"Island in the Sky" stands as one of the best episodes in the history of "Lost in Space." Besides the breathtaking blend of sight and sound of the out-of-control Jupiter Two, slicing through the alien sky, the episode features a sinister Dr. Smith, responsible for the malfunction of the rockets that causes the crash.
The episode, like five others, was culled from the unaired pilot; thus, changes were made in the script to allow Dr. Smith (Jonathan Harris) to be "frozen" in one of the freezing tubes to make sure that previously film scenes would not have his character in them. As fans of the show know, he nor the Robot were a part of the original concept.
Besides the impressive crash of the ship, the episode features a spacewalk by Dr. Robinson (Guy Williams) and the appearance of a large hairy - and electrically charged - alien creature. Also, this episode marks the first appearance of the Robinson's all-terrain vehicle, The Chariot.
With the emphasis on special effects, one would think that the actors would not have much screen time; however, there are some pivotal exchanges between Maureen (June Lockhart), Don (Mark Goddard), and Dr. Smith.
John Williams also provided one of the best scores in television history, especially effective during the Jupiter's descent.
Truly, "Island in the Sky" stands as a testament to what "Lost in Space" should have remained: an exciting adventure about survival on an alien world.
The episode, like five others, was culled from the unaired pilot; thus, changes were made in the script to allow Dr. Smith (Jonathan Harris) to be "frozen" in one of the freezing tubes to make sure that previously film scenes would not have his character in them. As fans of the show know, he nor the Robot were a part of the original concept.
Besides the impressive crash of the ship, the episode features a spacewalk by Dr. Robinson (Guy Williams) and the appearance of a large hairy - and electrically charged - alien creature. Also, this episode marks the first appearance of the Robinson's all-terrain vehicle, The Chariot.
With the emphasis on special effects, one would think that the actors would not have much screen time; however, there are some pivotal exchanges between Maureen (June Lockhart), Don (Mark Goddard), and Dr. Smith.
John Williams also provided one of the best scores in television history, especially effective during the Jupiter's descent.
Truly, "Island in the Sky" stands as a testament to what "Lost in Space" should have remained: an exciting adventure about survival on an alien world.