Fantasy Island Review: His and Hers / The Heartbreak Hotel (Season 1 Episode 2)
On Fantasy Island Season 1 Episode 2, “His and Hers / The Heartbreak Hotel,” we come face to face with what it means to deny our grief, and what it means to really listen to one another.
First, we meet our guests for the week: Zev and Daphne, played by real-life husband and wife Dave and Odette Annable. Once you realize they’re married in real life, their passion and chemistry make so much sense.
There’s also Francois Chau playing Brent, a man who made a deal with Elena’s uncle to be on Fantasy Island for the last 35 years — with conditions of course.
Both of these stories are so different, but placing them side-by-side makes sense. The episode begins with what can be seen as a dying marriage, only to end up with a new baby.
Then Brent does what Zev and Daphne are doing by being adventurous — denying what’s really there. Brent is fighting against facing what comes with processing his fiancee’s death.
This is the first episode where we really get to see Ruby in action at the resort, greeting and treating the guests — and man, she is born for it.
Ruby knows exactly what to say and when; even when it comes to Elena. She knows when enough is enough and she gracefully takes a step back to reevaluates how to approach this issue.
Something this episode tackles that’s unexpected is the benefit of being a man in 2021. It seems obvious if you’re just saying “men are more protected in today’s society,” but Daphne watches it happen first hand.
Multiple times throughout the episode she comments on how she can do whatever she wants because she’s a man. She can confront other men in public, she can sleep outside, she can drink until she can’t stand and she won’t be seen as “easy” or “sloppy.”
The understanding they come to about each other’s lives and careers is appropriate for 2021 as Zev becomes a stay-at-home dad.
I can’t stand the trope that plagues Hallmark movies and books alike — making a woman choose between her career and love. “His and Hers / The Heartbreak Hotel” spins this trope on its head and makes it ten times more enjoyable to watch.
Brent, on the other hand, could not be further from acknowledging his problems.
It is absolutely heartbreaking when Brent reveals why he’s on the Island, but it becomes deeper when we’re told he’s been here for 35 years.
Dude, you’ve missed 11 presidents. You missed Friends. You don’t even know who Jeff Bezos is. Okay… now I see the appeal.
The thought of running away from grief for 35 years is terrifying, and Brent is sure he wants to hit the big 4-0 before he faces it but Elena — sweet Elena — can relate and listen to him.
Elena says she’s not a therapist, but I sure hope she has one. The energy it must take to soak in everyone’s problems and reasons for coming to Fantasy Island has to be exhausting.
“His and Hers / The Heartbreak Hotel” reminds us that going through our emotions of happiness, grief, and loneliness isn’t a sign of weakness.
This episode also reminds us that Mr. Jones, Elena’s very adorable dog, is on the scene ready to take on anything. Any character with a dog gets a gold star in my book — but the fact that Elena takes him to speak to guests with her?
I will give Mr. Jones anything and everything he needs and wants.
What did you think of this episode of Fantasy Island? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Fantasy Island airs Tuesday at 9/8c on FOX.
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Laura Wanberg
Laura is a homebody who loves everything about TV. Some of her favorite shows include Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, Parks and Recreation, and The Morning Show. With her ever-growing list of new shows to watch and books to read, her favorite thing to do is to cuddle up with her cat and get lost in someone else's world.