Lost In Space Premiere: NetFlix's Reboot Is Surprisingly Enjoyable

NetFlix just released it's reboot of the 1960's cult classic "Lost In Space". The show ran for three seasons between 1965 and 1968. TBH, I wasnt expecting much. I'm pleasantly surprised though. There's as much here for adults as children.

It's 2046. The Robinson family is among a number of other colonists leaving a dying Earth to colonize the planets around Alpha Centauri. Their ship crash lands on an uncharted planet.

The family structure of the original series remains intact. There's father John (Toby Stephens), mother Maureen (Molly Parker) and three kids-- Judy (Taylor Russell), Penny (Mina Sundwall) and Will (Maxwell Jenkins). "Robot" is the character that gets the biggest update in the reboot. He's not really a robot but some sort of alien/mechanical hybrid. Is he friend or foe? We're not sure yet. Apparently all our "robot" says is "Danger Will Robinson" (despite it only being uttered in the original series once). I find him to be an interesting and mysterious character.

Dr Smith (played to crazy perfection by Parker Possey) also crashes elsewhere on the planet. She is picked up by the family and leaves the other guy she was with (Don West) and his chicken to fend for themselves.

Through a series of flashbacks we learn more about the characters. John and Maureen dont have the perfect marriage we initially envisioned. In fact, they're near divorce. He's off being a Marine while she works as a scientist and takes care of the kids. Poor Judy ends up suffering from PSTD from nearly drowning. We also learn more about Dr Smith The woman we see is an imposter who scammed her way first onto the ship (Resolute) and then onto an escape pod. Given her previous actions the woman might be capable of anything. Somebody best keep an eye on her.

Grade: 4 3/4 Monsters (out of 5). I'm surprising enjoying "Lost In Space". The special effects look great! The Robinson family are compelling characters. I want to learn more about Robot. and what he's really up to Sure, the show could use a little editing. It takes too long to conclude certain story lines and there are too many flashbacks. There's still enough here to keep me watching. "Lost In Space" is a family friendly show that appeals to all ages.