Lost in Space Episode 43: The Dream Monster

General Information

Director: Don Richardson

Writer: Peter Packer

Cast: Guy Williams, June Lockhart, Mark Goddard, Marta Kristen, Billy Mumy, Angela Cartwright, Jonathan Harris, John Abbott, and Dawson Palmer

Composer: None (Stock Music)

Air Date: 12/21/1966

Production #: 9511

 

Overview

lost-in-space-the-dream-monsterAfter producing an android known as Raddion (Dawson Palmer), a mad scientist named Sesmar (John Abbott) steals the best attributes of John, Maureen, Will, Judy, and Penny in order to enhance his new creation. Only Major West and Dr. Smith, unaffected by Sesmar’s transpirator, can restore the personalities of each family member.

A season-two highlight, “The Dream Monster” will appeal to fans of serious, thought-provoking science fiction. This episode does, however, deserve criticism for its hackneyed resolution.

 

Pros

Following the personality transfer, all members of the Robinson family turn into slothful, apathetic versions of their former selves—an amusing contrast lost-in-space-the-dream-monsterto the original versions of each character. Especially humorous are the antics of Professor Robinson, who, now reduced to a lazy bum, recommends that Dr. Smith and Major West “go inside (the Jupiter 2) and take it easy” while fleeing from a deadly monster.

Also worth praising is John Abbott’s portrayal of Sesmar, whose intellectual brilliance is complemented with an almost childlike curiosity toward human emotions—an aspect that prevents Sesmar from appearing malevolent, even when employing methods of a harmful and deceptive nature.

 

Cons

By communicating via high-pitched purring noises, Sesmar’s lab assistants (midget-like creatures fashioned with scuba gear) frequently detract from the ominous tone of this episode.

 

Analysis

lost-in-space-the-dream-monsterSimilar to “The Space Primevals” from season three, “The Dream Monster” contains a scenario in which Dr. Smith and Major West, two men who despise each other with a passion, must cooperate in order to survive—an effective use of the Smith/West rivalry trope.

 

Concluding Comments

“The Dream Monster” puts an intriguing twist on the legend of Frankenstein (on a side note, Abbott plays the great-grandson of Dr. Frankenstein in “A Visit from Johann”—a classic episode of The Munsters). Lost in Space viewers may likewise enjoy this entry, which provides a unique opportunity for Dr. Smith and Major West to rescue the Robinson family.

 

Overall Quality: 7/10

 

If you enjoyed this post, please enter your email address in the subscription box to stay tuned for more updates.

Posted on
Categories: Season Two, Lost in Space

Please note: Comments that are malicious, offensive, or excessively profane will be removed. Off-topic messages belong in the About section.

4 thoughts on “Lost in Space Episode 43: The Dream Monster”

  1. I agree this is a season two highlight. I think it’s similar in tone and content to The Phantom Family. Together they are highlights of season two.

  2. This is my number two ranked episode for the classic down home, cozy and fun, colored mid season..my second favorite season of the series, despite its much maligned and unwarranted status.. :-]

  3. What was always a very solid episode has gradually turned into one of my very, very top favorite colored episodes through the years. As colored episodes go, this one is played quite straight. It even has a fantastic Season One look and feel to it..with the great old survival themes in play, and even the men folk dressed down in their white T-shirts. Excellent stuff.

    This is the middle in the trio of very solid and straight mid-Season Two really, really goodies..

  4. ..oh, I forgot to mention..

    this one also utilizes a whole lot of my very favorite spooky music..the music that always plays in Raddion scenes. I think that excellent spooky music (which I always love in episodes) is old Bernard Herrmann music from THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL (1951), or something.

Comments are closed.