Brucey D
Originally conceived as a 'Swiss Family Robinson in space', this series ran for three seasons, starting out in B&W and then transitioning into colour in the second and third seasons. At the time TV executives assumed that it was a competitor for 'Star Trek' and whilst one might watch both shows, they really are very different.'Guest star' Jonathan Harris plays Dr Smith, and his antics provide much of the material in most episodes. The other actors, regardless of billing, have relatively minor roles, playing largely one-dimensional characters; they must have been bored stiff. The exception to this is provided by Will (Bill Mumy) and the robot, who have more to do. Interestingly, there are a similar number of Star Trek (TOS) episodes, and the costs per episode were comparable (Star Trek costing about 20-25% more); yet LIS looks a bit shonky and Star Trek, by and large, doesn't. Most of LIS is shot on the same sets, using various recycled props of various kinds. The Jupiter II sets were apparently incredibly expensive; I'd have to say it doesn't show. The music on LIS is a strong point though; here John Williams cut his teeth, and Alexander Courage contributed too.The premise of LIS is that the Earth is badly overpopulated, yet the family has three children. The plots mostly assume that they are 'lost' yet Earth appears to be relatively close-by; they quite regularly get close to it and then return to their starting point, ready for next week's episode. Space travel appears not to take very long. You would have to say that realism didn't play much of a part in the thinking of the show's creators.The problems with LIS though largely stem from the scripts; there is precious little in the way of drama or peril, and there is no sign of any exploration of deeper concepts or much curiosity as might befit true space explorers. In series 1 and 2 almost every week some new (and wildly improbable) character turns up, usually Dr Smith gets involved with them for his own selfish motives, comes unstuck, puts others in danger and gets rescued/survives somehow. Things are a bit different in series three, but against a background of rising costs, and poor audience demographics, it was too little, too late. Well, I say "danger, danger, Will Robinson! Same-y scripts, lacking in depth, are ruining what might otherwise have been a good show!"Like many U.S. series, there are too many episodes that were too much the same; like diner coffee, you can have nearly as much as you like, but it isn't really that good and you soon find that you don't really hanker for much more of the same. More is less; had they made half as many episodes, but each one well, it would have better show overall.
sskips1963
I am willing to bet that you will never find words like vicissitudes or pusillanimous in any episode of Star Trek , as you do in Lost In Space throughout it's run. Dr. Smith was a completely re-created character by the actor himself. Well written and it's range from dark to dead pan(on purpose) humor is excellent. Some shows are hard to watch after seeing them 7 times, lol, but this was entertaining for the whole three seasons. And let's not forget that Star Trek only went that long initially too. I love both, but I am pretty sure that Star Treks' ever lasting appeal was more an accident based on the fact that it was a "singles" man (nerds) series.Literally Trek had all, mostly, single people in it therefore wasn't targeted at families. And in comics as well as sci-fi , you gotta go for the targeted audience for the most part.
dminkster
I don't recall seeing this show when it was originally on TV, but I watch reruns each Saturday night and am amazed at just how awful it is. One fan said the first season was good, but I guess I haven't seen any of those episodes, just the final two seasons which are borderline inept. The acting is stiff and self conscious, at best. The writing, if you can call it that, is just terrible. Things make no sense, characters do stupid things and let's not even talk about the 'special effects.' I am also confused about who the target audience was. I guess it had to be kids, say 10-12 year olds, but I think the show was on in prime time which makes no sense to me. The adult characters behave really stupidly all the time, and Dr Smith, or whatever his name is, is straight out of a bad cartoon with his overly dramatic 'acting.' He is so campy that it's surprising kids weren't warped by watching him. Sorry, fans, if there are any, but this show stinks. Irwin Allen, you are a hack. At least for these 3 years you were.
Jon Ranfone (curdsandwheywithtelemach)
I've always enjoyed this show -The first season took a more serious approach, excellent story-writing, The last 2 seasons were comical, but still fun - which gave the show an extra edge! Although all in all no where near as good as 'Star Trek'. Yes, this show was extremely campy and silly, but it had that lighthearted feeling that appealed to everyone.The 1st season - has a lot of classics, probably the best.The 2nd season - Starts the comical stuff, and...(in color! ) along with the 3rd season remained with it's giddy atmosphere. Great color and sets - really reflects it's era.My top 10 fav episodes are as follows. 1. Anti-Matter Man 2. Flight into the Future 3. Cave of the Wizards 4. Hungry Sea 5. Follow the Leader 6. Trip Through the Robot 7. Mechanical Men 8. Space Primevals 9. Invaders from the Fifth Dimension 10. The DerelictNow to talk about the cast - I love them all! I'll start with Jonathan Harris, my favorite of the show - This guy is literally incredible - I still can't get over this, he is the ultimate source of this show, in all honestly. I even found myself recently adapting a lot of sayings! No one quite matched his character Dr. Smith - there are times when you hate him for all the trouble he caused, but then you really looked back and appreciated his character in the show. Angela Cartwright who was extremely underrated, and should have had more and better roles, along with Marta Kristen and June Lockhart both should have had better roles as well, they were another underused and underrated actresses. June Lockhart, I think was most underused, Not a lot of episodes revolving around her.Guy Williams - good man - a hero - of course... Mark Goddard- good, funny guy - the funniest thing about him as Don - was in the fight scenes he didn't stand a chance! Haha! Bill Mumy - Excellent! Great young actor - he makes the show next to Harris. His young heroic deeds are unmistakable. The Robot is awesome! Nothing matches the uniqueness of the robot - I mean come on.