Barney Versus Gilligan

It was Sunday afternoon and my friend Christop and I were sitting at a local Coffee Bistro sipping on Lattes and talking smack. Amid the talk of World Domination, Grammatology, New Orleans, and other modern day issues we talked about what we watch at 6:30 am in the morning while we get ready for work. Nick at Night changes up their menu with The Munsters, Bewitched, etc. They also show The Andy Griffith Song and Gilligan's Isle. We both agreed that these last two were our favorites but what we couldn't agree on is which one was better. Christop insisted on The Andy Griffith Show and I thought that Gilligan's Isle was the superior show.

"I tell ya Christop it's Gilligan's Isle because of 'Gilligan'. He's thrown on this little isle with his buddy the Skipper with 'others' that he doesn't know. He makes the best of it. He doesn't care that he's without civilization, he becomes one with the island."

"Naw it's Barney that the mensch." Christop responded. "Andy slides along without any problems or issues. Barney is the Gadfly. He always is bringing up the alternative viewpoint. He point out the unthought of. If he was in politics he would be Samuel Adams."

Christop had a good point but I counter, "It is Gilligan that's the true hero. He embraces the World even though it floats along in an Ocean that is unknown to all on the island. He says 'Yes' resoundingly to the horrors, the uncertainties, the violence, and the solitude of the island. Even though Barney is the Gadfly that shakes language and spurs thought, he is also the lone individual destined to be the bachelor without the feminine traits to go with the ebb and flow of Nature. Gilligan is the 'Ubermensch' destined to plant his seed and become one with the island."