Sarah Fain

writer
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 (v3s01e06)

The Big Five Oh

Lifetime friends Camille, Margot, and Nettie are celebrating their 50th birthdays on the Island along with a bit of time-slowing for Margot and a non-interactive trip to view a potential future for all three. —Michael Main
Margot [after seeing the future]: Was that real?
Elena: As of this moment, yes.
Daphne Zuniga, Josie Bisset, and Laura Leighton (as Margo, Cam, and Nettie) hug it out with smiles, champagne, and long white, terrycloth bath robes.
  • Fantasy
  • Debatable Time Travel