General Information
Director: Don Richardson
Writer: Robert Hamner
Cast: Guy Williams, June Lockhart, Mark Goddard, Marta Kristen, Billy Mumy, Angela Cartwright, Jonathan Harris, Grant Sullivan, and Carol Williams
Composer: None (Stock Music)
Air Date: 9/20/1967
Production #: 1506
Overview
Informed of a medical emergency, Dr. Smith—enticed by a handsome reward—agrees to operate on a mystery patient. Arriving at the Xenian Space Probe (the
exterior of which resembles the alien spacecraft from “The Derelict”), the not-so-good doctor is required to perform surgery on a computerized brain ruling over a humanoid race—a task that Dr. Smith finds himself unqualified to complete.
While benefiting from an intriguing science fiction premise, “Kidnapped in Space” is marred by juvenile comedic devices. The sinister attributes exhibited by the Xenian people do, however, strengthen the credibility of Robert Hamner’s narrative conflict.
Pros
Though quite silly in appearance, the silver-colored aliens featured in this episode convey their intentions (i.e., to conquer the universe through temporal manipulation) in a menacing fashion, specifically by threatening to kill Dr. Smith should he fail to “heal” the android leader—a factor that reinforces the existential threat facing Dr. Smith, the Robot, and other members of the Jupiter crew.
Cons
Hoping to restore his youth, Dr. Smith utilizes alien technology to reverse his biological clock. Moments later, Smith continues to speak in an adult voice despite
being trapped in the body of a small child—an embarrassing and cringe-worthy display, even by the typical standards of Lost in Space.
When stating his credentials, Smith claims to be a doctor of intergalactic environmental psychology as opposed to a trained physician. Astute viewers will nevertheless note that in “The Reluctant Stowaway,” Colonel Smith performs an examination on Will after sabotaging the Jupiter 2—a continuity error that series enthusiasts may find difficult to overlook.
Analysis
Similar to “Time Merchant” from later in season three, “Kidnapped in Space” employs an iconic science fiction trope (i.e., time travel) to offer a commendable cautionary tale, namely that technology—normally a useful tool for the enrichment of mankind—can become a dangerous weapon when used to “play god” by interfering with human fate.
Concluding Comments
“Kidnapped in Space” is a mediocre episode of Lost in Space. That being said, this entry deserves praise for its insightful and thought-provoking sci-fi concepts.
Overall Quality: 6/10
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This is my number fifteen ranked episode for the psychedelic and far out, all over the place, highly inconsistent and relatively overrated, shortest final colored season..
Young Season Three already trips for the first time with the third aired segment. This is one of many this season that looked/appeared so good as a youngster. When you grow up, you see right through it for what it is..a mediocre episode, as Jon himself put it.
I suppose there are a few nice things about it, but it is episodes like this so late in the series that do not even seem like ‘true’ LOST IN SPACE anymore, as it was and as it began.
I always seem to notice that this episode uses some of the background scores from the Season Two opener, “Blast Off Into Space.”
I watched this last night and when John and Don went out to investigate the alien ship/Space Pods whereabouts, they said they will return in 30 mins. Then when the aliens enter the lower deck later on to find out who is closest to the Robot so he can be blackmailed to operate, we see Maruree, Will, Penny and Judy all fast asleep without a care in the a world.
It struck me as odd that one would be able to sleep soundly when ones husband (John) and boyfriend (Don) are not back on time from venturing inside an alien ship.