I watched Netflix's second season of "Lost in Space". I liked this one better than the first, since most of the modernized justifications have been stripped or in the very least numbed. That doesn't make this incarnation a mirror image of the Irwin Allen/Ib Melchior concept, let alone the big-budget remake or the ill-fated pilot of some years back, but it does give the latest retelling a more focused ambiance.
I'm getting used to the current characterizations, in this regard. The cast includes Maxwell Jenkins as Will; Toby Stephens as John; Molly Parker as Maureen; Taylor Russell as Judy; Mina Sundwall as Penny; Ignacio Serriccio as Don West; and Parker Posey as "Dr. Smith", aka June Harris. (J.J. Fields abets the gang as A.I. expert, Dr. Ben Adler, and Ajay Friese plays Vijay Dhar, Penny's sort-of boyfriend.)
Speaking of A.I., the Robot (Brian Steele) is back, modified and for a time, lost in his own right for this season, though his presence is felt even during his absence, in line with the limited, screen-time Spock receives in "Star Trek III". Once the Robot reunites with the Robinsons, its friendship with Will builds, as does the youngster's semblance to the character's prior versions. In other words, Will is nowhere near as baby-ish in Season 2, and Smith's need to connect (or manipulate) their mechanical, third-wheel is an interesting twist on a contentious tradition.
Actually, I find Posey's Smith reminiscent of Jonathan Harris' during the original series' initial season and to a degree, in tune with Gary Oldman's in the '98 remake, and by the season's end, sporting a surprising, character flip. Posey is also easy on the eyes and brings a subtle, sexiness to the persona that I wouldn't have thought possible, but man, does it ever work! The pretty Posey often steals the scenery, and considering how good the rest of the cast has become, that says lots.
As with Netflix's first season, the "Lost in Space" sequel uses an ongoing, connecting narrative, as opposed to individual stories, but is distinguished by different modes and moods to break any monotony: the first part catering to a Jupiter 2-as-a-boat concept; then the Robot's rediscovery; followed by a return to the Resolute colonist craft, which is plagued by a weird, matter-eating substance and later an A.I. assault.
Though the Robinsons bicker, they're not as dysfunctional or adversarial as in the first season. That's a good sign and refreshing in light of the popular trend of pitting fictional, family members against one another. (It's bad enough such happens in real life.)
If this latest incarnation continues (and its cliffhanger does demand a return), I do believe the family bond will grow stronger, thus emulating the tight-knit allegiance fans have come to associate with this enduring, science-fiction clan.
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