Netflix's Lost in Space (Season 2 Review)

Lost in Space Season 2 is rich with epic-ness starting as early as episode 1. The first season was good but I did not remember as much chatter on the Net as I have witnessed this season. The science fiction Netflix original series revolve around the Robinsons family who left Earth to travel to Alpha Centauri (the closest star system to ours, Sol). Along the way, they encountered setbacks that extended their journey deeming them 'lost in space' (Get it?)

I wiki-ed and found out that the series is based on the classic 60s Lost in Space TV series which in turn was based on a 19th century sci-fi novel, The Swiss Family Robinson. For me, the Netflix series is special because it has a lot of character. And heart (added a comment on FB). 

You will quickly fall in love with the main characters: John (the father), Maureen (the mother), Judy (the elder sister), Penny (the second daughter) and Will Robinson (the youngest brother).  There are two more characters I consider center to the story: Don West (engineer/smuggler/pilot) and Dr. Smith.

I am not sure how to label Dr. Smith. Villain? Wild card? Rogue? It remains to be seen. She was definitely a villain in Season 1. But honestly I don't think the Robinsons could have made it this far into season 2 without Dr Smith. For example, there was a situation that threatened the lives of the whole family in Episode 1 this season and they needed Dr Smith to get out of it. How can a character be one you love to hate and hate to love at the same time? 

I like that they gave Penny some spotlight this season. Out of the siblings, Penny seems like the least smart of the three. Judy is a doctor, and Will is a smart boy who made contact with an alien life form in season 1 and was involved in a lot of problem solving with Maureen and John. But Penny has her own strengths. It's nice that Will made copies of Penny's memoirs of their journey through space (appropriately entitled Lost in Space) for the whole family and read it out loud at the beginning of the season, acknowledging her good works (Where can I get a copy?). This season sees some focus on Penny, especially on how she is good with people and animals. 

There is less focus on Will this season as I think it has shifted to the character development of Robot (the alien life form from season 1 - Will and Robot is somehow connected to each other). The development was essential for the wrap up of season 2 (for you to find out). 

My favorite episode this season has to be episode 5 (it's everybody's favorite) where John was injured from a fall and Judy had to run across a planet in a matter of hours to bring him antibiotics to ensure his survival. The episode is criss-crossed with scenes of Judy as a child growing up with John (John is not Judy's biological father, by the way). It sure did jerk a tear or two at the end. John Robinson is surely a Father of the Year candidate. He has the best quotes of the season, too.

Another character to watch this season is Don West. Although he is not related to the Robinsons, he has a deep connection with the family (since the first season). There's an episode where he has to reveal himself as a smuggler to the authorities in order to save the lives of Penny and some others, including Dr Smith. He brings honor to the sci-fi smuggler hero-types. Han Solo would be proud. There's a lot of demand to bring back his potential romantic relationship with Judy, which seems to be missing this season. We'll see.

The season ends with a cliffhanger which made fans cannot wait for the next season. I won't spoil it for you.