Lost in Space Episode 53: Revolt of the Androids

General Information

Director: Don Richardson

Writers: Bob Duncan and Wanda Duncan

Cast: Guy Williams, June Lockhart, Mark Goddard, Marta Kristen, Billy Mumy, Angela Cartwright, Jonathan Harris, Dee Hartford, Don Matheson, and Dawson Palmer

Composer: None (Stock Music)

Air Date: 3/8/1967

Production #: 9524

 

Overview

Having been selected for disassembly by the Celestial Department Store, Verda returns to the Jupiter 2 and seeks shelter from IDAK (Don Matheson)—an android lost-in-space-revolt-of-the-androidshunter whose initials stand for Instant Destroyer and Killer. Meanwhile, Dr. Smith befriends IDAK and trains him to complete his mission more effectively.

A sequel to “The Android Machine,” “Revolt of the Androids” is marred by excessive camp. By offering additional insight into Penny’s friendship with Verda, however, this installment will no doubt satisfy those of a sensitive inclination.

 

Pros

lost-in-space-revolt-of-the-androidsFor portraying Verda in a graceful and delicate manner, Dee Hartford should be praised. Especially worth commending are Verda’s interactions with IDAK—a cruel, aggressive android who, upon observing the human-like attributes (e.g., love, kindness, and courage) possessed by his target, experiences a poignant, if predictable, change of personality.

 

Cons

An amusing parody of Superman, the character of IDAK should appeal to fans of the superhero genre. There are times, however, when the Robot’s tongue-in-cheek referenceslost-in-space-revolt-of-the-androids to the Man of Steel (i.e., “I do not think he is going to be able to leap tall buildings in a single bound” and “He is not more powerful than a speeding locomotive, either”) may elicit groaning from the audience.

In order to test the fighting abilities of his new protégé, Dr. Smith attempts to engage IDAK in combat. Though played for laughs, the goofy execution of IDAK’s training session with Dr. Smith—an incompetent, poorly coordinated mentor—will likely fail to entertain all but the youngest of viewers.

 

Analysis

lost-in-space-revolt-of-the-androidsJuvenile subject matter notwithstanding, “Revolt of the Androids” contains a thought-provoking lesson on the importance of standing up to bullies. Specifically, the outcome of Verda’s confrontation with IDAK—a greatly imposing individual—demonstrates the value of courage when dealing with enemies of a superior nature.

 

Concluding Comments

“Revolt of the Androids” is an enjoyable, heartwarming episode of Lost in Space. Nevertheless, this offering may evoke criticism for its slapstick humor, Superman-related puns, and hackneyed character transitions.

 

Overall Quality: 6/10

 

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4 thoughts on “Lost in Space Episode 53: Revolt of the Androids

  1. I pretty consistently hate the campy, juvenile episodes. For reasons I don’t understand, my brothers, sister and I latched on this episode and played it all the time. We fought to be IDAK, walking around the house saying “Crush! Kill! Destroy!”. To this day, we instantly think of this episode when we think of LIS and were disappointed that all of our kids thought it was stupid. Any thoughts on why this one struck a chord, but all the others with a similar tone fell flat for us?

  2. This is my number eleven 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. In keeping with the trend of ‘better’ episodes to round out the season, I always found this enjoyable entry to be a solid episode. However, this episode is one of the biggest Season Two discrepancies I have with another LiS buddy named Robert. We are usually very close on our feelings/rankings of stories, but this one is a goofy bottom five episode of the series for him. As for me, I have always liked it, and it is in at number eleven on the year for me. Go figure. We are very close in our overall rankings and thoughts, but there are always exceptions and this episode is a glaring one.

    Oh yeah, Verda is back. I just like this one. The Alexander Courage music first heard in “The Girl From The Green Dimension” is back one more time..

  4. In my previous comment, that was supposed to read, …but this one is a goofy bottom five episode of the SEASON for him, not necessarily the entire series..although, it may be close (for him) lol..

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