This was the first regular episode of the famous series, after two TV-movies. And it carries out the premise of the show, which is: people asking to have a fantasy fulfilled, and encountering unexpected twists as it plays out.
Now, for those who may never have seen the show, one major point to understand is, this is a show that requires a big-time suspension of disbelief! Mr. Roark has amazing powers to create elaborate situations--as if he were a very powerful genii, say. So, whatever world, time or situation he places the guests of the week into, you have to just accept that.
In this first episode, Georgia Engel and Diane Canova are blue-collar working girls who want to spend a weekend as glamorous high society types. Both are very charming and likeable, and each has a nice romance. Diane Canova's character gets more development than Georgia Engel. John Saxon, always a fine and reliable actor, is the romantic interest for Diane.
Our other story involves Bert Convy, playing a famous stage magician who wants to have a great escape; Mr. Roark puts him on Devil's Island, where--in some really nice casting--his cell mate is Robert Clary, who was a regular on Hogan's Heroes. (Another note for new viewers of this show: it always had two separate stories going with different sets of characters). The Devil's Island adventure is notable for the always-menacing presence of Reggie Nalder, one of the most memorable bad guys you will ever see; as I recall, he was the assassin in the 1950's Hitchcock film, "The Man Who Knew Too Much."
This episode succeeds in what it wants to do: provide the viewer with some pleasant and diverting entertainment. I watched it tonight on dvd (it looks great, by the way--sharp and clear). After a long day of work, relaxing on Fantasy Island, in the company of the handsome and suave Ricardo Montalban, was just what I needed! This is an enjoyable episode and worth watching.