to do something -- and fast -- to boost him up. Most goofy scene of all has to be the Skipper dressing up as beaded, painted up headhunter, and having fun with the role. Of course, a very REAL headhunter washes up on the island -- out of nowhere -- and declares war on the castaways. Calling Gilligan to the rescue?

Character actor Russ Grieve is tops as the crazy man, grunts and all, the makeup is excellent. If you watch his mannerisms, Grieve reminds you of a loony character from the THREE STOOGES films. Written by Herbert Finn, who wrote the original HONEYMOONERS episodes for Jackie Gleason, also many episodes for the FLINTSTONES.

I agree with the last reviwer, Dawn Wells may have popularized short shorts. At the time, it certainly was a big switch for 60s tv. Some fancy wardrobe changes, gowns and dresses worn by Mrs. Howell and Ginger. Where they got 'em, we'll never know.

From SEASON 1, EPISODE 23 remastered color. DVD release 2004.