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Bob May on the Robotoid Debate
Dear LIS fans:
I've been following the email thread on the LIS Memories list about the robot versus robotoid discussion. What everyone should be asking is: What is our robot? Who is our robot? Where is our robot?
Initially, our robot was just a General Utility Non-theorizing Environmental Control Robot, model B9, put aboard the Jupiter 2 with the responsibility of helping the Robinsons with their mission of a colonizing and developing a new planet to alleviate earth's overcrowding. Everything was fine until Dr. Smith reprogrammed the robot to destroy the Jupiter 2. He, Dr. Smith, took too long with his sabotage and became a "Reluctant Stowaway."
The robot, at this point, starting following the orders of Dr. Smith to "destroy." Of course, as we all know, the robot did not destroy the Jupiter 2, but he put all aboard in the position of being "Lost in Space." Will, with his inquisitive mind, found out what Dr. Smith had done and proceeded to reprogram the robot. But he changed something more than simple command sequences.
From that moment on, the robot started on his journey of self-awareness. The gradual change came from knowledge and positive data input from each member of the Robinson Family, Major West, and of course, Dr. Smith:
Maureen Robinson: Devotion to family
John Robinson: Responsibility and guardianship
Major Don West: Devotion to duty
Judy Robinson: Respect and kindness without reservation
Penny Robinson: Family loyalty and joy in diversity
Will Robinson: Love and friendship
Dr. Smith: Cheating, Lying, buffoonery, complaining, excuses and cowardice
And of course, encounters with aliens, friend and foe contributed to his grasp of the fact that hopes and dreams are inherent in all creatures in the universe. All of this data enabled our robot in time to develop feelings, attitudes, understanding and ambitions that no other robot or machine could ever have. The Robot is the protector of the family, and more importantly, he perceives this as his role in the family - it is not just simple programmed orders. Will and the Robot are like a boy and his dog. The Robot with Dr Smith is the greatest comedy team ever.
You see, Robby the Robot, Big Blue, even R2D2 come to you in the theater, so there is a sense of distance. Your Robot comes right into your home via your television set, creating much more familiarity. Everybody wanted to either be Will Robinson or your Robot when they played Lost in Space, or watched it in their living room. REMEMBER: The Robot belongs to the fans because if it weren't for all of you, there'd be no classic show or Robot Memories to even think about.
So when certain people try to diminish your Robot or make it hard to see your Robot, stand up and protect your Robot! Don't allow anyone to pull his power pack.
REMEMBER: You are the power that runs your Robot. And your Robot enjoys every opportunity to see and talk with you. So in closing, turn on your TV Sets. Make sure your antennae is straight up. Verify the cable is plugged in. Point your satellite dish to the heavens. Then, there's no reason you can't watch your Robot and the rest of the cast of Lost in Space. Also watch www.lismemories.com to find out what conventions I'll be attending.
Your Robot Always,
Bob May
7-24-01
P.S. Even the Ohio Morning News will tell you for all the updates and information, go to Ray Dutczak's site at www.lismemories.com
P.P.S. That's Ray Dutczak at www.lismemories.com
P.P.P.S. Don't forget, Ray Dutczak at www.lismemories.com
P.P.P.P.S. And lastly, so you won't forget: Who + What + Where = www.lismemories.com
Your Robot Always
Bob May
P.S. For all you new members - At a Sunday morning live TV interview during FrightVisions, I closed by mentioning Ray's website several times as the website of the cast, which it truly is.
