Trajectory

Trajectory was a solid and functional episode which was overall well played and injected the right amount of humor (and some heart) while putting flesh on the bones of the last eight episodes worth of plot and character set up.

The time is now to make a decision on how to leave the planet - will our colonists solve the puzzle of how to do it and will they succeed? These questions are slowly being addressed. Additionally, the spousal relationship has been warming up a bit and Don West is by far the most entertaining (and least angst filled) character, so there is plenty of motivation to watch this episode to enjoy character interactions at the very least.

Unfortunately, where Trajectory falters is with Smith (not in Posey's portrayal but in the script) - even though the colonists only know a portion of what she has really done, it is still enough that she is a true hazard and it's difficult to believe that more reasonable steps are not taken to keep her neutralized. That said, Episode 8 gives plenty of motivation to finish out the series (including Debbie the chicken...who would be a better candidate for colony leader than Victor...)

That's what's on the episode brief - but it doesn't matter. Don eats ice cream while gossiping with John, none of the other survivors is concerned, and the Robinson's continue to let Smith walk amongst them instead of locking her up.

...and they still call her "Dr. Smith" knowing that she's not a doctor, and not a Smith.

Well. No spoilers in my reviews... but .... well.

After last week's fuel debacle, the Robinson patriarchs arrive back at camp just in time to stop Victor blasting off with his family (in fairness, he's intending to send back help). Determining that Victor's ship wouldn't have enough fuel to make it to outer space anyway, Maureen comes up with a plan. Strip out everything from a ship that doesn't need to be there and blast off what remains, with a single pilot, and everything else monitored from the ground. Meanwhile, Judy tells the rest of her family that Dr Smith is not Dr Smith, so they lock her in a cupboard on their ship until they can make it back to the mothership, but is one of the family gullible enough to be talked into letting her out?

I actually kinda enjoyed this one. It dragged the focus back on to the family, and the interactions between them and Don West were fun. (Please don't push a relationship between Don and Judy though... still too much). I, believed in the science, sort of... even if I'm not convinced that being knocked out over and over again doesn't have a cumulative negative effect on someone.

The ending of the episode is a bit of an odd one, and I really can't see them going forward without retconning it somehow in the next episode (the episode title also suggests they might). But with the leash finally off for Dr.Smith and two episodes left, things are ramping up.

It was always going to be stretch to reboot a classic Sci Fi series and providing you can overlook the constant disaster cycle, here is a really good roll of the dice

The original was allowed 1 big hiccup per show, here there are just a few too many

Billy Mummy would appreciate the portrayal of Will as the flawed vulnerable youngest son, who's faith in people remains undiminished, because those who Love him never let him down. Penny remains adolescent and Judy has been promoted to junior Dr to great effect.

The mother figure in Maureen , is now the lead with John taking on the character of flawed but caring Father.

Parker Posey as the reboot Dr Zachary Smith is flawless both in character ( sneaking, conniving and resourceful) and sheer acting ability, turning you inside out at very chance.

One fly in the ointment, Don West, who is remade as a self serving likeable rogue. I must confess I much preferred the staunch ally with unstinting team spirit. But he does become the ying to Smith's yang and that allows for a more balanced show.

I like it, it is fresh and well directed, with a strong cast who I believe can carry this through the asteroid field ahead