The Buzz: ‘Lost In Space’ Lost In Boredom
‘Danger, Will Robinson’. It’s a phrase as well-known as ‘hey, I’m walking here’ although few people actually remember where it comes from. Lost In Space is a sci-fi series on Netflix that is a reboot of the classic show of the same name. It’s a Netflix original not based on an original idea. While the Netflix version debuted in 2018, the original series was aired in the 1960s. However, even for this version, original might be a bit of a stretch as it was based on an even earlier medium, a novel called The Swiss Family Robinson by Johann David Wyss.
In the novel, the Robinson family is marooned on an island; the television series take it a step further, alienating the family in the vast unknown of space. This is the main commonality between the two televised versions, as the Netflix adaptation takes its own liberties. There are nods and references here and there, such as naming the true identity of one of the characters, Dr. Smith (Parker Posey), in honor of one of the original cast members. One of the side characters on the show is even played by the former Will Robinson. Currently, Lost In Space is on its second season.
At the start of season one, the Robinson family – consisting of two parents and their three children – leave a dying Earth with a group of other selected families and individuals. Together, they form the 24th Colonist Group on the spacecraft, The Resolute. Colonialism has a rather cruel and historically regrettable connotation, but in this world, the colonialism they undertake isn’t one of establishing a racial hierarchy or national dominance, but of space exploration. It’s during this excursion that the Robinsons and the rest of the Resolute are attacked by hostile aliens and the Robinsons are separated from The Resolute. In the aftermath of the attack, Will Robinson (Maxwell Jenkins), the youngest Robinson, befriends a benevolent alien robot, simply referred to as Robot (Brian Steele). The robot is of little words but has a truly large capacity for emotion and empathy. By the end of season one and the start of the second, the Robinsons are yet again separated, this time from their robot. Alongside them in the undiscovered mysteries of space, are engineer-turned-smuggler Don Wes (Ignacio Serricchio) and con-artist Dr. Smith, whose real name is June Harris.
The show is ostensibly about survival. Surviving against mankind’s oldest enemies, nature and ourselves. The first few episodes of season two feature the Robinson family attempting to escape the planet they’ve crash landed on. While series itself feels rather redundant, these early episodes are particularly repetitive. Each episode presents the Robinsons with a new problem they must overcome, and with each problem comes a snarky or sarcastic one-liner. The Robinsons are the prime epitome of Murphy’s Law, whatever can go wrong, will go wrong. Even then, the tone of the show is very clearly influenced by the original series in the 50s and 60s. Sure, the Netflix budget allows for more special effects and a harrowing sense of ‘danger, Will Robinson’, but at the end of the day, this is truly a show about family. The Robinsons are adaptable in their surroundings, but one thing remains constant, they’ve got each other’s backs. Even when it means being obnoxiously family-orientated to the point of almost being self-centered.
On a plus note, the imaginings of space are highly creative. From weathered and windy beaches to a Sahara-like dessert, the surroundings are beautiful. The show would probably be of more interest if there was more exploration involved instead of petty drama. What made season one so spectacular is downplayed in the second. For a sci-fi show, the Robot doesn’t even reappear until well into the middle of season two. Aside from referencing the original series, the show makes a lot of allusions to other present-day media. For instance, there’s a nod to John Mulaney’s ‘there’s a horse…loose in the hospital’ joke in episode three. As well as a visual homage to The Shining (Stanley Kubrick 1980).
Admittedly, this is a show geared for a younger audience. It’s rated TV-PG. More so for teens and adolescents, this is a Netflix show better suited for the CW. As such, there shouldn’t be the expectancy for something more. It’s perfect for family nights or for introducing younger siblings and loved ones to the sci-fi genre, but not necessarily enjoyable on its own.