episode #73 - Castles in Space

episode #73 / Air Date: 12/20/67 (episode #14 of 3rd season)
written by Peter Packer; Directed by Sobey Martin

Don, Judy, Smith, Will and the Robot are off on their own expedition in a colder section of the planet (we see a snow-covered region for the first time). After Smith wrecks some of Don's work again (skeet-shooting with a slingshot), they uncover a frozen lifeform (reminds me of The Thing films). Smith is tasked to guard the object - a mistake, of course (when will they learn?) and the entity thaws; it's a space princess of some sort - straight out of some children fantasy story about ice princesses. She's also mute.

Unfortunately, this is followed by the arrival another silver-skinned alien named Chavo, patterned on the stereotypical Mexican wearing a sombrero, fond of tequila; this alien gets the Robot drunk as the two become amigos. Chavo turns out to be some kind of space bandito, out to capture the princess and hold her for ransom. He's faintly amusing, with his fake army of compadres and talent for knife-throwing. But, the episode ultimately becomes utterly pointless.

The highlights are the Robot's plan to trick Chavo when Chavo holds Will in exchange for the princess, Chavo's knife fight with Don and finally the Robot playing the "bull" to Chavo's matador. The trick involves a mannequin and Smith attempting a female voice - this is all, as expected, difficult to watch (also, I thought the princess was supposed to be mute). The 2 aliens simply up and disappear for the climax. BoG's Score: 4 out of 10


Lost in Trivia: John, Maureen and especially Penny have very brief roles in this episode.