It's About Time

"It's About Time" was a single-season science fiction comedy airing on CBS, from September 11, 1966 to April 2, 1967. It was produced by Sherwood Schwartz, most famous for his other comedy, "Gilligan's Island."

"It's About Time" can be fairly characterized as a sci-fi take on "Gilligan's Island." Right from the opening theme, which likewise lays out the series premise in the lyrics, and is sung by the same vocal combo. Jack Mullaney, as Hector, plays his role as a slightly less-goofy Gilligan; Frank Aletter, as mission commander Mac, plays it somewhat more seriously than "The Skipper." Much of the scenery, including the famous lagoon, was also borrowed from Gilligan's Isle, however, the astronauts' capsule had made an appearance in the early "Lost In Space" episode, "Welcome, Stranger."

Friends to the astronauts are caveman Gronk and his wife Shad, played by comedy legends Joe E. Ross and Imogene Coca. Ross was probably best known for his role in "Car 54, Where Are You?" (co-starring with the other legend, Fred Gwynne), where his trademark "Ooh! Ooh!" became famous; here, it is particularly suited to his caveman character. Rounding out the cave family were son Breer and daughter Mlor: Mlor being the requisite busty blond, after the manner of Elly May Clampett and Marilyn Munster.

This release differs slightly from what you will find elsewhere, if you can find it at all. Virtually every collection has a few of the later episodes mislabeled; I believe I have given both the correct titles and broadcast order -- with one exception. The very last episode aired was out of order. Called "The Stowaway", it shows Mlor hiding in the capsule and ruining a test launch back in the prehistoric era. Evidently, the original airing of this episode was pre-empted due to a football game (Superbowl I, in fact), and only shown at the end of the run. I have restored it to its original place in the lineup, and the last episode in this collection was the actual final episode.

All in all, this is a short but fun series. Despite its weaknesses, it does have some brilliant moments, and is well worth watching.