Gidget: Like Voodoo

Gidget: Like Voodoo
ABC
January 13, 1966
Sitcom
DVD
C

This was the night that Gidget switched to Thursdays, opposite Gilligan's Island.  I'm not sure which show I'd have chosen at the time, but I think a few minutes of this episode would've made me defect to CBS for the evening.  It's bad enough watching the castaways be superstitious, but it's too much for Gidget.  That there's no clear distinction between witches, Gypsies, and voodoo-practioners doesn't help.  This is easily my least favorite episode so far, and even the orange cat can't save it.

Gidget: Too Many Cooks

Gidget: Too Many Cooks
ABC
December 29, 1965
Sitcom
DVD
B-

While there's some cute farce with Gidget juggling three dates for the same dance, including Moondoggie, the situation is so obviously set up for disaster that it's a wonder that Russ doesn't step in and prevent it.  This time Bonnie Franklin plays Jean, the host of a party where the parents appear to be entirely absent.  (Or maybe discreetly upstairs.)  Note that the 14th is on a Saturday, which doesn't really work for the '65-66 school year, as it would have to be August '65 or May '66.  And Jeff has been gone "a couple months."

Gidget: The Great Kahuna

He's no Cliff Robertson but kind of cute.

Gidget: The Great Kahuna
ABC
September 29, 1965
Sitcom
DVD
B-

Martin Milner plays the title character in this episode, with a different backstory than in the first movie.  Amusingly, considering the images of flight that appear (wings vs. roots), Albert Mannheimer would write a Flying Nun episode (no, not a series I own), as well as a couple more for this show.  Interestingly, Gidget's idea of being a free spirit is traveling with the Kahuna and cooking for him and taking care of him.  Also, note that she clearly thinks cigarettes are icky.  Her father as always remains protective but reasonable, a contrast to other TV fathers, e.g. Mr. Marie on That Girl a year later.