One of my personal favorite episodes as a youth, "War of the Robots" addresses perhaps a "human side" that seems to exist in Robot and his role in the Robinson family unit becomes far more important. Being a big fan of "Forbidden Planet" and Robby the Robot, it's no surprise this episode carries even more weight since the mechanized wonder has a special guest role in "War of the Robots". After fishing, Will Robinson (Bill Mumy) literally bumps into a disconnected "robotoid" (Robby the Robot), badly in disrepair and needing quite an overhaul. Will, against the wishes and warnings of Robot (who seems to know that this robotoid is indeed quite a threat to the lives of the Robinson party), decides to dedicate his spare time, a sort of side project, on repairing the robotoid, not knowing the results could be hazardous to his family. At first, the robotoid is of great service to the Robinson party, with Dr. Smith (Jonathan Harris) its most vocal supporter, but soon Will feels guilty and sad that he ever gave the machine new life, as Robot seems to become less important to them. With Smith always ridiculing Robot, telling him how he is no longer of any use (yeah, if you didn't like Smith before, his behavior here, wholly inappropriate and cruel, will not gain favor with you) and inferior to the robotoid, it decides to go away from the Jupiter site. But when the robotoid, actually a sinister servant of an alien race, shows its true side, taking the Robinson family hostage, Will will escape and try to get Robot to help him save his family (the alien race wish to use the Robinsons as test subjects, needing the robotoid to send them a homing signal to direct them to the planet). But can Robot save the Robinsons from a superior machine? It was a lot of fun revisiting this episode, and I consider it a strong entry in the up-and-down first season, particularly how Robot becomes a central figure in the plot and just the fact that we get plenty of Robby the Robot to enjoy. Having two robots in a "duel to the death" is rather neat, especially the cunning way Robot has to use his ingenuity in order to gain an advantage over a superior foe. But, most of all, seeing the show take a concentrated, concerted effort to advance the Robot beyond being just a machine that obeys orders/commands, was truly a pleasure for me personally. I don't think Dr. Smith has ever been as purely detestable as he is here
his treatment of Robot is despicable.
10 Reviews
The Meeting of Two Stars
richard.fuller15 August 2006
Warning: Spoilers
Robby the Robot from "The Fantastic Planet" meets Robot from "Lost In Space".
The meeting was actually arranged by none other than Will Robinson, of course.
Check out the beginning, as well as the cliffhanger from the previous episode, where Will backs into Robby.
From there, Robby works his way into the Robinson family and eventually imprisons them to take to his alien masters (a lion looking figure whom we see on a monitor and that's it).
Robot, himself, has been banished thru a series of misunderstandings and now he returns with a diabolical plan set up by Will.
A battle ensues.
Strangely absent from this episode is Angela Cartwright, Penny Robinson.
However, she does turn up at the end in the cliffhanger with that silly monkey thing, Betty and a mirror.
The meeting was actually arranged by none other than Will Robinson, of course.
Check out the beginning, as well as the cliffhanger from the previous episode, where Will backs into Robby.
From there, Robby works his way into the Robinson family and eventually imprisons them to take to his alien masters (a lion looking figure whom we see on a monitor and that's it).
Robot, himself, has been banished thru a series of misunderstandings and now he returns with a diabolical plan set up by Will.
A battle ensues.
Strangely absent from this episode is Angela Cartwright, Penny Robinson.
However, she does turn up at the end in the cliffhanger with that silly monkey thing, Betty and a mirror.
OK story featuring an iconic 'guest star'
jamesrupert201424 June 2022
Will discovers an apparently inert 'robotoid' (played by Forbidden Planet's 'Robby the Robot') that, when reactivated, inveigles his way into the Robinson's trust (but not that of their trusty B9 unit) as part of a plot to kidnap the family. The two robots, both designed by Robert Kinoshita, are genre icons and it is fun to see them together even if the titular 'War' is more robo-psychological than robo-physical. The character of the Robinson's mechanical sidekick continues evolve, becoming more emotional and 'human' as he (along with buddy Will and 'frenemy' Dr. Smith) becomes more central to the show's plotlines (at the expense of the other characters). The limited resources available for new effects are evident in the laughable 'alien master' who is directing the treacherous tin-man from afar. The series opens with an odd scene of Will and Smith returning with some fishin' poles and a string of fish for Maureen to cook (her main space-activity when not tidying up, puttering in the garden or 'doing' Judy's hair), odd considering that only a few episodes back, the lack of local water put the entire family in danger. The episode would have been more memorable if the final robo-showdown had been a bit longer and more 'action-packed'.
LIS Robot Steals The Hour From Forbidden Planet Robot
StuOz13 February 2015
A new Robot appears on the scene but it is un-clear if he is good or evil.
Some good moments in this adventure but it was more enjoyed in my youth. As much as I love the Forbidden Planet Robot it is actually the regular LIS Robot that totally steals this hour: in this episode we discover how important he is to LIS. We also discover that he has an almost human side that makes us love him.
In coming episodes of LIS we would get to know and love the Robot even more but War Of The Robots is a key hour because this is the first true TOUCHING Robot episode.
Some good moments in this adventure but it was more enjoyed in my youth. As much as I love the Forbidden Planet Robot it is actually the regular LIS Robot that totally steals this hour: in this episode we discover how important he is to LIS. We also discover that he has an almost human side that makes us love him.
In coming episodes of LIS we would get to know and love the Robot even more but War Of The Robots is a key hour because this is the first true TOUCHING Robot episode.
Excellent and surprisingly touching
bgaiv22 November 2022
Excellent guest starring role by Robby!
Great story and while it's not surprising you feel Will's pain at what he's inadvertently done (which is carried more by Mumy's acting than the hardly shabby script), you actually feel bad for the Robot too. When he brings vegetables he picked unprompted back to the family to try to compete with the vastly superior Robby, it really kind of gets you, especially since the Robinsons don't seem to even realize why he did that.
From a production standpoint, having the Robby worked well because it's a very fine prop, having been built on a major film's budget vs the B-9, built on a tv budget. But this is expertly used as a plot point-- Robby IS a fancy schmancy 'robotoid' while the B-9 is a simple utilitarian design and looks like it. In effect (to me at least) this actually makes the B-9 seem more real.
Great story and while it's not surprising you feel Will's pain at what he's inadvertently done (which is carried more by Mumy's acting than the hardly shabby script), you actually feel bad for the Robot too. When he brings vegetables he picked unprompted back to the family to try to compete with the vastly superior Robby, it really kind of gets you, especially since the Robinsons don't seem to even realize why he did that.
From a production standpoint, having the Robby worked well because it's a very fine prop, having been built on a major film's budget vs the B-9, built on a tv budget. But this is expertly used as a plot point-- Robby IS a fancy schmancy 'robotoid' while the B-9 is a simple utilitarian design and looks like it. In effect (to me at least) this actually makes the B-9 seem more real.
Great episode plus who really wrote this?
westley3423 April 2017
Warning: Spoilers
This is one of the best episodes of this show. There are several very interesting and hilarious conversations, between the robot and Will, the robot and Smith, and the robot and the robotoid. The way Smith picks on the outcast robot is ridiculous and hilarious. The back and forth argument between the two robots is amazing. I also have to say that I have some inside info in regards to this episode. In 2003 I had the extreme pleasure of getting to spend many hours over the weekend of the Mothman festival with acclaimed author John Keel. He told me that he worked in Hollywood in the mid '60s before seriously getting into his UFO research, and that he wrote episodes of Lost in Space and Honey West, but that he did not want to ruin his rep as a serious journalist so he refused any credit. When pressed for details, he said he could not remember which episodes, but that he definitely did the one with the robot from Forbidden Planet (this episode). It makes sense. Keel's sense of humor was second to none, and much of the dialog in this episode feels very much like something Keel would write. I can only guess that Barney Slater worked the final script. There are other episodes clearly written by Keel. The werewolf's name was Keel, and Smith's uncle was Thaddeus (Thaddeus was one of Keel's pseudonyms).
Empathy for The Robot and the Evil Dr. Smith is back
bigfrankie-434646 December 2022
Warning: Spoilers
The War of the Robots is excellent.
Dr. Smith, Will and The Robot discover a Robotoid. Will is able to get it to work over the objections of The Robot who does not like The Robotoid from the start.
Although the Robinsons take to the Robotoid, for what he is capable of doing, Dr. Smith conducts himself like the Dr. Smith of early episodes with utter contempt and insults for The Robot. Here we do not have his normal buffoonish insults, but cruel insults.
Also, as well documented, we have Robbie The Robot as The Robotoid. The story focuses on The Robot and how he was become part of the Robinson family.
PS: Similar to the "Invaders from the Fifth Dimension" famous blooper where The Robot's legs (Bob May's human legs) are visible for several seconds while he is walking, the same blooper happens when Will runs off looking for the Robot and is sitting on a rock. When the Robot approaches, his (Bob May's) right leg is visible for about two seconds.
Dr. Smith, Will and The Robot discover a Robotoid. Will is able to get it to work over the objections of The Robot who does not like The Robotoid from the start.
Although the Robinsons take to the Robotoid, for what he is capable of doing, Dr. Smith conducts himself like the Dr. Smith of early episodes with utter contempt and insults for The Robot. Here we do not have his normal buffoonish insults, but cruel insults.
Also, as well documented, we have Robbie The Robot as The Robotoid. The story focuses on The Robot and how he was become part of the Robinson family.
PS: Similar to the "Invaders from the Fifth Dimension" famous blooper where The Robot's legs (Bob May's human legs) are visible for several seconds while he is walking, the same blooper happens when Will runs off looking for the Robot and is sitting on a rock. When the Robot approaches, his (Bob May's) right leg is visible for about two seconds.
"Do you think I am to be taken in by your clumsy attempt at subterfuge?"
gregorycanfield17 March 2022
Warning: Spoilers
The "robotoid" says the above line to Dr Smith. Against the advice of Robot B9, Will activates the robotoid, and trouble starts. Robot B9 immediately sensed evil intent on the part of the robotoid. How right he was. The robotoid works his way into the Robinson's affections, but is really setting them up for capture by an alien force. Will soon realizes his mistake in activating the robotoid. He rightfully denounces the family's callous dismissal of their own robot. Great drama and action in this episode, as well as some sharp dialogue. I watched this episode a few times before I realized that Penny didn't appear in it. I guess that's a testament to how significant Penny was to the show, in general.
Making use of a prop from deep storage.
mark.waltz14 June 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Okay, so the robot and the robotoid will never be bosom buddies, friends, sisters and pals. When they begin to verbally taunt each other, it's like Rosalind Russell and Paulette Goddard in "The Women", or perhaps Susan Hayward and Patty Duke in "Valley of the Dolls". The robot is first like a jealous schoolgirl, and it's hysterical to watch it become overly sensitive, especially after warning the others about the robotoid. Obviously the big old bucket of bolts, having sat covered in vines for a long time has a great deal of power, and a huge agenda of destruction ahead when he finally gains all his power and sends the robot into isolation.
I had seen both robots in other films, and of course the robotoid is best known for "Forbidden Planet" as well as an appearance on "Gilligan's Island" ("This is the way we wash the clothes.") It's a great plot and everybody gets a chance to do something important. I didn't know however that the robot could call Will with a "pst", but then, they've always claimed that the robot had no feelings which obviously he shows here. While there are two funny bits here, this is probably one of the last episodes not to utilize camp, and some of the elements are quite touching.
I had seen both robots in other films, and of course the robotoid is best known for "Forbidden Planet" as well as an appearance on "Gilligan's Island" ("This is the way we wash the clothes.") It's a great plot and everybody gets a chance to do something important. I didn't know however that the robot could call Will with a "pst", but then, they've always claimed that the robot had no feelings which obviously he shows here. While there are two funny bits here, this is probably one of the last episodes not to utilize camp, and some of the elements are quite touching.
Clash of the Bots
hellraiser726 February 2024
Warning: Spoilers
Warning do not read unless seen episode.
This is another of my favorite episodes of the show. This is one that is focused on Robot who is pretty much the main hero of the story. And of course, we have the evil Robot which is the famous Robby the Robot for sci-fi fan would remember from "Forbidden Planet" but was also used in a lot of other sci-fi tv shows. Always like the design of both robots whom by today's standards seem a little silly however still look good as they both have just this retro sci-fi charm to them. In a way you can say this episode is the very first "Transformers" battle ever as you do have two robots from different sides of the fence clash.
Robot is really at its best as you really get a feel that underneath all the mechanical parts there really exists a human soul. We see he feels uncertainty as he wonders if he still has a place with both the Robertsons but even in life itself as this new robot seems to almost outclass him due to its technological abilities and advances. It's kind of sad as there is a truth to this with old and experienced struggling and wondering what their place in the present is with the new rapidly coming.
Even like Will whom we see harbors disdain and distrust for the new robot. And rightfully so considering what we already know as we see this robot serves an evil alien master who looks like one of the Killarthi from the "Wing Commander" computer game series, so that's a bad sign there. Will, being like a Jedi, senses a disturbance in the force as he knows there is something not entirely right about this robot; from witnessing this newbie going places even having things he shouldn't. But just sensing something is vitally missing in this robot, as it seems like it lacks emotion and other traits to give it a personal warmth. Really like the scenes between Will and Robot which are sweet but also remind us why we love and want Robot.
This episode plays out like a suspenseful western, like in those it's always the build up to the final showdown. From the beginning we're already in suspense from the knowledge we already have, we're hoping that the characters will be able to figure it out on time. Which of course sets us up for the bots showdown which by it's nature is a physical puzzle. It's true that you can easily predict the result but it's in not knowing how it comes about that puts us into suspense.
In the words of Optimus Prime "One shall stand, one shall fall". Let us hope the one that stands is Robot.
Rating: 4 stars.
This is another of my favorite episodes of the show. This is one that is focused on Robot who is pretty much the main hero of the story. And of course, we have the evil Robot which is the famous Robby the Robot for sci-fi fan would remember from "Forbidden Planet" but was also used in a lot of other sci-fi tv shows. Always like the design of both robots whom by today's standards seem a little silly however still look good as they both have just this retro sci-fi charm to them. In a way you can say this episode is the very first "Transformers" battle ever as you do have two robots from different sides of the fence clash.
Robot is really at its best as you really get a feel that underneath all the mechanical parts there really exists a human soul. We see he feels uncertainty as he wonders if he still has a place with both the Robertsons but even in life itself as this new robot seems to almost outclass him due to its technological abilities and advances. It's kind of sad as there is a truth to this with old and experienced struggling and wondering what their place in the present is with the new rapidly coming.
Even like Will whom we see harbors disdain and distrust for the new robot. And rightfully so considering what we already know as we see this robot serves an evil alien master who looks like one of the Killarthi from the "Wing Commander" computer game series, so that's a bad sign there. Will, being like a Jedi, senses a disturbance in the force as he knows there is something not entirely right about this robot; from witnessing this newbie going places even having things he shouldn't. But just sensing something is vitally missing in this robot, as it seems like it lacks emotion and other traits to give it a personal warmth. Really like the scenes between Will and Robot which are sweet but also remind us why we love and want Robot.
This episode plays out like a suspenseful western, like in those it's always the build up to the final showdown. From the beginning we're already in suspense from the knowledge we already have, we're hoping that the characters will be able to figure it out on time. Which of course sets us up for the bots showdown which by it's nature is a physical puzzle. It's true that you can easily predict the result but it's in not knowing how it comes about that puts us into suspense.
In the words of Optimus Prime "One shall stand, one shall fall". Let us hope the one that stands is Robot.
Rating: 4 stars.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
