Lost In Space

1 9 6 5 - 1 9 6 8 (USA)
83 x 50 minute episodes

Lost in Space was a show about the Robinson Family, who blasted off in 1997 aboard the Jupiter 2 spaceship. With their Robot they were off on a five-year mission to explore a planet in the Alpha Centauri star planetary system (resting in suspended animation for 98 years until they arrived there).

Unfortunately, Dr. Zachary Smith, who worked for a foreign government, sabotaged the control system, but got stuck on board in the process and put the craft on course for a crash landing. The family awake to find themselves on an unknown planet out of communication with the rest of the universe.

Each week, the family tried to return home with Dr. Smith sabotaging their efforts while himself trying to get back to Earth. For three years they wandered from planet to planet trying to find their way home. Along the way they encountered every peril possible including Space Dogs, carrot monsters, giant plants, floating heads, galactic showmen as well as the conniving Dr Smith who struck a bargain with every extra-terrestrial in town to save his own skin.

The main attraction of Lost In Space to me as a kid wasn't the robot or Dr Smith.  It was Judy Robinson! Grouchy old Don was a lucky old sod . . .

The first season (in black & white) was a run of the mill space drama, and was concerned mainly with the survival of the Robinson's: Escaping the heat, finding water etc (and included Debbie the space ape with pointy ears) .

The second series (in colour) was considerably more camp, particularly the role of Dr Smith who suddenly ceased to be so sinister and provided comedic value instead, usually involving a stream of abuse toward the robot - "you babbling booby!". The Robot was truly multi-skilled - He could play guitar, fix Mrs Robinson's hair and write poetry.

PS: You will note there is no mention here of the 90s movie of the same name. Without putting too fine a point on it, this is because it was a load of crap!