One family has been sent to space to start a new life on a new planet. What could go wrong? Well, if you have a couple whose marriage is on the rocks and adolescent kids whose attitudes are just starting to emerge…apparently, a lot! Over the long weekend, I sat through the first half of Netflix‘s upcoming TV series Lost in Space and I have something to say. By the end of this review, you’ll find out whether you should keep an eye out for it or slowly get into it.
In the near future, living outside Earth is now possible. Other inhabitable planets have been discovered and the Robinsons are among the lucky few selected colonizers. On their way to their new home, an incident tore them off the track! They soon found out that they fell on an alien planet with forces they are not aware of. To survive, the family had to keep a strong bond and forge alliances with other stranded survivors- the master manipulator Dr. Smith and the highly-skilled yet man-of-his-own, Don West. The premise of the story is exciting but should you hold your breath for it?
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Dysfunctional Family Drama
Lost in Space is essentially a family drama set on an alien planet with external forces that continuously test them. The pilot episode cemented this fact. And that nearly had me give up on it. None of the characters were likeable as all of them were insufferable! Except for one- Will Robinson (Max Jenkins). John Robinson (Toby Stephens) and Maureen Robinson (Molly Parker) were understandable with their dilemmas as parents of adolescents. Their two girls Penny (Mina Sundwall) and Judy (Taylor Russell) are two distinct characters. The former is smart while the other is bravely determined.
The alien planet welcomed their crash by putting them in a fight-for-your-life situation! The first few minutes of the pilot episode established the characters as unlikeable but this event halfway into the episode changed my perspective of them. Lo and behold, I was rooting for them! The writing was notable. While I cannot put this alongside other Netflix greats such as Sense 8 and Orange is the New Black, it surely does have something special to offer. For me to finish five episodes in one weekend says a lot about it!
Surprise, surprise
As previously mentioned, the Robinsons are not alone in this alien planet. They are stranded with two other persons. Dr. Smith charmed her way into getting accommodation with the Robinsons meanwhile Don West is reluctant to work alongside anyone. The addition of these characters greatly developed the story! Had it been about the Robinsons alone, I don’t think I would have stayed beyond episode 2! I enjoyed the little game of finding out what each of them are up to. Are they friends or foes? The first half of the season set the mystery up that had me breezing through it.
Lost in Space should be next on your Netflix bingelist. The characters are nuanced enough that they will start to grow on you no matter how much you disliked them early on into the season. With moralities and intentions that are not just black and white, they will make you explore this new world with them in an exciting fashion. Twists and shocks are waiting to be explored in this rich and visually breathtaking world. So buckle up, Lost in Space drops on Netflix on April 13!
