Netflix’s remake debuted back in mid-April but I wanted to give this review/assessment more time for a couple reasons…beyond my usual poor health derailing the deadlines.
- When the 1998 movie came out, I hastily liked and endorsed it. Upon further viewings over the years, I readily admit to changing my mind several times. Currently, I still like it up to the last act; this is when the dialog becomes stilted and the special effects on Dr. Smith look terrible.
- I watched Netflix’s new version twice, the second viewing with Somara in tow, to see if there were any flaws/gems I overlooked.
The immediate verdict? Netflix did this fourth attempt to tell the story very well! It’s set in the near future to recapture the urgency of why people are leaving Earth for Alpha Centauri; in the Sixties it was overpopulation, today it’s the ecological disasters we’re actually facing. The characters also use technologies which aren’t too far off from what we use now, the big one being 3-D printers to make spare parts and a cast for someone with a broken leg.
There are major changes regarding the primary cast’s roles. Maureen Robinson is the leader and the primary brains because she’s an engineer who had a hand in designing the mothership with its Jupiter housing modules. John is an ex-USMC officer providing the physical assistance; back on Earth he commanded humanitarian efforts, a callback to all the disasters happening. Sadly, their marriage is on the rocks and you see it play out during the show’s multiple crises; it isn’t all negative. Judy is a doctor who was put on the fast track yet all the other passengers are uneasy with her age, they’d prefer someone over 25. Penny and Will remain adolescents. However, every person on the Resolute (the mothership) had to pass rigorous astronaut training to be allowed on the voyage. Very similar to how things are done today; all the people sent on the space shuttle and/or living on ISS need to know what to do in an emergency, no overspecialization like traditional Sci-Fi shows.
The radical changes are with the robot, Don West and Dr. Smith. Firstly, the robot is an alien found in the wreckage of another vessel Will discovers; this isn’t a spoiler, it’s in all the trailers. I like this modification because humanity hasn’t made much progress in robotics. Secondly, Don is demoted to a crew member of the Resolute. He has no rank, no title and he makes it abundantly clear, no future; the crew aren’t allowed to emigrate to Alpha Centauri. This doesn’t stop him from pitching in to aid the Robinsons; he has a crush on Judy and his survival remains paramount. Lastly, the great indie-cred actress Parker Posey is “Dr. Smith.” I put the name in quotes since you learn more about her background via flashbacks. Posey’s portrayal is spot on for a person willing to do anything to survive. Her “Smith” isn’t as dangerous as Gary Oldman’s yet I loved it, especially when you learn more on the “why/how” she’s present and why she’s very comfortable telling lies.
Lost‘s other major change(s) beyond the primary characters lies in the story. Traditionally, Lost in Space focuses on the Robinsons, Major West, the robot and Dr. Smith traveling from planet to planet, trying to get back on course to Alpha Centauri. Netflix’s first season involves a larger ensemble, primarily other families making the voyage. They too were forced to evacuate via their Jupiter landers so there’s about 100 to 150 colonists stuck on an unnamed planet. Now they all need to work together to contact the Resolute of their location so they can be rescued. The biggest hindrance? The colonists’ elected leader, Simon, a self-righteous asshole with a couple flunkies backing him. Cooperation between him and Maureen is strained due to Simon’s insistence on obedience and his utter lack of scientific knowledge.
Closing out with the good news. Lost in Space received the go ahead from Netflix to start producing the second season. This was a relief given the first season ending with a cliff hanger! I highly recommend watching the show. Even no-Sci Fi fans will enjoy this. Netflix handed the reins over to an excellent writing team who did their homework on the Science of space exploration, Physics and Astronomy.