Adam Kane

director
TV Episode

Fantasy Island (v3s01e01), pt. 2

Mel Loves Ruby

I see the original 1977 Fantasy Island through nostalgia-colored glasses, making it hard for any island-come-lately to compete in my eyes. So I was happily surprised when I enjoyed the premiere of the 2021 revival, complete with a relative or the original Mr. Roarke and a new sidekick named Ruby. In the second of the episode’s two subplots (“Mel Loves Ruby”), there is even a bit of time-related fantasy when the island makes Ruby young again (although without sending her back in time). —Michael Main
What is your deepest desire, your most heartfelt need? The island knows, even if you don’t.
Roselyn Sánchez (as Elena Roarke), dressed all in white, stands with photos of the ocean and lush greenery behind her.
  • Fantasy
  • Time Phenomena
TV Episode

Fantasy Island (v3s01e02), pt. 2

The Heartbreak Hotel

As with the first episode of the 2021 Fantasy Island revival, the second has no actual time travel, but the side-plot (“The Heartbreak Hotel”) does have a time-related phenomenon when Elena and Mr. Jones try to connect with a grieving widower who wakens only once every five years to see whether life is worth living. —Michael Main
Okay, that’s not the deal my great uncle made. Now, you’re allowed to sleep on Fantasy Island as long as you wish, but every five years, you have to spend at least 48 hours awake.
As unknown dog actor (as the golder retriever Mr. Jones) sits and looks happily alert.
  • Fantasy
  • Time Phenomena