Lost in Space's 'Resurrection': Treachery in the Alpha Centauri

Lost in Space continues to advance its characters in “Resurrection”, and we learn questionable details about the Alpha Centauri mission.

In this penultimate episode, “Resurrection” gives each of the Robinson kids a chance to shine.

[Note: Being a recap and episode analysis, plot details are revealed here.]

Will Robinson’s Sense of Duty

What separates a good person from a bad one? While not everyone fits neatly into either slot, a big part of “goodness” is the ability to be loyal, trustworthy, honest and have a sense of duty. Will Robinson (Maxwell Jenkins) reflects those values. What a guy!

After his father’s ship exploded, Will has consistently been trying to radio him. While others consider it pathetic, sad and a waste of effort, he feels driven to reach him. His father, John Robinson (Toby Stephens) is very similar. In fact, the Robinson’s in general seem to have these qualities. What a family!

Treachery in the Alpha Centauri Mission

Lost in Space already isn’t the simplest story. It involves fleeing earth on a mother ship (called the Resolute), getting sucked into a wormhole, landing on an alien planet jeopardized by a black hole and dealing with drama and villainy. Still, it gets even more complicated. One of the biggest reveals in “Resurrection”? A June Harris (Parker Posey) flashback reveals that, while she was on the Resolute, she heard that the ship’s engine technology was stolen by aliens. Obviously, then, this might explain why the alien robot invaded the Resolute and laid the smack down on some human scum!

If that’s not enough, the captive Maureen Robinson (Molly Parker) theorizes the so-called “Christmas Star” was not a meteor at all, but an alien craft showing up to take back the technology. It sort of adds new perspective to their mission, such as it is. If the Earth really was in danger, it was largely due to human action, as opposed to some flying space rock. Obviously, this plot point may tie into perceptions of real-life crises, such as man-made environmental destruction. The implication? We are often our own worst enemy.

The Alien Robot’s Ship/June’s Personality

The alien robot’s ship. (Lost in Space, Netflix)

When John and Don’s ship exploded, many viewers at home probably wondered, “What about the alien’s ship? How come no one tried flying that?” Maybe it wouldn’t have had the same difficulties as a regular man-made craft. Well, “Resurrection” explores that question, as June assumes the robot can be activated by the ship, and/or that the robot can repair it. June leads the captive Maureen to the crashed spacecraft — assuming Maureen is her best bet to get it running again.

In the process, June and Maureen discuss recent events, and whether or not June (AKA “Dr. Smith”) is a villain. This results in a sort of philosophical stand-off between the two. June says she’s only doing her best to survive, and that she doesn’t intend to actually cause harm. Maureen essentially asks her to prove it by freeing her. When June explains her motives to use the robot as her protector, so “no one hurts her again,” it ends up seeming like yet another rationalization on her part. It seems she is using the threat of extinction to justify her own destructive ends.

Will’s Insight: There’s Still Hope for Reaching the Resolute

After being tricked into freeing “Dr. Smith” (who kidnapped his mom and indirectly caused his dad’s ship explosion), Will is understandably feeling down. He takes out his anger by throwing rocks he and his sisters found in a cave. Fortunately, as one of them breaks, he realizes that they aren’t technically rocks, but petrified biomass (or feces, to the layman).

This gross discovery provides some hope: If they can collect enough of these “rocks,” they can convert it into fuel and make it back to the Resolute! Of course, it’s not without difficulty, as within the cave are giant bat-like creatures, who are drawn to sound. The good news blends with the bad as Will’s radio device sounds, indicating that his father’s actually alive. The problem is, it’s while he’s in the cave, which stirs up those blasted bats! It’s another plausible monster moment for the series and good fun. The big question is, will the biomass plan actually work?

Showdown with Dr. Smith

Judy Robinson (Taylor Russell), on her way to rescue her mom. (Lost in Space, Netflix)

Like Will, Judy Robinson (Taylor Russell) is very loyal to her family, and is determined to free her mom from so-called “Dr. Smith.” Who can blame her? Most people don’t want their parents kidnapped. Being a Grade A-planner, Judy utilizes Don West’s chicken, Debbie, to distract June, who is tranquilized. When Judy gets her mother free, the two attempt escape in a land cruiser.

There’s one big problem, though: The alien robot has reactivated and is holding their front bumper, preventing escape. Soon, June comes back and the robot announces, “Danger, Dr. Smith” — demonstrating a new loyalty to her!

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It’s not an unexpected twist, but a welcomed one. “Resurrection” is a logical progression of the story and a sign that Dr. Smith will not stop her attempts to control and deceive. Being the second to last episode of Lost in Space’s season one, it will be interesting to see how this season ends.

What are your thoughts on this episode, or on the show in general? Don’t be afraid to comment!

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Lost in Space’s ‘Resurrection’: Treachery in the Alpha Centauri

By Wade Wainio | May 3, 2018