Fantasy Island Season 2 Episode 5 Review: The Urn
On Fantasy Island Season 2 Episode 5, “The Urn,” the show works to remind the audience how important family is and why, in the end, they are all we have.
Using flashbacks interwoven through the story, we learn of Joy Summers, a single mom of three who’s worked for her children for years and years — and finally wants to work for herself.
Joy, the second she comes on screen, is warm and delightful. It is unclear if this is because of Joely Fisher or the writing, but Joy instantly becomes vital to the island’s story.
Asking Fantasy Island to solve 15 years of trauma in one installment is asking a lot, and the episode doesn’t feel long enough. However, it still ends in a place that doesn’t feel too jarring.
To spread their mother’s ashes like she’s asked them to, three siblings must go deeper into their relationships than ever before.
Through life and death situations — literally — these three open up to each other in a way that feels organic and not too hurried or lacking substance.
The nods of nostalgia are not lost on the children or viewers as the characters climb over GameBoys and Koosh Balls. It’s a fun opportunity to take this show that is primarily based in the present, back in time.
The grainy effect on the episode as the show unravels Joy and Elena’s story is touching and much better than the soft, odd tones TV shows usually give flashback episodes.
That said, things with Ruby are off-base. While she expresses discomfort to Javier because nobody else knows who Isla is, she never reveals how she’s feeling — which is unfair to her character.
Elena is meant to be her confidant on the island, as Ruby doesn’t have anyone else, and she’s afraid to tell her because Elena won’t listen properly.
These actions are a disservice to both Elena and Ruby, as they deserve to be there for each other in uplifting and sometimes upsetting moments.
Ruby’s skepticism of Isla makes sense — but it feels like it’s being played off as a joke instead of something Ruby genuinely worries about.
Nonetheless, “The Urn” focuses on one fantasy, which is what the best episodes of Fantasy Island consist of. No overlap causes confusion or events that feel hasty to save time; the story gets just the right amount of time to pace itself.
Despite the episode being well-written and genuinely joyful (pun intended) to watch, Ruby’s side story feels wildly out of place, especially considering there’s no resolution.
Stray Thoughts
- The calmness that Elena exudes as three grown adults steal a plane… Goals.
- Moms are the best. “The Urn” proves it.
- Bring back Elena’s bangs.
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What did you think of this episode of Fantasy Island? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Fantasy Island airs Mondays at 8/7c 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.