General Information

Director: Ezra Stone

Writer: Peter Packer

Cast: Guy Williams, June Lockhart, Mark Goddard, Marta Kristen, Billy Mumy, Angela Cartwright, Jonathan Harris, Gil Rogers, and Keith Taylor

Composer: None (Stock Music)

Air Date: 1/24/1968

Production #: 1520

Overview

Having supposedly reached Alpha Centauri, the Robinsons are greeted by uncouth adolescents Bartholomew (Gil Rodgers) and Edgar (Keith Taylor). In contrast to the Promised Land they were expecting, the Robinsons find themselves trapped in a psychedelic nightmare world governed by perpetual teenagers.

A groovy but goofy episode, “The Promised Planet” tries but ultimately fails to employ satire in a science fiction setting—a fate shared by “A Visit to Hades” from season two. Lost in Space fans born during the Post-World War II baby boom may, however, appreciate Peter Packer’s commentary on the frivolity that plagued 1960s youth culture.

Pros

Angela Cartwright’s performance will resonate with those of a sensitive inclination. Especially commendable is Cartwright’s convincing display of emotion during the scene where Penny tearfully parts from her parents—the memories of whom had been erased prior to this point, preventing either John or Maureen from acknowledging their daughter.

Cons

Professor Robinson, normally a man of remarkable intelligence and intuition, takes an extraordinary amount of time to uncover Bartholomew’s deception despite numerous red flags (e.g., Bartholomew’s claim that Earth ships had traveled to and from Alpha Centauri for three years, which, if true, would blatantly contradict the Jupiter 2’s original five-and-a-half-year flight path).

Also worth criticizing are the campy elements (e.g., Dr. Smith’s agonizing usage of 1960s slang, Penny’s dance alongside leotard-sporting hippies, etc.) featured in this episode. Though potentially nostalgic, the antics of Penny, Dr. Smith, and Bartholomew’s gang of alien imposters hamper the impact of an otherwise worthwhile social statement from Packer.

Analysis

Similar to “Collision of Planets,” “The Promised Planet” serves to expose the pseudo-progressive beliefs that characterized the hippie movement.

Concluding Comments

“The Promised Planet” may appeal to enthusiasts of 1960s counterculture. That being said, viewers searching for a serious look at social/political causes from decades past would be wise to avoid this offering.

Overall Quality: 4/10

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