What Would 'Lost in Space' Have Been Like Without Dr. Zachary Smith?

Introduction:

FromReducers, given the narrative's absence of Dr. Zachary Smith, we cannot imagine the full impact his character would have had on the show. It is highly unlikely that Jonathan Harris, the creator, would have added so many layers to a character that did not originally engage with the audience. But let us explore this hypothetical and see how the series might have transformed without the presence of Dr. Smith.

Jonathan Harris's Vision

Jonathan Harris has mentioned that after the initial episodes, if Dr. Smith had been portrayed as more cowardly, he likely would have been written out of the show. This shift in character dynamics would have significantly altered the show's tone, leaving it more serious and less entertaining. Harris' statement implies that character development and change are essential for the show's growth.

Dr. Smith: The Saboteur and Antagonist

Dr. Smith’s actions played a pivotal role in the show's narrative. Without him, the Jupiter 2 would not have been lost in space to begin with. His sabotage of the robot, which in turn sabotaged the ship's guidance system, is a key plot point. Imagine a scenario where the pandemonium on board would have been different or perhaps non-existent. The absence of Dr. Smith would have made the Jupiter 2's journey smoother and uneventful, which would be quite a contrast to the thrilling adventures we saw in the show.

Entertainment Value

Dr. Smith's cowardice added an element of mystery and unpredictability to the show. His actions and decisions often created entertainment value, making the series more engaging. Without his contributions, the show might have become more focused on the Robinson family, reducing the mix of conflict and drama. This suggests that Dr. Smith's presence was not just a plot device but a core element of the show's appeal.

Internal Conflict and Dynamic Plots

The inclusion of a complicating factor, such as Dr. Zachary Smith, allows for a more organic and realistic conflict in the series. Unlike in Star Trek: TOS, where the antagonist was often the "monster of the week," 'Lost in Space' could create and reuse internal conflicts, generating new plots and narratives. These plots could be balanced between Dr. Smith's self-preservation and his self-interest, providing a deeper and more nuanced storyline.

The Success of the Mission

Something as seemingly trivial as a character's presence can significantly alter the success of a mission. Dr. Smith's sabotage and subsequent cowardice not only created a thrilling storyline but also balanced the narrative, ensuring it remained dynamic and engaging. A show without internal conflict and the presence of Dr. Smith might have become monotonous or less compelling, making the Robinsons' adventures less memorable.

In conclusion, while Dr. Zachary Smith's presence brought its own set of challenges to the 'Lost in Space' narrative, his impact on the show cannot be overstated. His cowardice and constant meddling added layers to the plot and made the show more engaging for the audience.