The Pigeon

The Pigeon is the 96th episode of Gilligan's Island and the 28th episode of the Third Season. It aired on April 3, 1967.

Synopsis
A homing pigeon lands on the Island after a storm, and the Professor is convinced they can use it to send a message to get rescued. However, the poor pigeon has been injured and lost from the storm and it may be a few weeks to nurse it to health. Over night, the impatient Castaways over-feed it through the night, so the Professor adds another week to get it into shape. Gilligan, meanwhile, names the bird Walter after a friend from home. Once in shape, it turns out the pigeon has a second home in addition to the island, and its real owner doesn't believe the Castaways crazy stories, even dismissing the $1000 bill Mr. Howell sends. The Professor believes sending a photo next to the wreck of the Minnow will convince Birdy, the pigeon's owner, but first, they have to rescue the pigeon from the cave Gilligan keeps it in which is also the home of a huge spider. It's Walter that actually saves them when they get trapped. They escape the cave and soon send Walter off, but Birdy, an inmate at Los Angeles Correctional Institute, sends Walter off without seeing the Castaways photo after learning he has been paroled.

In the tag, The Professor once more tries sending Walter off, but this time, Gilligan forgets to connect the message.

Credits
Main Cast
 * Bob Denver as Gilligan
 * Alan Hale Jr. as The Skipper
 * Jim Backus as Mr. Howell
 * Natalie Schafer as Mrs. Howell
 * Tina Louise as Ginger
 * Dawn Wells as Mary Ann
 * Russell Johnson as The Professor

Guest Cast
 * Sterling Holloway as Birdy
 * Harry Swoger as the Guard
 * Janos Prohaska as the Giant Spider

Trivia

 * Janos Prohaska, who played most of the large apes in the series, plays the Giant Spider in this episode. This was his last appearance in the series.
 * In the syndicated version of the episode, the end scene with Walter is not included.
 * The Professor says it will take three weeks for the pigeon to lose all its weight. By time the three weeks pass, Mrs. Howell, Mary Ann and Ginger are all wearing the exact same outfits as the day the pigeon's fast started.
 * When Gilligan overturns the mirror cart, it's revealed the periscope doesn't actually have anything to see through in it.
 * While Burt shouts "I'm Free." the background changes to the Third Season ending showing the castaways by the lagoon
 * Since the Minnow was destroyed in Goodbye Island, the Castaways wouldn't have a wreck to stand next to in the photo.
 * Grover Cleveland's portrait appears on the $1000 bill. He was the 22nd and 24th U.S. President, distinguishing himself as the only President to ever serve two non-consecutive terms. The U.S. Federal Reserve began removing the $1000 bill from circulation in 1969; so it is plausible, at this time, Mr. Howell would still have the denomination in his wallet.