“Lost in Space” and the Robinson family.

“Lost in Space” is a science fiction television series available on the streaming platform Netflix. The series is a reimagining of the 1965 TV series of the same name. It was created by Irwin Allen in the 1960s and followed the adventures of the Robinson family as they attempted to survive in space after their spaceship became lost. The 1965 series was itself influenced by the classic adventure novel “The Swiss Family Robinson” written by Johann David Wyss. In Wyss’s novel, a Swiss family shipwrecks on a deserted island and must use their ingenuity to survive. While “Lost in Space” takes the basic premise of a family stranded in a remote and unknown location, it introduces the space exploration element and adds various futuristic and science fiction elements.

The modern adaptation on Netflix was first released on April 13, 2018. It was created by Matt Sazama and Burk Sharpless, and it features Toby Stephens as John Robinson, Molly Parker as Maureen Robinson, and other cast members playing the roles of the Robinson family and other characters. The series combines elements of science fiction, drama, and adventure, with a focus on the Robinson family’s struggles as they navigate through unknown and dangerous environments in space.

The modern Netflix adaptation of “Lost in Space” serves as a reimagining of the original concept, updating it for contemporary audiences with new characters, storylines, and modern production values. The core idea of a family facing challenges in an unfamiliar and dangerous environment remains a central theme in both iterations of the series.

The main characters are members of the Robinson family, who find themselves stranded on an alien planet after their spaceship, the Resolute, is damaged during a mission to colonize a distant star system. The Robinson family consists of:

• John Robinson (played by Toby Stephens): The father and former U.S. Marine, who becomes a key figure in the family’s survival efforts.
• Maureen Robinson (played by Molly Parker): The mother and aerospace engineer, responsible for making critical decisions to ensure the family’s survival.
• Judy Robinson (played by Taylor Russell): The eldest daughter, who is a medical doctor and takes on a significant role in the family’s healthcare.
• Penny Robinson (played by Mina Sundwall): The middle daughter, known for her wit and resourcefulness in challenging situations.
• Will Robinson (played by Maxwell Jenkins): The youngest son, who forms a unique bond with a robot on the alien planet.
• Apart from the Robinson family, there are other key characters:
• Don West (played by Ignacio Serricchio): A rough-and-tumble smuggler and mechanic who ends up with the Robinsons on the alien planet.
• Robot (voiced by Brian Steele): An alien robot that forms a connection with Will Robinson and becomes a crucial ally.

These characters, along with other supporting roles, contribute to the overarching narrative of survival, exploration, and discovery in the face of various challenges presented by the unknown and often perilous environments encountered throughout the series. It’s worth noting that character dynamics and developments may evolve across the seasons as the story unfolds.

So what about  “The Swiss Family Robinson” written by Johann David Wyss?

 The Swiss Family Robinson” is a classic adventure novel written by Johann David Wyss. The story revolves around the Robinson family, a Swiss family shipwrecked on a deserted island while en route to Australia. The novel was first published in 1812 and has since become a beloved work of children’s literature. Here is a brief overview of the plot:

Shipwreck and Survival: The Robinson family consists of the father, William, his wife Elizabeth, and their four sons, Fritz, Ernest, Jack, and Francis. The family, along with other passengers and crew, survives a shipwreck and finds themselves stranded on an uninhabited tropical island.

Resourcefulness and Ingenuity: The family members must use their resourcefulness and ingenuity to survive in their new environment. They salvage items from the shipwreck, including tools, weapons, and various supplies. They also explore the island to discover its resources and potential dangers.

Building a New Life: The Robinsons decide to make the best of their situation and build a new life on the island. They construct a treehouse, which serves as their home, and develop various techniques for farming, hunting, and crafting. The family members work together to create a sustainable and comfortable living environment.

Encounters with Wildlife: Throughout the novel, the Robinsons encounter various wild animals on the island. They learn to coexist with some creatures and defend themselves against others. The family’s interactions with the island’s wildlife provide both challenges and opportunities for adventure.

Discovery and Exploration: As the Robinsons explore the island, they make fascinating discoveries, including hidden caves, valuable resources, and the remains of an earlier shipwreck. The novel portrays the family’s sense of wonder and curiosity about their surroundings.

Rescue and Reunion: In the later part of the story, the Robinson family faces new challenges, including the arrival of unfriendly visitors to the island. Eventually, the family’s resourcefulness and courage lead to their rescue and reunion with civilization.

“The Swiss Family Robinson” is celebrated for its themes of self-reliance, adventure, and the triumph of the human spirit over adversity. The novel has been adapted into various films, television series, and other media over the years, further contributing to its enduring popularity.

The same plot applied to Lost in Space Series

Shipwreck and Survival: The plot of “Lost in Space” begins with the Robinson family’s spaceship, the Resolute, encountering a catastrophic event during a mission to colonize a distant star system. The family, along with other colonists, crashes on an alien planet, forcing them into a struggle for survival in an unknown and perilous environment.

Resourcefulness and Ingenuity: Faced with the challenges of their new surroundings, the Robinson family demonstrates remarkable resourcefulness and ingenuity. They use the remnants of their spaceship and the planet’s resources to overcome obstacles, solve problems, and adapt to the harsh conditions, showcasing their ability to think creatively in order to survive.

Building a New Life: The Robinsons embark on the task of building a new life on the alien planet. They establish a makeshift home, confront the planet’s unique challenges, and work together to create a sustainable living environment. The process involves constructing shelter, finding food sources, and utilizing their skills to forge a life in the unfamiliar territory.

Encounters with Wildlife: Throughout their journey, the Robinson family encounters various forms of alien wildlife. These encounters add an element of danger and unpredictability to their survival efforts. The family must navigate and coexist with these alien creatures, presenting both threats and opportunities for the characters.

Discovery and Exploration: The narrative unfolds as the Robinsons explore the mysteries of the alien planet. They discover unknown terrains, encounter alien technology, and unravel the secrets of the planet’s ecosystem. The theme of discovery and exploration plays a significant role in shaping the storyline as the family seeks to understand their new environment.

Rescue and Reunion: As the Robinson family faces challenges and dangers on the alien planet, the overarching goal becomes finding a way to be rescued and reunited with the rest of the colonists. The plot involves the family’s efforts to signal for help, navigate potential threats, and eventually secure a path back to civilization, culminating in a potential reunion with the larger human population.