General Information
Director: Sobey Martin
Writer: Jackson Gillis
Cast: Guy Williams, June Lockhart, Mark Goddard, Marta Kristen, Billy Mumy, Angela Cartwright, Jonathan Harris, Woodrow Parfrey, Lou Wagner, and Kenya Coburn
Composer: Mullendore
Air Date: 10/18/1967
Production #: 1509
Overview
Befriending an elf-like boy known as J-5 (Lou Wagner), Penny invites her new acquaintance aboard the Jupiter 2. Thereafter, the Robinsons arrive on a space
station manned by Colonel Silas Fogey (Woodrow Parfrey)—an eccentric old man who indicates that due to a fuel shortage, J-5 will be unable to return to his home planet. Infuriated, J-5 unleashes an imaginary friend named Zaybo (Kenya Coburn) on the station.
“The Haunted Lighthouse” is an entertaining, if drawn-out, episode of Lost in Space. Worth praising in particular is the performance of Woodrey Parfrey, which will appeal to fans of oddball humor.
Pros
Upon encountering another human being for the first time in years, Silas Fogey mumbles incoherently and, laughing like a madman, gives Professor Robinson
a giant bear hug—an unusual display from a dignified space colonel, whose jovial manner provides an amusing contrast to the straight-faced reaction of Professor Robinson.
On a technical note, the haunting musical arrangement of Joseph Mullendore should be commended. Specifically, Mullendore’s composition embodies the mysterious, alien nature of J-5 and his invisible accomplice, thereby enhancing the charm and overall uniqueness of both characters.
Cons
As a whiny young man, J-5 fails to plead his case in a fashion that would endear him to the audience.
Analysis
Despite lacking the pathos of “My Friend, Mr. Nobody” (the first Lost in Space episode to explore the imaginary friend trope), “The Haunted Lighthouse” contains a laudable message—namely that immersing oneself in fantasy can never satisfy the need for human companionship.
Concluding Comments
Offering an implausible explanation for Zaybo, an alien shape-shifter who shares a secret connection with J-5, “The Haunted Lighthouse” will likely evoke criticism for its far-fetched elements. Penny’s friendship with J-5 may, however, tug the heartstrings of sensitive viewers.
Overall Quality: 5/10
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This is an iconic episode for me. I always think of it when I think of the show. Bizarre, right? Well, when I was a kid in the 70’s, our local UHF station (remember those?) that aired LIS reruns used clips from this episode to promote the show. I saw the promos before I saw a season three episode and was amazed they had new costumes and the Penny was so much older looking. But especially the lion…..
This is my number eleven ranked episode for the psychedelic and far out, all over the place, highly inconsistent and relatively overrated, shortest final colored season..
I think I remember that very same commercial, Lou. However, back as a youngster in the 1970s, I despised this episode. I considered it my very first worst episode. Ironically, it is one of the few Season Three stories that has improved for me over the years, instead of the other way around..
Interestingly, back in the old days of the 1970s, I considered this one my very least favorite episode..right after my very favorite. I like tis one just fine now and it continues to grow on me. The background guest incidental music scores from Joseph Mullendore, his first of three for the series, is extremely rare and a fresh change.
Also, this episode has one of the top three finishes/wraps of any episode this season. Really, there are only three above average endings all season. This is already the last of those three.
I do not care for the J5 character at all, but the bumbling colonel/cook is fun to watch..
This episode spoke to me of Penny’s growing up. She looks absolutely beautiful too.