Dr. Zachary Smith was consistently among the most popular characters in the series throughout its run. Batman is regarded as a key factor in determining Lost in Space’s move to a campier style in season two; network pressure stemming from the popularity of Star Trek led to another basic format change with season three (and, incidentally, rendering it a continuity nightmare) and the focus was then on travel to many new worlds. These two influences may account for some of the more ludicrous Smith-centric episodes in season two, and their relative paucity in season three.