ABC, Sat. 9-10
An "edgier" and "darker" Fantasy Island. Mr. Roarke (Malcom McDowell) is no longer the suave, friendly, genteel, exotic, and angelic Ricardo Montalban making your every romantic fantasy come true. Instead, he is devilishly manipulative and schemes to mess up your tropical dream vacation. Sort of like when American Airlines arrives late at your destination and then loses your luggage.
It was an interesting idea and it did give Fyvush Finkel some work after "Picket Fences" went off the air. (Fyvush served as a mystical gatekeeper/travel agent.) However, this incarnation of "Fantasy Island" was too much of a departure from the original series to hook the fans of the old show. It simultaneously managed to repel the cynical critics of the old show who figured it was bound to be as sappy and corny as the original.
TV Guide's Fall 1998 Preview gave this show "Favorite Show" status.
Having never been a fan of either "Fantasy Island", but a big "Star Trek" fan, I tip my hat to Captain Kirk for having killed both Ricardo Montalban (as Khan in the 2nd "Star Trek" movie) and Malcom McDowell (in the 7th "Star Trek" movie). Now if only Spock could pump some phaser fire into that little "De plane! De plane!" guy! |
