The Hungry Sea

The Robinsons continue to try to avoid the catastrophic freeze caused by the planet's eccentric orbit while Smith, back in the Jupitar 2, realises that if he is going to return to Earth, he needs Major West to pilot the saucer and stops relishing the family's (and West's) likely deaths. This episode continues to use fragments of the original pilot and so seems a bit contrived (and suffers from some continuity issues). The tendency for the show to introduce elements that are never revisited continues (notably that the planet was once home to some kind of civilization, presumably cyclopean). Ok as a middle segment of the season one story-arc but nothing particularly interesting or imaginative happens (although there are some nice visuals).

This is an honorable mention in my book, this was a different kind of episode as it plays out like a Disaster film thriller, which is kind if ironic considering Irwin Alien is the king of that genre later. But I like that it was something different for this show and the sci-fi genre at the time because here the Robertson's are up against the elements which truly are a tougher force because it's a force that it beyond your own control.

Each sticky situation they go though is practically different challenges and we are in suspense the whole way, wondering how the Roberson's are going to get though this. Like when they drive to cross a lake, god forbid they run into any thin ice. Or even seeing how they had to deal with the blazing hot sun, which I'll admit made me hot just looking at them.

Even like a little of that subplot with Doctor Smith which gives us a little good insight into his character. We see this whole thing could be an opportunity to have the Robertson's crossed out, however there is just one huge problem; Smith isn't going to last long without them. Sure, he has the Robot but there are limits to what he can do, let alone isn't the best company. It really shows good does exist in Smith as he does try to warn the family about upcoming danger, showing he capable of caring. Ok, this is mainly for himself but at the same time you do sense there is a tiny bit that isn't just for him.

Can the Robertson's survive the elements you'll have to wait and find out.

Rating: 3 and a half stars.

The Hungry Sea was my favorite episode of LIS. It was what the series should have been based on. Guy Williams(John Robinson) was the main focus of this show and it was much more serious and adventurous. There was a blooper in this show however. When the crew in the chariot thought Don West went overboard in the ocean, they did not realize he was just hanging over the side. How could they not see him hanging over the side when the chariot is made of glass windows all around? Anyway it was my favorite episode and I still to this day can watch season one and be entertained. Seasons 2-3 got to campy and went downhill because of DR. Smith IMO.

The Hungry Sea is another Gem. It is the last of the initial five episodes that uses a heavy dose of the pilot.

The special effects are spectacular: The journey back and forth over the sea is really amazing. There is plenty of conflict between the Robinsons and the planet, as well as some between Prof Robinson and Major West. Which makes perfect sense considering the situation. The heat, the cold, the dire situation, the great acting, make this one of the very best episodes of Lost in Space.

Dr. Smith again has a minimal role since he is back at the Jupiter 2. But his dialog with The Robot back at the Jupiter 2 is outstanding.

The Robinsons battle heat, frost and a deadly sea.

These opening five episodes of Lost In Space are just some of the greatest TV ever made. The whole cast once again shines in this hour, Guy Williams is outstanding as John Robinson.

The Robot has a very mechanical-man-way-of-talking but his dialogue totally shines thanks to the talents of voice artist Dick Tufeld and episode writer William Welch.

The John Williams score is outstanding.

Welch was known for scripting straight faced episodes of Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea, The Time Tunnel and Land Of The Giants...this talented writer was probably too straight for later episodes of Lost In Space. But he did return to the series about four more times (see season three's The Space Creature).