Scientific Flaws in the New Lost in Space Series: A Critical Review

"Lost in Space," the reimagined Netflix series, has captured the imagination of many viewers with its innovative plot and engaging characters. However, a closer look at the scientific accuracy of the show reveals several notable discrepancies. This article explores some of the scientific flaws present in the series and evaluates whether these errors detract from the overall quality of the show.

Artificial Gravity in the Resolute and Jupiter Lander

The show's portrayal of artificial gravity in the Resolute, the Robinson family#39;s spaceship, is reasonable, as it consistently has internal gravity even when not travelling at the speed of light. However, the Jupiter Lander, the Robinsons#39; vessel on the planet, presents inconsistencies. It is observed that the Jupiters do not generate their own gravity without the alien FTL engine. When the FTL engine is active or the ship is under thrust, then artificial gravity is present. However, this is not the case with the Resolute, which always maintains internal gravity, even in the absence of alien technology.

This inconsistency is exaggerated in the first episode, where the pool of water the Jupiter 2 lands in freezes instantly. This scenario is implausible because if the air is cold enough to freeze water that quickly, the Robinsons would have instant frostbite without their helmets on. Moreover, the ice surrounding the pool would be so cold that the water wouldn’t be liquid in the first place, contradicting the show’s depiction.

Scientific Misrepresentations in the Searching for Elemental Magnesium

The show depicts an expedition to find elemental magnesium, a highly reactive element. In reality, magnesium is a metallic element, and raw elemental magnesium is extremely rare and cannot be found in nature. Any magnesium found in nature is typically found in compounds or alloys. The jagged mountains where the magnesium is found are portrayed as stable, but in reality, they would not be stable and would likely fall apart.

Character Discrepancies and Plot Holes

The reimagined series deviates significantly from the original in several aspects, including the characters and their portrayals. Dr. Smith, despite being portrayed as a woman, is based on a male character from the original series. Additionally, Judy, a key character, is shown as having a darker appearance, whereas none of the original characters were portrayed as Black. These changes have raised questions about the authenticity of the series and whether it should be renamed to reflect these alterations.

Moreover, minor inconsistencies such as the freezing of water in ep. 1 of season 1 are evident. The water in the ship freezes upon egress, but the surface of the water remains unfrozen, which is the opposite of what happens on Earth. This anomaly adds to the growing list of scientific inaccuracies.

The decision to allow the main characters to remove their masks after crashing the ship without any adverse effects on their breathing presents another perplexing scenario, which hinders the suspension of disbelief for viewers.

Better Endings and C-239’s Role

One of the more intriguing aspects of the show is the character of C-239, the AI robot. The series often portrays C-239 as selflessly risking its own safety to save the Robinsons multiple times. However, it is not clear why this should be the case, as an AI would not expect anything in return and should not have a sense of “owed” credits. The narrative suggests that C-239 is a superior being, but the way its actions are justified is unconvincing.

While the show does address these issues, it adds depth to the characters and plot progression. For instance, in season one, episode four, Penny draws a map to mark their location, ostensibly to inform future travelers. This scene highlights the show’s attempts to create a more complex narrative, but it also raises questions about the veracity of this premise.

Conclusion

While "Lost in Space" is not a perfect depiction of scientific accuracy, it does retain many elements of the original series, including the spirit of adventure and family dynamics. There are notable discrepancies, but these discrepancies do not necessarily detract from the overall quality and enjoyment of the show. The series may not be scientifically perfect, but it excels in creating compelling stories and characters. Whether these scientific accuracies are a priority for viewers depends on personal preferences and the show’s success in maintaining a balance between entertainment and realism.