While the preview looked like another anachronistic bit of foolishness, this episode actually grew on me as it progressed. The costumes were ridiculous (as usual), there were the requisite explosions (as usual) and the dialogue over the top (as usual). However, for once in his miserable life, Dr. Smith showed mercy, compassion, and even a little bit of honor--far unlike him, but definitely refreshing to see. Hans Conried and and uncredited June Foray as an updated St. George and the Dragon made this episode fun and a bit above the usual dreck the show is known for. For once in my life, I cannot entirely belittle Lost in Space.
15 Reviews
Superior second-season story undermined by terrible production
jamesrupert201415 December 2022
Will becomes disillusioned when the heroic tales told him by Sagramonte (Hans Conried), a knight errant that he admires, turn out nothing but bluster and exaggeration. Surprisingly, it is the inveterate liar and perennial self-aggrandiser, Dr. Smith, who tries to reinstill a sense of faith and trust in the youngest of the Robinsons. Unfortunately the almost touching story is framed by a bumbling knight, whose slapstick antics are punctuated by cartoonish sound effects, a basset hound wearing glasses, and a pink dragon that would have looked at home in an episode of 'H. R. Puffenstuff'; and once again, the core premise of the series ('lost' in space) seems to have been abandoned as the Robinsons show no interest in how another human came to be on the planet. Conried was a great voice actor and is quite good as Sagramonte when not being a buffoon and Jonathan Harris finally gets add a bit of humanity to his cartoonishly villainous Dr. Smith character. But for the childish imagery, the episode could have been a classic.
Farcical
benkidlington24 September 2010
An aged, yet child-like medieval knight and his bespectacled basset hound appear on the planet, complete with jousting gear and longsword. Although, I guess the producers couldn't quite stretch to getting a horse into the studio, so this would-be champion happens to joust solely on foot.
Even more preposterous is the "Questing beast", namely pink female "dragon" Gundemar with human sensibilities and who speaks with impeccable manners. Gundemar's sole purpose is to perpetuate this ongoing quest-like game, teleporting the knight around various parts of the galaxy for over forty years in pursuit of herself. Meanwhile, the knight remains in complete technological ignorance, putting down the whole interplanetary experience to unknown magical "enchantments".
There's a serious message in here somewhere about courtship, motivation, ageing, and having a purpose in life, but the episode is just so ludicrous it's difficult to care too much about any of that.
Slapstick abounds with an overly-zany, cartoonish musical accompaniment. The 'jousting' scenes are almost surreal in their absurdity. I usually quite enjoy a good-humoured touch of silliness that Lost in Space often provides, but this is just a little too much, even for me.
There is one good scene though between Will and Smith, back on the Jupiter 2, where Smith actually shows how much he cares about what Will thinks and tries to do the right thing for him, rather then just thinking about himself for a change. There's also another memorable scene where Smith in a moment of forced honesty, outright admits to Professor Robinson that he just told a blatant lie. So, it is worth watching for those brief scenes IMHO, but overall this episode is a total dud.
Even more preposterous is the "Questing beast", namely pink female "dragon" Gundemar with human sensibilities and who speaks with impeccable manners. Gundemar's sole purpose is to perpetuate this ongoing quest-like game, teleporting the knight around various parts of the galaxy for over forty years in pursuit of herself. Meanwhile, the knight remains in complete technological ignorance, putting down the whole interplanetary experience to unknown magical "enchantments".
There's a serious message in here somewhere about courtship, motivation, ageing, and having a purpose in life, but the episode is just so ludicrous it's difficult to care too much about any of that.
Slapstick abounds with an overly-zany, cartoonish musical accompaniment. The 'jousting' scenes are almost surreal in their absurdity. I usually quite enjoy a good-humoured touch of silliness that Lost in Space often provides, but this is just a little too much, even for me.
There is one good scene though between Will and Smith, back on the Jupiter 2, where Smith actually shows how much he cares about what Will thinks and tries to do the right thing for him, rather then just thinking about himself for a change. There's also another memorable scene where Smith in a moment of forced honesty, outright admits to Professor Robinson that he just told a blatant lie. So, it is worth watching for those brief scenes IMHO, but overall this episode is a total dud.
Awful, but Smith has an interesting bit
bgaiv25 November 2022
What in the world happened to this season? The middle stretch seems to challenge you into thinking "wow, this was a bad episode, can't get worse than that" and the show responds "want to bet?"
It's bad enough the show's premise was tossed out the window with an apparent "it's space, anything can happen!" But these episodes went to a kiddie level so low that most kids would have outgrown at, what, six years age tops?
But how many six year olds would enjoy a 52 minute which consists mainly of "whimsical" characters standing around talking?
Will Robinson's "growing up" crisis is interesting, as is Smith's serious concern for Will in a welcome twist. Those elements save the episode from being a complete waste.
But it doesn't work terribly well for several reasons. First, the world of the Robinsons is FILLED with fantastic and even fairy tale characters and events (especially this season).
Second, I assume Will is about 13 here-- as mentioned, he is far too old for this kind of fairy tale to resonate. If it were told in a serious manner with believable characters, then maybe.
Third, Will's more interesting crisis is skirted over-- that he's coming to terms with the reality that adults tend to lie. He's not stupid and has known Smith is full of it forever. But he's gotten to the point here where he's doubting those he put on a pedestal, his parents and Major West.
Will expressing that is what shocks Smith so much. And that's a real coming of age story for Will because he's been such a naive idealist. A much better story could have been built around that.
The story as-is would benefit by being cut down to maybe 30 minutes. The guest characters and their antics just aren't interesting enough for their screen time.
It's bad enough the show's premise was tossed out the window with an apparent "it's space, anything can happen!" But these episodes went to a kiddie level so low that most kids would have outgrown at, what, six years age tops?
But how many six year olds would enjoy a 52 minute which consists mainly of "whimsical" characters standing around talking?
Will Robinson's "growing up" crisis is interesting, as is Smith's serious concern for Will in a welcome twist. Those elements save the episode from being a complete waste.
But it doesn't work terribly well for several reasons. First, the world of the Robinsons is FILLED with fantastic and even fairy tale characters and events (especially this season).
Second, I assume Will is about 13 here-- as mentioned, he is far too old for this kind of fairy tale to resonate. If it were told in a serious manner with believable characters, then maybe.
Third, Will's more interesting crisis is skirted over-- that he's coming to terms with the reality that adults tend to lie. He's not stupid and has known Smith is full of it forever. But he's gotten to the point here where he's doubting those he put on a pedestal, his parents and Major West.
Will expressing that is what shocks Smith so much. And that's a real coming of age story for Will because he's been such a naive idealist. A much better story could have been built around that.
The story as-is would benefit by being cut down to maybe 30 minutes. The guest characters and their antics just aren't interesting enough for their screen time.
Worst of the worst@
Geezer-geez23 May 2017
This episode makes me embarrassed to admit that I liked this show at one time. I STILL enjoy reruns of the better episodes. Season 2 was the worst, and went through long stretches of 4,5,6 horrible episodes in a row. If I could get the original film/tapes, and all copies...I would happily destroy them for the benefit of the fans, the cast, and anyone associated with them!! They are that bad. The show as a whole is still one of my favorite childhood memories...but these episodes I would rather forget forever!
A Beauty Of A Story
jimbotc200621 June 2020
This is most likely the most underrated episode of the entire series.
Some (or many) do not seem to like it, and they highly exaggerate as to how bad and poor and ridiculous it is.
Those folks need to do some serious soul searching and think again.
No, this is not your original style of the series' amazing and serious beginnings in glorious and superior black and white Season One, but in fact, it is the second best style from the second best and highly underrated, beautiful, charming, fun, meaningful, and relevant, great Season Two of LOST IN SPACE.
It is fun, and it is beautiful, the background incidental music scores from guest composer Cyril Mockridge are cute, fine and a nice change of pace, matching the story perfectly.
It apparently takes a wise and mature adult to love and appreciate it, because I did not think much of it as a youngster.
Guest star Hans Conried turns in a wonderfully great acting performance in his character, pitiful yet extremely likable.
Lovely Angela Cartwright gets a lot of screen time.
The conclusion and final scene is wonderful as well.
There is really nothing not to like here, but the part-time fans of LOST IN SPACE do not see it.
This is better style and quality than two-thirds of the final, overblown, overhyped, and ridiculously overrated psychedelic afterthought of a Season Three, wherein all the worst episodes of the series really are, most notable the stupendously notorious funny in a bad way, ultimate bottom feeder entitled "The Great Vegetable Rebellion."
In short, "The Questing Beast" is a charming, lovable and fun, worthwhile entry in the middle, and the meat of, what LOST IN SPACE is and was when it was at its most relevant and charming era.
Some (or many) do not seem to like it, and they highly exaggerate as to how bad and poor and ridiculous it is.
Those folks need to do some serious soul searching and think again.
No, this is not your original style of the series' amazing and serious beginnings in glorious and superior black and white Season One, but in fact, it is the second best style from the second best and highly underrated, beautiful, charming, fun, meaningful, and relevant, great Season Two of LOST IN SPACE.
It is fun, and it is beautiful, the background incidental music scores from guest composer Cyril Mockridge are cute, fine and a nice change of pace, matching the story perfectly.
It apparently takes a wise and mature adult to love and appreciate it, because I did not think much of it as a youngster.
Guest star Hans Conried turns in a wonderfully great acting performance in his character, pitiful yet extremely likable.
Lovely Angela Cartwright gets a lot of screen time.
The conclusion and final scene is wonderful as well.
There is really nothing not to like here, but the part-time fans of LOST IN SPACE do not see it.
This is better style and quality than two-thirds of the final, overblown, overhyped, and ridiculously overrated psychedelic afterthought of a Season Three, wherein all the worst episodes of the series really are, most notable the stupendously notorious funny in a bad way, ultimate bottom feeder entitled "The Great Vegetable Rebellion."
In short, "The Questing Beast" is a charming, lovable and fun, worthwhile entry in the middle, and the meat of, what LOST IN SPACE is and was when it was at its most relevant and charming era.
The Questing Beast
Scarecrow-886 January 2012
Warning: Spoilers
This bit of nonsense, proving that Lost in Space had just completely went off the deep end, has Will growing up, Dr. Smith actually providing some wisdom, and Penny actually coming to the rescue! You get it all in an episode featuring an elderly knight, in full armour, with jousting longsword, helmet, sword, and shield, chasing throughout galaxies (or is he?) a "questing beast", a dragon who walks upright and speaks like an London English Schoolteacher. Will takes a liking to Sir Sagramonte of Altair (Hans Conried, who is amusing), a big phony and blowhard who can barely move a few steps without clumsily bumping into something, filling the young boy with tales of his mighty quests and travels. Will is more interested in the positive aspects of chivalry, valor, courage not the fantasies concocted by a tired old man needing to spice and sauce mundane chases with zero, unfulfilling results. Meanwhile Penny meets Gundamar, the dragon Sagramonte is pursuing. Yep, Penny spends oh, twenty minutes, talking to someone in a poorly constructed rubber dragon costume with a pink bow on top of its head; it's a rather sad sight, to tell you the truth. For small kids, this might be a treat. But the episode actually does redeem a Dr. Smith caught in a pitiful lie about rescuing Will from multiple monsters after the boy had left Sagramonte, feeling disappointed about being lied to and put upon. Will admits to Smith that he no longer believes in fairy tales and is now growing up
Smith tells him not to rush into adulthood, it isn't worth it (yes, someone accustomed to flights of fancy, getting out of manual labor, always in pursuit of monetary wealth or a trip back to earth, actually contributes to Will's growth as a human being! Go figure.). Anyway, there's some drilling for deutronium, Maureen worrying about her children, and John/Judy enabling Smith to talk foolishness about conquering monsters that accompanies the rampant silliness. This, along with plenty of other episodes, signifies the second season's overall camp nature. There's even a basset hound with square-lensed glasses that is Sagramonte's traveling companion and hunting dog! Yeah, this is a sterling example of the head-shaking, eye-rolling kooky junk you could expect in the second season. While he's treated with an endearing and loving, Sagramonte ultimately looks like a fool.
DISASTERED, RIDICULOUS AND SILLY EPISODE
asalerno1027 May 2022
Not even a child can be entertained watching this episode. A silly medieval knight chases a monstrous beast to capture it, the monster is the most idiotic and ridiculous thing seen in the series, even more silly than the carrot man from The Great Vegatable Rebellion. On top of the fact that the story is bad and stupid, the characters are not funny. A real disaster.
Harris in a brief serious role.
Tom_Barrister17 November 2018
Warning: Spoilers
Hans Conried and June Foray were well known for their cartoon voice work. Among other credits, both worked on the "Rocky and Bullwinkle" shows, Foray as Rocky, and Conried as Snidely Whiplash. Conried also did Uncle Waldo on "Hoppity Hooper," and Foray did many voices for Warner Brothers, notably Granny in the Tweety cartoons. Conried was also known as Uncle Tonoose in "Make Room for Daddy," which meant he had worked with Angela Cartwright.
In this episode, Conried plays a bumbling medieval knight named Sagramonte, who finds his way to the Robinson's planet in pursuit of his quest beast Gundemar (voiced by Foray). Conried's "armor" looks like castoffs from various B movie sets, and Gundemar's outfit appears to have been made by primary school students on a budget of less than $10.
The plot follows slapstick for the first 40 minutes. Without warning, it turns stone-serious, as Dr. Smith realizes that he and Sagramante have betrayed Will and left the boy hurt and cynical. Smith leaves his pompous panicky bumbling usual character, puts on his big boy pants, and goes out and rectifies the situation in a mature manner. Harris plays the stern serious role very well. His line to close out the episode is excellent and memorable: "It isn't the quarry that makes the hunt, nor the goal the game.", and the wistful lines that follow are so out of Smith's usual character that Angela Cartwright has to struggle to keep a straight face.
Fans of the series should view this episode. It's one of the few times we get to see Harris in a serious and mature moment.
In this episode, Conried plays a bumbling medieval knight named Sagramonte, who finds his way to the Robinson's planet in pursuit of his quest beast Gundemar (voiced by Foray). Conried's "armor" looks like castoffs from various B movie sets, and Gundemar's outfit appears to have been made by primary school students on a budget of less than $10.
The plot follows slapstick for the first 40 minutes. Without warning, it turns stone-serious, as Dr. Smith realizes that he and Sagramante have betrayed Will and left the boy hurt and cynical. Smith leaves his pompous panicky bumbling usual character, puts on his big boy pants, and goes out and rectifies the situation in a mature manner. Harris plays the stern serious role very well. His line to close out the episode is excellent and memorable: "It isn't the quarry that makes the hunt, nor the goal the game.", and the wistful lines that follow are so out of Smith's usual character that Angela Cartwright has to struggle to keep a straight face.
Fans of the series should view this episode. It's one of the few times we get to see Harris in a serious and mature moment.
Stinker.
darthquincunx3 July 2019
This was the one of the worst episodes of the series. Why Irwin Allen allowed the show to degenerate to this level I can only assume he wanted a kids show rather than a semi-serious Sci FI series. Avoid this episode like the plague.
Quite silly, and also quite touching
gregorycanfield23 May 2021
Hans Conreid is exceedingly irritating as Sagramonte. He does redeem himself, to a small extent, at the end of the episode. However, the emotional scenes between Will and Dr Smith are the only reason to watch this episode. It's ironic that such a silly story contains one of the best examples of the friendship between Will and Dr Smith. Will is disappointed in Smith when he overhears him telling Prof Robinson a made-up story. It's clear that Will actually expected better of Smith. It's also clear that Smith is concerned when Will starts exhibiting cynical thinking. Dr Smith is fond of Will because Will is so much more noble than himself. Even Smith doesn't always approve of his own behavior. Smith makes a genuine effort to restore Will's faith. At one point, Smith says: "Dear William. Don't be in such a hurry to grow up. It isn't really worth it." Truer words were never spoken. Great, heartwarming moments in this otherwise campy, silly episode.
An episode to watch with the eyes of a child
rmkg17 December 2017
This was first on when I was about 8 years old, and has always been one of my favorite episodes.
With the episode's main characters done by people known for their cartoon voices, Hans Conried and June Foray, of course it's going to have a lot of whimsy in it. The visual aspects of the episode are obviously meant to be watched as a child. But there is more to the episode than its cartoonish appearance.
The characters show a greater range than you'll find in typical episodes of Lost in Space. Dr. Smith shows there is actually some genuine warmth and even wisdom deep inside him. Bill Mumy does some of his best acting of any episode of the series.
The story is all about age, both childhood and old age. It's not the only episode about growing up (e.g. it was also a theme of "The Magic Mirror" in episode 1), but it's the only one that deals with age over the whole range of a lifetime. Behind the comical costumes and slapstick bits, the insights in this episode are serious and very realistic.
The cartoonish appearance of the episode actually enhances the theme of the episode. If you can't appreciate the silliness in this episode, then you've missed the whole point the episode is trying to make!
With the episode's main characters done by people known for their cartoon voices, Hans Conried and June Foray, of course it's going to have a lot of whimsy in it. The visual aspects of the episode are obviously meant to be watched as a child. But there is more to the episode than its cartoonish appearance.
The characters show a greater range than you'll find in typical episodes of Lost in Space. Dr. Smith shows there is actually some genuine warmth and even wisdom deep inside him. Bill Mumy does some of his best acting of any episode of the series.
The story is all about age, both childhood and old age. It's not the only episode about growing up (e.g. it was also a theme of "The Magic Mirror" in episode 1), but it's the only one that deals with age over the whole range of a lifetime. Behind the comical costumes and slapstick bits, the insights in this episode are serious and very realistic.
The cartoonish appearance of the episode actually enhances the theme of the episode. If you can't appreciate the silliness in this episode, then you've missed the whole point the episode is trying to make!
An additional real-world context, perhaps
cpotato10106 January 2019
Watching this on a rainy Saturday night, at first it easy to dismiss this episode.
Yes, the first three acts are the usual LIS goofiness.
However, the last act, where Dr. Smith is the adult, for once, makes it worth waiting for. Bill Mumy is excellent, as well. Even Angela Cartwright gets to shine.
There is also a possible real-world connection: This episode was completed about a month before Bill Mumy's 14th birthday.
He had been a child actor in numerous TV shows and movies, with a few of them quite memorable, even then. Now he is on the start towards becoming an adult.
So his talk of giving up fantasies may hit a little close to home.
Fortunately Bill made the transition to an adult actor, with writing and composing as well.
For the sci-fi fan, there is Babylon 5. He also got to reprise his famous TZ role, with his daughter, no less, and one of my favorites, an episode of the YA-oriented "Space Cases", with Mark Hamill.
Yes, the first three acts are the usual LIS goofiness.
However, the last act, where Dr. Smith is the adult, for once, makes it worth waiting for. Bill Mumy is excellent, as well. Even Angela Cartwright gets to shine.
There is also a possible real-world connection: This episode was completed about a month before Bill Mumy's 14th birthday.
He had been a child actor in numerous TV shows and movies, with a few of them quite memorable, even then. Now he is on the start towards becoming an adult.
So his talk of giving up fantasies may hit a little close to home.
Fortunately Bill made the transition to an adult actor, with writing and composing as well.
For the sci-fi fan, there is Babylon 5. He also got to reprise his famous TZ role, with his daughter, no less, and one of my favorites, an episode of the YA-oriented "Space Cases", with Mark Hamill.
One of my fave LIS episode
firstfeekie1 September 2019
I wasn't a fan of LIS when it first aired on network tv. I had been a huge fan of Guy Williams as Zorro. In fact, I was absolutely in love with Guy Williams' handsome and romantic Zorro character. So, I wasn't able to appreciate his portrayal of Prof. John Robinson, the (what I considered to be) "boring" husband and father on LIS. But then 50 years later I discovered LIS again - thanks to the entire series being offered on Hulu. I still think Guy Williams was much too young and sexy to be June Lockhart's husband or the father of three teenaged children, one of whom must have been at least 20 years old! However, I did find the episodes featuring Will, Dr. Smith and the Robot to be engaging and entertaining even though their premise was usually bordering on being preposterous, But that - and the ridiculous costumes used - was what made the episodes so much fun. Also, as demonstrated in this storyline, there are often some sweet moments to be found amid the silliness. In particular, I am reminded of the surprisingly uncharacteristic heartfelt words directed at Will by Dr. Smith when he tells Will not to be in such a hurry to grow up, because it really wasn't "worth it."
Don't be in such a hurry to grow up, Dear William
bigfrankie-4346430 November 2022
Warning: Spoilers
For the first half or so, the Questing Beast is absolutely terrible. It seems to have been made for three year old's and not well done at that. Then we have one of the finest moments in all of Lost in Space. It elevates my Rating from a "1" to a "9".
You have a clumsy, bumbling marble-mouthed knight, a dog with square glasses and an absurd dragon. Everything plods along at a snail's pace. It is barely watchable for anyone older than three. We have a dud.
Then this set-up happens: The knight disappoints Will with all his bloviating, Will returns to the ship. Judy tells Prof Robinson she thinks Will has become a cynic. Dr. Smith returns to the Jupiter Two and tells his version of what happened and of course it is filled with a bunch of whoppers. Will, who is already disappointed hears everything.
Then in the middle of this seemingly mediocre Season Two episode, we have, in the context of looking back at this 55 years later (as a Lost in Space aficionado) with Jonathan Harris no longer with us and Billy Mumy approaching 70 years old, one of the finest, most special scenes in all of Lost in Space:
Dr. Smith and Will have a serious talk. It concludes as Will says "Let's just say I'm outgrowing my childhood". Dr. Smith stands, walks and delivers this dramatic response: "Nobody's to blame. Nobody's ever to blame. Don't be in such a hurry to grow up, Dear William, it isn't really worth it".
PS: After a brief scene with the knight, we have another memorial scene with Dr. Smith and Will back in the Jupiter Two. As well as other serious dialog from Dr. Smith.
You have a clumsy, bumbling marble-mouthed knight, a dog with square glasses and an absurd dragon. Everything plods along at a snail's pace. It is barely watchable for anyone older than three. We have a dud.
Then this set-up happens: The knight disappoints Will with all his bloviating, Will returns to the ship. Judy tells Prof Robinson she thinks Will has become a cynic. Dr. Smith returns to the Jupiter Two and tells his version of what happened and of course it is filled with a bunch of whoppers. Will, who is already disappointed hears everything.
Then in the middle of this seemingly mediocre Season Two episode, we have, in the context of looking back at this 55 years later (as a Lost in Space aficionado) with Jonathan Harris no longer with us and Billy Mumy approaching 70 years old, one of the finest, most special scenes in all of Lost in Space:
Dr. Smith and Will have a serious talk. It concludes as Will says "Let's just say I'm outgrowing my childhood". Dr. Smith stands, walks and delivers this dramatic response: "Nobody's to blame. Nobody's ever to blame. Don't be in such a hurry to grow up, Dear William, it isn't really worth it".
PS: After a brief scene with the knight, we have another memorial scene with Dr. Smith and Will back in the Jupiter Two. As well as other serious dialog from Dr. Smith.
See also
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