A Classic Reborn: Fantasy Island (2021)

 On the heels of a "prequel" movie released last year, Fantasy Island has returned, this time on Fox (the two previous series iterations aired on ABC). 

Elena Roarke (Roselyn Sanchez, ex-Devious Maids) is the new hostess at the island. On her desk is a picture of her uncle, the enigmatic Mr. Roarke (Ricardo Montalban; Malcolm McDowell's version, it seems, has been ret-conned). Where Mr. Roarke would explain each guest's fantasy request, Elena instead interviews her guests, which helps move the story along faster.

Also, as the first episode offers, at least one of the intertwining storylines is introduced to start the show, a modern departure from the original series. The island now has what appears to be a fountain of youth, which is a boon to two guests in the opener.

Let's take a look at the trailer:

Surprisingly, for a show airing on Fox, this isn't as daring as the original, and that's disturbing. Worse, it drew a bad time slot on Tuesdays (the original aired on Saturdays, and the McDowell version aired on a different night, too. Thursdays, IIRC). Genre fans are committed to the CW (Supergirl returns this week, after Island aired opposite Superman & Lois the last two weeks). I don't like this show's chances in 2021.

Rating: B--.