GayTV Recap: Fantasy Island (Ep. 2x6)

Fantasy Island's Valentine's Day episode centered on arriving gay couple Oliver (played by Jonathan Bennett) and Emilio (played by Aaron Costa Ganis) who looked to make their dreams come true. Episode 6 of the second season began with the island's caretaker Elena Roarke preparing for the island's new crop of visitors, joined by her associate Ruby. Oliver & Emilio arrive by jeep and Roarke introduces herself and Ruby to them. Oliver casually mentions having planned three vacations in the last year. Emilio remarks that this is the first one they've actually gotten to take. Roarke then invited the seemingly happy couple inside to discuss how the island can help them during their visit. They entered Roarke's office arm in arm.

Seated together, Roarke asked Oliver & Emilio how they felt the island could help them. They discussed their happy status as a couple and how few problems they have, before talking about their desire to have quality time together. Roarke couldn't help but notice Oliver's dominating presence in their relationship. With Oliver's permission, Emilio explains their three-year relationship has been weaker lately because they haven't been connecting like they used to. Oliver chimes in that Emilio's work schedule doesn't leave much time. Emilio corrects him that it's not just that. Oliver agrees they are both at fault. Emilio tells Elena that they miss each other. 

Roarke & Ruby listened closely as Emilio told them that he and Oliver just wanted time together without any distractions. With a nod, Roarke told them that their fantasy will begin now. This brought smiles to their faces. She told them that a bottle of champagne would be waiting for them in their suite. Emilio thanked Roarke & Ruby for everything. 

Emilio & Oliver got up to head out when Roarke stopped them. She said that she had a question for Oliver about his dietary restriction. Emilio appeared a bit confused. Oliver told him that he'd meet him at the suite and kissed him, sending Emilio on his way. With him gone, Oliver asked Roarke if she thought he suspected anything. A confused Ruby wondered what they were talking about. Roarke revealed that Oliver had a secret fantasy of his own. Oliver told Ruby that his fantasy is to give Emilio the perfect marriage proposal. 

Ruby remarked that they seemed so in love. Oliver went on about all of Emilio's great qualities including his kindness and humor. After remarked that Emilio was the complete package, Roarke made a point of reminding him that no relationship is perfect. Oliver said that his relationship was pretty close. He makes sure of that. Oliver then presented them with a folder detailing the instructions for his planned proposal. Ruby took on the task of handling everything. Roarke told him to get some rest before his proposal tomorrow. Oliver left giddy. Left alone with Roarke, Ruby remarked that this fantasy seems more straightforward than usual. Foreshadowing things to come, Roarke remarked that time would tell. 

Oliver woke up the next morning in bed with Emilio, who remarked about them being in paradise. They shared some morning kisses when they heard a bird outside their suite chirping. They then looked to ignore nature under the covers, only to be interrupted by a knock on the door. Oliver answered it to find Ruby with a breakfast spread for the couple, just as Emilio got a cellphone notification. 

Ruby listed off everything that she had for them, causing Oliver to smile as Emilio remarked that they were all his favorites. Ruby started to pour water for green tea but spilled a bit. Oliver was put off a bit when she said she'd need to get a new tablecloth, but Emilio told her it was fine. Oliver then agreed, saying it was all perfect. He then looked to Emilio, telling him it was only the beginning, piquing his curiosity. 

That evening, Oliver was seen at a beach bar with Ruby. He looked nervous, leading Ruby to assure him that he had this and he looked amazing. Oliver quickly passed Ruby his cellphone as Emilio arrived. Oliver immediately noticed that Emilio wasn't wearing the shirt that Oliver had laid out for him. Emilio said he was in the mood for yellow. He then remarked that Oliver was being weird, leaving ahead of him and now caring about his shirt. Oliver quickly dismissed him and suggested they get a drink. 

They approached the bar and Emilio noticed the bartender doing tricks behind the bar with flaming alcohol bottles. He appeared a bit disappointed, wondering if this was one of those song and dance bars. Oliver pretended to be clueless as loud dance music started playing. Standing off to the side, Ruby started recording the couple with Oliver's phone. A pair of employees moved to the center of the bar where a dance floor was set up. They began dancing, as Oliver started to move to the beat next to Emilio, surprising him as he joined the two in a dance routine. 

Emilio wondered what was happening as Oliver joined the two staffers in a clearly choreographed dance routine. Emilio found himself chuckling at Oliver's strained dance moves. The routine soon incorporated a chair with Oliver on top of it. Emilio warned him to be careful but Oliver said he wanted to get Emilio's attention. Emilio assured him that he had it.

Oliver was then helped off the chair and landed on one knee in front of Emilio, catching him off-guard. With Ruby recording, Oliver pulled a ring box from his pocket and proposed to Emilio. The shocked Emilio then surprised Oliver but telling him that he couldn't marry him. He rushed off, leaving Ruby also looking stunned.

Ruby later found Oliver in his suite. Seeing she was alone, he figured Emilio got his own suite. Ruby confirmed it and told him she was sorry it didn't work out the way he wanted. Oliver told her that he just didn't understand what he did wrong. He tried so hard to make things perfect. Oliver told her that he thought the island was supposed to make fantasies come true.

Ruby told him that sometimes it just takes time to get there. She gave him his phone back and told him she would check on him in the morning. Oliver was left alone, watching the recording of Emilio's face from earlier. It almost brought him to tears as he laid back on the bed. Oliver began to softly cry as he closed his eyes.

The next morning, Oliver woke up in bed to find Emilio by his side. They were both wearing the same clothes from the day before and he soon noticed that things were happening just the way they had yesterday. Emilio remarked that they were in paradise. The bird outside chirped loudly and there was a knock at the door. The confused Oliver left the bed to answer it just as Emilio got a cellphone notification getting his attention. Oliver opened the door to find Ruby with breakfast, further confusing him. 

Ruby walked them through all of the offerings that she brought and Emilio mentioned aloud that they were all his favorites, causing Oliver to be more confused at things repeating from the previous morning. He wondered what was going on, just as Ruby once again spilled water and remarked that she needed to get them a new tablecloth. Emilio then said that it was fine, further freaking Oliver out with the repetition. Oliver then excused himself, saying he'd be right back. He rushed off, confusing Emilio & Ruby. 

Oliver sought out Roarke and found her on the beach. He told her that he was reliving yesterday. She said it appeared that they were both in a time loop and the only ones aware of what was happening. Oliver wondered why she was acting like she didn't know this would happen on the island. Roarke told him that she didn't know it would happen. Oliver then said it was okay. He loved time loop movies and he could work this out. He said he just needed to figure out what to change. Roarke said it might be something he needs to learn. 

Oliver said that things were going fine yesterday when they first arrived until he proposed. Roarke wondered if he thought it had something to do with his proposal. Oliver did. He said he was wrong. He made it a spectacle all about him. He just needed to focus on what Emilio wants. Roarke wasn't sure that was going to solve the problem, but she remarked that she could use a do-over herself after her dinner with her love interest Javier and his daughter went very wrong. Oliver told her that it would all be made right. He offered a fist bump, telling her that Operation Time Loop was underway. 

Later, Oliver & Emilio went for a quiet walk on the beach. Emilio wondered if he had fun today. Oliver replied that of course he did because he was with him. Emilio then revealed that sometimes it felt like Oliver was trying so hard and he never wanted him to have to try so hard with him. Oliver then revealed that he had been a bit distracted lately. He then pulled out the ring box and got down on one knee. Oliver told Emilio that he had changed his life beyond measure. He asked if he would marry him. Emilio said the gesture was really nice. He said he wanted to say yes, but he couldn't. He then walked away, leaving Oliver once again disappointed. 

Oliver woke up the next day to find it reset once again. He cursed, causing Emilio to wonder what was wrong. Oliver said it was too complicated to explain. The bird outside the suite chirped on cue and then they heard the knock at the door. Oliver spoiled to Emilio that it was breakfast. He opened the door for Ruby, who was left confused by him knowing what was happening. Emilio checked the notification on his cellphone and then heard Oliver run down everything on the tray, surprising Ruby. Emilio remarked they were his favorites. Oliver then prevented Ruby's water spilling, confusing her. He then left the room, leaving both Emilio & Ruby confused. 

After another disastrous day, Oliver woke up again in bed with Emilio, reliving the day. Before he could wake Emilio, he snuck out of the bed and left the room, intercepting Ruby before she could get to the suite. She was surprised to see him. Oliver told her that he needed her help to find out what Emilio's perfect proposal would actually be. She brought up the specific plan she had put together for him already. Oliver thanked her but said it was all wrong. He needed to start over. Ruby was confused.  Oliver said she wouldn't believe that he's reliving the same day on the island over and over until he can figure out the right proposal. Ruby surprised him by saying she actually would believe that. She agreed to help. 

Later, Oliver found himself leading a blindfolded Emilio out into the woods on the island. Emilio joked that he knew of murder plots that started like this. Oliver urged him to remain calm until they reached their destination. Once there, Emilio removed his blindfold and Oliver revealed that he had a full campsite set up. Emilio was shocked, knowing Oliver hated camping. Oliver told him that he wanted to do something that Emilio loved. 

Emilio said it was like Oliver was reading his mind. Emilio said he always thought this setting would be perfect. Oliver completed his thought that it was the perfect place to get engaged. He revealed the ring box and proposed again. Oliver said that this was all for Emilio. Despite being caught off-guard, Emilio agreed to marry him, surprising Oliver. Shocked that it finally worked, Oliver embraced Emilio and gave him a kiss. 

Oliver woke up in bed next to Emilio, shocked to see that it was the same morning again. He immediately yelled that this wasn't fair. He got a yes! Emilio was awakened and wondered what he was talking about. Oliver yelled at the bird chirping outside and then heard the knock at the door. The frustrated Oliver asked Emilio to get the door, telling him it was breakfast. Emilio left the bed to answer the door where Ruby appeared with the food. Back in bed, Oliver remained annoyed when he heard Emilio's cellphone notification. He checked the phone and saw a text to Emilio from someone wondering if he had broken up with Oliver yet. Oliver's heart immediately fell. 

Later that morning, Oliver moped on the beach just as Javier (played by John Gabriel Rodriquez) was coming out of the water after a swim. He greeted Oliver with a good morning, but Oliver said that was just one opinion. Javier offered to help. Oliver opened up to him, telling him about seeing the text from Emilio's sister wondering if Emilio had broken up with him yet. Oliver said the siblings talk about everything together, including him apparently. He told Javier about working so hard to plan the perfect proposal, only for Emilio to be planning to break-up this whole time. Oliver said he needed to know why. Javier said he knew someone else visiting the island who might be able to help him figure things out. 

Oliver found himself in Elena's office with Nancy, a therapist living out her fantasy on the island of being able to speak her mind about people's problems, with no filter. She asked Oliver to confirm that everything in his relationship was fine before the proposal on the island. Oliver agreed. She immediately disputed that, taking him by surprise. She asked Oliver how he could expect someone to love him when he refuses to be honest about how he feels about the relationship. Oliver disputed her take on the situation, saying he would never lie to Emilio. 

Nancy asked him if he was happy all the time. Oliver said that no one was really happy all the time. She asked if he told Emilio when he wasn't happy. Oliver couldn't think of any time he did that. She asked when their last argument was. Oliver told her, with pride, that they don't argue. He doesn't like to fight. Nancy told him that being unhappy and pretending that you're not was the same as lying. She asked why he never tells Emilio when things bother him. Oliver admitted that he didn't know. Nancy told him that finding out that answer was more important than getting the answer he wanted from Emilio. 

Later, Oliver was enjoying a mimosa at the beach bar when he was joined by Roarke, who noted how early it was to be drinking. Oliver told her that it was actually 74 o'clock after all of the day resets. Roarke joined him, revealing that he dinner with Javier and his daughter went just as bad again. She ordered a drink and gave up on her duties for the day. She comforted him as he shared the story of his previous failed relationship before meeting Emilio. She ordered a ton of food, surprising Oliver. She told him that the calories don't matter since the day is resetting. He agreed and demanded a menu. 

Oliver & Roarke moved to a table where he tried her suggestion of chocolate cake. He couldn't believe how good it was and that he had to travel to a tropical island to find it. Roarke jokingly welcomed him to Fantasy Island. Oliver said he was finally starting to enjoy himself. Roarke was surprised to hear that. He jokingly told her it was technically still his first day. He then sincerely told her that he doesn't relax very much. She said the same was true for her. Emilio showed up, wondering what was happening with them. He couldn't believe the sight of Oliver having fun. Roarke told him they were practicing letting go before she excused herself. 

The next morning Oliver woke up to find that the day had once again reset. He went to the door before Ruby could knock. She had arrived with breakfast. Oliver seemed to be in high spirits. He pulled the food into the room, as Ruby whispered to him, asking if he was ready for the big day. Oliver then surprised her by saying he wasn't going to propose after all. He told Ruby to tell Roarke that he's decided to just stay stuck. Ruby didn't understand. Oliver told her about the time loop. Ruby said that would mean that if he stays stuck, everyone else on the island would too. Oliver said he figured out his fantasy. The day lasts forever, Emilio doesn't break-up with him, and he gets to be with him forever. Ruby told him that wasn't a good idea, but Oliver dismissed her, closing the door in her face. 

Oliver & Emilio enjoyed another walk on the beach together. Oliver suggested they get some lunch. Emilio said no, saying they were having so much fun on the beach. Oliver agreed, saying he could wait. Realizing his behavior, Oliver stopped. Emilio wondered what was wrong. Oliver said he heard himself in his head and maybe he was a liar. Emilio was confused. Oliver then spotted Roarke's arrival on the beach. He gave Emilio a quick kiss and told him to give him a minute. 

Oliver told Roarke that he was not changing his mind. She told him that she understood and she didn't blame him. She's tried to run away from things in her life too. Oliver told her that he wasn't running away. Roarke said that ever since he arrived on the island he's tried to make his life perfect. No bumps, no conflict. Oliver said he didn't know why. Roarke said that he seemed to be scared of something but he needed to figure it out himself. She just wanted to assure him that he was fabulous and he could beat whatever it was inside him that was holding him back. 

Oliver & Emilio got back to their suite and Emilio suggested they check out the spa, but Oliver said they needed to talk. Emilio was surprised to hear him so serious. Oliver told him about knowing he was planning to break-up with him on the trip. Emilio wondered how he knew, but Oliver said it wasn't important. He knew that he screwed up. Emilio said he wouldn't put it that way. Oliver said he thought he could pretend that everything was perfect, but he knew that it wasn't. He never wanted to rock the perfect boat. Emilio wondered if that was why he never told him when things bother him. 

Oliver said that the more time he spent with Emilio, the more he fell in love with him and that was terrifying. The two sat down on the bed together. Oliver said he spent his whole life believing that who he is was wrong. Emilio replied that it was just because that was what other people told him. Oliver knew that but it was still real to him and he wasn't proud of it. He felt like if he failed at this relationship it would validate everything people tormented him about. Emilio surmised that he would feel like he doesn't deserve love. Oliver confirmed that was true. 

Emilio told him that was a lot of pressure to put on one relationship. Oliver said it was no wonder that Emilio felt they were losing their connection because Oliver was lying about how he felt. Emilio said that was why he had been burying himself in his work. Oliver apologized for doing this to them and said he understood why Emilio wanted to break-up. He said he had a lot to work on within himself and he knew Emilio would be happier with someone who's already figured things out. Oliver walked to the door, saying he really wanted Emilio to be happy. He was letting him keep the room and he would get another. Before leaving, Oliver told him that he loved him. Emilio said he loved him too, as the door closed.

Oliver woke up the next morning alone in his bed. He immediately realized that the day had not reset again, meaning he had found his answer. He laid there alone, lamenting the situation when he heard a knock at the door. He opened it to find Emilio, surprising him. Oliver was speechless, as Emilio wondered if they could talk. 

The two went for a walk on the beach. Emilio told Oliver that he took him by surprise with everything he said before he left yesterday. He revealed to Oliver that in his mind this trip was his way of giving them one last chance to see if things could work. Oliver said he understood. Emilio said he tried so many times to get Oliver to open up but he kept pretending everything was fine. He lost his sense of what was real and where he stood with Oliver. He didn't know that Oliver was trying to prove something to the world. 

Emilio said that when Oliver did open up to him and told him how he felt, it was the closest he'd felt to him in months. Emilio told Oliver that he was generous, kind, funny and supportive. He then told Oliver that he deserves love. Oliver thanked him for saying that. Emilio asked if he really believed him when he said that. Oliver said he was trying. Emilio then said that he was just going to have to spend the rest of his life proving it to him. Oliver was caught off-guard and wondered what was happening. Emilio then got down on one knee and proposed to Oliver. Emilio grabbed his hand and told him he's always loved him. Oliver joked that he was going to have to think about it before saying yes and pulling Emilio to his feet to kiss him. 

Later that day, Oliver & Emilio prepared to leave the island. They arrived at Roarke's office hand-in-hand to say goodbye to her and Ruby. Oliver looked to Roarke and joked that he would never look at a mimosa the same way again. She grabbed him into a hug, joking that she'd never look at a mimosa again, period before saying congratulations to him. Unaware of the time loop, Emilio wondered why they seemed so close. Roarke said there was a lot Emilio didn't see. Oliver agreed to explain everything to him on the plane ride home. Emilio thanked them for their lovely stay and the happy couple headed off, departing from Fantasy Island.