Netflix’s 21st Century reimagining of the 60s Irwin Allen TV show returns after a 20-month break, continuing the adventures of the space family Robinson as they seek their final destination of Alpha Centauri.

This new ten episode run boasts the same impressive visual effects that lifted the premiere season above regular sci-fi/fantasy fare for the family. Unfortunately, there’s still that pious sense of righteousness that mother Maureen (Molly Parker) exhibits, making her an irritating element in an otherwise solid ensemble.

The fly in the ointment continues to be Posey Parker’s Dr Smith, who has spent the last seven months in the Jupiter’s hold, the ship having literally been lost in space for that time. Clunky plot points arise just so that they can be delivered on later in the episode (Will is given the keys to the Chariot), and the idea of using the ship as a makeshift yacht in season opener Shipwrecked always seemed doomed to failure. There is however a great cliffhanger as the craft becomes wedged at the top of a metallic trench.

Said trench is the focus in Precipice, with Judy and Maureen falling down it, with a 67-minute countdown before they’re drowned. It’s another puzzle for the family to solve, though now they have unwisely released Smith after her key role in steering the ship. Don West is taken out of the equation, having been infected by poisonous kelp (yes, really) but at least Judy and her mom get the chance to share how they feel about one another, fearing that this could be the end. It ends with the Jupiter picking up the coordinates for the Resolute, their starbase, the ship conveniently ready for space travel again.

In Echoes, the crew arrive at the Resolute, but it’s deserted, immediately conjuring up memories of original Star Trek and Space: 1999 (it’s cheap to reuse a standing set without supporting characters). The station is not empty, as there’s a little girl lost and a runaway horse on board, and more worryingly a partially-constructed evil robot.

Verdict: After two episodes of actually being lost in space, the Robinsons are back on familiar territory again, the key characters back in the board in their familiar places. Even Smith has managed to cover her tracks and is back mingling with general population. New secrets are promised at the end the third episode, but otherwise it’s business as usual. 6/10

Nick Joy