Ep 5. The Sweepstakes

The Sweepstakes is an episode from season 2 of the popular television show Gilligan's Island. The episode follows the castaways as they discover a lottery ticket on the island and decide to hold their own sweepstakes. This sparks a frenzy of excitement and tension as everyone hopes to win the prize and escape the island.

The episode begins with Gilligan digging in the ground and discovering a crumpled up lottery ticket. The castaways gather around to inspect the ticket, which turns out to be a winner with a prize of $1 million dollars. However, the ticket is expired, and the castaways are not sure if they can still claim the prize.

Despite the doubts about the validity of the ticket, everyone starts dreaming about what they would do with the money if they were able to claim the prize. The Professor plans to use the money to fund his scientific research, while Ginger wants to become a famous actress. Mary Ann dreams of opening a small farm, and Mr. Howell plans to use the money to build a new mansion.

As the castaways discuss what they would do with the prize money, Gilligan suggests that they hold their own sweepstakes to determine who will receive the prize. The idea is met with enthusiasm, and everyone is eager to participate.

The sweepstakes rules are simple: each person draws a number out of a hat, and the person who draws the winning number will be the recipient of the prize. However, tensions rise as everyone becomes convinced that someone is cheating and rigging the game in their favor. Suspicion falls on Mr. Howell and Gilligan, who are believed to have manipulated the numbers in their own favor.

The situation becomes increasingly fraught as everyone becomes more desperate to win the prize. Arguments break out, and groups form to try and outmaneuver each other. The tension between the castaways reaches a boiling point, and it seems as though the situation is irredeemable.

However, in a surprise twist, the castaways discover that the ticket isn't actually a winning one. Instead, it's a prank by a millionaire friend of Mr. Howell, who wanted to tease them. The realization that the prize was never real brings everyone back down to earth, and they realize that their greed and desire for wealth caused them to forget the importance of their friendship and cooperation.

The episode concludes with the castaways realizing that they are lucky to have each other, and that their time together on the island has allowed them to form a unique bond. Though they may not have won the sweepstakes, they have won something far more valuable: each other's company.

Overall, The Sweepstakes is a funny and insightful episode that explores the nature of greed and friendship. Its engaging plot, nuanced characters, and clever writing make it a highlight of Gilligan's Island's long and beloved run.