PLOT: With the Jupiter 2 stranded on a mysterious ocean planet without their beloved Robot, the Robinsons must work together, alongside the mischievous and manipulative Dr. Smith and the always charming Don West, to make it back to the Resolute and reunite with the other colonists. But they quickly find all is not as it seems. A series of incredible new threats and unexpected discoveries emerge as they look for the key to finding Robot and safe passage to Alpha Centauri. They will stop at nothing to keep their family safe… survival is a Robinson specialty after all.
REVIEW: Netflix's updated take on the science fiction TV series Lost In Space was a modest hit for the streaming service and earned an early season two renewal. Now, almost two years since the first run of episodes, we get a Chrstmas gift of 10 more action-packed hours with the Robinson clan. Not much has changed since the first season with this series still an all ages thrill ride with solid special effects and engaging stories focused on our intrepid clan as they try and find their way back to civilization. There is absolutely nothing wrong with this show but there is also nothing ground-breaking either. It is a fun time that can be enjoyed by kids and adults alike.
Set seven months after the first season, we find the Robinsons fully bonded as a family and Dr. Smith (Parker Posey) still locked up. Where season one started with the family fractured, by the finale they were all a cohesive unit once again and exploring a new planet with new perils. In the opening episode, we find the Robinsons, led by Maureen (Molly Parker) and John (Toby Stephens) as they celebrate a makeshift Christmas. Of course, the celebration is short-lived as they must contend with the elements and dwindling supplies which leads them on the next phase of their journey.
Season two does not deviate much from the formula of the first season which involves these scientifically brilliant characters solving a problem in each story that helps save the family. It is a safe way to set up each story but it affords the writers to pepper in backstory to surround each obstacle. We learn more about Judy (Taylor Maxwell) and who her birth father is, we get more of how Dr. Smith became the way she is, and we get more origin of The Robot and the alien race that created him. The series also spends a good deal of time with Penny's (Mina Sundwall) relationship with Dr. Smith which echoes Will's (Maxwell Jenkins) dynamic with the robot in the first season.
While the entire cast remains solid in their roles, Parker Posey is still the standout here as Dr. Smith. Trying to redeem herself for her actions in the first season, she is still a duplicitious and conniving villain and one that cannot be fully trusted. And yet, Posey plays this role so well that it becomes difficult to figure out when she is playing the Robinsons to her advantage and when she is being genuine. Ignacio Serricchio is still very good as Don West who provides a great deal of the comic timing this season but continues to become an honorary member of the Robinsons at the same time.
Directed by Alex Graves, Leslie Hope, Jon East, Tim Southam and others, this season doesn't feature big named directors like Neill Marshall and Deborah Chow (The Mandalorian) who helmed the first season. Still, showrunners Burk Sharpless and Matt Sazama (THE LAST WITCH HUNTER, GODS OF EGYPT) have assembled a solid writing staff who keep the formula from getting stale and leaving each episode with a nice cliffhanger. The cinematography is subdued in blues and grays, but the balance of scale and good special effects work make this series feel like a big screen feature rather than a television show. Having seen all ten episodes of the second season, I can say I enjoyed the ride.
Like I said, Lost in Space will continue to entertain fans of the first season and is easily accessible for new viewers. The story is not overly complex and is the perfect binge watch this holiday season. You can share this adventure with the kids in your family or enjoy it on your own. Lost in Space is a well acted and very nice looking science fiction romp that will satiate any type of viewer. So, if you haven't seen the first season yet, you can enjoy all 20 episodes over Christmas. There is no danger in watching this show but plenty of thrills to be had by all.
The second season of Lost in Space premieres December 24th on Netflix.