Bob Denver, R.I.P.

I suppose I shouldn't be surprised at the passing of yet another childhood icon.

I think there were a lot of little kids who watched Gilligan's Island on TV, who could really identify with the hapless first mate of the S.S. Minnow. Always meaning well, yet somehow screwing up in a critical situation. Scolded, yet always forgiven by everyone else on the island by the start of the closing credits.

TV critics apparently found the show stupid. The viewing audience, however, had other ideas, which is why Gilligan ranks up there alongside Captain Kirk, Samantha Stevens, Jeannie, the Addams, and the Clampetts as icons of the Golden Age of Television.

Rest in peace, Gilligan.