Fantasy Island

I used to LOVE the Mantalban Fantasy Island, so when this one came out I was happy to watch it.

This one, to me, seems to be better written, and far more enjoyable. the characters are more than one-dimensional; who in their right mind would stay on an island in the middle of nowhere catering to a bunch of spoiled whiny people? This series answers that question - someone who HAS TO. I thought that gave a dimension of "humanity" to Roarke et. al. that the original lacked.

And the humor and twists really do point out the old maxim "be careful what you wish for - you just might get it."

This is one of those shows I never watched in the first run because of the association with the original. Sure, I sometimes was amused at the original but in the late 90's that kind of show held little appeal for me to actually carve out yet another hour in my schedule for it. So I found myself saying "oh, no, not another remake". (I also recalled how pitiful most remakes were).

I have seen some of the reruns on SciFi and realize this show was far superior to the original. Somewhere along the way the original was made less edgy and far more silly. Apparently this newer incarnation was closer to the original concept.

Seeing it I realize why it was cancelled. Most TV is geared towards the lowest common denominator. Ahh, well. At least we have a few reruns to enjoy.

I may be in the minority, but I actually liked Fantasy Island '98, as i called it, better than the original. It was a lot edgier and darker, and more cautionary (be careful what you wish for! You may get it!)whereas the original was fluffier and sillier and more escapist. I think all the episodes were excellent, but if I had to choose a favorite, I would go with the Thanksgiving one, where a lady was bringing her partner to meet her folks. I think Fantasy Island '98 was one of the freshest, most creative things on TV, and i think it was a stupid move on part of the Awfully Boneheaded Clods at ABC to pull it. I guess because it wasn't a reality eating-bugs thing or a glorified FRIENDS repeat. Who knows?

This series was far too good for ABC, home of Boy Meets World. (It survived but half a season and was replaced in late January of 1999.) I liked it very much and think that its god-awful Saturday-evening time slot was a huge disservice. The series had a terrific premise and some really wonderful actors (McDowell, Amick, Lombardi); pity that Sci-Fi Channel or some other outfit with a triple-digit IQ didn't get a crack at giving this show the run it deserved.

This 1998 version of the series "Fantasy Island" is truly a wonder to behold. These episodes are SO much better than the original 70's TV show. The '98 version features fantastic special effects and wonderful acting (with awesome special guest stars and great stories).

I highly recommend this 1998 version of Fantasy Island to anyone and everyone.