Love this episode, but not only for the story. All us kids back in the day just couldn't get enough of comedian Vito Scotti, a former standup comic, who is tops playing a goofy on steroids Japanese soldier. In fact, his characterizations inspired cast members on many other variety shows like LAUGH IN and CAROL BURNETT. Vito was the king of nutty characters.
This one's about Gilligan keeping a secret diary, and the story of how he saved the castaways from an insane Japanese soldier (Vito Scotti, natuarally). Gilligan hides the book, and the crew begin to think he's hiding such stuff as a pearl, a rare jewel, or as Mr. Howell thinks, a bottle of Scotch. You have to love this.
Best and most creative part, is how the Skipper, Ginger and Mr. Howell relate their OWN stories concerning the soldier. This is hilarious, and super writing on the part of David Harmon, who wrote nine classic episodes for the show. Harmon was also a popular writer for cop shows.
The title character Diogenes, was the Greek philospher who was always in search for an honest person. Without giving too much away, Gilligan is a very honest guy, his diary finally found by Mary Ann who reads some important notes. Wait and see.
10 stars for Vito Scotti who appeared several times on the series, also a regular on COLUMBO and the FLYING NUN. In real life, he was a popular cook in Hollywood.
A gotsta see. SEASON 1 EPISODE 31. Remastered color dvd box set. 6 dvds. Released 2004 and 2011.