When the Robinsons’ spacecraft crash lands on a desolate planet while en route to a new world, the family find that they will have to fight nature and other forces to survive.

This third sci-fi version of The Swiss Family Robinson has more in common tech-wise with the 1998 Stephen Hopkins movie than the initial 1965 three-season TV show, its hefty budget allowing for a very handsome looking show. From the Canadian location shooting to the impressive studio recreations, this is painted on a broad, colourful canvas.

As I’ve witnessed a number of times recently, the action begins immediately, with flashbacks drip-fed to fill in what has happened before the Robinsons’ Mission 24 blastoff. It means that we are thrown right into the adventure as the trip to colonisation planet Alpha Centauri goes awry.

Robot has come a long way since clunky 1960s Class B-9-M-3 General Utility Non-Theorizing Environmental Control Robot. He’s now a CGI marvel, part modern-day Cylon, part Swiss Army Knife and part heater. The effects are uniformly excellent, from the initial crash to the latter flashback scenes on a space station.

Neil Marshal (Dog Soldiers/Game of Thrones) is familiar with directing big ticket projects like this, and the script is much better than anything by the writers from Dracula Untold and Gods of Egypt deserves to be. However, the characters occasionally suffer from ‘Prometheus Syndrome’ as in allegedly smart people do dumb things in an alien environment.

The family are a little ‘know-it-all’ at times, which is very helpful, as at least half of them find themselves in life or death situations in this first hour. Mom Maureen in particular is keen to turn one initial discussion into an educational quiz, but I’m sure this will all pass as the gravity of the situation becomes clear. The bickering between the siblings is also on the right side of acceptable, and timid Will is a nice alternative to brash Hollywood kids.

A lot happens in the last five minutes that definitely strays into spoiler territory, so I’ll leave you to discover the big stuff. Is John Williams’ iconic theme used to great effect, and does Robot say ‘Danger, Will Robinson’? Well, what would you do?

Verdict: Your next boxset binge, this is a strong opening episode packed with intrigue and high jeopardy. On the evidence of this instalment, it’s also family friendly, meaning you can safely snuggle up with your own Space Family Robinson for thrills and spills. 8/10

Nick Joy