episode #53 - Revolt of the Androids

episode #53 / Air Date: 3/8/67 (episode #24 of 2nd season)
written by Bob & Wanda Duncan; Directed by Don Richardson

This was kind of a sequel to The Android Machine and is one of the more memorable & entertaining episodes, if just for the colorful characters. Smith, Will and the Robot witness the arrival of an android (Don Matheson) - make that a super-android or "superbeing" as one of the terms the Robot uses to describe it. The costume recalls Superman; the Robot even makes references to popular descriptions of Superman's powers.
The super android, called an IDAK (Instant Destroyer and Killer), is there on a mission to destroy a fleeing android but has encountered malfunctions from the trip; it doesn't have its usual power on one side. The Robot attempts to repair it because Smith wants it fully functional for another of his hare-brained schemes; he wants to sign it up under his management . There's a fairly ridiculous scene of Smith inexplicably testing the android with a clumsy martial arts attack; this was out-of-character for Smith, who always avoids physical confrontation.

The pursued android - #105 - turns out to be Verda (Dee Hartford, from The Android Machine), only she doesn't look like an android anymore; she's evolved into almost a human. She manages to dissuade the IDAK, an Alpha 12 model, from his usual search-&-destroy mission. The problem is, a super machine - a CDS Intergalactic Generator - also shows up and creates another IDAK (Dawson Palmer) - this one is more powerful, an Omega 17, and has been corrected so that it cannot be swayed from its mission.

This was an ideal sci-fi episode for kids - we wait for the inevitable battle between the two IDAKs and this doesn't disappoint, offering a version of the usual superhero/supervillain fights from the Superman comic books or similar fare. Dee Hartford was also very good as the returning Verda. There was some continuity as the Robot was still jealous of Verda. BoG's Score: 6.5 out of 10
Lost in Space Trivia: actor Don Matheson previously appeared in the first season episode The Sky is Falling but is best known for his regular role on Land of The Giants.
Dawson Palmer did double duty here: besides the 2nd IDAK, he also played the white-furred Yeti-like monster in this episode. Palmer had been in almost all the previous episodes up to this point, playing various alien creatures.

Epilogue Tag: the group is setting up relay stations in different spots when an ear-shattering whine begins; the machines explode, one sending Penny & Judy flying... freeze frame!