Dick Tufeld died today at age 85. His name is not familiar, but his voice is easily identifiable as the robot from the classic Lost in Space TV series. With the death of yet one more classic TV series actor, we are witnessing the end of an era in entertainment. The 1960s science fiction series bordering on comedy represents an entire era were America was looking up to the stars - and hoping to spread healthy family values and the American Dream to the entire planet and perhaps beyond.
Lost in Space is about a nuclear family living on a desolate planet and looking for a way home. In spite of their broken ship and various hostile space creatures, they still maintain their small community based on traditional family values. We could easily draw a comparison between this show and more recent programs: Lost, or even the reality show Survivor. These shows portray a darker side of human nature, including emotional breakdown in the face of danger and the resurfacing of old survival instincts that go against traditional family values.
Lost in Space is a likeable show because of the nostalgia most people associate with it - but who can really relate to it? I know I would lose my mind if I was stuck on a desolate planet with my family. I think this show is representative of unrealistic standards set by TV programs regarding the family unit. There are no conflicts, no drama, the siblings never fight and the parents never need their 'special time' alone. The robot even functions to a certain extent as a traditional nanny, and the family even has a pet. They only need their two cars and their suburbia home, which is probably the reason why they are so desperate go come back to Earth.
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