It looks as if Quano is poised to murder Will in combat. To add a wrinkle to the plot of “The Challenge,” however, Dr. Smith overhears Quano’s father, called only the Ruler, admit that if Will Robinson can defeat Quano, then he will kill the Robinson family to eliminate any witnesses of the shameful act. Luckily, Quano and his father have a chance encounter with a bug-like cave monster, a much worthier foe than the freckle-faced moppet Will. Quano and the Ruler fight it together, removing Will from the equation.

Audience just have to accept that an older warrior like Quano wouldn’t be a match for the shrimpy Will. Ultimately, however, the episode is about how Will and Quano are merely being raised differently by two very different father figures. Ultimately, it seems to be widely liked, with online fans having given “The Challenge” good reviews.

Russell’s first role as an actor came in 1962, playing a character named Kevin in an episode of “Dennis the Menace.” He was uncredited. He took to the world of TV very well, soon appearing in various notable TV shows like “The Dick Powell Show” and “Eleventh Hour.”  His feature film debut came in 1963 with the release of “It Happened at the World’s Fair,” wherein the 12-year-old up-and-comer kicked Elvis Presley in the shin. This expanded the actor’s career into shows like “The Man from U.N.C.L.E.” and, yes, “Lost in Space.” In 1966, a teen Russell would sign a 10-year contract with Disney, becoming one of the studio’s most profitable stars.

Russell grew up on screen, rarely taking breaks from acting. He has appeared on TV or in films pretty consistently ever since. He is currently making a crime movie called “The Rivals of Amziah King” with Matthew McConaughey.