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The 'Lost in Space' Reboot Is a Contrived Upgrade of the Original

The Netflix pilot gets off to a rocky start but promises thrills and nostalgia for fans.

By Monita MohanPublished 6 years ago 7 min read
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For the majority of science fiction fans today, the 1960s was the decade of Star Trek, The Twilight Zone, Planet of the Apes, and 2001: A Space Odyssey. For others, this list also includes Lost in Space. Most millennials may vaguely recall a cheesy film of the same name in 1998, starring Gary Oldman and the funniest Friend, Matt LeBlanc, but some may not realize that that film was a poor reimagining of a classic show. From 1965 to 1968, viewers were privy to the trials and tribulations of the Robinson family as they navigated the turmoil of being lost in space. It was a hit show for CBS, unlike ‘Star Trek, which scraped by but has endured through films and franchise spin-offs.

As is the case with the majority of Hollywood productions, even the most obscure material is deemed worthy of a reboot and Lost in Space is the latest series up for a makeover. At the recently concluded Middle East Film and Comic Convention in Dubai, audiences were given a preview of the pilot episode of the Netflix original, followed by some insight into the makings of the show by the main cast.

The Reboot

The Robinsons are in dire straits in the pilot episode of the reboot. (Credit: Netflix)

We enter the universe of the show with no preamble. A family of five sit around a table aboard a space ship, playing cards as an obvious distraction from an unseen commotion outside. Before the Robinsons know it, the ship’s alarms go off and they crash onto an alien planet. The glacial surroundings magnify their problems; mom Maureen (Molly Parker) has been injured in the crash leaving her immobile and oldest child Judy (Taylor Russell), in a misguided attempt at valour, is now trapped in the ice. While non-science-minded Penny (Mina Sundwall) holds down the fort, Toby Stephen’s John and Maxwell Jenkins’ Will head out to find a way to save Judy. Somehow, things just get worse from there.

We see, through a series of chronological flashbacks, that the Robinsons were a tight knit family who looked forward to being together, an especially difficult task given John was usually away on deployment. The children are quintessentially irreverent and boisterous, while the parents are indulgent. But, just as they are about to enjoy a rare evening home, disaster strikes the planet. As life on Earth deteriorates, an invisible strain is put on the family’s relationships. Soon, they have no other option but to flee aboard the Jupiter evacuation pods—but for that they must all complete the training and pass the tests. Since the entire family are on board the Jupiter 2, can we assume they all passed with flying colours? And, what caused them to crash? Where are they exactly and who else is with them? The 10-episode long first season will reveal all come April 13.

Beautiful CGI cannot hide its flaws.

Stunning visual effects aren't enough any more (Credit: Netflix)

Pilot episodes are tough work for all involved—the writers need to hint at information about the world and the key characters, while teasing many mysteries ahead. The director has to wow the viewer by bringing the setting and tone of the show alive, while the actors must make us care for the characters and make their interactions with each other believable. In the case of a reboot, there is the additional burden of invoking nostalgia for previous fans while not alienating new viewers.

As someone who has never watched the original show, and don’t recall watching the film, this Netflix pilot was a blank slate for me. From the outset, the productions values are top notch. As with Netflix’s Star Trek: Discovery, the ship looks marvellous and the CGI surroundings and robot blend in seamlessly. Mina Sundwall, during the session following the screening, mentioned that the interior of the ship was a physical set built for use and that adds to the realistic and tangible feeling we get when we first meet the Robinsons.

The trouble with this episode was the pacing and the acting. In an effort to build narrative arcs between the characters, the writers and director tended to take their feet off the gas, adding in conversations that slowed the pace and effectively removed any tension for the viewer. The episode also followed formulaic rhythms of usual science fiction perils but forgot to follow through on any of them, making every action and reaction little more than a contrived plot point. Without heading into spoiler territory, it is easy to surmise the outcome of almost every obstacle because a) we have seen them all before, b) none of the actors give their characters’ situations much credibility.

I know acting is hard, but the actors—even seasoned veterans Parker and Stephens—aren’t up to the mark in this pilot. Without a doubt, they will ease into their characters as the season goes on, but the poor turnout in this episode may put some viewers off. Clichéd dialogue is exacerbated by the staccato delivery. Stephens growls throughout, while Jenkins only looks comfortable on screen in one scene. Before signing on to do the show, none of the main cast members had seen the original series, and the lack of passion for these characters is obvious in this first episode. It is harsh to rip into the performances on display, but I do believe the actors were still trying out these characters and once they’ve broken into these new shoes their performances will be seamless.

An Upgrade in Sensibilities

Molly Parker says her Maureen Robinson is science-minded, a hero and a leader (Credit: Netflix)

Fans of the original will find a few differences in this reboot. Given that the story is set 30 years in the future, the show builds on the sensibilities of the 21st century. For one, Judy Robinson is now played by an actor of colour and none of the characters in the pilot treat her differently. Additionally, Parker made an astute point about the era of this reboot and how it affects the writing and dynamic of the characters. In the 1960s, television shows focused on the ideal—hence, the Robinsons were the perfect, happy family. To capture a sense of realism, the reboot shows a semblance of an urban family (unfortunately, Netflix plays it safe by only including one person of colour in the Robinson family) dealing with strained and estranged relationships among each other.

This also means that the writers try to include some parity in the characters’ abilities. In the original series, Maureen Robinson spent a lot of her time “making sandwiches,” but Molly Parker reiterated during the session in Dubai, the writers of the reboot saw Maureen as “a leader and a hero”; she is science-minded, but no one needs to remark on that as it is considered normal in the world of the show. While we don’t really get much inkling of some of those characteristics in the pilot, one of the aspects that Parker found attractive about this character was her complexity. Thankfully, after 50 years, we (and the show) have moved on. Parker stated, in no uncertain terms, that more than "strong, female characters," she loves "complex, female characters," something she believes Maureen Robinson to be. We know that Maureen has secrets, and she is deeply intelligent, what more is hidden we will find out during the season.

Despite a rocky start, the pilot ends with a bang. Any avid follower of the series will be aware that two significant characters from the original series have not yet been mentioned in this review. Both are unique takes on the iconic characters, representative of the modern landscape.

Conclusion

The Robinsons are headed on a physical and emotional journey, says Toby Stephens (Credit: Netflix)

The focus of the pilot was squarely on the Robinsons and their dynamic. But, something sinister awaits and how it all connects with the Jupiter 2 crash will indeed hook many audiences. Toby Stephens gave attendees a handful of hints of what to expect in the rest of the season. The seemingly innocuous planet the Robinsons have crashed on is more dangerous than it first appears. This will add to the strain on the family, who, Stephens stated will have to make a physical as well as emotional journey to deal with the planet and each other.

For fans of the original, there is plenty to rejoice in the reboot. Newcomers to this world may have to give this show a chance. Even if the Robinsons do not hold you in their sway after the pilot, I expect the actors to grow into their roles. And only by sticking around will we have the chance to become familiar with the supporting characters who we met only briefly in episode 1.

Are you looking forward to the new ‘Lost in Space’ series?

scifi tv
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About the Creator

Monita Mohan

When not dreaming of a one-way trip to Coruscant, I'm usually staring at a blank page, hoping my articles write themselves.

Website: lightspeedwriter.wordpress.com

Twitter: @Monita_Mohan

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