General Information

Director: Sobey Martin

Writer: Carey Wilber

Cast: Guy Williams, June Lockhart, Mark Goddard, Marta Kristen, Billy Mumy, Angela Cartwright, Jonathan Harris, and Albert Salmi

Composer: None (Stock Music)

Air Date: 1/26/1966

Production #: 8518

Overview

After landing on Priplanus, space pirate Alonzo P. Tucker (Albert Salmi) forms a blood bond with Will—now enamored of Tucker and his tales of adventure. Trouble soon occurs when a giant, amorphous blob monster arrives at the Jupiter 2 to reclaim his stolen property from Tucker—with a frightening outcome.

“The Sky Pirate” deserves criticism for its languid pacing, juvenile subject matter, and overuse of pirate-themed tropes. Nevertheless, Will’s friendship with Tucker may, at times, tug the heartstrings of those who possess a childlike spirit.

Pros

During the climactic scene, Tucker is chased by a pulsating, globular creature that remains unaffected by the Robinsons’ force field. Though unintentionally amusing, the ending of this episode may appeal to fans of The Blob—a campy 1950s science fiction film about an expanding, amoeba-like entity that feeds on the flesh of humans.

Cons

Despite kidnapping Will and coercing the Robinson family, Tucker is greeted with open arms upon visiting the Jupiter 2—hardly the reaction that viewers would expect of John and Maureen, both known to protect their children from dangerous and predatory people (with the possible exception of Dr. Smith).

Another character inconsistency involves the behavior of Will, who wishes to abandon his family and accompany Tucker on his travels. In a prior season-one episode, however, Will desires nothing more than to reunite with his loved ones—even when doing so requires him to forfeit his return trip to Earth.

Analysis

Never trust a pirate.

Concluding Comments

Featuring a space pirate, a silly monster, and a mechanical parrot, this offering will satisfy the majority of young Lost in Space enthusiasts. Mature science fiction fans, in contrast, may wish to avoid “The Sky Pirate” for its unfocused narrative, slapstick humor, and Z-grade special effects.

Overall Quality: 3/10

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